Department of Transportation August 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to all Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes; Model A300-600 series airplanes; and Model A310-200 and -300 series airplanes. That AD currently requires, among other actions, repetitive tests to detect desynchronization of the rudder servo actuators, and adjustment or replacement of the spring rods of the rudder servo actuators, if necessary. This new AD requires new repetitive tests/inspections/analyses of the rudder servo actuators, and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. Accomplishment of the new actions ends the existing repetitive requirements. This AD is prompted by new reports of desynchronization of the rudder servo actuators. We are issuing this AD to prevent desynchronization of one of the three rudder servo actuators, which, if combined with an engine failure, could result in the loss of the related hydraulic system and could cause the loss of one of the two synchronized actuators. This condition could create additional fatigue loading and possible cracking on the attachment fittings and could result in the inability of the remaining synchronized actuator to maintain the commanded rudder deflection, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

This action modifies the Class E airspace area at Santa Elena, TX to provide adequate controlled airspace for the Instrument Landing System (ILS) standard instrument approach procedure (SIAP) at the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (SRR).

Pursuant to FAA's rulemaking provisions governing the application, processing, and disposition of petitions for exemption, part 11 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), this notice contains the disposition of certain petitions previously received. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of any petition or its final disposition.

This notice announces a public meeting of the FAA's Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) to discuss rotorcraft issues.

This document corrects the docket number and an incorrect reference in the proposed rule, ``Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area,'' published in the Federal Register of August 4, 2005.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Learjet Model 23, 24, 24A, 24B, 24B-A, 24C, 24D, 24D-A, 24E, 24F, 24F-A, 25, 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, and 25F airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacement of the spherical accumulator for the main hydraulic system with a new cylindrical accumulator. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would also require modification of the accumulator pressure gauge. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of the failure of two thrust reverser accumulators (which are similar to the main hydraulic system's spherical accumulator) and fatigue cracks found on four thrust reverser accumulators. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the spherical accumulator for the main hydraulic system, due to fatigue cracking on the threads, which could result in the loss of hydraulic power, damage to the surrounding airplane structure, and loss of airplane control. The failure of the accumulator could also result in injury to any persons in the surrounding area. The loss of hydraulic fluid could also leak onto a potential source of ignition and result in a consequent fire.

This action proposes to extend Federal Airway V-343 from the Bozeman, MT Very High Frequency Omni-directional Range/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) to the initial approach fix for the Area Navigation (RNAV) runway 15 approach to the Bert Mooney Airport (BTM), MT. Specifically, the FAA is proposing this action to enhance the management of air traffic arrivals at BTM.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Marion, KY. Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) Runway (RWY) 7 and RWY 25 have been developed for Marion-Crittenden County Airport. As a result, controlled airspace extending upward from 700 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) is needed to contain the SIAPs and for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at Marion-Crittenden County Airport. The operating status of the airport will change from Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to include IFR operations concurrent with the publication of the SIAP.

The FAA proposes to rule and invite public comment on the release of land at the Pueblo Memorial Airport under the provisions of Section 125 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21).

The FAA proposes to rule and invite public comment on the release of land at the Pueblo Memorial Airport under the provisions of Section 125 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21).

This amendment realigns the boundary of the Class D airspace area at Worcester Regional Airport, MA. This action will incorporate a shelf and cutout of the Worcester Class D airspace area to accommodate the airport traffic pattern for Spencer Airport (60M).

The FAA proposes to rule and invite public comment on the release of land at the Pueblo Memorial Airport under the provisions of Section 125 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21).

The FAA proposes to rule and invite public comment on the release of land at the Centennial Airport under the provisions of Section 125 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21).

The FAA proposes to rule and invite public comment on the release of land at the Salt Lake City International Airport under the provisions of Section 125 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21).

On February 3, 2004, NHTSA published a notice in the Federal Register requesting comments on whether to propose adding a high speed frontal offset crash test to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, ``Occupant crash protection.'' The notice informed the public about recent testing the agency conducted to assess the benefits and/or disbenefits of such an approach. Based on our analysis of those comments, and other information gathered by the agency, we have decided to withdraw the rulemaking proceeding to amend FMVSS No. 208 to include a high speed frontal offset crash test requirement. Additional research and data analyses are needed to make an informed decision on rulemaking in this area. Additionally, we have decided to withdraw the related rulemaking proceeding to amend part 572 to include lower leg instrumentation until further testing necessary for federalization is completed.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon), Model 390, Premier 1 airplanes. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require you (unless already done) to replace the plastic cover over the air conditioning motor module with a metallic cover and modify the air conditioning compressor motor module electromagnetic interference-radio frequency interference (EMI-RFI) filter located under the cover and reidentify the module part number. For all airplanes, the proposed AD would limit future installations of the cover for the air conditioner and the air conditioning compressor motor module. This proposed AD results from reports that the plastic cover over the air conditioning motor module was found melted or burned and that the overheating of the EMI-RFI filter assembly located under the cover caused this damage. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent the melting or burning of the plastic cover. The burning of the plastic cover could result in a fire.

As part of a comprehensive plan for reducing the serious risk of rollover crashes and the risk of death and serious injury in those crashes, this document proposes to upgrade the agency's safety standard on roof crush resistance in several ways. First, we are proposing to extend the application of the standard to vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less. Second, we are proposing to increase the applied force to 2.5 times each vehicle's unloaded weight, and to eliminate an existing limit on the force applied to passenger cars. Third, we are proposing to replace the current limit on the amount of roof crush with a new requirement for maintenance of enough headroom to accommodate a mid-size adult male occupant. Because the impacts of this rulemaking would affect and be affected by other aspects of the comprehensive effort to reduce rollover-related injuries and fatalities, we are also seeking comments on some of those other aspects.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This AD requires inspecting to identify the wing anti-ice ducts (piccolo tubes) in the wing leading edge. For airplanes with affected piccolo tubes, this AD requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to introduce new procedures for operation in icing conditions. The optional implementation of repetitive inspections for cracks of affected piccolo tubes, and corrective actions if necessary, terminates the operational limitations. The optional installation of certain new piccolo tubes terminates both the AFM revision and the inspections. This AD was prompted by reports of failed piccolo tubes. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracked piccolo tubes, which could result in air leakage, a possible adverse effect on the anti-ice air distribution pattern and anti-ice capability without annunciation to the flight crew, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A321 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive measurements for correct control rod gap of the hold-open mechanism of all emergency doors, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires replacing the control rods with new, improved control rods, which would terminate the repetitive measurements. This AD results from a report that an operator found it impossible to lock emergency doors 2 and 3 in the open position. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the emergency doors to lock in the open position, which could interfere with passenger evacuation during an emergency.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. This AD requires an inspection for cracking of the fastener holes in the front and rear spars, a modification of the fastener holes of the front and rear spars and the rear spar web, and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by a report of cracking of certain fastener holes in the lower spar cap of the rear spar and in the lower skin at the front spar. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the front and rear spars, which could result in fuel leakage and consequent reduced structural integrity of the wing structure.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain GE CF6-80C2 and CF6-80E1 turbofan engines. This AD requires you to inspect the high pressure compressor rotor (HPCR) stage 11-14 spool shaft for circumferential repair cuts, and to repair or replace the spool shaft if you find certain circumferential cuts. This AD results from an updated stress analysis. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPCR stage 11-14 spool shaft due to low-cycle fatigue that could result in an uncontained engine failure.

This document incorporates corrections to add service information to Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005-13-09, which was published in the Federal Register on June 22, 2005 (70 FR 35993). AD 2005-13-09 applies to certain GROB-WERKE Model G120A airplanes. This action adds GROB-WERKE Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-052/2, dated February 14, 2005, to paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and (h) of AD 2005-13- 09. This service information was included in the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for this AD, but we inadvertently omitted it in the final rule request for comments. We are re-issuing the AD in its entirety to help eliminate any confusion that this AD may have created.