Federal Aviation Administration 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. The existing AD currently requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the flightcrew with revised procedures for checking the flap system. The existing AD also requires revising the maintenance program to provide procedures for checking the flap system, and performing follow-on actions, if necessary. This proposed AD would require installing new flap actuators, a new or retrofitted air data computer, a new skew detection system, and new airspeed limitation placards; and revising the AFM to include revised maximum allowable speeds for flight with the flaps extended, and a new skew detection system/crosswind-related limitation for take-off flap selection. This proposed AD is prompted by a number of cases of flap system failure that resulted in a twisted outboard flap panel. We are proposing this AD to prevent an unannunciated failure of the flap system, which could result in a flap asymmetry and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain PZL-Swidnik S.A. (PZL-Swidnik) Models PW-5 ``Smyk'' and PW-6U gliders. This AD requires you to inspect for the minimum dimension of the left side aileron, right side aileron, and airbrake push-rod ends for certain Model PW-5 ``Smyk'' gliders; inspect for the minimum dimension of the aileron, airbrake, and elevator control push-rod ends for certain Model PW-6U gliders; and replace any push-rod end that does not meet the minimum dimension. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Poland. We are issuing this AD to detect and replace any push-rod end that does not meet the minimum dimension, which could result in failure of the control system. This failure could lead to loss of control of the glider.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to all Short Brothers Model SD3-30 and SD3-60 airplanes equipped with certain fire extinguishers. That AD currently requires replacement of the covers for fire extinguisher adapter assemblies that are installed on certain bulkheads with new covers that swivel to lock the extinguishers in place; and replacement of nozzles and triggers on these fire extinguishers with better fitting nozzles and stronger triggers. The existing AD also currently requires the installation of new fire extinguisher point placards and a revision of the airplane flight manual (AFM) to instruct the flightcrew in the use of the new covers for these adapter assemblies. This new AD also requires modification of the fire extinguishing point adapter assembly of the forward and aft baggage bays as applicable. This new AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. For these new airplanes, this new AD requires a revision to the AFM for instructions on using the new fire extinguisher adapter. This AD results from reports of individuals experiencing fire extinguishant blowback when the extinguishant discharges through the fire extinguishing point adapters. We are issuing this AD to prevent fire extinguishant blowback, which could result in injury to a person using the fire extinguisher in the event of a fire.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342 airplanes; and Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracks of the inboard lower flange and radius of the left- and right-hand outboard floor beams at frame (FR) 48, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from reports that cracks were found during fatigue tests at the attachment between the canted lower flange of the floor beam and the pressure diaphragm in front of FR48 on both left- and right-hand floor beams; and that an additional crack was found in the flange radius of the floor beam. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could propagate and result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A320-111 airplanes and Model A320-200 series airplanes. This 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. This AD results from the results of fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent an ignition source for fuel vapor in the wing, which could result in fire or explosion in the center wing fuel tank.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318-100, A319-100, A320-200, A321-100, and A321- 200 series airplanes; and Model A320-111 airplanes. This AD requires modification of the electrical bonding of all structures and systems installed inside the center fuel tank. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent electrical arcing in the center fuel tank due to inadequate bonding, which could result in an explosion of the center fuel tank and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A321-100 and -200 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing the crashworthiness pins on the side-stay of the main landing gear (MLG) with new pins having an increased internal notch diameter. This proposed AD results from testing on the side-stay crashworthiness pins on the MLG, which revealed that, in the case of an emergency landing, the crashworthiness pins installed will not ensure a correct MLG collapse. We are proposing this AD to prevent a punctured fuel tank, which could cause damage to the airplane or injury to passengers.

This notice announces the issuance of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policy for certification of bonded structures. This notice is necessary to advise the public, especially manufacturers of normal, and acrobatic category airplanes, and commuter category airplanes and their suppliers, that the FAA has adopted a policy on bonded joints and structures.

This action establishes Domestic Very High Frequency Omni- directional Range (VOR) Federal Airway V-19 northeast of the Cincinnati, OH, VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC). The FAA is taking this action to reduce congestion on VOR Federal Airway V-5 between Columbus, OH, and Cincinnati, OH, and to enhance the management of aircraft operations over the Cincinnati, OH area.

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 October 13, 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 intending 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 supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 747-200C and -200F series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections to find fatigue cracking in the upper chord of the upper deck floor beams, and repair if necessary. For certain airplanes, the existing AD also provides an optional repair/modification, which extends certain repetitive inspection intervals. This proposed AD would reduce the compliance time for all initial inspections and reduce the repetitive interval for a certain inspection. This proposed AD is prompted by new reports of cracks in the upper deck floor beams occurring at lower flight cycles. We are proposing this AD to find and fix cracking in certain upper deck floor beams. Such cracking could extend and sever floor beams at a floor panel attachment hole location and could result in rapid decompression and loss of controllability of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain transport category airplanes, identified above. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracks of the doorjamb corners of the main cargo door, and repair if necessary. This proposed AD also provides an optional preventive modification that extends certain repetitive intervals. This proposed AD results from reports of cracks in the fuselage skin at the corners of the doorjamb for the main cabin cargo door. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracks in the fuselage skin, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.

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.

This action codifies the requirements of the Advanced Qualification Program (AQP). Currently, the AQP requirements are in a Special Federal Aviation Regulation that expires on October 2, 2005. The AQP will continue as an alternative regulatory program for airlines seeking more flexibility in training than the traditional training program allows. The intended effect of this rule is to codify the AQP as a permanent, alternative method of compliance with the FAA's training requirements for carriers.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Turbomeca Arrius 2 F turboshaft engines. This AD requires removing from service certain serial number (SN) fuel control units (FCUs) or replacing the constant delta pressure diaphragm in those FCUs. This AD results from a report of an accident in July 2005 involving a Eurocopter EC120B helicopter. We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncommanded engine in-flight shutdown on a single-engine helicopter, resulting in a forced autorotation landing or an accident.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the dual side braces (DSBs), underwing midspar fittings, and associated parts; other specified actions; and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also provides an optional terminating action for the inspections and other specified actions. This AD is prompted by reports of corroded, migrated, and rotated bearings for the DSBs in the inboard and outboard struts, a report of a fractured retainer for the eccentric bushing for one of the side links of a DSB, and reports of wear and damage to the underwing midspar fitting on the outboard strut. We are issuing this AD to prevent the loss of a DSB or underwing midspar fitting load path, which could result in the transfer of loads and motion to other areas of a strut, and possible separation of a strut and engine from the airplane during flight.

The FAA is revising an earlier NPRM for an airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus airplanes as listed above. The original NPRM would have required repetitively inspecting for cracking in the web of nose rib 7 of the inner flap on the wings, and performing related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. The original NPRM was prompted by reports of cracking in the web of nose rib 7 of the inner flap. This action revises the original NPRM by adding additional inspections for cracking in the web of nose rib 7 of the inner flap on the wings, and revising compliance times for certain airplanes. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to detect and correct cracking in the web of nose rib 7, which could result in rupture of the attachment fitting between the inner flap and flap track no. 2, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the flap.

The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) Model 390 airplanes. This AD requires you to replace the rudder pedal arm assemblies used in the rudder control system with parts of improved design. This AD results from reports of cracks found on the rudder pedal arm assemblies. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the rudder pedal arm assemblies caused by fatigue cracks. This failure could lead to loss of rudder control, loss of nose gear steering, and loss of toe brakes on the side on which the failure occurs.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public that it is withdrawing its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to consider a proposed taxiway to runway conversion and a new air carrier runway at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans, Louisiana.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Hamburger Flugzeugbau G.m.b.H. Model HFB 320 HANSA airplanes. This proposed AD would require revising the Limitations Section of the Airplane Flight Manual to prohibit operation of the airplane past its designed life limit for the primary structure, which is 15,000 flight hours or 15,000 fight cycles, whichever occurs first; and to require contacting the FAA for approval of analysis that the airplane is safe to continue operation beyond the designed life limit. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that all airplanes in operation might have met or exceeded the designed life limit for the primary structure. We are proposing this AD to prevent continued operation of an airplane beyond its designed life limit for the primary structure, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the laminated shims for cracks, damage, or extrusion between the forward attachment fittings of the horizontal stabilizer and the top rib of the vertical stabilizer; a torque check of the attachment bolts in the attachment fittings of the front, middle, and rear spars; and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from a report indicating that delaminated shims extruded from the interface between the forward attaching fittings of horizontal stabilizer and the top rib of the vertical stabilizer, and that inadequate torque values of some bolts were found. We are proposing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer, and consequent loss of controllability of the airplane.

The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing to withdraw a final rule published on September 15, 2000 that would have amended the reporting requirements for certificate holders concerning failures, malfunctions, and defects of aircraft, aircraft engines, systems, and components. The effective date of this final rule has been delayed several times and is now January 31, 2006. We are proposing to withdraw this rule to allow the FAA time to re-examine the service difficulty report (SDR) program based on comments received and other developments since the final rule was published. We are also proposing several amendments that improve the existing SDR program because they did not receive significant comment when proposed in the final rule.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual to incorporate new procedures for the flightcrew to follow to correct miscalculation of the takeoff and accelerating or stopping distance of the airplane during a ferry flight under certain conditions. This AD results from a report that a software error could result in a miscalculation (underestimation) of the runway length necessary for takeoff in the case of a ferry flight with one engine not operating. We are issuing this AD to prevent this miscalculation, which, if combined with high takeoff weight, too-short runway length, and high altitude and temperature of the airport, could result in inability of the flightcrew to abort the takeoff in a safe manner, reduced controllability of the airplane, and runway overrun.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all EMBRAER Model EMB-110P1 and EMB-110P2 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for corrosion or cracking of the rotating cylinder assembly in the nose landing gear (NLG), and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires the eventual replacement of the rotating cylinder assembly with a new part, which terminates the need for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from reports of corrosion on the NLG rotating cylinder assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks from emanating from corrosion pits in the NLG rotating cylinder assembly, which could result in failure of the NLG.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to all Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. That AD currently requires either determining exposure to runway deicing fluids containing potassium formate, or performing repetitive inspections of certain electrical connectors in the wheel well of the main landing gear (MLG) for corrosion, and follow-on actions. This new AD adds a new inspection requirement and related corrective actions. This AD is prompted by additional reports indicating that significant corrosion of the electrical connectors in the wheel well of the MLG has also been found on airplanes that land on runways treated with deicing fluids containing potassium acetate. We are issuing this AD to prevent corrosion and subsequent moisture ingress into the electrical connectors, which could result in an electrical short and consequent incorrect functioning of critical airplane systems essential to safe flight and landing of the airplane, including fire warning systems.