Department of Transportation March 16, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. That NPRM proposed to require inspections for cracking and corrosion under the number 3 very high frequency (VHF) antenna, and corrective actions if necessary; and, for certain airplanes, replacing bonded skin panels with solid skin panels if not previously accomplished. That NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks in the skin and surrounding structure under the number 3 VHF antenna on the lower external surface of the airplane at buttock line 0.0, aft of the main landing gear wheel well. This action revises that NPRM by adding an optional preventive modification, which would terminate the inspection requirements for certain airplanes; changing certain repairs; and adding inspections. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to detect and correct cracks and corrosion of the skin and surrounding structure under the number 3 VHF antenna, which could result in separation of the antenna from the airplane, and rapid depressurization of the airplane. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the original NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of unsuccessful slide deployments during scheduled deployment tests, and failed functional tests of the release travel of the slide release mechanism. This proposed AD would require inspecting the off-wing slide release cables on the left- and right- hand sides to determine whether a certain part number is installed, and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent non- availability of left- or right-hand off-wing exit slides that could impair emergency evacuation of the passengers and flightcrew, and could result in personal injuries.

This document grants in full Nissan North America, Inc.'s (Nissan) petition for exemption of the Juke vehicle line in accordance with 49 CFR Part 543, Exemption from Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard. This petition is granted, because the agency has determined that the antitheft device to be placed on the line as standard equipment is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with the parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR part 541). Nissan requested confidential treatment of specific information in its petition by letter dated November 29, 2011. The agency addressed Nissan's request for confidential treatment by letter dated December 29, 2011.

The FAA publishes a monthly notice, as appropriate, of PFC approvals and disapprovals under the provisions of the Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 (Title IX of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990) (Pub. L. 101-508) and Part 158 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 158). This notice is published pursuant to paragraph (d) of Sec. 158.29. In February 2012,there were six applications approved. Additionally, 11 approved amendments to previously approved applications are listed. PFC Applications Approved

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.