Department of Transportation November 16, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for McCauley Propeller Systems models 3A32C406/82NDB-X and D3A32C409/ 82NDB-X propellers, installed on Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) IO- 520, TSIO-520, or IO-550 reciprocating engines. These propellers are herein referred to as C406 and C409 propellers, respectively. This proposed AD would require adding an operational revolutions per minute (rpm) restriction on the C406 and C409 propellers, and installing an rpm restriction placard in the cockpit. This proposed AD would also add a 10,000-hour total time-in-service (TIS) life limit for these propellers. This proposed AD would also remove from service any propeller that has 10,000 hours or more total TIS, or that has an unknown total TIS. Also, this proposed AD would require initial and repetitive propeller blade inspections for damage, and repair if necessary. This proposed AD results from testing by the manufacturer that identified stress conditions that affect the fatigue life and damage tolerance of C406 and C409 propellers, when installed on TCM IO- 520, TSIO-520, or IO-550 reciprocating engines. We are proposing this AD to prevent blade or hub failure that could result in separation of a propeller blade and loss of control of the airplane.

This notice announces the availability of and requests comments on a proposed advisory circular (AC) revision that sets forth acceptable methods of compliance with Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), part 25, concerning the crashworthiness requirements as applied to cabin interiors. Like all ACs, it is not regulatory but provides guidance for applicants in demonstrating compliance with the objective safety standards set forth in part 25. This notice is necessary to give all interested persons an opportunity to present their views on the proposed AC.

The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) renewal of a current information collection. Standards have been established for the operation of agricultural aircraft and for the dispensing of chemicals, pesticides, and toxic substances. Information collected shows applicant compliance and eligibility for certification by FAA.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This AD requires modification of certain wire bundles located above the center fuel tank. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafed wire bundles near the center fuel tank, which could cause electrical arcing through the tank wall and ignition of fuel vapor in the fuel tank, and result in a fuel tank explosion.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737 airplanes. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, a one-time detailed inspection for interference between a clamp assembly and the wires behind the P15 refuel panel, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain other airplanes, this AD requires a one-time detailed inspection for discrepancies of the wires behind the P15 refuel panel; and corrective and related investigative actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by evidence of chafed wiring behind the P15 refuel panel and arcing to the back of the P15 refuel panel and adjacent wing structure. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct chafing of the wiring behind the P15 refuel panel, which could lead to arcing and fire with consequent airplane damage and injury to refueling personnel.

This action changes the effective date of a final rule published in the Federal Register on October 18, 2005 (70 FR 60424), Airspace Docket No. 05-ASW-1. In that rule, the effective date was inadvertently published as December 22, 2005. This action changes the effective date to April 13, 2006.