Department of Transportation April 30, 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), this notice announces that the Information Collection Request has been forwarded to OMB for an extension of the currently approved information collection. PHMSA published a Federal Register notice soliciting comments on this information collection and received none. The purpose of this notice is to allow the public an additional 30 days to submit comments.

This notice proposes special conditions for the Boeing Model 787-8 airplane. This airplane will have novel or unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. The Boeing Model 787-8 airplanes will use high capacity lithium ion battery technology in on-board systems. For this design feature, the applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards. These proposed special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards. Additional special conditions will be issued for other novel or unusual design features of the Boeing Model 787-8 airplanes.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 25 individuals for exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals to qualify as drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the Federal vision standard.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 767 airplanes. This proposed AD would require sealing certain fasteners and stiffeners in the fuel tank, and changing certain wire bundle clamp configurations on the fuel tank walls. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent possible ignition sources in the auxiliary fuel tank, main fuel tanks, and surge tanks caused by a wiring short or lightning strike, which could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-19-15 R1 and AD 2000-03-17, which apply to M7 Aerospace LP SA226 and SA227 series airplanes equipped with certain pitch trim actuators. AD 98-19- 15 R1 currently requires you to incorporate changes into the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) if certain part number (P/N) pitch trim actuators are installed. AD 2000- 03-17 requires repetitive inspections and repetitive replacements of the pitch trim actuator. The repetitive inspection and repetitive replacement times vary depending on the combination of airplane model and pitch trim actuator P/N installed. We are proposing this AD because we have determined that reliance on critical repetitive inspections on aging commuter-class airplanes carries an unnecessary safety risk when a design change exists that could eliminate or, in certain instances, reduce the number of those critical inspections. Consequently, this proposed AD would retain all of the actions of the previously referenced ADs, place life limits on certain P/N pitch trim actuators, and require the replacement of certain P/N pitch trim actuators with one of an improved design. Once installed, the improved design pitch trim actuator would terminate the AFM limitations in this proposed AD and reduce the repetitive inspection and repetitive replacement requirements. We are proposing this AD to detect excessive freeplay or rod slippage in the pitch trim actuator, which, if not detected and corrected, could result in pitch trim actuator failure. We are also proposing this AD to lessen the severity of pitch upset if a pitch trim actuator mechanical failure occurs. These conditions could lead to possible loss of control.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 777-200, 777-300, and 777-300ER series airplanes. This AD requires 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. For certain Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes, this AD also specifies prior or concurrent accomplishment 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. This AD also provides a terminating action (modification of the inboard main flap) for the repetitive inspections. This AD results 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. We are issuing this AD 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 document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting airworthiness directive (AD) 2007-06-53 that was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of EMBRAER Model ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 airplanes by individual notices. This AD requires repetitively verifying the correct closure of the forward and aft cargo doors, inspecting the forward and aft cargo doors for interference between the lock handle and the aft edge liner assembly, repetitively inspecting the lateral roller fittings on the forward and aft cargo door frames for damage, and doing corrective actions if needed. This AD also requires reporting any signs of interference or damage to the manufacturer. This AD results from a report indicating that the aft cargo door opened in flight just after departure, and from a report indicating that an airplane was dispatched with an unsecured forward cargo door. We are issuing this AD to prevent a cargo door from opening during flight, which could lead to structural failure or loss of control.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release from the conditions and restrictions contained in applicable grant agreements with the United States for approximately 417 square feet of unimproved land obligated for airport purposes at Deer Valley Airport, Phoenix, Arizona, and which is not needed for airport purposes. The released land will be used for a driveway and sidewalk as part of the street paving and storm drain improvement project by the city of Phoenix. The project will improve traffic safety in the neighborhood and will not impact airport operation. Upon the release of this airport land, the Aviation Department will receive the appraised fair market value for airport improvements.