Federal Aviation Administration May 9, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-13- 04, which applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd (Pilatus) Model PC-6 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) up to and including 939. AD 2003-13-04 currently requires you to inspect the integral fuel tank wing ribs for cracks and the top and bottom wing skins for distortion, repair any cracks or distortion before further flight, and do a fuel tank ventilating system installation. Since we issued AD 2003-13-04, the FAA determined the action should also apply to all the models of the PC-6 airplanes listed in the type certification data sheet of Type Certificate (TC) No. 7A15 that are produced in the United States through a licensing agreement between Pilatus and Fairchild Republic Company (also identified as Fairchild Industries, Fairchild Heli Porter, or Fairchild-Hiller Corporation). In addition, the intent of the applicability of AD 2003-13-04 was to apply to all the affected serial numbers of the airplane models listed in TC No. 7A15. Consequently, this proposed AD would retain all the actions of AD 2003- 13-04, would add those Fairchild Republic Company airplanes to the applicability of this proposed AD, and would list out the individual specific airplane models. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the ribs of the inboard integral fuel tanks in the left and right wings, which could lead to wing failure during flight.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, and 747SR series airplanes. This proposed AD would require doing repetitive inspections of engine struts 1 through 4, as applicable, for heat discoloration, cracking, buckling, or wrinkling. This proposed AD also would require a conductivity test to detect the extent of the heat damage and an inspection to detect cracking of the heat-discolored, buckled, or wrinkled area; and repair; if necessary. This proposed AD results from reports of heat damage and cracking of the skin and internal structure adjacent to and aft of the precooler exhaust vent on several engine struts. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking, buckling, wrinkling, or heat damage of the skin and internal structure of the engine struts, which could result in extensive damage to the engine struts and consequent possible separation of an engine from the airplane during flight.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Raytheon (Beech) Model 400 and 400A series airplanes. This proposed AD would require, among other actions, reviewing the airplane logbook to determine whether certain generator control unit (GCU) installation kits are installed, and replacing any incorrect GCU. This proposed AD results from reports of over-voltage conditions of the direct current (DC) starter generator. We are proposing this AD to prevent such over-voltage conditions due to the incompatibility between certain GCUs, which could result in the loss of normal electrical power, damage to some electrical components, or blown fuses during flight, and consequent unrecoverable loss of some or all essential equipment.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-700 and 737-800 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require performing a one-time high frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of the backup intercostals located above the cutout for the forward airstair door; doing related investigative and corrective actions if any crack is found; and doing other specified corrective actions if no crack is found. This proposed AD results from a report of fatigue cracks discovered during a full- scale fatigue test conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in more extensive fatigue cracking and lead to possible loss of cabin pressure.

This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all of the airplanes identified above. That proposed AD would have required repetitive inspections to detect breaks in the bottom flange fitting of the ram air turbine (RAT); and corrective actions, if necessary. This new action revises the proposed AD by proposing to remove the requirement to repeat the inspections and, instead, revising the FAA-approved maintenance program to include a new Airplane Maintenance Manual task that specifies a detailed inspection after each RAT extension. This new action also proposes to require, for certain airplanes, an adjustment of the ejection jack; and, for certain other airplanes, replacement of the aluminum part with an improved steel part; these actions would terminate the inspection requirements of the earlier proposed AD. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the RAT yoke fitting, which could result in the loss of RAT function and possible loss of critical flight control in the event of certain emergency situations. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of the airport designated aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and authorize the release of approximately 70.463 acres of airport property. Approximately 69.903 acres of the property will be used as dedicated road right-of-way associated with Phase 1B of the Alum Creek Drive Extension to Franklin County for public transportation purposes. The remaining 0.56 acres of land will be used for land exchange with South Central Power Company. A small portion of the land is currently developed with existing roadways and four existing structures that formerly supported military base activities. The parcel was acquired by the Rickenbacker Port Authority through three agreements (Quitclaim Deeds) dated March 30, 1984, September 22, 2003 and May 16, 2005 from the United States of America. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to dispose of the property. The roadways currently support civilian airport activities. The present condition of the existing roadway pavements varies from poor to excellent. The present condition of the four existing structures are: Building 904Sanitary sewer lift station for military cantonment area is currently in use, is in fair condition and will remain in use; Building 905 (Warehouse/Tank Control)not in use, to be demolished; Building 906 (Warehouse Tank port)Not in use, to be demolished; Building 812 (Former Base Exchange)Not in use, to be demolished. 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.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by the City of Portland under the provisions of Title I of the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-193) and 14 CFR part 150. These findings are made in recognition of the description of federal and non- federal responsibilities in Senate Report No. 96-51 (1980). On September 9, 2005, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by the City of Portland under part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements. On March 8, 2006, the Acting Associate Administrator approved the Portland International Jetport noise compatibility program. All 13 of the proposed program elements were approved.

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.