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

This final rule replaces Special Federal Aviation Regulation 100 (SFAR 100). SFAR 100 allowed Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO) to accept expired flight instructor certificates, expired inspection authorizations for renewals, and expired airman written test reports for certain practical tests from U.S. military and civilian personnel (U.S. personnel) who are assigned outside the United States in support of U.S. Armed Forces operations. This action is necessary to avoid penalizing these U.S. personnel who are unable to meet the regulatory time limits of their flight instructor certificate, inspection authorization, or airman written test report because they are serving outside the United States. The effect of this action is to give these U.S. personnel extra time to meet the eligibility requirements under the current rules.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the FAA invites public comment on one new public information collection which will be submitted to OMB for approval.

These special conditions are issued to Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH, N.A. Otto-Strasse 5, A-2700 Wiener Neistadt, Austria; telephone: 43 2622 26 700; facsimile: 43 2622 26 780, as part of the FAA Type Validation of the Diamond Aircraft Industries Model DA-42. This airplane will have novel and unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisaged in the applicable airworthiness standards. These novel and unusual design features include the installation of a Garmin Model G-1000 electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) display, and digital engine controls. The applicable regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate airworthiness standards for the protection of these systems from the effects of high intensity radiated fields (HIRF). These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to the airworthiness standards applicable to these airplanes.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Boeing Model 727 airplanes equipped with an auxiliary fuel tank having a fuel pump installed. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual to include limitations on operating the fuel pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank. This AD is prompted by a design review of the fuel pump installation, which revealed a potential unsafe condition related to the auxiliary fuel tank(s). We are issuing this AD to prevent dry operation of the fuel pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank, which could create a potential ignition source inside the auxiliary fuel tank that could result in a fire or explosion of the auxiliary fuel tank.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive borescope inspections of the left and right fuel tanks of the trimmable horizontal stabilizers (trim tanks) for detached or damaged float valves; related investigative/corrective actions if necessary; and the eventual replacement of all float valves in the left and right trim tanks with new, improved float valves, which terminates the need for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would also require repetitive replacement of certain new, improved float valves. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of detached and damaged float valves in the trim tanks. We are proposing this AD to prevent, in the event of a lightning strike to the horizontal stabilizer, sparking of metal parts and debris from detached and damaged float valves, or a buildup of static electricity, which could result in ignition of fuel vapors and consequent fire or explosion.

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.

This document confirms the effective date of the direct final rule which revises Class E airspace at Columbus, NE.

These special conditions are issued for the Diamond Aircraft Industries (DAI) DA-42 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with the installation of a diesel cycle engine utilizing turbine (jet) fuel. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for installation of this new technology engine. These 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.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by Sanford Airport Authority for Orlando Sanford 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.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Turbomeca Arriel 1B, 1D, 1D1 and 1S1 turboshaft engines. This proposal would require initial and repetitive position checks of the gas generator 2nd stage turbine blades on all Turbomeca Arriel 1B, 1D, 1D1 and 1S1 turboshaft engines, and replacement of 2nd stage turbines on 1B and 1D1 engines only. This proposal is prompted by the release of gas generator 2nd stage turbine blades while in service, with full containment of debris. We are proposing this AD to prevent an uncommanded engine in flight shutdown.

This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) Model R22 series helicopters. The AD would require replacing each main rotor blade (blade) droop and teeter stop (stop) and teeter stop bracket (bracket) and associated hardware with redesigned and improved airworthy parts. This proposal is prompted by an in-flight break up of a helicopter on which both brackets failed. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the stops and brackets, blade contact with the airframe, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes, that requires replacing existing ceiling and sidewall light connectors in the passenger cabin with new connectors, and follow-on actions. This action is necessary to prevent overheating of the light connectors, which could result in smoke and a possible fire in the passenger cabin. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 airplanes, that requires performing repetitive inspections of the shear attachment fittings of the vertical stabilizer for corrosion, and performing corrective actions if necessary. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct corrosion in the area of the main spar web fittings of the vertical stabilizer, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the vertical stabilizer. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes, that would have required performing repetitive inspections of the electrical harnesses of the spoiler and the brake pressure sensor unit on both sides of the wing root to detect any chafing or wire damage, and repairing or replacing any damaged or chafed harness or wire with a new harness, as applicable. This new action revises the proposed rule by expanding the applicability to include additional airplanes, deleting the repetitive inspections, and by adding a terminating modification for the one-time inspection. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to detect and correct chafing of the electrical cables of the spoiler and brake pressure sensor unit on both sides of the wing root, which could result in loss of flight control system and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain SAFT America Inc. part number (P/N) 021929-000 (McDonnell Douglas P/N 43B034LB02) and P/N 021904-000 (McDonnell Douglas P/N 43B034LB03) nickel cadmium batteries. That AD currently requires replacing all battery terminal screws, verifying that the battery contains design specification cells, and replacing the cells if the battery contains non-design specification cells. This new AD requires an inspection for certain nickel cadmium batteries and, if necessary, replacing battery terminal screws with new hex head bolts and adding shims. This AD is prompted by a report of battery screws shearing off while under normal torque loads. We are issuing this AD to prevent internal shorting, arcing, and loss of emergency battery power due to failed battery screws, which could result in loss of emergency power to electrical flight components or other emergency power systems required in the event of loss of the aircraft primary power source.

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the clevis end of the vertical tie rods that support the center stowage bins to measure the exposed thread, installation of placards that advise of weight limits for certain electrical racks, a one-time inspection and records check to determine the amount of weight currently installed in those electrical racks, corrective actions, and replacement of the vertical tie rods for the center stowage bins or electrical racks with new improved tie rods, as applicable. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the vertical tie rods supporting certain electrical racks and the center stowage bins, which could cause the center stowage bins or electrical racks to fall onto passenger seats below during an emergency landing, impeding an emergency evacuation or injuring passengers. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes. This AD requires modifying the wiring of the autopilot pitch torque limiter switch. This AD is prompted by several reports of pitch trim disconnect caused by insufficient length in the wiring to the pitch torque limiter lever. We are issuing this AD to prevent possible trim loss when the flightcrew tries to override the autopilot pitch control, which could result in uncontrolled flight of the airplane.

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Boeing Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of certain fuselage skin panels located just aft of the wheel well, and repair if necessary. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the skin panels, which could cause rapid decompression of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Kaltag, AK to provide adequate controlled airspace to contain aircraft executing two new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and two new departure procedures. This rule results in new Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) and 1,200 ft. above the surface at Kaltag, AK.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Coldfoot, AK to provide adequate controlled airspace to contain aircraft executing two new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and a new departure procedure. This rule results in new Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) above the surface at Coldfoot, AK.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Bob Baker Memorial Airport, Kiana, AK, to provide adequate controlled airspace to contain aircraft executing two new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and a departure procedure. This rule results in new Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) and 1,200 ft. above the surface at Bob Baker Memorial Airport, Kiana, AK.

This action proposes to revise the Class E airspace at Yakutat, AK. Three new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) are being published for Yakutat, AK. Additional Class E airspace is needed to contain aircraft executing instrument approaches at Yakutat Airport. Adoption of this proposal would result in additional Class E airspace upward from 1,200 feet (ft.) above the surface at Yakutat, AK.

This action proposes to revise the Class E airspace at Prospect Creek, AK. An airspace evaluation has concluded that additional airspace is required to fully contain aircraft executing Special Instrument Approaches Procedures at Prospect Creek Airport. Adoption of this proposal would result in the revision of Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) above the surface at Prospect Creek, AK.