Department of Transportation October 3, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 777 airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive measurements of the freeplay of the right and left elevators, rudder, and rudder tab, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also require repetitive lubrications of the elevator, rudder, and rudder tab components. This proposed AD results from reports of freeplay-induced vibration of unbalanced control surfaces. Excessive freeplay of control surfaces can cause unacceptable airframe vibration during flight. The potential for vibration of the control surface should be avoided because the point of transition from vibration to divergent flutter is unknown. We are proposing this AD to prevent flutter, which can cause damage to the control surface structure and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from forty-five individuals for exemptions from the prohibition against persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals with ITDM to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A310 airplanes. This proposed AD would require doing repetitive inspections for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed wiper rings in the splined couplings of the flap transmissions shafts; inspections for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed rubber gaiters and straps on the sliding bearing/ plunging joints of the flap transmission; and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD results from reviews in which the manufacturer determined that the splined couplings and sliding bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by corrosion and wear. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct damaged, missing, or incorrectly installed components of the flap transmission system, which could result in reduced functional integrity of the flap transmission system and consequent reduced control of the airplane.

The FAA is revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 777-200 and 777-300 series airplanes. The original NPRM would have required repetitive inspections for discrepancies of the splined components that support the inboard end of the inboard trailing edge flap; related investigative, corrective, and other specified actions if necessary; a one-time modification of the inboard support of the inboard trailing edge flap by installing a new isolation strap and attachment hardware; and repetitive replacement of the torque tube assembly. The original NPRM resulted from reports of corrosion on the torque tube and closeout rib fittings that support the inboard end of the inboard trailing edge flap, as well as a structural reassessment of the torque tube joint that revealed the potential for premature fatigue cracking of the torque tube that would not be detected using reasonable inspection methods. This action revises the original NPRM by providing the terminating action for the repetitive inspections of modifying the inboard main flap. This action also revises the original NPRM by specifying prior or concurrent accomplishment, for certain Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes, of one-time inspections of the flap seal panels for cracking and minimum clearances, and of the torque tubes for damage; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to detect and correct corrosion or cracking of the torque tube and closeout rib fittings that support the inboard end of the inboard trailing edge flap. Cracking in these components could lead to a fracture, which could result in loss of the inboard trailing edge flap and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

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.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 204: 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 135: Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment.