Department of Transportation May 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas airplanes, identified above. This proposed AD would require reducing the length of the sump drain collar and replacing the fuel tank sump drain lockring for fuel tanks 1, 2, and 3; and reducing the length of the drain outlet barrel for the auxiliary fuel tank, if applicable. For airplanes with an auxiliary fuel tank, this proposed AD also would require relocating the sump drain outlet to allow draining the sumps without opening the doors of the main landing gear wheel well. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks in the event of a lightning strike, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in arcing in the fuel tank, fuel tank explosions, and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes, and DHC-8-200 and DHC-8-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require performing a one-time inspection for non-conforming chain links of chain assemblies of the elevator trim system and gust lock system, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also require temporary revisions to the airplane flight manuals of the affected airplanes, which describe procedures for elevator trim checks. This proposed AD results from several reports of failure of the elevator trim chain, due to hydrogen embrittlement. We are proposing this AD to prevent breakage of the elevator trim chain, which would prevent the actual position of the elevator trim tab from being annunciated to the flightcrew. Attempting to adjust the trim tab to the full nose up or full nose down position with a broken trim chain could cause reduced control during airplane rotation on the ground or a stall during flight.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires inspections to detect disbonding, corrosion, and cracking at the longitudinal rows of fasteners in the bonded skin panels in section 41 of the fuselage, and repair, if necessary. This proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability, and require new inspections of airplanes that may have Alodine-coated rivets installed. This proposed AD results from a report of cracking discovered in a skin lap joint that was previously inspected using the eddy current method. We are proposing this AD to prevent rapid decompression of the airplane due to disbonding and subsequent cracking of the skin panels.

The FHWA is issuing this notice to announce the implementation plan for the Highways for LIFE (HfL) Pilot Program outlined in Section 1502 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). LIFE is an acronym for ``Long-lasting, Innovative, Fast construction of Efficient and safe pavements and bridges.'' The purpose of the HfL Pilot Program is to accelerate the rate of adoption of innovations and technologies, thereby improving safety and highway quality while reducing congestion caused by construction. This will be accomplished through technology transfer, technology partnerships, information dissemination, incentive funding of up to 20 percent, but not more than $5 million on Federal- aid highway projects (eligible for assistance under Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code) and HfL Program accountability.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 186: Automatic Dependent SurveillanceBroadcast (ADS-B).

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires replacing the placards on certain stowage bins with new placards, installing partial dividers in certain other stowage bins, and installing straps on stowage bins containing life rafts. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires related concurrent actions. This AD results from test data indicating that outboard overhead stowage bins are unable to withstand the 4.5g down-load standard intended to protect passengers during flight turbulence or a hard landing. We are issuing this AD to prevent the stowage bins from opening during flight turbulence or a hard landing, which could result in the contents of the stowage bins falling onto the passenger seats below and injuring passengers, or blocking the aisles, impeding the evacuation of passengers in an emergency.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Raytheon Model Hawker 800XP airplanes. This AD requires inspecting certain bus bars in the DA-A panel to ensure that the bus bars match the panel configuration and clearance is adequate between the bus bars and adjacent components, and performing corrective action if necessary. This AD results from two reports of inadequate clearance between the bus bars in the DA-A panel. We are issuing this AD to prevent insufficient electrical isolation for the electrical bus configuration and inability of the flightcrew to isolate the bus bars in an emergency situation involving a dual generator failure, which could result in extra loads on the main ship batteries and consequent loss of power to the main essential bus.

Dominion Transmission, Inc. (DTI) requested a waiver of compliance from requirements for pipelines constructed after March 31, 2000. This waiver will allow DTI to use the most recent, 2006 National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) 59A, ``Standard for Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas'' and comply with PHMSA's liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility safety regulations.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) intend to prepare a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), for the proposed East-West Transit Corridor Study in Miami-Dade County, Florida, between Florida International University (FIU) and the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) at Miami International Airport (MIA). The SDEIS will evaluate at least three alternatives: a No-Build Alternative; a Transportation System Management (TSM) Alternative; a Build Alternative; and any reasonable alternatives uncovered during the public scoping process. Scoping will be accomplished through meetings and correspondence with interested persons, organizations, the general public, Federal, State and local agencies. MDT will create a Coordination Plan to actively include public and participating agency involvement and comment during the entire NEPA process. The Coordination Plan will be found on the East- West Corridor Web site at https://www.miamidade.gov/transit. The purpose of this Notice of Intent is to re-notify interested parties of the intent to prepare the SDEIS and invite participation in the Study. An Advance Notification for the original East-West Corridor Multimodal Project was issued in 1993. The study area being evaluated in this SDEIS traverses the western portion (i.e., FIU to MIC) of the entire East-West Corridor between FIU and the Port of Miami that was studied in the East-West Multimodal Corridor Major Investment Study/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (MIS/DEIS) in 1995 and the East-West Multimodal Corridor Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) in 1998. A Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA)/Minimum Operable Segment (MOS) emerged from this process and was the subject of a Record of Decision jointly issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and FTA in 1998. With approval of the People's Transportation Plan (PTP) by Miami-Dade County voters in 2002, along with changes in growth and development along the western portion of the corridor, a redefinition of planned transit investments resulted in the locally proposed alternative. It is the intention of this action to improve mobility in the East-West Corridor.

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 a summary of certain petitions seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. 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.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Raytheon Aircraft Company Model 390 airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to inspect the spigot bearing, part number (P/N) MS14104-16, for the proper position in the spigot fitting assembly and to install the wing spigot bearing retainer kit, P/N 390-4304-0001. This proposed AD results from two reports of the spigot bearing not being positioned flush with the fitting assembly, but protruding outside of the fitting assembly. We are proposing this AD to detect spigot bearings that are not positioned flush with the fitting assembly. This condition could result in the spigot bearing becoming disengaged from the fitting assembly, which could cause motion between the wing and the fuselage and degrade the structural integrity of the wing attachment to the fuselage. This could lead to wing separation and loss of control of the airplane.

These special conditions are issued to Avidyne Corporation, 55 Old Bedford Road, Lincoln, MA 01773, for a Supplemental Type Certificate for the models listed under the heading ``Type Certification Basis.'' This special condition includes various airplane models to streamline the certification process needed to improve the safety of the airplane fleet by fostering the incorporation of new technologies that can be certificated affordably under 14 CFR part 23. The airplanes listed under this multi-model approval will have novel and unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisaged in the applicable airworthiness standards. These novel and unusual design features include the installation of the Entegra II Avionics System, consisting of: (2) Model 700-0003-( ) Integrated Flight Displays (IFD), (2) Model 700-00011-( ) Magnetometer/ OAT sensors, and (1) Model 700-00085-000 Keyboard/Controller. These components are all manufactured by Avidyne Corporation, Inc. The applicable regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate airworthiness standards for the protection of these systems from the effects of high intensity radiated fields (HIRF). These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to the airworthiness standards applicable to these airplanes.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-22B series, RB211-524B, -524C2, - 524D4, -524G2, -524G3, and -524H series, and RB211-535C and -535E series turbofan engines with high pressure compressor (HPC) stage 3 disc assemblies, part numbers (P/Ns) LK46210, LK58278, LK67634, LK76036, UL11706, UL15358, UL22577, UL22578, and UL24738 installed. This AD requires removing from service certain disc assemblies before they reach their full published life if not modified with anticorrosion protection. This AD results from the manufacturer's reassessment of the corrosion risk on HPC stage 3 disc assemblies that have not yet been modified with sufficient application of anticorrosion protection. We are issuing this AD to prevent corrosion-induced uncontained disc failure, resulting in damage to the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Viking Air Limited Model DHC-7 airplanes. This AD requires implementing a corrosion prevention and control program (CPCP) either by accomplishing specific tasks or by revising the maintenance inspection program to include a CPCP. This AD results from a determination that, as airplanes age, they are more likely to exhibit indications of corrosion. We are issuing this AD to prevent structural failure of the airplane due to corrosion.

This notice announces the availability of and requests comments on a proposed advisory circular (AC) which provides guidance to design approval holders for certain transport category airplanes and on repairs and alterations to those airplanes for developing means to preclude widespread fatigue. This proposed AC complements revisions to the airworthiness standards that are being proposed by a separate notice. This notice is necessary to give all interested persons an opportunity to present their views on the proposed AC.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 767 airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the station (STA) 1809.5 bulkhead for cracking and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from fatigue cracks found in the forward outer chord and horizontal inner chord at STA 1809.5. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the bulkhead structure at STA 1809.5, which could result in failure of the bulkhead structure for carrying the flight loads of the horizontal stabilizer, and consequent loss of controllability of the airplane.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of the airport from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the sale of the airport property. The 3.27-acre parcel is on Airport Boulevard near the western border of the airport. It is contained within Parcels 18-1 and 18-2 on the current Exhibit A. The current Airport Layout Plan identifies this land as part of an area reserved for future aviation related development. The land was acquired under FAA Project No(s). ADAP 5-18-0037-01 and ADAP 5-18-0037-02. The release of the land is considered beneficial to the safety of the airport because the Buck Creek Township Fire Department proposes to construct a new fire station at this location. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the disposal of the subject airport property nor a determination of eligibility for grant-in-aid funding from the FAA. The disposition of proceeds from the disposal of the airport property will be in accordance FAA's Policy and Procedures Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, published in the Federal Register on February 16, 1999. In accordance with section 47107(h) of title 49, United States Code, this notice is required to be published in the Federal Register 30 days before modifying the land-use assurance that requires the property to be used for an aeronautical purpose.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by the city of McKinney under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. (the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, hereinafter referred to as ``the Act'') and 14 CFR Part 150. These findings are made in recognition of the description of Federal and nonfederal responsibilities in Senate Report No. 96-52 (1980). On November 1, 2005 the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by the city of McKinney under Part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements. On April 28, 2006, the FAA approved the Collin County Regional Airport noise compatibility program. Most of the recommendations of the program were approved.

This document corrects the estimated annual cost published on March 23, 2006 (71 FR 14778) for the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., OMB Control Number 2127-0547).

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describes the nature of the information collections and their expected burden. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period was published on February 10, 2006, (71 FR 7113).

The FAA is revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 757-200, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes. The original NPRM would have required repetitive detailed inspections for proper functioning of the girt bar leaf springs for the escape slides to ensure the leaf springs retain the sliders and the required 0.37-inch minimum engagement between the sliders and floor fittings is achieved at passenger doors 1, 2, and 4, and corrective actions if necessary. The original NPRM resulted from a report that the escape slides failed to deploy correctly during an operator's tests of the escape slides. This action revises the original NPRM by stating that this proposed AD would not include procedures from the airplane maintenance manuals and component maintenance manuals that allow bending the girt bar retention springs. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to prevent escape slides from disengaging from the airplane during deployment or in use, which could result in injuries to passengers or flightcrew.

In response to a petition filed by the Arkansas Midland Railroad Company, Inc. (AKMD), the Board is instituting a declaratory order proceeding under 49 U.S.C. 721 and 5 U.S.C. 554(e) to determine if the right of first refusal provided in 49 U.S.C. 10907(h), to repurchase a line sold under the Feeder Line Development Program, applies when a transfer of control of a feeder line operator occurs by stock sale. Responses to the petition have been filed by Caddo Valley Railroad Company (CVR); Bean Lumber Company and Curt Bean Lumber Company (Bean Companies); GS Roofing Products Company, Inc. (GS) and CertainTeed Corporation (CertainTeed); and Pioneer Railcorp (Pioneer) (jointly, Respondents). International Paper Company (IP) also has submitted a response. The Board seeks public comment on this issue.