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

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT8D-209, -217, -217A, -217C, and -219 turbofan engines. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive visual inspections for fretting and fluorescent magnetic particle inspections (FMPI) for cracking in the area of the tierod holes on 8th stage high pressure compressor (HPC) front hubs (from here on, referred to as HPC front hubs) that have operated at any time with PWA 110-21 coating. This proposed AD would require either replacing HPC front hubs and HPC disks that have operated at any time with PWA 110-21 coating and that operated in certain engine models, or, visually inspecting and FMPI for cracking of those parts and replating them if they pass inspection. This proposed AD would also require adding JT8D- 1, -1A, -1B, -7, -7A, -7B, -9, -9A, -11, -15, -15A, -17, 17A, 17R, and 17AR engines to the applicability. This proposed AD results from an investigation by PW, which concluded that any HPC front hub or HPC disk coated with PWA 110-21 that ever operated on JT8D-15, -15A, -17, -17A, -17R, -17AR, -209, -217, -217A, -217C, and -219 turbofan engines, could crack before reaching their published life limit. We are proposing this AD to prevent a rupture of an HPC front hub or an HPC disk that could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

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 or lease of the airport property. The proposal consists of two (2) parcels of land totaling approximately 68 acres. Current use and present condition is vacant grassland with intermittent wetland areas. The land is currently zoned residential. Parcel 15A was acquired under FAA Project No. 8-26-0051-02. Parcel 62 was not acquired with federal funds. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to dispose of the property. The airport desires to enter into a long-term lease to provide a long-term revenue source, or to sell the property. 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 or lease 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 State 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. This amends the Federal Register Notice published on September 1, 2005 to allow the County of Jackson, Michigan, the option to sell or lease the property requested to be released.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of the airport designated aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the release of 0.08 acres of airport property for sale to Air East Business Park, Ltd. The land consists of a parcel formerly used as the southern middle marker site for the instrument landing system (ILS) approach to Runway 23L. The parcel is 60' x 60' (3600 SF) and was acquired by the Rickenbacker Port Authority through a Quitclaim Deed dated May 11, 1999 and Deed of Correction dated April 25, 2001 from the United States of America. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to dispose of the property. There are no longer facilities located on this parcel and it is currently being used for agricultural purposes. 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. 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.

This action modifies the requirements for improved flammability characteristics of thermal/acoustic insulation used as replacements on airplanes manufactured before September 2, 2005. The FAA has recently been provided information that the rule will apply to a much broader range of components in currently operating airplanes than was originally intended. In addition, since publishing a final rule on July 31, 2003, the FAA has learned that some requirements for improved flammability covered materials do not have a significant effect on airplane fire safety. Further, in many cases, compliant replacements are not readily available. This action focuses the requirements on replacement materials that have a greater effect on safety and are readily available, and is necessary to avoid grounding of airplanes.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300-600, A310-200, and A310-300 series airplanes. This AD requires inspecting for certain serial numbers on elevators, and doing a detailed inspection, visual inspection with a low-angle light, and tap-test inspection of the upper and lower surfaces of the external skins on certain identified elevators for any damage (i.e., debonding of the graphite fiber reinforced plastic/Tedlar film protection, bulges, debonding of the honeycomb core to the carbon fiber reinforced plastic, abnormal surface reflections, and torn-out plies), and doing corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from reports of debonded skins on the elevators. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct debonding of the skins on the elevators, which could cause reduced structural integrity of an elevator and reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive visual inspections to detect corrosion on the lower rim area of the fuselage rear pressure bulkhead; and follow-on actions, if necessary. This new AD requires new repetitive inspections for corrosion on the rear pressure bulkhead between stringer (STGR) 27 (right hand) and STGR27 (left hand), and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires sending a report of certain information to the manufacturer. The AD also adds airplanes to the applicability of the existing AD. This AD results from findings of severe corrosion on airplanes previously inspected in accordance with the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion at the lower rim area of the fuselage rear pressure bulkhead, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the bulkhead, and consequent decompression of the cabin.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW4164, PW4168, and PW4168A series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive torque checks for loose or broken front pylon mount bolts made from INCO 718 material and MP159 material, and initial and repetitive visual inspections of the primary mount thrust load path. This proposed AD would require the same actions, but at reduced intervals for front pylon mount bolts made from MP159 material. This proposed AD results from analysis by the manufacturer that the MP159 material pylon bolts do not meet the full life cycle torque check interval requirement, in a bolt-out condition. We are proposing this AD to prevent front pylon mount bolt and primary mount thrust load path failure, which could result in an engine separating from the airplane.

The FAA proposes requirements for human space flight of crew and space flight participants as required by the Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004. If adopted, this rulemaking would establish requirements for crew qualifications, training, and notification. It would also establish training and informed consent requirements for space flight participants. The rulemaking would also modify existing financial responsibility requirements to account for the FAA's new authority for space flight participants and crew, and to issue experimental permits. The experimental permit is the subject of a separate rulemaking. The FAA is conducting this rulemaking in order to fulfill its responsibilities under the new act. The requirements are designed to provide an acceptable level of safety to the general public, and to notify individuals on board of the risks associated with a launch or reentry.

This document corrects information in an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A320- 111 airplanes, and Model A320-200 series airplanes. That AD currently requires a detailed inspection of the tail cone triangle to determine its position, and corrective actions if necessary. This document corrects the applicability by specifying that the AD affects only airplanes identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1132, Revision 01, dated June 19, 2002. This correction is necessary to ensure that only affected airplanes are subject to the requirements of the AD.

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 a summary of certain petitions seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. 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.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise that it is withdrawing its Notice of Intent to prepare a DEIS for proposed projects at the San Antonio International Airport, San Antonio, Texas. Proposed airport projects included the extension of Runway 3/21, extension and widening of Runway 12L/30R, potential uses of approximately 180 acres of Airport owned land and, evaluation of air traffic or procedural actions recommended in the Airport's 14 CFR part 150 Noise Compatibility Program. Widening of Runway 12L/30R and air traffic procedures recommended in the Airport's CFR Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program have been withdrawn from consideration in the EIS. Preliminary lack of significant adverse impacts from remaining proposed projects indicated that an EIS is no longer required. Instead, the City of San Antonio will prepare a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) for the use of Airport owned land, extension of Runway 3/21 and miscellaneous airport improvement projects.

The FAA publishes a monthly notice, as appropriate, of PFC approvals and disapprovals 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). This notice is published pursuant to paragraph d of Sec. 158.29.

The FAA publishes a monthly notice, as appropriate, of PFC approvals and disapprovals 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). This notice is published pursuant to paragraph (d) of Sec. 158.29.

This notice announces the availability of, and requests comments on the proposed revision to technical standard order (TSO)- C166, Extended Squitter Automatic Dependent SurveillanceBroadcast (ADS-B) and Traffic Information ServiceBroadcast (TIS-B) Equipment Operating on the Radio Frequency of 1090 Megahertz (MHz), issued September 20, 2004. The resulting changes to this proposed revised TSO tells persons seeking a TSO authorization or letter of design approval (LODA) what minimum performance standards (MPS) their extended squitter ADS-B and TIS-B equipment must meet to be identified with the applicable TSO marking.

The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-800B and DG-500MB sailplanes. This AD requires you to modify the connection of the starter ring gear to the lower drive belt pulley adapter. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. We are issuing this AD to prevent the bolts currently used to connect the starter ring gear to the drive belt pulley adapter from shearing off and the bolt heads falling into the engine compartment. Failure of this connection could render the engine inoperative. Consequently, this failure could lead to loss of control of the sailplane.

The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BURKHARDT GROB LUFT-UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH & CO KG (Burkhardt Grob) Model G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes. This AD requires you to replace the elevator lever, part number (P/N) 103-3521, with an improved design part, P/N 103-3523. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the elevator lever, which could cause the elevator lever to fail. This failure could result in loss of control of the sailplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming) models 320, 360, and 540 series, ``Parallel Valve'' reciprocating engines, with certain Engine Components Inc. (ECi) cylinder assemblies, part number (P/N) AEL65102 series ``Classic Cast'', installed. This AD requires replacing these ECi cylinder assemblies. This AD results from reports of about 30 failures of the subject cylinder assemblies marketed by ECi. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine power due to cracks in the cylinder assemblies and possible engine failure caused by separation of a cylinder head.

This amendment establishes, amends, suspends, or revokes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and/or Weather Takeoff Minimums for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, addition of new obstacles, or changes in air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318-100, A319-100, A320-200, A321-100, and A321-200 series airplanes; and Model A320-111 airplanes. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual by incorporating new procedures to follow in the event of a fuel leak. This AD results from a determination that, once a fuel leak is detected, fuel management procedures are a critical factor in limiting the consequences of the leak. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew is advised of appropriate procedures to follow in the event of a fuel leak, such as isolating the fuel tanks, stopping any fuel transfers, and landing as soon as possible. Failure to follow these procedures could result in excessive fuel loss that could cause the engines to shut down during flight.

The FAA publishes a monthly notice, as appropriate, of PFC approvals and disapprovals 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). This notice is published pursuant to paragraph d of Sec. 158.29.

This action corrects an error in the legal description of an Area Navigation (RNAV) route listed in a final rule published in the Federal Register on December 15, 2005 (70 FR 74197), Airspace Docket No. 05-ASW-2.

This amendment rescinds Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005-19- 16, which is applicable to certain Airbus Model A320-111, -211, -212, - 214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes. That AD requires installing a bonding strip between each of the two water scavenge jet pumps of the center fuel tank and the rear spar in section 21. That AD resulted from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. The requirements of that AD were intended to prevent an ignition source for fuel vapor in the wing, which could result in fire or explosion in the center wing fuel tank. Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has determined that the procedures specified in the service bulletin and French AD referenced in that AD would result in duplicate actions. Effective Date: December 22, 2005.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 207, Airport Security Access Control Systems.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-1A11 (CL-600), CL-600-2A12 (CL-601), and CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A and CL-601-3R) airplanes. This AD requires measuring to detect migration of the lower gimbal pin and inspecting for other discrepancies of the horizontal stabilizer trim actuator (HSTA). This AD also requires replacing or modifying the HSTA, as applicable. This AD results from reports of failure of the lower gimbal pin of the HSTA. We are issuing this AD to prevent migration of the lower gimbal pin of the HSTA, which could result in loss of the horizontal stabilizer and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval for the renewal of a currently approved information collection. The information will be collected from holders of FAA production approvals and selected suppliers to obtain their input on how well the agency is performing the administration and conduct of the Aircraft Certification Systems Evaluation Program (ACSEP). The Agency will use the information as a customer service standard to continually improve ACSEP. A notice was published in the Federal Register announcing our intention to request renewal of this collection on September 6, 2005, vol 70, 171, pages 53039-53040.