Department of Transportation January 23, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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.

This notice announces the FAA's intent to cancel TSO-C67, Airborne Radar Altimeter Equipment (For Air Carrier Aircraft). The effect of the cancelled TSO will result in no new TSO-C67 design or production approvals. However, cancellation will not affect any current production of an existing TSO authorization (TSOA). Articles produced under an existing TSOA can still be installed per the existing airworthiness approvals, and all applications for new airworthiness approvals will still be processed.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has approved the request from the Indiana Department of Transportation to continue temporary closure of the I-64 Sherman-Minton Bridge over the Ohio River between Indiana and Kentucky for an indefinite period of time due to safety considerations. The approval is granted as an emergency deletion in accordance with section 658.11(e) due to the safety considerations discussed in this notice. The FHWA published a Notice and Request for Comment on October 27, 2011, at 76 FR 66775, seeking comments on the alternate routes selected by Indiana due to the deletion in accordance with section 658.11(e). No comments were received.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracking on the lower main sill inner chord of the hatch opening of the overwing emergency exit. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking, corrosion damage, and any other irregularity of the lower main sill inner chord and surrounding structure, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking on the lower main sill inner chord of the hatch opening of the overwing emergency exit, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the hatch opening of the overwing emergency exit and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a fire which started in the vicinity of an electrical panel that was fed by oxygen escaping from a damaged third crew person oxygen line that occurred while the airplane was on the ground. This proposed AD would require replacing and changing the routing of the flexible oxygen hose of the third crew person oxygen line and modifying the entrance compartment assembly. We are proposing this AD to prevent the possibility of damage to the third crew person oxygen line and an oxygen-fed fire in the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for BRP POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO KG Rotax 914 F2, 914 F3, and 914 F4 reciprocating engines. 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 isolated manufacturing deviations reportedly found on the threads of a certain batch of fuel pressure regulators, part number (P/N) 887130, installed on Rotax 914 F series engines, which could result in fuel leakage during engine operation. We are issuing this AD to prevent fuel leaks, which could result in an in-flight fire and damage to the aircraft.

The FAA hereby provides notice of intent to release certain airport properties 0.55 acres at the Fort Myers International Airport, Fort Myers, FL from the conditions, reservations, and restrictions as contained in all grant agreements between the FAA and the Lee County Port Authority. The release of property will allow the Lee County Port Authority, owner of Fort Myers International Airport, to dispose of the property for other than aeronautical purposes. The property is located north of Daniels Parkway and Chana Court, near the intersection of Chamberlin Parkway, in Fort Myers, Florida. The parcels are currently designated as non-aeronautical use. The property will be released of its federal obligations to transfer ownership to Lee County. The release of the airport properties will facilitate the construction of a new direct interchange access to the airport from Interstate 75. Lee County will also transfer ownership of 1.93 acres of property north of Daniels Parkway and Chana Court to be used for drainage for the airport access road. The airport parcels to be released have an appraised Fair Market Value of $41,622. The value of the parcel to be received is $5,000, and the value of the proposed airport access improvement is estimated to be $500,620. Documents reflecting the Sponsor's request are available, by appointment only, for inspection at the Fort Myers International Airport and the FAA Airports District Office.

This amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas.