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

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 a one-time inspection for scribe lines and cracks in the fuselage skin at certain lap joints, butt joints, external repair doublers, and other areas; and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of fuselage skin cracks adjacent to the skin lap joints on airplanes that had scribe lines. Scribe line damage can also occur at many other locations, including butt joints, external doublers, door scuff plates, the wing-to-body fairing, and areas of the fuselage where decals have been applied or removed. We are proposing this AD to prevent rapid decompression of the airplane due to fatigue cracks resulting from scribe lines on pressurized fuselage structure.

This action modifies Federal Airway 208 (V-208) by changing the originating point of the airway from the Santa Catalina, CA, Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) to the Ventura, CA, VORTAC. This modification extends V-208 by incorporating a route segment that air traffic control (ATC) frequently assigns to aircraft arriving in the Los Angeles, CA, terminal area. This action will enhance air safety, simplify routings, and reduce controller workload in the Southern California area.

The FAA is correcting a typographical error in an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that was published in the Federal Register on March 14, 2005 (70 FR 12401). The error resulted in specifying a non-existing part number. This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-300, - 400, and -500 series airplanes modified in accordance with STC ST00127BO. This AD requires installation of bonding straps to the safe side harnesses of the digital transient suppression device of the fuel quantity indicating system.

Pursuant to FAA's rulemaking provisions governing the application, processing, and disposition of petitions for exemption, part 11 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), this notice contains the disposition of certain petitions previously received. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of any petition or its final disposition.

On December 27, 2004, the FAA published a direct final rule to remove the requirement for a pyrotechnic signaling device required for aircraft operated for hire over water and beyond power off gliding distance from shore for air carriers operating under part 121 unless it is a part of a required life raft. All other operators continue to be required to have onboard one pyrotechnic signaling device if they operate aircraft for hire over water and beyond power off gliding distance from shore. The rule was effective February 7, 2005.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing brackets that hold the P5 panel to the airplane structure, the standby compass bracket assembly, the generator drive and standby power module, and the air conditioning module. This proposed AD also would require, among other actions, inspecting for wire length and for damage of the connectors and the wire bundles, and doing applicable corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by an electrical burning smell in the flight compartment. We are proposing this AD to prevent wire bundles from contacting the overhead dripshield panel and modules in the P5 overhead panel, which could result in electrical arcing and shorting of the electrical connector and consequent loss of several critical systems essential for safe flight.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the application to impose and use the revenue from a PFC at Arcata Airport, under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 40117 and Part 158 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 158).

This notice proposes to establish Class E airspace area at Sutton, WV. The development of a Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) based on area navigation (RNAV) to serve flights into Braxton County Airport, Sutton, WV under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) has made this proposal necessary. Controlled airspace extending upward from 700 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) is needed to contain aircraft executing the approach. The area would be depicted on aeronautical charts for pilot reference.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dornier Model 328-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require modifying the electrical wiring of the fuel pumps; installing insulation at the flow control and shut-off valves, and other components of the environmental control system; installing markings at fuel wiring harnesses; replacing the wiring harness of the auxiliary fuel system with a new wiring harness; and installing insulated couplings in the fuel system; as applicable. This proposed AD also would require revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new inspections of the fuel tank system. This proposed AD is prompted by the results of fuel system reviews conducted by the airplane manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the agency has published six amendments and has held one public meeting on standards for reinforcing flightdeck doors. The FAA sought public comments for each amendment, but all six were effective immediately on publication. The agency disposed of some comments that related specifically to the reinforced door requirements in later amendments. This action disposes of the remaining comments.

This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, part 71 (14 CFR 71) by revising Class E airspace areas at Columbus, NE. A review of the Class E airspace surface area and the Class E airspace area extending upward from 700 feet above ground level (AGL) at Columbus, NE reveals neither area complies with criteria for extensions nor reflects the current Airport reference point (ARP) for the Columbus Municipal Airport. Also, the legal descriptions of both areas are not in proper format. These airspace areas and their legal descriptions are modified to conform to the criteria in FAA Orders.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of the airport from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the sale of the airport property. The proposal consists of 2 parcels of land totaling approximately 6.13 acres. Current use and present condition is as an overflow parking area for car rental vehicles on the southern portion of subject parcels. The northern portion of subject parcels is vacant, unimproved land. The land was not acquired with federal funds. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to dispose of the property. The proposal concerns selling the land to a corporation that will construct a commercial office building on the site. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the disposal of the subject airport property nor a determination of eligibility for grant-in-aid funding from the FAA. The disposition of proceeds from the disposal of the airport property will be in accordance FAA's Policy and Procedures Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, published in the Federal Register on February 16, 1999. In accordance with section 47107(h) of title 49, United States Code, this notice is required to be published in the Federal Register 30 days before modifying the land-use assurance that requires the property to be used for an aeronautical purpose.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Model 750 airplanes. The AD requires repetitive inspections for clearance and chafing of an auxiliary power unit (APU) fuel tube assembly in the tail cone area of the airplane, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires replacing the APU fuel line. This AD is prompted by reports of chafed APU fuel tubes leaking into the tail cone area due to interference between the fuel tube assembly and elevator flight control cables, hydraulic lines, and high-temperature bleed air couplings. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct this interference, which could result in chafing, fuel leaking into an area where ignition sources are present, and possible fire in an area without fire detection or extinguishing provisions.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Boeing Model 707 airplanes and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. That AD currently requires a preventive modification of the front spar fitting on the outboard engine nacelle. This new AD removes the requirement to do this preventive modification, and requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the front spar fitting of the inboard and outboard nacelle struts, and replacement of any cracked fitting with a new fitting. This AD also applies to more airplanes. This AD is prompted by a report indicating that a crack was found in a front spar fitting that had been replaced as part of the modification required by the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct this cracking, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the engine nacelle, and consequent separation of an engine from the airplane.

This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Cessna Model 650 airplanes, that would have required repetitive replacement of the horizontal stabilizer primary trim actuator assembly (HSTA) with a repaired assembly. This new action revises the proposed rule by removing the requirement for repetitive replacement of the HSTA; adding a requirement to inspect to determine the part number of the actuator control unit (ACU) and replace the ACU with a new, improved ACU if necessary; and adding a requirement to revise the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual. This new action also revises the applicability to include all Model 650 airplanes. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to prevent uncommanded movement of the horizontal stabilizer, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A320 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require installing insulator and cable ties to the electrical cables of the S routes at the gaps in the raceway in the wing trailing edge and the wing tip and wing root areas. This proposed AD is prompted by the results of fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent injection of high voltage current into the low voltage wiring that passes through the fuel tanks, which could result in a possible fuel tank explosion.

This notice announces the issuance of change 1 to Advisory Circular (AC) 23-21, Airworthiness Compliance Checklists Used to Substantiate Major Alterations for Small Airplanes. The most significant change is a revision in all locations to the signature required so the aircraft may be returned to service after major alteration. The Aviation Safety Inspector in the Flight Standards District Office must now sign instead of an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic. Other changes were minor.

On October 1, 1999, the FAA amended the regulations governing takeoff and landing slots and slot allocation procedures at certain High Density Traffic Airports as a result of the ``Open Transborder'' Agreement between the Government of the United States and the Government of Canada. One element of this final rule established that the deadline for submission of requests for international slots will be published in a Federal Register notice for each scheduling season. The purpose of the amendment is for the FAA deadline for international slots requests to coincide with the International Air Transport Association deadline for submission of international requests. In accordance with this amendment, the FAA announces in this notice that the deadline for submitting requests for international slots at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for allocation under 14 CFR 93.217 is May 12, 2005. Additionally, the FAA has designated Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (O'Hare) as a Level 2, Schedules Facilitated Airport under the IATA Guidelines. As such, the FAA requests carriers intening to conduct international service to O'Hare submit their intended schedules following the same procedures used for submitting requests for slots at JFK.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the application to impose and impose and use a PFC at McCarran International Airport, and use the revenue of a PFC at McCarran International Airport, Henderson Executive Airport, and North Las Vegas Airport under the provisions of the Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 (Title IX of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990) (Pub. L. 101-508) and part 158 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 158).

The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain CENTRAIR 101 series gliders. This AD requires you to replace non- strengthened rudder pedals with reinforced rudder pedals. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for France. We are issuing this AD to replace the non-strengthened rudder pedals and to prevent failure of the rudder controls. This failure could lead to loss of directional control of the glider.

The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pilatus Aircraft Limited (Pilatus) Models B4-PC11, B4-PC11A, and B4- PC11AF sailplanes. This AD requires you to repetitively inspect the control-column support for cracks and, if any cracks are found, replace the control-column support with a new support. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the control-column support, which could result in failure of the support. This failure could lead to loss of the primary flight control system.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by the City of Flagstaff for Flagstaff Pulliam Airport under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47501 et seq. (Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act) and 14 CFR part 150 are in compliance with applicable requirements.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority for Nashville International Airport under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47501 et seq. (Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act) and 14 CFR part 150 are in compliance with applicable requirements.

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series airplanes, that requires replacement of certain hydraulic hoses with new hydraulic hoses. This action is necessary to prevent cracking and/ or rupture and subsequent failure of hydraulic hoses. Such failure could result in loss of hydraulic pressure and fluid quantity, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for cracks in the crease beam and adjacent structure of the fuselage, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by fatigue cracks found in the crease beam during a follow-on inspection of a previously installed modification. We are issuing this AD to find and fix fatigue cracking of the fuselage frame, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the frame and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.