Department of Transportation September 28, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all EMBRAER Model EMB-135 airplanes and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes. The existing AD requires repetitive inspections of the pitot static heating relay K0057 and corrective actions if necessary. The existing AD also requires doing a terminating modification, which ends the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would remove the existing repetitive inspections and instead would require a one-time detailed inspection for damage of the relay, relay socket, and silicone gasket; applicable corrective actions; and a new action to modify and re- identify the relay socket. This proposed AD would also revise the existing terminating modificationreplacing/rerouting the windowsill drain hosesinto two parts, each with a different, reduced compliance time. This proposed AD results from a report of smoke in the cockpit. We are proposing this AD to prevent ignition of a windowsill drain hose by an overheated relay, which could cause fire and smoke in the cockpit.

The FAA is proposing a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) applicable to the Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane that would create new pilot training, experience, and operating requirements. Following an increased accident and incident rate in the MU-2B series airplane, the FAA conducted a safety evaluation of the MU-2B series airplane and found that changes in the training and operating requirements for that airplane are needed. These proposed regulations would mandate additional operating requirements and improve pilot training for the MU-2B series airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) models 250-C30, 250-40, and 250-C47 series turboshaft engines with a third-stage turbine wheel, part number (P/N) 6898663 or P/N 23065843 installed, or a fourth-stage turbine wheel, P/N 6892764 or P/N 23066744, installed. This AD adds an additional life limit for third- and fourth-stage turbine wheels. This AD results from analysis by RRC of failures of third-stage turbine wheels. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of power, possible engine shutdown, or uncontained engine failure.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A310 airplanes. This AD requires revising the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual by incorporating restrictions for high altitude operations. This AD results from several incidents of pitch oscillations with high vertical loads that occurred during turbulence at high altitudes. We are issuing this AD to prevent pitch oscillations during turbulence, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes, and Model DHC-8-200 and DHC-8-300 series airplanes. This AD requires performing a one-time general visual inspection for non-conforming chain links of chain assemblies of the elevator trim system and gust lock system, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires temporary revisions to the airplane flight manuals of the affected airplanes, which describe procedures for elevator trim checks. This AD results from reports of several failures of the elevator trim chain, due to hydrogen embrittlement. We are issuing 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 from the full nose up or full nose down position with a broken trim chain could result in misleading information relative to takeoff trim settings and consequent loss of control on takeoff.