Department of Transportation October 3, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Kaman Model K-1200 helicopters with certain main rotor blades (MRB) installed. This proposed AD would require inspecting each MRB for a crack or damage. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that a crack was found on an MRB during a tear-down inspection. The proposed actions are intended to detect a crack in the MRB, which could lead to failure of the MRB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

As authorized by 46 U.S.C. 12121, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of missing clamps that are required to provide positive separation between the alternating current (AC) feeder cables and the hydraulic line of the landing gear alternate extension. This AD requires an inspection for missing clamps that are required to provide positive separation between the AC feeder cables and the hydraulic line of the landing gear alternate extension, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct chafing of the AC feeder cable. A chafed and arcing AC feeder cable could puncture the adjacent hydraulic line, which, in combination with the use of the alternate extension system, could result in an in- flight fire.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-03-05 for all the Boeing Company Model 747-200C and -200F series airplanes. AD 2010-03-05 required, for the upper chords of the upper deck floor beam of section 41, an inspection for cracking of certain fastener holes, and corrective action if necessary; and repetitive replacements of the upper chords, straps (or angles), and radius fillers of certain upper deck floor beams and, for any replacement that is done, inspections for cracking, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD adds repetitive inspections of the upper chords of the upper deck floor beam of Section 42, repetitive replacements of the upper chords, post- replacement inspections, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD also adds post-replacement inspections for section 41 and reduces certain compliance times. This AD was prompted by a determination that the upper deck floor beams are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD), the existing inspection program is not sufficient to maintain an acceptable level of safety, and the upper chords of the upper deck floor beam of section 42 are subject to the unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the upper chords and straps (or angles) of the floor beams, which could lead to failure of the floor beams and consequent loss of controllability, rapid decompression, and loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 94-12-03 for certain Airbus Model A320 series airplanes. AD 94-12-03 required modification of the belly fairing structure. This new AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the four titanium angles between the belly fairing and the keel beam side panel, an inspection for cracking of the open holes if any cracking is found in the titanium angles, and repair or replacement if necessary; this new AD also expands the applicability of AD 94-12-03. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks at the lower riveting of the four titanium angles that connect the belly fairing to the keel beam side panels on both sides of the fuselage. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the titanium angles that connect the belly fairing to the keel beam side panels on both sides of the fuselage, which could affect the structural integrity of the airplane.