Federal Aviation Administration May 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.

This final rule will revise the Class E airspace at Laramie, WY. Additional controlled airspace is necessary for the safety of aircraft executing an instrument approach procedure (IAP), and executing a new holding pattern published at Laramie Regional Airport, Laramie, WY. Additionally, this action reflects a change in the airport name from General Brees Field to Laramie Regional Airport.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC- 10) airplanes, Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes, and Model MD-10- 30F airplanes. This AD requires installing bracket assemblies and jumper wires in the center main wheel well to improve the bonding path between the structure (wall) of the lower auxiliary fuel tank and its internal fuel pumps; measuring the electrical resistance between the fuel pump housings and the fuel tank structure; and doing corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct an inadequate bond between the internal fuel pump housings and the structure of the lower auxiliary fuel tank. This condition, if not corrected, could fail to meet fault current requirements and result in a potential ignition source that, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could cause a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. That AD currently requires inspections of the lower door surrounding structure to detect cracks and corrosion; inspections to detect cracking of the holes of the corner doublers, the fail-safe ring, and the door frames of the door structures; and repair if necessary. That AD also currently provides for optional terminating action for certain inspections. This new AD retains all requirements of the existing AD, mandates the previously optional terminating action, and reduces the applicability of the existing AD. This AD results from a determination that further rulemaking is necessary to improve the fatigue behavior of the cabin door surroundings. We are issuing this AD to prevent corrosion between the scuff plates at exit and cargo doors and fatigue cracks originating from certain fastener holes located in adjacent structure, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the door surroundings.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes; and Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes equipped with certain Goodrich evacuation systems. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require replacing the evacuation systems shear-pin restraints with new ones. For certain other airplanes, this proposed AD would require an inspection for manufacturing lot numbers; and a general visual inspection of the shear-pin restraints for discrepancies, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from several reports of corroded shear-pin restraints that prevented Goodrich evacuation systems from deploying properly. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the evacuation system, which could impede an emergency evacuation and increase the chance of injury to passengers and flightcrew during the evacuation.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Raytheon (Beech) Model 400, 400A, and 400T series airplanes. This proposed AD would require modifying the attachment fasteners on the engine cowling panels. This proposed AD results from several reports of loose attachment fasteners found on the engine cowling panels, and subsequently the panels either peeling back or separating from the airplane during flight. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the attachment fasteners on the engine cowling panels, which could result in separation of a panel from the airplane, and consequent damage to airplane structure. These conditions could adversely affect continued safe flight and landing of the airplane, or cause injury to people or damage to property on the ground.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 203, Minimum Performance Standards for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Unmanned Aircraft.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 airplanes. This proposed AD would require installing in-line fuel float switch fuses and wire protection at the left, right, and center forward spars. This proposed AD results from a design review of the fuel tank systems. We are proposing this AD to prevent the potential for ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 767 airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive replacement of the internal electrical feed-through connectors of the main fuel tank boost pumps. This proposed AD results from a report of cracking in the epoxy potting compound on the internal feed-through connector of the fuel boost pump in the area of the soldered wire connector lugs. We are proposing this AD to prevent a hazardous electrical path from the dry side to the wet side of the fuel boost pump through a cracked feed-through connector, which could create an ignition source on the wet side of the fuel boost pump and lead to subsequent explosion of the fuel tank.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes. That AD currently requires a one-time inspection to determine the serial number of both main landing gear (MLG) sliding tubes, repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the affected MLG sliding tubes, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD retains these inspections and adds new repetitive inspections for cracking of the MLG sliding tubes. This AD also requires eventual replacement of both MLG shock absorbers. Doing this replacement terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. This AD results from a determination that additional inspections and mandatory replacement of the MLG shock absorbers are necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in an MLG sliding tube, which could result in failure of the sliding tube, loss of one axle, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD requires a detailed inspection for wear of the attachment holes of the control levers of the braking system and applicable corrective actions. This AD results from a report that, after landing, the flightcrew of a Model F.28 Mark 0100 airplane noted that an extreme difference in pedal angle was required to achieve equal braking action. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of one or more brake control levers, which could result in uncommanded braking and loss of control of the airplane during takeoff, landing, or taxiing.

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.

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 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-100, -200B, -200C, and -200F series airplanes. This proposed AD would require performing repetitive inspections for cracks in the fuselage skin at the cutout of the bulk cargo door light, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also provides terminating action for airplanes with a certain type of damage. This proposed AD results from a report of a 2-inch crack through the fuselage skin and internal bonded doubler at the cutout of the bulk cargo door light. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the fuselage skin at the cutout of the bulk cargo door light, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage at the bulk cargo door and consequent rapid decompression of the fuselage.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Lockheed Model 1329 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require determining the part number on the steering cylinder assembly for the nose landing gear (NLG), determining the total flight cycles accumulated on the NLG steering cylinder assembly, repetitive replacement of the assembly, inspecting for missing tow turning limit markings, and performing corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from reports of numerous failures of the NLG steering cylinder. We are proposing this AD to prevent the loss of hydraulic pressure and steering control.

This document contains a correction to the final rule (FAA- 2007-27262; 07-ASO-1), which was published in the Federal Register of May 8, 2007, (72 FR 25963), amending Class E airspace at Middlesboro, KY. This action corrects an error in the legal description for the Class E5 airspace at Middlesboro, KY.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain transport category airplanes identified above. That AD currently requires modification of the reinforced flight deck door and other actions related to the reinforced flight deck door. Those other actions include modifying the door, inspecting and modifying wiring in the area, and revising the maintenance program to require more frequent testing of the decompression panels of the flight deck door. This new AD continues to require the existing requirements. This new AD adds airplanes to the existing requirement of a one-time inspection for chafing of wire bundles in the area of the flight deck door and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also removes certain airplanes from the applicability. This AD results from a report of smoke and fumes in the cockpit of a Model 737-300 series airplane. We are issuing this AD to prevent inadvertent release of the decompression latch and consequent opening of the decompression panel in the flight deck door, or penetration of the flight deck door by smoke, any of which could result in injury to the airplane flightcrew. We are also proposing this AD to detect and correct wire chafing, which could result in arcing, fire, and/or reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes. This AD requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new limitations for fuel tank systems. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA is considering rulemaking to change the packing interval for certain types of parachutes. Currently, the FAA requires that most parachutes may not be used or carried aboard an aircraft and available for emergency use unless they have been packed within the previous 120 days. New reliability data from the parachute industry and other sources indicate it is time to review the packing interval, and the FAA is asking for public comment on a proposal to lengthen the interval from 120 to 180 days. The effect of the proposal is to ensure the rules reflect the safest parachute packing interval. In this rulemaking, we are also proposing several correcting amendments to the rules related to parachute operations.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Boeing Model 727 airplanes. The existing AD requires a boost pump dry bay inspection to detect leakage of fuel through an arced-through conduit, and corrective action as necessary. The existing AD also requires repetitive inspections of the in-tank fuel boost pump wiring to detect chafing of the wire insulation, evidence of electrical arcing, or arc-through of the conduit wall, and applicable corrective action; and installation of sleeving over the in- tank fuel boost pump wires as a method to protect the wiring from chafing. This new AD removes certain inspection requirements from the existing AD. This new AD adds new repetitive inspections for damage of the electrical wire and sleeve that run to the fuel boost pump through a conduit in the fuel tank, and arcing damage of the conduit and signs of fuel leakage into the conduit; applicable investigative and corrective actions; and a new repetitive engine fuel suction feed operational test. Initiation of the new inspections terminates the requirements of the existing AD. This AD results from reports of a fuel tank explosion on a Model 727-200F airplane on the ground; and of chafed wires and a damaged power cable sleeve of a fuel boost pump that were discovered during an inspection required by an existing AD on a Model 737-300 airplane. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct chafing of the fuel boost pump electrical wiring and leakage of fuel into the conduit, and to prevent electrical arcing between the wiring and the surrounding conduit, which could result in arc-through of the conduit, and consequent fire or explosion of the fuel tank.

This action proposes to establish a low altitude Global Positioning System (GPS)/Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) area navigation (RNAV) route, designatedT-209, in the vicinity of Augusta, GA. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace. The proposed route would reduce air traffic controller workload and provide a nonradar route that ensures clearance from the Bulldog A Military Operations Area (MOA).

This action proposes to revise Class E airspace at Fort Yukon, AK. One Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) is being amended and three new SIAPs are being developed for the Fort Yukon Airport. A Departure Procedure (DP) and a Direction Finding (DF) procedure (used by Flight Service Station personnel) is also being amended. Adoption of this proposal would result in revision of existing Class E airspace upward from the surface, from 700 feet (ft.) and 1,200 ft. above the surface, at Fort Yukon Airport, Fort Yukon, AK.