Department of Transportation August 6, 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-23-51, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-8 and 737-9 (737 MAX) airplanes. Since AD 2018-23-51 was issued, the agency has determined that final corrective action is necessary to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would require installing new flight control computer (FCC) software, revising the existing Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to incorporate new and revised flightcrew procedures, installing new MAX display system (MDS) software, changing the horizontal stabilizer trim wire routing installations, completing an angle of attack sensor system test, and performing an operational readiness flight. This proposed AD would also apply to a narrower set of airplanes than the superseded AD, and allow operation (dispatch) of an airplane with certain inoperative systems only if certain provisions are incorporated in the operator's existing FAA-approved minimum equipment list (MEL). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs) 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.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-25-09 for Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model SA330F, G, and J helicopters. AD 2009-25-09 required re-adjusting the torque of the main gearbox (MGB) flexible coupling bolts. Since the FAA issued AD 2009-25- 09, Airbus Helicopters has modified the MGB overhaul and repair procedures, which corrects the unsafe condition. Additionally, the FAA- validation for Model SA330F and G helicopters has been cancelled. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2009-25-09 and revises the applicability by excluding Model SA330F and G helicopters and excludes MGBs that have been subject to the modified procedures. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of inflight detachment of the left-hand (LH) side cabin sliding doors and cases of impact damage on the main rotor blades, which were caused by degradation of the sliding door locking mechanism. This proposed AD would require repetitive checks (measurements) of the load that operates the sliding door opening mechanism, repetitive inspections of the markings of the attachment screws for proper alignment, modifying the attachment system of the sliding door, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will be incorporated by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) is adopting a final rule to establish a streamlined approach for pleading market dominance in rate reasonableness proceedings.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12/47E airplanes. 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 seizing of a main landing gear (MLG) spring pack assembly. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/ 47E airplanes. 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 improperly manufactured horizontal stabilizer rear attachment bolts. If not corrected, this could lead to fatigue failure of the bolts and loss of airplane control. The FAA is proposing this AD address the unsafe condition on these products.