Federal Aviation Administration July 21, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Maryland Air Industries, Inc., Model Fairchild F-27 and FH-227 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require operators to modify their airplanes and revise their inspection or maintenance programs to incorporate instructions for maintenance and inspection of the fuel tank systems, as appropriate, by December 16, 2008, using information developed in accordance with SFAR 88. This proposed AD results from fuel system safety reviews done on similar airplane models in accordance with SFAR 88. These safety reviews identified potential unsafe conditions on Model Fairchild F-27 and FH-227 series airplanes for which the type certificate holder, Maryland Air Industries, Inc., has not conducted SFAR 88 safety reviews, has not provided corrective actions, and does not plan to do so. We are proposing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

This action will revoke Class E airspace at Luke AFB, Phoenix, AZ. The United States Air Force (USAF) is closing the airport to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations when the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) is closed.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD requires inspecting to determine if certain carriage spindles are installed, repetitive inspections for corrosion and indications of corrosion on affected carriage spindles, and if necessary, related investigative action and corrective action. This AD also provides optional terminating action. This AD results from a report of corrosion found on carriage spindles that are located on the outboard trailing edge flaps. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion of the carriage spindle, which could result in fracture. Fracture of both the inboard and outboard carriage spindles, in the forward ends through the large diameters, on a flap, could adversely affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing.