Federal Aviation Administration October 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747 and 767 airplanes. This AD requires reworking the electrical bonding between the airplane structure and the pump housing of the outboard boost pumps in the main fuel tank of certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes, and between the airplane structure and the pump housing of the override/jettison pumps in the left and right wing center auxiliary fuel tanks of certain Boeing Model 767 airplanes. This AD also requires related investigative actions and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent insufficient electrical bonding, which could result in a potential of ignition sources inside the fuel tanks, and which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A310 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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 707 airplanes and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. This AD requires identifying the material used in the elevator hinge support fittings of the horizontal stabilizer trailing edge, doing repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the fittings and corrective actions if necessary, and doing an eventual terminating action. This AD results from a report that stress corrosion cracking of the elevator hinge support fittings has been discovered on several Model 707 airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the elevator hinge support fittings, which could reduce the elevator support stiffness and lead to in-flight airframe vibration, consequent damage to the elevator and horizontal stabilizer, and reduced controllability of the airplane.

This rule amends Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of changes in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding of new obstacles, or changing 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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated 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:

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) provided by the aviation authority of the United Kingdom to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI states the following:

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

The Federal Aviation Administration is requesting public comment on Clinton County Airport (PLB), Plattsburgh, New York notice of proposed release from aeronautical use of approximately 624 acres of airport property, including runways, taxiways, aprons, airside and landside facilities to allow for non-aeronautical development. It has been determined through the planning process to close Clinton County Airport and transfer all operations to Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG), Plattsburgh, New York, its replacement airport. FAA's action is to release the land from its deed provision requiring aeronautical use of the property. A prior study explored the potential for the public benefit conveyance of Plattsburgh International Airport as a replacement airport, with Clinton County as the owner and operator of the new airport. The Plattsburgh International Military Airport Program application and Airport Master Plan determined that land constituting Clinton County Airport has no aeronautical use and should be replaced by the new facility at PGB. Revenue generated from the disposal of the property will be utilized at the replacement airport, Plattsburgh International Airport, Plattsburgh, New York for aeronautical development. Documents reflecting the sponsor's request are available, by appointment only, for inspection at the Airport Manager's office and the FAA Airports District Office.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 airplanes. This proposed AD would require electrical bonding of the fill valves for the right and left main fuel tanks, the fill valve and pipe assembly for the center wing fuel tank, and the defuel shutoff valve. This proposed AD results from a fuel system review conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent improper bonding of the fill valves and defuel shutoff valve for the main fuel tanks and center wing tank, which, in combination with a lightning strike, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking in and around the upper and lower hinge cutouts of the forward entry and forward galley service doorways, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from multiple reports of cracks found in the skin, bearstrap, and/or frame outer chord in the hinge cutout areas of the forward entry and forward galley service doorways. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for GE CF6-80C2A5F turbofan engines installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A300F4-605R airplanes. This AD requires removing previous software versions from the engine electronic control unit (ECU). Engines with new version software will have increased margin to flameout. This AD results from reports of engine flameout events during flight, including reports of events where all engines simultaneously experienced a flameout or other adverse operation. Although the root cause investigation is not yet complete, we believe that exposure to ice crystals during flight is associated with these flameout events. We are issuing this AD to minimize the potential of an all-engine flameout event caused by ice accretion and shedding during flight.

These special conditions are issued for the Boeing Model 787-8 airplane. This airplane will have novel or unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. The Boeing Model 787-8 airplanes will use high capacity lithium ion battery technology in on- board systems. For these design features, the applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing standards. Additional special conditions will be issued for other novel or unusual design features of the Boeing Model 787-8 airplanes.

The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (RAC) Models 58P and 58TC airplanes that were used as lead airplanes by the United States Forest Service (USFS). This AD establishes new limits for the structural life of the airframe (wing, fuselage, empennage, and associated structure) through the incorporation of a supplement to the Limitations Section of the pilot's operating handbook and airplane flight manual (POH/AFM). This AD results from the FAA's analysis and determination that the operational history and usage of the affected airplanes requires a reduction in the structural life limit to 4,500 hours time-in-service (TIS) for the airframe (wing, fuselage, empennage, and associated structure). We are issuing this AD to prevent structural failure of the airframe (wing, fuselage, empennage, or associated structure) based on the operational history and usage of the affected airplanes. Such failure could lead to loss of control.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of land at Muskogee-Davis Field Municipal Airport under the provisions of Title 49 United States Code, section 47153.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW4090 and PW4090-3 turbofan engines with front turbine hub, part number (P/N) 53L601, installed. This proposed AD would reduce the published life limit of those front turbine hubs from 12,000 cycles-since-new (CSN) to 9,370 CSN. This proposed AD would also remove from service those front turbine hubs using a drawdown schedule. This proposed AD results from PW updating the low-cycle- fatigue (LCF) life analysis for front turbine hubs, P/N 53L601. We are proposing this AD to prevent an uncontained failure of the front turbine hub, resulting in an in-flight engine shutdown and possible damage to the airplane.

This action revises Jet Routes J-29 and J-101 over the South Central United States in support of the Houston Area Air Traffic System Project. This allows for more effective utilization of airspace and enhances the management of aircraft operations over the Houston terminal area.

The FAA is correcting airworthiness directive (AD) 2007-19-11. That AD applies to Turbomeca S.A. Artouste III B, Artouste III B1, and Artouste III D turboshaft engines. We published that AD in the Federal Register on September 21, 2007 (72 FR 53937). The AD number of the superseded AD, is incorrect in two places in the preamble, and in one place in paragraph (b). This document corrects those AD numbers. In all other respects, the original document remains the same.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Honeywell International Inc. ATF3-6 and ATF3-6A series turbofan engines equipped with a certain part number (P/N) low pressure compressor (LPC) aft shaft. This proposed AD would require removing from service those LPC aft shafts and installing a serviceable LPC aft shaft. This proposed AD results from reports of eight LPC aft shafts found cracked during fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI). We are proposing this AD to prevent uncoupling and overspeed of the low pressure turbine, which could result in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

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 Rule establishes, amends, suspends, or revokes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures 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, adding new obstacles, or changing 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.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated 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:

This rule amends Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of changes in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding of new obstacles, or changing 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.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A300 and A310 airplanes, and certain Model A300-600 series airplanes. That AD currently requires an inspection of the wing and center fuel tanks to determine if certain P- clips are installed and corrective action if necessary. That AD also requires an inspection of electrical bonding points of certain equipment in the center fuel tank for the presence of a blue coat and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. That AD also requires installation of new bonding leads and electrical bonding points on certain equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks, as necessary. This new AD requires, for certain airplanes, installation of bonding on an additional bracket and modification of the fuel/defuel valves on the left-hand wing. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to ensure continuous electrical bonding protection of equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks and to prevent damage to wiring in the wing and center fuel tanks, due to failed P-clips used for retaining the wiring and pipes, which could result in a possible fuel ignition source in the fuel tanks.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model 390 airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect the starter-generator to determine the serial number (S/N) and suffix letter, which indicates if the part is improperly shimmed. This AD also requires you to replace any improperly shimmed starter- generator with a properly shimmed starter-generator. This AD results from reports of a manufacturing error where certain starter-generators may have been improperly shimmed. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improperly shimmed starter-generators, which could result in premature starter-generator failure. This failure could lead to increased chances of dual starter-generator failure on the same flight.

This amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas.