Federal Aviation Administration March 15, 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes; and Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitively resetting the display units (DUs) for the electronic instrument system (EIS), either by switching them off and back on again or by performing a complete electrical shutdown of the airplane. This proposed AD would require installing new software, which would end the actions required by the existing AD. This proposed AD also would add additional airplanes that may be placed on the U.S. Register in the future. This proposed AD results from an incident in which all of the DUs for the EIS went blank simultaneously during flight. We are proposing this AD to prevent automatic reset of the DUs for the EIS during flight and consequent loss of data from the DUs, which could reduce the ability of the flightcrew to control the airplane during adverse flight conditions.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect cracks and/or corrosion of the girt bar support fitting at certain main entry doors (MED), and repair or replacement of the support fitting. The existing AD also provides for various terminating actions for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would require the following additional actions: An inspection, for certain airplanes, for correct installation of square and conical washers in the girt bar support fitting; an inspection, for certain other airplanes, to determine if the washers are installed; and related investigative and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD results from a report that the square and conical washers may be installed incorrectly in the girt bar support fitting on airplanes on which the support fitting was repaired or replaced in accordance with the requirements of the existing AD. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct corrosion of the girt bar support fitting, which could result in separation of the escape slide from the lower door sill during deployment, and subsequently prevent proper operation of the escape slides at the main entry doors during an emergency. We are also proposing this AD to detect and correct incorrect installation of the square and conical washers in the girt bar support fitting, which could result in failure of the escape slide when deployed.

This action updates the name of the controlling agency for Restricted Area R-6601, Fort A.P. Hill, VA. The FAA is taking this action to reflect the correct facility name. This is an administrative change that does not alter the boundaries, designated altitudes, time of designation, or activities conducted within R-6601.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Rolls Royce plc (RR) RB211-524 series turbofan engines with certain part number (P/N) intermediate pressure compressor (IPC) stage 5 disks installed. That AD currently requires new reduced IPC stage 5 disk cyclic limits. This AD requires the same reduced IPC stage 5 disk cyclic limits, requires removal from service of affected disks that already exceed the new reduced cyclic limit, and, removal from service of other affected disks before exceeding their cyclic limits using a drawdown schedule. This AD also exempts disks reworked to RR Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-E182, Revision 1, dated July 30, 2004, and allows an on-wing eddy current inspection (ECI) on RB211-524G and RB211-524H series engines. This AD results from the manufacturer issuing a revised Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) to remove certain disks from applicability, and to allow an on-wing ECI on RB211-524G and RB211-524H series engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the IPC stage 5 disk, which could result in uncontained engine failure and possible damage to the airplane.

The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (RAC) Models 58 and G58 airplanes with optional propeller unfeathering accumulators installed. This AD requires you to inspect the left propeller accumulator oil tube assembly for any chafing; replace the propeller accumulator oil tube assembly if any chafing is found; and reposition and secure with clamps both the left engine manifold pressure hose and its metal identification tags to avoid contact with other tubes, hoses, electrical wires, parts, components, and structure. This AD results from several reports on the affected airplanes of chafing damage on the left propeller accumulator oil tube assembly. We are issuing this AD to detect, correct, and prevent any chafing damage of the left propeller accumulator oil tube assembly, which could result in loss of engine oil. Loss of engine oil may lead to fire or smoke in the engine compartment, inability to unfeather the propeller, engine damage, or loss of engine power.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to all Airbus Model A318-100 and A319-100 series airplanes, Model A320-111 airplanes, and Model A320-200, A321-100, and A321-200 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the upper and lower attachments of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) to measure for proper clearance and to detect cracks, damage, and metallic particles. The existing AD also requires corrective actions, if necessary, and reports of inspection findings. This new AD shortens the repetitive interval for inspecting the upper THSA attachment. This AD results from new test results on the secondary load path, which indicated the need to shorten the repetitive interval for inspecting the upper THSA attachment. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the THSA's primary load path, which could result in latent (undetected) loading and eventual failure of the THSA's secondary load path and consequent uncontrolled movement of the horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane.

This action revises Class E airspace at Red Dog, AK. Two new Area Navigation (RNAV) Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Special Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and an RNAV RNP Special Departure Procedure (DP) are being developed for the Red Dog Airport. This rule results in the revision of Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) and 1,200 ft. above the surface near the Red Dog Airport, Red Dog, AK.

The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) revision of a current information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on December 5, 2006, vol. 71, no. 233, page 70579. 14 CFR part 141 prescribes requirements for pilot schools certification. Information collected is used for certification and to determine compliance.