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

This document announces a reopening of the comment period for the above-referenced NPRM. The NPRM proposed the adoption of a new airworthiness directive for all Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes. That NPRM invites comments concerning the proposed requirements for revising the Emergency Procedures sections of the airplane flight manuals to advise the flightcrew of new procedures for emergency evacuation. This reopening of the comment period is necessary to provide additional opportunity for public comment on the proposed requirements of that NPRM.

This document announces a reopening of the comment period for the above-referenced NPRM. The NPRM proposed the adoption of a new airworthiness directive for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Model Avro 146-RJ airplanes. That NPRM invites comments concerning the proposed requirements for repetitive detailed visual inspections for corrosion, pitted fasteners, or pillowing of the APU heat shield and surrounding skin and, if applicable, removal of the heat shield and repair. This reopening of the comment period is necessary to provide additional opportunity for public comment on the proposed requirements of that NPRM.

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-19-53, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of the specified Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) model helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires replacing each affected tail rotor blade (blade) with an airworthy blade with a serial number not listed in the applicability of this AD. This AD is prompted by three incidents in which blade tip weights were slung from the blades during flight causing significant vibration. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of a blade tip weight, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model 525B airplanes. This AD requires you to incorporate electrical power relay circuit protection kit part number (P/N) SB525B-24-02. This AD results from both the need to protect aircraft wiring left unprotected in the original design and a report of a Model 525B airplane experiencing in-flight loss of numerous systems, tripped circuit breakers, and burned wiring adjacent to the power distribution panel. We are issuing this AD to correct an incorrect wiring installation and to provide short-circuit protection for all wiring from the aircraft power distribution system. This condition could result in burned wiring and loss of various aircraft electrical systems.

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 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all McDonnell Douglas airplane models identified above. This proposed AD would require revising the FAA-approved maintenance program, or the Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, as applicable, to incorporate new AWLs for fuel tank systems to satisfy Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 requirements. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would also require the initial accomplishment of a certain repetitive AWL inspection to phase in that inspection, and repair if necessary. 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 a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

This action extends the comment period for an NPRM that was published on October 5, 2007. In that document, the FAA proposed performance requirements for certain avionics equipment on aircraft operating in specified classes of airspace within the United States National Airspace System. This extension is a result of requests from the: Air Transport Association of America, Inc., Air Carrier Association of America, Civil Aviation Aerospace Industries Association, National Air Carrier Association, and Regional Airline Association; Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association; and Cargo Airline Association to extend the comment period to the proposal.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, - 200F, -300, 747SP, and 747SR series airplanes powered by General Electric (GE) CF6-45/50 and Pratt & Whitney (P&W) JT9D-70, JT9D-3 or JT9D-7 series engines. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections to find cracks and broken fasteners of the rear engine mount bulkhead of the inboard and outboard nacelle struts, and repair if necessary. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD mandates a terminating modification for certain inspections of the inboard and outboard nacelle struts. This proposed AD results from reports of web and frame cracks and sheared attachment fasteners on the inboard and outboard nacelle struts. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks and broken fasteners of the inboard and outboard nacelle struts, which could result in possible loss of the rear engine mount bulkhead load path and consequent separation of the engine from the airplane.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is issuing this notice to advise the public of the approval of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on an Environmental Assessment for proposed Federal actions at Greater Peoria Airport, Peoria, Illinois. The FONSI specifies that the proposed federal actions and local development projects are consistent with existing environmental policies and objectives as set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and will not significantly affect the quality of the environment. A description of the proposed Federal actions is : (a) To issue an environmental finding to allow approval of the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) for the development items listed below; (b) Approval of the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) for the development items listed below; and (c) Establish eligibility of the Greater Peoria Airport Authority to compete for Federal funding for the development projects depicted on the Airport Layout Plan. The specific item in the local airport development project is to acquire approximately 34 acres of land in fee simple title off the Runway 31 end. Copies of the environmental decision and the Short Form EA are available for public information review during regular business hours at the following locations: 1. Greater Peoria Regional Airport, 6100 West Everett McKinley Dirksen Parkway, Peoria, Illinois 61607. 2. Division of Aeronautics-Illinois Department of Transportation, One Langhorne Bond Drive, Capital Airport, Springfield, Illinois 62707. 3. Chicago Airports District Office, Room 320, Federal Aviation Administration, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for BHTC Model 222, 222B, and 222U helicopters. 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 aviation authority of Canada, with which we have a bilateral agreement, states in the MCAI:

The FAA is correcting a typographical error in an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that was published in the Federal Register on November 1, 2007 (72 FR 61796). The error resulted in an error in an airplane series number identified in Table 2 of the AD. This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed visual inspections for cracking of the LH (left hand) and RH (right hand) wing MLG (main landing gear) rib 6 aft bearing lugs, and repair or replacement of the MLG rib 6 fitting, if necessary.

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.

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 August 15, 2007, Vol. 72, No. 157, Page 45864. FAR Part 43 prescribes the rules governing maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration of aircraft and aircraft components, and is necessary to ensure this work is performed by qualified persons, and at proper intervals.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Turbomeca Makila 1 A, 1 A1, and 1 A2 turboshaft engines. That AD currently requires replacing certain digital electronic control units (DECUs) and electronic control units (ECUs) with modified DECUs and ECUs. This proposed AD would apply only to Makila 1 A and 1 A1 turboshaft engines, and would require replacing the selector-comparator board in the ECU with a board incorporating Turbomeca modification TU 250. This proposed AD results from recent unexplained reversions of the ECU to the 65% N1 back-up mode. We are proposing this AD to prevent dual-engine reversion of the ECU to the 65% N1 back-up mode, which could lead to inability to continue safe flight, emergency autorotation landing, or an accident.

This action will modify Class E airspace at Helena, MT. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using a new Localizer (LOC) Back Course (BC)-C Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) at Helena Regional Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at Helena Regional Airport, Helena, MT. Also, this action makes a minor correction to the airspace description.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection of the fillet sealant at the inboard and outboard sides of the receptacles in the wheel wells of the main landing gear, and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from reports of in-production airplanes with missing or insufficient fillet sealant around the receptacles at the disconnect bracket. We are issuing this AD to prevent corrosion damage due to missing or insufficient fillet sealant. Such corrosion could result in insufficient electrical bonding between the connectors and the disconnect bracket, and consequent loss of the shielding that protects the wire bundles from lightning, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and high intensity radiated field (HIRF). Loss of lightning, EMI, and HIRF protection at those receptacles could cause failure of multiple electrical systems and subsequent loss of several critical control systems that are necessary for safe flight. In addition, a lightning strike could cause arcing in the fuel tank; this potential ignition source, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection of each fuel quantity indication system (FQIS) wire harness connector for corrosion of the shield-to-backshell connection, corrosion on the ground jumper, and damage to the ground jumper; a loop resistance test of each FQIS wire harness; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from reports of corrosion of the out-tank wire harness of the spar connector backshell for the FQIS. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion of the out-tank wire harness, which could prevent correct grounding of the lightning shield and result in total loss of the electrical grounding between the lightning shield and the airplane structure. This condition, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

This action amends class E5 airspace at Mooresville, NC. Due to the establishment of two Copter Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) helicopter point in space approaches at Lowe's Mooresville Heliport, Mooresville, NC, additional controlled airspace extending upward from 700 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) is needed to accommodate the SIAPs and for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at Lowe's Mooresville Heliport.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above that would supersede an existing AD. 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 document extends the comment period for the above- referenced NPRM, which proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD- 81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 airplanes. The NPRM would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the overwing frames from stations 845 to 905 (MD-87 stations 731 to 791), left and right sides, and corrective actions if necessary. The NPRM results from reports of cracked overwing frames. This extension of the comment period is necessary to ensure that all interested persons have ample opportunity to submit any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding the NPRM.

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:

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require various repetitive inspections for cracking of the upper frame to side frame splice of the fuselage, and other specified and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also provides for an optional preventive modification, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD results from a report that the upper frame of the fuselage was severed between stringers S-13L and S-14L at station 747, and the adjacent frame at station 767 had a 1.3-inch-long crack at the same stringer location. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the upper frame to side frame splice of the fuselage, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the frame and adjacent lap joint. This reduced structural integrity can increase loading in the fuselage skin, which will accelerate skin crack growth and result in decompression of the airplane.

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:

The FAA is correcting a typographical error in an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that was published in the Federal Register on October 24, 2007 (72 FR 60238). The error resulted in an inadvertent omission of the deadline for submitting comments. This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330 airplanes. This AD requires revising the Procedures and Emergency sections of the Airbus A330 Airplane Flight Manual.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 757 airplanes. This proposed AD would require changing the wiring of the fuel boost pump and doing other specified actions. This proposed AD results from reports of short circuits in an electrical connector at the wing-to-body electrical disconnect panel. We are proposing this AD to prevent a short circuit of the electrical connector for the fuel boost pump, which could cause the instruments for fuel, flap, slat, and aileron systems to malfunction and create a potential ignition source inside the fuel tanks. A potential ignition source inside the fuel tank in combination with flammable fuel vapors could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.