Federal Aviation Administration May 31, 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for GEAE CF6-45A, 45A2, -50A, -50C, -50CA, -50C1, -50C2, -50C2B, - 50C2D, -50C2F, -50C2R, -50E, -50E1, -50E2, and -50E2B turbofan engines. This proposed AD would require replacing the compressor discharge pressure (CDP) restoring spring assembly on certain main engine controls (MECs) or re-marking MECs that already incorporate GEAE Service Bulletin (SB) No. CF6-50 S/B 73-0119, dated March 21, 2005. This proposed AD results from reports of five events involving fractured CDP restoring spring assemblies. We are proposing this AD to prevent loss of engine thrust control that could lead to loss of control 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 amendment amends Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed 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 amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-76A, B, and C helicopters. This action requires a one-time ultrasonic inspection of the main rotor shaft assembly (M/R shaft) for cracking. This amendment is prompted by the discovery of cracking that occurred during the manufacturing of certain M/R shafts. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect cracking in the M/R shaft, which could result in separation of the main rotor and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.