Federal Aviation Administration December 19, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes. The original NPRM would have required replacement of the wire harness of the auxiliary hydraulic pump with a new wire harness, and routing the new wire harness outside of the tire burst area. The original NPRM resulted from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer, as well as reports of shorted wires in the right wheel well and evidence of arcing on the power cables of the auxiliary hydraulic pump. This action revises the original NPRM by proposing to require modifying the auxiliary hydraulic power system (including doing all applicable related investigative and corrective actions). We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to prevent shorted wires or electrical arcing at the auxiliary hydraulic pump, which could result in a fire in the wheel well. We are also proposing this supplemental NPRM to reduce the potential of an ignition source adjacent to the fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

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 notice announces two fact-finding informal airspace meetings, in addition to three meetings held previously (73 FR 44311), to solicit information from airspace users and others concerning a proposal to revise the Class B airspace area at Chicago, IL. The purpose of these meetings is to ensure all interested parties were provided an opportunity to present views, recommendations, and comments on the proposal. All comments received during these meetings will be considered prior to any revision or issuance of a notice of proposed rulemaking. Times and Dates: The informal airspace meetings will be held on Monday, February 23, 2009, at 1 p.m., and Thursday, February 26, 2009, at 5 p.m. Comments must be received on or before March 30, 2009.