90 FR 113 pgs. 24959-24962 - Airworthiness Directives; Ipeco Holdings Limited Pilot and Co-Pilot Seats
Type: RULEVolume: 90Number: 113Pages: 24959 - 24962
Pages: 24959, 24960, 24961, 24962Docket number: [Docket No. FAA-2025-1101; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00616-Q; Amendment 39-23060; AD 2025-12-02]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2025-10823 Filed 6-10-25; 4:15 pm]
Agency: Transportation Department
Sub Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-1101; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00616-Q; Amendment 39-23060; AD 2025-12-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Ipeco Holdings Limited Pilot and Co-Pilot Seats
AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Final rule; request for comments.
SUMMARY:
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and co-pilot seats. This AD was prompted by reports of unexpected rearward movement of pilot and co-pilot seats during take-off and landing. This AD requires a one-time visual inspection of each affected seat, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, and operational tests. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES:
This AD is effective June 30, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 30, 2025.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by July 28, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202-493-2251.
• Fax: 202-493-2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-1101; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For Ipeco material identified in this AD, contact Ipeco Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend on Sea, SS2 6UN, United Kingdom; phone: +44 1702 545118; fax: +44 1702 540782; email: technicalsupport@ipeco.com.
• You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-1101.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brenda Buitrago Perez, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-288-7368; email 9-AVS-AIR-BACO-COS@faa.gov .
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments using a method listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include "Docket No. FAA-2025-1101; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00616-Q" at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as "PROPIN." The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Brenda Buitrago Perez, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-288-7368; email brenda.l.buitrago.perez@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
[top] The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority for the United Kingdom (UK), has issued UK CAA AD G-2025-0002, dated April 11, 2025; corrected April 25, 2025 (UK CAA AD G-2025-0002) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on certain Ipeco pilot and co-pilot seats. The MCAI states that occurrences were reported of unexpected rearward movement of pilot and co-pilot seats during take-off and landing. Investigations originally determined that horizontal guide block wear, presence of burrs on horizontal center track, and horizontal track lock system weakness (spring tension too low) were causes which contributed to the seat not being correctly locked. The original unsafe condition was addressed through UK CAA AD G-2022-0011, dated June 9, 2022, (which corresponds with FAA AD 2023-14-10, Amendment 39-22510, dated August 3, 2023 (88 FR 51230) (FAA AD 2023-14-10)). However, the incorrect distribution of
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products, which, if not corrected, could lead to further cases of unwanted flight crew seat movement, which could result in reduced control of the airplane, a rapid descent of the airplane, and serious injury to passengers and crew. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-1101.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-20, Issue 1, dated March 25, 2025. This material describes procedures to conduct a one-time visual inspection of each affected seat, and if any incorrect installation is found (stops or packers), remove and install the stops and packers, and perform operational tests of the seats. This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority of another country and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and material referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the Ipeco material described previously. See "Differences Between This AD and the MCAI" for a discussion of the general differences included in this AD.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
UK CAA AD G-2025-0002, dated April 11, 2025; corrected April 25, 2025, does not mention Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-20, Issue 1, dated March 25, 2025. This AD, however, requires the accomplishment of Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-20, Issue 1, dated March 25, 2025. The FAA has coordinated this change with the UK CAA.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date
Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq. ) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for "good cause," finds that those procedures are "impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest." Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because movement of the pilot and co-pilot seats during take-off and landing could result in reduced control of the airplane, a rapid descent of the airplane, and serious injury to passengers and crew. Additionally, the compliance time in this AD is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and comment.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 120 appliances installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
| Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product | Cost on U.S. operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 | $0 | $170 | $20,400 |
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-condition action that would be required based on the results of any required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this on-condition action:
| Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product |
|---|---|---|
| 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 | $420 | $505 |
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39-AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority:
49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§?39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends §?39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2025-12-02 Ipeco Holdings Limited: Amendment 39-23060; Docket No. FAA-2025-1101; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00616-Q.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 30, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and co-pilot seats, identified by series part number in figure 1 to paragraph (c)(1) of this AD.
| Pilot seat | Co-pilot seat |
|---|---|
| 3A063-0033-(?)-(?) | 3A063-0034-(?)-(?) |
| 3A063-0035-(?)-(?) | 3A063-0036-(?)-(?) |
| 3A063-0037-(?)-(?) | 3A063-0038-(?)-(?) |
| 3A063-0079-(?)-(?) | 3A063-0080-(?)-(?) |
| 3A063-0099-(?)-(?) | 3A063-0100-(?)-(?) |
(2) These pilot and co-pilot seats are known to be installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/furnishings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of unexpected rearward movement of pilot and co-pilot seats during take-off and landing. The FAA is issuing this AD to address unexpected movement of pilot and co-pilot seats on takeoff and landing. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control of the airplane, a rapid descent of the airplane, and serious injury to passengers and crew.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Inspection and Replacement of Stops and Packers
(1) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect all affected seats which have been modified by Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-15; Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-16; Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-17; or Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-18. Do the inspection in accordance with Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-20, Issue 1, dated March 25, 2025.
(2) If, during the inspection as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, correct installation of the stops and packers is found, before further flight, perform the operational tests, in accordance with Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-20, Issue 1, dated March 25, 2025.
(3) If, during the inspection as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, any incorrect installation of the stops or packers is found, before further flight, remove and install the stops and packers and perform operational tests, in accordance with Part B and Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-20, Issue 1, dated March 25, 2025.
(h) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199, are not allowed.
(i) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, or the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD, email to: AMOC@faa.gov . Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or the UK CAA; or Ipeco Holdings Limited's UK CAA Alternative Procedures to Design Organization Approval (ADOA). If approved by the ADOA, the approval must include the ADOA-authorized signature.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Brenda Buitrago Perez, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-288-7368; email 9-AVS-AIR-BACO-COS@faa.gov.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-20, Issue 1, dated March 25, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Ipeco material identified in this AD, contact Ipeco Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend on Sea, SS2 6UN, United Kingdom; phone: +44 1702 545118; fax: +44 1702 540782; email: technicalsupport@ipeco.com.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov.
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Christopher R. Parker,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-10823 Filed 6-10-25; 4:15 pm]
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