Federal Aviation Administration February 15, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require measuring the clearance between the compensator and the guide assembly of probe no. 1 on the outboard fuel tanks, and performing corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by the results of fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent interference between the compensator and the guide assembly of probe no. 1, which could create an ignition source that could result in a fire or explosion.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 757-200 and -300 series airplanes and Model 767 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing the existing operational software of the Pegasus flight management computer (FMC) system with new, improved operational software. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of ``old'' or expired air traffic control (ATC) clearance messages being displayed on the control display unit (CDU) of the FMC system during subsequent flights. We are proposing this AD to prevent display of ``old'' or expired clearance messages on the CDU of subsequent flights, which could result in the airplane entering unauthorized airspace or following a flight path that does not provide minimum separation requirements between aircraft, and a consequent near miss or a mid-air collision.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require inspecting the valve control and indication wire bundles of the fuel system of the wing rear spar for discrepancies, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of six incidents of the wire bundles chafing against the rear spar stiffeners outside the fuel tank. We are proposing this AD to prevent this chafing, which could result in wire damage leading to a short circuit, subsequent ignition of flammable vapors, and possible uncontrollable fire during fueling or flight.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require an inspection for chafing of certain wire bundles located above the center fuel tank, corrective actions if necessary, and replacement of wire bundle clamps with new clamps. This proposed AD is prompted by the results of fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent chafed wire bundles near the center fuel tank, which could cause electrical arcing through the tank wall and ignition of fuel vapor in the fuel tank, and result in a fuel tank explosion.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the stiffeners at left buttock line (LBL) and right buttock line (RBL) 6.15 for cracks; and replacement of both stiffeners with new, improved stiffeners if any stiffener is found cracked. This proposed AD would also allow replacement of both stiffeners at LBL and RBL 6.15 with new, improved stiffeners, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of cracks in the stiffeners at LBL and RBL 6.15 on the rear spar of the wing center section. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the stiffeners at LBL and RBL 6.15, which could result in damage to the keel beam structure and consequently reduce the capability of the airplane to sustain flight loads.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dornier Model 328-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require installing a drain hole in the lower skin of the left- and right-hand elevator horns. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of water found in the elevator assembly. We are proposing this AD to prevent water or ice accumulating in the elevator assembly, which could result in possible corrosion that reduces the structural integrity of the flight control surface, or in an unbalanced flight control surface. These conditions could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA seeks public comments on a proposal to amend the regulations for issuing a standard airworthiness certificate to certain new aircraft manufactured in the United States. The proposal addresses a concern that under the current regulations, certain new aircraft are eligible for a standard airworthiness certificate without meeting the requirements of a type certificate and without having been manufactured under an FAA production approval. The intended effect of this proposal is to ensure that new aircraft manufactured in the United States that receive a standard airworthiness certificate are type certificated and manufactured under an FAA production approval. The FAA also proposes to incorporate requirements contained in laws recently passed by Congress. A holder of a type certificate or supplemental type certificate who allows another person to use the certificate would have to provide written permission to that person. In addition, any person who manufactures an aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller based on a type certificate would have to either hold the type certificate or have a licensing agreement from the holder. The proposal would also prohibit a person from altering an aircraft based on a supplemental type certificate (STC) unless the owner or operator either holds the STC or has written permission from the holder. Additionally, it would require the owner or operator of an aircraft that has been altered based on written permission to use a supplemental type certificate to retain that permission and transfer it at the time the aircraft is sold.