Department of Transportation July 17, 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2011-27- 51 that applies to certain Beechcraft Corporation Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D airplanes. AD 2011-27-51 currently requires inspecting the elevator bob-weight and attaching linkage for correct installation and for damage or deformation to the weight and/or weight bracket with corrective action as necessary. Since we issued AD 2011-27-51, a secondary elevator bob-weight stop bolt has been designed. This proposed AD would require installation of the secondary elevator bob- weight stop bolt. The elevator bob-weight (stabilizer weight) traveling past its stop bolt may allow the attaching linkage to move over-center and lead to reduced nose down elevator control, which could result in loss of control. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain the Boeing Company Model 777-200 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of smoke or flames in the passenger cabin of various transport category airplanes, related to the wiring for the passenger cabin in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, cabin lighting, and passenger seats. This proposed AD would require, for certain airplanes, doing an inspection of the electrical power control panel for a certain part number, and corrective action if necessary; and for certain other airplanes, installing a new electrical power control panel, and making changes to the wiring and certain electrical load management system (ELMS) panels. We are proposing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew is able to turn off electrical power to the IFE systems and other non-essential electrical systems through a switch in the flight compartment in the event of smoke or flames. In the event of smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or passenger cabin, the flightcrew's inability to turn off electrical power to the IFE system and other non-essential electrical systems could result in the inability to control smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or passenger cabin during a non-normal or emergency situation, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

This is to notify the public that PHMSA has confirmed that North American Coil and Beverage Group, 15641 E 10 Mile Road, Eastpointe, MI, 48021, improperly filled and offered for transportation high pressure compressed gas cylinders without verifying that they met the appropriate safety requirements for continued use. The Eastpointe Michigan Fire Department alerted the Michigan State Police, who in turn alerted PHMSA of an incident on June 25, 2013, in which a high pressure DOT 3A 1800 cylinder filled and provided by North American Coil and Beverage Group with carbon dioxide catastrophically burst at Sullivan's Bar in Eastpointe, Michigan

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Austro Engine GmbH model E4 engines. This AD requires removing from service certain part number waste gate controllers. This AD was prompted by several reports of power loss events due to fracture of the waste gate controller lever. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine power loss or in-flight shutdown, which could result in loss of control and damage to the airplane.