Federal Aviation Administration March 30, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice proposes special conditions for the Bombardier Aerospace Models BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 Global Express airplanes. These airplanes, as modified by Bombardier Aerospace Corporation, will have an Enhanced Flight Visibility System (EFVS). The EFVS is a novel or unusual design feature which consists of a head up display (HUD) system modified to display forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imagery. The regulations applicable to pilot compartment view do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that provided by the existing airworthiness standards.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This proposed AD would require modifying the auxiliary power unit (APU) exhaust duct in the environmental control system (ECS) bay; installing new, improved insulation on this APU exhaust duct; and replacing the existing drain pipe with a new exhaust drain pipe blank. This proposed AD is prompted by a determination that the temperature of the skin of the APU exhaust duct in the ECS bay is higher than the certificated maximum temperature for this area. We are proposing this AD to prevent the potential for ignition of fuel or hydraulic fluid, which could leak from pipes running through the ECS bay. Ignition of these flammable fluids could result in a fire in the ECS bay.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain EMBRAER Model EMB-145 and -135 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing the horizontal stabilizer control unit (HSCU) with a modified and reidentified or new, improved HSCU. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would also require related concurrent actions as necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of loss of the pitch trim system due to a simultaneous failure of both channels of the HSCU. We are proposing this AD to prevent loss of pitch trim and reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF series airplanes. This proposed AD would require an inspection of each trailing edge flap transmission assembly to determine the part number and serial number, and related investigative and corrective actions and part marking if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by a report indicating that cracked flap transmission output gears have been discovered during routine overhaul of the trailing edge flap transmission assemblies. We are proposing this AD to prevent an undetected flap skew, which could result in a flap loss, damage to adjacent airplane systems, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the attachment fittings of the outboard flap front spar at flap track Number 4 and Number 5 locations, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also would require eventual replacement of the attachment fittings as terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD is prompted by the discovery of several airplanes that have loose flap front spar attachment fittings at flap track Number 4 and Number 5 locations. We are proposing this AD to prevent the attachment fittings from becoming detached, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Bombardier Model DHC-8-101, -102, - 103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires installation of a placard on the instrument panel of the cockpit to advise the flightcrew that positioning of the power levers below the flight idle stop during flight is prohibited. Additionally, the existing AD requires eventual installation of an FAA- approved system that would prevent such positioning of the power levers during flight. Installation of that system terminates the requirement for installation of a placard. This proposed AD would require operators who have incorporated a certain Bombardier service bulletin to perform repetitive operational checks of the beta lockout system and to revise the Airworthiness Limitations document. This proposed AD is prompted by in-service issues reported by operators who incorporated Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-76-24 as an alternative method of compliance to the existing AD. We are proposing this AD to prevent the inadvertent activation of ground beta mode during flight, which could lead to engine overspeed, engine damage or failure, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA is proposing to codify the requirements of the Advanced Qualification Program (AQP). The AQP would continue as a regulatory alternative program to the traditional training program. AQP would continue to be an alternative for airlines that seek more flexibility in training than the traditional training program allows. Currently, the AQP requirements are in a Special Federal Aviation Regulation that expires on October 2, 2005. The intended effect of this proposal is to make AQP a permanent, alternative method of complying with FAA's training requirements for carriers.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires inspection of the outer cylinder of the main landing gear (MLG) to determine the serial number; an ultrasonic inspection of the outer cylinder of the MLG for cracks if necessary; and applicable specified and corrective actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by reports indicating that two outer cylinders were found fractured in the weld area. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks or defects that could result in a fracture of the outer cylinder of the MLG, which could lead to collapse of the MLG during landing.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF6-45A, CF6-50A, CF6-50C, and CF6-50E series turbofan engines that have not incorporated GE Service Bulletin (SB) No. CF6-50 S/B 72-1239, Revision 1, dated September 24, 2003, or that have not incorporated paragraph 3.B. of GE SB No. CF6-50 S/B 72- 1239, original issue, dated May 29, 2003. This AD requires inspecting the stage 1 low pressure turbine (LPT) blades for damage and replacement of the LPT module if necessary. This AD results from a report of a stud that separated from a turbine mid frame (TMF) strut and from an updated analysis of strut stud failures. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained failure of the engine and possible damage to the airplane caused by failure of TMF strut studs.