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

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for RRD Dart 528, 529, 532, 535, 542, and 552 Series turboprop engines. That AD currently requires a dimensional inspection of the intermediate pressure turbine (IPT) disk or an ultrasonic inspection of the seal arm contact between the high pressure turbine (HPT) and the IPT disk seal arm and reworking or replacing the IPT disk if worn beyond acceptable limits. This AD continues to require those actions. This AD results from us including an incorrect engine model and omitting an engine model from the applicability of the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent HPT disk failure, which can result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Park Service (NPS), in accordance with the National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 2000, announce the next meeting of the National Parks Overflights Advisory Group (NPOAG) Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC). This notification provides the dates, location, and agenda for the meeting. Dates and Location: The NPOAG ARC will meet on September 3-4, 2008. The meeting will take place at the Red Lion Hotel, Port Angeles, WA. The hotel is located at 221 North Lincoln Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362. The hotel phone number is (360) 452-9215. The meetings will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 3 and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 4th. This NPOAG meeting will be conducted in closed session and is not open to the public.

This action proposes to amend the Norton Sound Low, Woody Island Low, Control 1234L, and Control 1487L Offshore Airspace Areas in Alaska. This action would modify these areas by lowering the airspace floors to provide additional controlled airspace for aircraft instrument flight rule (IFR) operations at Alaska airports.

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:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for BHTC Model 430 helicopters. 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 aviation authority of Canada, with which we have a bilateral agreement, states in the MCAI: ``It has been determined that the existing rigging procedures for the tail rotor pitch change mechanism have to be changed due to possibility of parts interference.'' The cumulative effect of individual part tolerances resulting in the total assemblage of those parts being out of tolerance could result in the tail rotor yoke striking another part other than the flapping stop (parts interference) cited in the MCAI. Also, the misalignment of the tail rotor counterweight bellcrank may result in higher tail rotor pedal forces and a higher pilot workload after failure of the 1 hydraulic system. Both parts interference and the misaligned counterweight bellcrank create an unsafe condition. This AD require actions that are intended to address these unsafe conditions.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH (Eurocopter) Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters. 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 European Aviation Safety Agency for the Republic of Germany, with which we have a bilateral agreement, states in the MCAI:

This document makes a correction to a proposed airworthiness directive (AD), which was published in the Federal Register on July 3, 2008 (73 FR 38160), and applies to certain Stemme GmbH & Co. KG (Stemme) Model S10-VT powered sailplanes. This document proposed to require replacement of the single ear clamps in the fuel system with improved design parts. The FAA incorrectly referenced the docket number of this proposed AD as ``FAA-2008-0685'' instead of ``FAA-2008-0788.'' This document corrects the docket number.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 175 and 175A airplanes. This AD requires you to check the airplane logbook to determine if the original engine mounting brackets have been replaced. If the original engine mounting brackets are still installed, this AD requires you to repetitively inspect those brackets for cracks and replace any cracked engine mounting bracket. After replacing all four original engine mounting brackets, no further action will be required by this AD. This AD was prompted by a report that the engine became detached from the firewall during landing on one of the affected airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the engine mounting brackets, which could result in failure of the engine mounting bracket. This failure could lead to the engine detaching from the firewall.

This document proposes superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) helicopters. That AD currently requires certain checks and inspections of the tail rotor blades. If a crack is found, the existing AD requires replacing the tail rotor blade (blade) with an airworthy blade before further flight. This action would require the same checks and inspections until they are required to be replaced and would remove certain serial numbered and specifically coded tail rotor blades from the applicability of the AD. This proposal is prompted by the approved rework of certain tail rotor blades and two newly redesigned tail rotor blades, which, if installed, constitutes terminating action for the inspection requirements. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect a crack in a blade, and to prevent loss of a blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain McDonnell Douglas transport category airplanes. The existing AD currently requires modification of the installation wiring for the electric motor-operated auxiliary hydraulic pumps in the right wheel well area of the main landing gear; repetitive inspections of the numbers 1 and 2 electric motors of the auxiliary hydraulic pumps for electrical resistance, continuity, mechanical rotation, and associated airplane wiring resistance/voltage; and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would, for certain airplanes, also require modifying and rerouting, as applicable, certain components of the wiring of the electric motor for the auxiliary hydraulic pump located in the right wheel well. This proposed AD results from reports of failure of the electric motor for the auxiliary hydraulic pump. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the electric motors of the hydraulic pump and associated wiring, which could result in fire at the auxiliary hydraulic pump and consequent damage to the adjacent electrical equipment and/or structure.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of land at the Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport under the provisions of Section 125 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21).

This notice contains a summary of a petition 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 the petition or its final disposition.

This action revises Class E airspace at Kivalina, AK, to provide adequate controlled airspace to contain aircraft executing Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs). Two SIAPs are being amended for the Kivalina Airport. Additionally, one textual ODP is being developed. This action revises existing Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) and 1,200 ft. above the surface at Kivalina Airport, Kivalina, AK.

This action revises Class E airspace at Kake, AK to provide adequate controlled airspace to contain aircraft executing public and private (Special) Instrument Approach and Departure Procedures. A Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) and Standard Instrument Departure (SID) procedure are being developed for the Kake Airport. Additionally, a Special Area Navigation (RNAV) SID and two SIAPs are being amended. This action revises existing Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) above the surface at Kake Airport, Kake, AK.

This action will amend Class E airspace at Salyer Farms, CA. The El Rico Airport mentioned in the published description has been abandoned, making it necessary to realign the Class E Airspace area at Salyer Farms Airport. This action also makes a minor correction by removing the Salyer Farms RBN in the airport description.

This action revises Class E airspace at Prospect Creek, AK, to provide adequate controlled airspace to contain aircraft executing Special Instrument Approach Procedures (IAPs) and Special Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs). Three Special IAPs are being developed for the Prospect Creek Airport. Addtionally, two Special IAPs and a Special ODP are being amended. This action revises existing Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) and 1,200 ft. above the surface at Prospect Creek Airport, Prospect Creek, AK.

This rule extends the duration of first- and third-class medical certificates for certain individuals. A first-class medical certificate is required when exercising airline transport pilot privileges and at least a third-class medical certificate when exercising private pilot privileges. Certain conforming amendments to medical certification procedures and some general editorial amendments are also adopted. The intent of this action is to improve the efficiency of the medical certification program and service provided to medical certificate applicants.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF34-1A, -3A, -3A1, -3A2, -3B, and - 3B1 turbofan engines with high-pressure (HP) rotor 4-step air balance piston stationary seals (4-step seals), part numbers 4923T54G01, 6019T90G03, 6037T99G01, 6037T99G02, and 6037T99G03, installed. This proposed AD would require removing the 4-step seals and incorporating an 8-step seal at the next piece-part exposure. This proposed AD results from the investigation of an airplane accident. Both engines experienced high- altitude flameouts. Rotation of the HP rotors was not maintained during descent and the engines could not be restarted. We are proposing this AD to prevent the inability to restart both engines after flameout due to excessive friction of the 4-step seal, which could result in subsequent forced landing of the airplane.

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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the Noise Compatibility Program submitted by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. (the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, hereinafter referred to as ``the Act'') and 14 CFR Part 150. These findings are made in recognition of the description of Federal and nonfederal responsibilities in Senate Report No. 96-52 (1980). On December 31, 2007, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority under Part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements. On June 23, 2008, the FAA approved the Orlando Executive Airport noise compatibility program. All of the recommendations of the program were approved.

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.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at the new Lake Havasu City Airport, Lake Havasu, AZ. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using VHF Omni- Directional Radio Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) at Lake Havasu City Airport, Lake Havasu, AZ. This action also would revoke Class E airspace at the old Lake Havasu Airport, Lake Havasu, AZ, as that airport has been abandoned. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at Lake Havasu City Airport, Lake Havasu, AZ.

This action will establish Class E airspace at Carson City, NV. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) at Carson City Airport, Carson City, NV. This will improve the safety of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft executing the new RNAV GPS SIAP at Carson City Airport, Carson City, NV.

This final rule amends FAA regulations that require operators and manufacturers of transport category airplanes to take steps that, in combination with other required actions, should greatly reduce the chances of a catastrophic fuel tank explosion. The final rule does not direct the adoption of specific inerting technology either by manufacturers or operators, but establishes a performance-based set of requirements that set acceptable flammability exposure values in tanks most prone to explosion or require the installation of an ignition mitigation means in an affected fuel tank. Technology now provides a variety of commercially feasible methods to accomplish these vital safety objectives.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Halifax- Northampton Regional Airport, (IXA), Roanoke Rapids, NC and removes Class E airspace at Halifax County Airport, Roanoke Rapids, NC, (RZZ). The operating status of the airport will include Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations. This action will enhance the safety and airspace management of Halifax-Northampton Regional Airport.