Federal Aviation Administration April 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces the availability of proposed policy on a component method for demonstrating that a seat with a replacement bottom cushion complies with Sec. 25.562(c)(2). This policy addresses non-flotation monolithic (single layer) cushions.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces the availability of proposed policy on Replacing Restraint Systems on Forward and Aft Facing Seats.

This document proposes special conditions for Airbus Models A318-121 and A318-122 airplanes equipped with Pratt and Whitney PW6000 engines. These airplanes will have novel or unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes, associated with engine size and torque load, which affects sudden engine stoppage. The applicable airworthiness regulations 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 established by the existing airworthiness standards.

This action removes the description of the Class E airspace designated for Millard Airport, Annville, PA; Carlisle Airport, Carlisle, PA; Muir AAF, Fort Indiantown Gap, PA; Lancaster Airport, Lancaster, PA; Donegal Springs Airpark, Marietta, PA; Decks Airport, Myerstown, PA; Keller Brothers Airport, Lebanon, PA; York Airport, York, PA. The affected Class E-5 airspace for the airports included in these descriptions will be consolidated into the amended Harrisburg, PA airspace description contained in Docket No. FAA-2005-20057, Airspace Docket No. 05-AEA-01, effective July 7, 2005.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 193/EUROCAE Working Group 44: Terrain and Airport Databases.

The FAA is superseding two existing airworthiness directives (ADs) that apply to certain Boeing Model 747-100, -100B, 100B SUD, - 200B, -200C, -200F, and -300 series airplanes; and Model 747SP and 747SR series airplanes. One of those ADs currently requires inspections for cracked body frames, skin, and other internal structure in fuselage section 41; and repair of any cracked frame, skin, or other internal structure. For certain airplanes, the other AD currently requires inspections for cracked skin or loose or missing fasteners of the body skin between body stations 420 and 460 and between stringers S-8 and S- 12; an inspection for cracked body frames if necessary; and repair of any cracked frame or skin and replacement of any loose or missing fastener. This new AD adds inspections and removes a one-time deferral of an inspection. This AD is prompted by reports of large cracks common to fuselage frames in the upper deck area, and severed or nearly severed adjacent frames. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracks in the body frames, skin and other internal structure in fuselage section 41, which could lead to rapid decompression and loss of the structural integrity of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-100, -100B, 100B SUD, -200B, and -300 series airplanes; and Model 747SP and 747SR series airplanes. This proposed AD would replace certain requirements of an existing AD. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections to detect cracks in various areas of the upper deck floor beams, and repair if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by the results of fatigue testing that revealed severed upper chords of the upper deck floor beams due to fatigue cracking. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the upper chords of the upper deck floor beams. Undetected cracking could result in large deflection or deformation of the upper deck floor beams, resulting in damage to wire bundles and control cables for the flight control system, and reduced controllability of the airplane. Multiple adjacent severed floor beams could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Aviointeriors S.p.A. (formerly ALVEN), series 312 box mounted seats. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive inspections of the seat attachments for cracks, and if necessary, replacing the attachments. This proposed AD results from 10 reports of cracked attachments of series 312 box mounted seats. We are proposing this AD to prevent series 312 box mounted seats from detaching from the passenger compartment floor, which could result in injury to the occupant of the seat, and prevent evacuation of passengers in the event of an emergency.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes. This AD requires a one- time inspection to detect a broken terminal stud on a main relay of the electrical power generator, and corrective action if necessary. This AD is prompted by disconnection of an electrical power generator during an inspection flight, which was caused by a broken terminal stud on the main relay. We are issuing this AD to prevent a broken terminal stud on the main relay of an electrical power generator, which could reduce the redundancy of electrical power systems, result in increased pilot workload, and contribute to reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), that is applicable to Aviointeriors S.p.A. (formerly ALVEN), series 312 seats. That AD requires initial and repetitive inspections of the seat central crossmember for cracks, and if necessary, replacing the crossmember with a new crossmember. This ad requires the same actions and adds other crossmember part numbers for inspection. In addition, this AD replaces the original design crossmembers with reinforced design crossmembers as optional terminating actions to the repetitive inspections. This AD results from reports of 88 cracked seat central crossmembers and 60 aisle side crossmembers, to date; and, from the introduction of reinforced optional seat crossmembers by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent the loss of the structural integrity of the seat due to cracks in seat crossmembers, which could lead to passenger injury.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the thrust reversers for damage of the insulation blankets, the inner wall, and the compression and drag link fittings; and repair if necessary. This AD also requires applying sealant to certain areas of the thrust reverser. This AD is prompted by two reports of thrust reverser failure; investigation revealed that the inner wall of the thrust reversers had collapsed from exposure to hot engine core compartment air. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of a thrust reverser and adjacent components and their consequent separation from the airplane, which could result in a rejected takeoff (RTO) and cause asymmetric thrust and consequent loss of control of the airplane during reverse thrust operation. If an RTO does not occur, these separated components could cause structural damage to the airplane or damage to other airplanes and possible injury to people on the ground.

This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (ECF) model helicopters. This proposal would require replacing the hydraulic fluid at a specified time interval when operating in cold weather. This proposal is prompted by reports of ice forming due to condensation in some parts of the hydraulic system during cold weather operation. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent ice from forming in the hydraulic system resulting in an unintended movement of the flight controls and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas airplanes identified above. This proposed AD would require repetitive functional tests for noisy or improper operation of the exterior emergency control handle assemblies of the mid, overwing, and aft passenger doors, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also would provide for optional terminating action for the repetitive tests. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that the exterior emergency control mechanism handles were inoperative on a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 airplane. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the passenger doors to operate properly in an emergency condition, which could delay an emergency evacuation and possibly result in injury to passengers and flightcrew.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracks in the fuselage skin, doubler, bearstrap, and frames surrounding the main, forward, and aft cargo doors; and repair of any cracking. This AD also requires inspections of certain existing repairs for cracking, and related corrective action if cracking is found. This AD is prompted by reports of multiple fatigue cracks in the fuselage skin and bonded skin doubler, bearstrap, and doorway frames surrounding the forward and aft cargo doors. We are issuing this AD to find and fix fatigue cracking in the fuselage skin, doubler, bearstrap, and frames, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the frames, possible loss of a cargo door, and consequent rapid decompression of the fuselage.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 767-300 and -400ER series airplanes. This AD requires replacing the in-flight entertainment cooling card, located in the P50 card file in the main equipment center, with a new, improved cooling card. This AD is prompted by a report of an improperly designed component on the in-flight entertainment (IFE) cooling card, which may cause the IFE cooling system to incorrectly interpret signals from airplane system interfaces. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the IFE cooling card to configure itself correctly in response to input signals from airplane system interfaces during a forward cargo fire, which could result in the IFE cooling fan causing smoke to penetrate occupied areas of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and-315 airplanes. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual to include applicable procedures to follow when the flightcrew receives abnormal indications of airspeed, altitude, or vertical airspeed. This AD also requires modifying the static system. This AD is prompted by a report of a leak in the static pressure system, which could result in loss of the static systems and consequent erroneous data displayed on the pilot's flight instruments. We are issuing this AD to advise the flightcrew of applicable procedures in the event of abnormal indications of airspeed, altitude, or vertical airspeed; and to prevent leaks in the static system, which could result in the loss of critical flight information that could result in reduced controllability of the airplane or controlled flight into terrain.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection of the spoiler servo control for certain part numbers, and corrective action if necessary. This AD is prompted by a report of a broken piston rod bearing of the spoiler servo control. We are issuing this AD to prevent breakage of the piston rod bearing, which could cause loss of the associated hydraulic system and spoiler extension, and could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD), that is applicable to Hartzell Propeller Inc. (formerly TRW Hartzell Propeller) models HC-B3TN-2, HC-B3TN-3, HC-B3TN-5, HC-B4TN-3, HC-B4TN- 5, HC-B4MN-5, and HC-B5MP-3 turbopropellers. That AD requires, before further flight, that all new propellers being installed and all serviceable propellers being reinstalled, are attached using part number (P/N) B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 washers, and that the bolts are properly torqued. That AD also requires a onetime torque-check of P/N A-2047 bolts that are already installed through propellers and replacement of those bolts if necessary, with P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 washers. This AD requires the same actions, and includes the use of other equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts and washers. This AD results from the need to make nonsubstantive wording changes and additions to clarify that terminating action is achieved by attaching propellers with P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 washers or other equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts and washers, to the engine flange, as instructed in the compliance section of this AD. We are issuing this AD to preclude propeller attaching bolt failures or improperly secured propellers, which could lead to separation of the propeller from the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Goodrich De-icing and Specialty Systems ``FASTprop'' propeller de- icers, part numbers P4E1188 series, P4E1601 series, P4E2200 series, P4E2271-10, P4E2575-7, P4E2575-10, P4E2598-10, P5855BSW, P6199SW, P6592SW, P6662SW, and P6975-11, installed. This proposed AD would require inspection, repair, or replacement of those ``FASTprop'' propeller de-icers that fail visual checks before the first flight each day. This proposed AD results from reports of Goodrich ``FASTprop'' propeller de-icers becoming loose or debonded, and detaching from propeller blades during operation. We are proposing this AD to prevent Goodrich ``FASTprop'' propeller de-icers from detaching from the propeller blade, resulting in damage to the airplane and possible injury to the passengers and crewmembers.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Turbomeca Artouste III series turboshaft engines. This proposed AD would require modification of the engine air intake assembly. This proposed AD results from a report of an in-flight shutdown and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter due to ice ingestion into the engine. We are proposing this AD to prevent ice ingestion into the engine, which could lead to an in-flight shutdown and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes. This proposed AD would require the overhaul of certain auxiliary components installed on the main landing gear (MLG) and nose landing gear (NLG). This proposed AD is prompted by manufacturer determination that overhaul limits need to be imposed for certain auxiliary components of the MLG and NLG. Components that exceed the established overhaul limits could fail due to fatigue, wear, and age. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the MLG or NLG, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to flightcrew and passengers.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, - 311, and -315 airplanes. This proposed AD would require revising the airworthiness limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by incorporating new and revised structural inspection procedures and new and revised inspection intervals for the longitudinal skin joints in the fuselage pressure shell. This proposed AD would also require phase-in inspections and repair of any crack found during any phase-in inspection. This proposed AD is prompted by a report indicating that visual inspections were not adequate for detecting fatigue cracking in portions of the longitudinal skin joints in the fuselage pressure shell. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the longitudinal skin joints in the fuselage pressure shell, which could affect the structural integrity of the airplane, and result in loss of cabin pressurization during flight.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Learjet Model 23, 24, 24A, 24B, 24B-A, 24C, 24D, 24D-A, 24E, 24F, 24F-A, 25, 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, 25F, 28, 29, 31, 31A, 35, 35A (C-21A), and 36 airplanes. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the center ball of the aileron control cable or cables for a defective swage, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by a report indicating that an aileron cable failed on one affected airplane when the cable underwent a tension check. We are proposing this AD to prevent severe weakening of the aileron cable, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitively replacing and testing a certain relay of the passenger oxygen release system in the forward cabin. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of a failed relay of the passenger oxygen release system. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the relay, which could result in the oxygen masks failing to deploy and deliver oxygen to the passengers in the event of a rapid decompression or cabin depressurization.