Department of Transportation March 7, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 727-200 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires initial and repetitive inspections for cracks in the forward frame of the No. 3 cargo door cutout; and corrective actions, if necessary. The existing AD also provides for an optional structural modification, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would reduce the compliance time for the initial inspections and add an optional method of inspection for both the initial and repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would also add initial and repetitive inspections of an additional area and repair if necessary. Additionally, this proposed AD would clarify that the previously optional structural modification is now required by other rulemaking. This proposed AD results from additional reports of cracking in the forward frame of the No. 3 cargo door cutout. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the forward frame and fuselage skin of the No. 3 cargo door cutout, which could result in failure of the frame and skin, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) EMB-120( ) airplane models in operation. This proposed AD would require replacing the de-icing system ejector flow control valves with new, improved control valves having hermetically sealed switches; and rewiring applicable connectors. This proposed AD results from a fuel system review conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent a potential source of ignition near a fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701) and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive detailed inspections for cracking or deformation, or pulled or missing fasteners, on the lower panel of the left- and right-hand main landing gear (MLG) doors, as applicable, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would reduce the repetitive inspection interval for certain airplanes. This proposed AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. This proposed AD results from a report of a MLG door departing from an airplane. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the lower panel of the MLG door, the lower panel's departure from the airplane, and consequent damage to airplane structure, which could adversely affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing.

The FAA is revising an earlier NPRM for an airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain McDonnell Douglas transport category airplanes. The original NPRM would have superseded an existing AD that currently requires, among other things, revision of an existing program of structural inspections. The original NPRM proposed to require implementation of a program of structural inspections of baseline structure to detect and correct fatigue cracking in order to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes as they approach the manufacturer's original fatigue design life goal. The original NPRM resulted from a significant number of these airplanes approaching or exceeding the design service goal on which the initial type certification approval was predicated. This new action revises the original NPRM by removing certain service information as acceptable methods of compliance. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to detect and correct fatigue cracking that could compromise the structural integrity of these airplanes.

This action establishes a Class E enroute domestic airspace area, Vandenberg AFB to replace existing Class G uncontrolled airspace.

This amendment amends Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, addition of new obstacles, or changes in air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.