Department of Transportation May 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for any cracking of or damage to the left side and right side flight deck No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5 windows and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from reports of in-flight departure and separation of the flight deck windows. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the vinyl interlayer or damage to the structural inner glass panes of the flight deck No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5 windows, which could result in loss of a window and rapid loss of cabin pressure. Loss of cabin pressure could cause crew communication difficulties or crew incapacitation.

This Rule establishes, amends, suspends, or revokes STANDARD Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing 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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 777-200, -300, and -300ER series airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection to determine the material of the forward and aft gray water drain masts. For airplanes having composite gray water drain masts, this AD also requires installation of a bonding jumper between a ground and the clamp on the tube of the forward and aft gray water composite drain masts. This AD results from a report of charred insulation blankets and burned wires around the forward gray water composite drain mast found during an inspection of the forward cargo compartment on a Model 767-300F airplane. We are issuing this AD to prevent a fire near a composite drain mast and possible disruption of the electrical power system due to a lightning strike on a composite drain mast, which could result in the loss of several functions essential for safe flight.

The Department of Transportation (Department) is moving its regulations on nonprocurement suspension and debarment from their current location in title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) to title 2 of the CFR. By issuing this final rule and moving its nonprocurement suspension and debarment regulations to new CFR part 1200 in title 2 thereof, the Department is also adopting the interim and final government-wide guidance on nonprocurement suspension and debarment issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the Federal Register on August 31, 2005 (70 FR 51863) and November 15, 2006 (71 FR 66431), respectively. The OMB guidance can be found in 2 CFR Part 180, Subtitle A, Chapter I. These actions by the Department implement OMB initiatives to streamline and consolidate all federal regulations on nonprocurement suspension and debarment into one part of the CFR. In addition, this rule removes 49 CFR Part 29, regulations that reflect the Department's implementation of the government-wide common rule on nonprocurement suspension and debarment. These changes are non-substantive in nature and constitute an administrative simplification that would make no substantive change in Department policy or procedures for nonprocurement suspension and debarment.

The purpose of this request for comments is to acquire new and updated information regarding vehicle manufacturers' future product plans to assist the agency in analyzing the proposed passenger car and light truck corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards as required by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended by the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, Pub. L. 110-140. This proposal is discussed in a companion notice published today.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated 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 revising an earlier NPRM for the products listed above. This action revises the earlier NPRM by expanding the scope. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated 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) originated 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 propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) Model 390 airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to remove the current preformed packing, elbow fitting, and jam nut from the left and right hydraulic pump pressure output port and replace with new parts. This proposed AD would also require you to install a hydraulic pump case drain check valve. This proposed AD results from nine occurrences of hydraulic fluid leaking from the engine hydraulic pump output fitting as a result of an improperly installed elbow connecting the output port to the pulse dampener hose. We are proposing this AD to prevent hydraulic fluid leaks from the left and right hydraulic fluid pump and to prevent the flow of hydraulic fluid into the engine compartment. The loss of hydraulic fluid can result in loss of airplane hydraulic system pressure and the consequent loss of hydraulic system functions including gear extension/retraction, spoiler functions, and anti-skid braking system actuation. The inability of the hydraulic installation to isolate flow of hydraulic fluid could result in a hazardous amount of flammable fluid in the corresponding engine compartment. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in loss of system functions and/or fire in the engine compartment.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces that it is reviewing a proposed noise compatibility program that was submitted for Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47504 et seq. (the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, hereinafter referred to as ``the Act'') and 14 CFR part 150 by City of Fresno, California. This program was submitted subsequent to a determination by FAA that associated noise exposure maps submitted under 14 CFR part 150 for FAT were in compliance with applicable requirements, effective July 6, 2005 (70 FR 50437-50438). The proposed noise compatibility program will be approved or disapproved on or before October 15, 2008.