Federal Aviation Administration November 16, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for McCauley Propeller Systems models 3A32C406/82NDB-X and D3A32C409/ 82NDB-X propellers, installed on Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) IO- 520, TSIO-520, or IO-550 reciprocating engines. These propellers are herein referred to as C406 and C409 propellers, respectively. This proposed AD would require adding an operational revolutions per minute (rpm) restriction on the C406 and C409 propellers, and installing an rpm restriction placard in the cockpit. This proposed AD would also add a 10,000-hour total time-in-service (TIS) life limit for these propellers. This proposed AD would also remove from service any propeller that has 10,000 hours or more total TIS, or that has an unknown total TIS. Also, this proposed AD would require initial and repetitive propeller blade inspections for damage, and repair if necessary. This proposed AD results from testing by the manufacturer that identified stress conditions that affect the fatigue life and damage tolerance of C406 and C409 propellers, when installed on TCM IO- 520, TSIO-520, or IO-550 reciprocating engines. We are proposing this AD to prevent blade or hub failure that could result in separation of a propeller blade and loss of control of the airplane.

This notice announces the availability of and requests comments on a proposed advisory circular (AC) revision that sets forth acceptable methods of compliance with Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), part 25, concerning the crashworthiness requirements as applied to cabin interiors. Like all ACs, it is not regulatory but provides guidance for applicants in demonstrating compliance with the objective safety standards set forth in part 25. This notice is necessary to give all interested persons an opportunity to present their views on the proposed AC.

The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) renewal of a current information collection. Standards have been established for the operation of agricultural aircraft and for the dispensing of chemicals, pesticides, and toxic substances. Information collected shows applicant compliance and eligibility for certification by FAA.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all British Aerospace Model BAC 1-11 200 and 400 series airplanes. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to contain applicable AFM amendments, which advise the flightcrew of information pertaining to safely operating the fuel system. The AD also requires revising the FAA-approved maintenance program to include certain repetitive maintenance tasks intended to improve the safety of the fuel system. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent potential ignition sources inside the fuel system, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the bleed air supply ducts to determine if blanking plugs are present and a one-time inspection of the entire area of the engine nacelle for heat damage; and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires replacement of the blanking plugs with clamping devices. This AD results from heat damage in areas adjacent to the bleed air supply duct assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent rupture of the bleed air supply duct, which could lead to hot bleed air leaking into the engine controls area and result in heat damage to control cables, electrical wiring, hydraulic components, and fuel lines, and consequent fire.