Federal Aviation Administration 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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 supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80A, CF6-80C2, and CF6-80E1 series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires revisions to the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the manufacturer's Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) to include required inspection of selected critical life-limited parts at each piece-part exposure. This proposed AD would require revisions to the CF6-80A, CF6- 80C2, and CF6-80E1 series engines ALS sections of the manufacturer's manuals and an air carrier's approved continuous airworthiness maintenance program to incorporate additional inspection requirements, and to update certain Engine Manual Inspection Task and Sub Task Number references. This proposed AD results from the need to require enhanced inspection of selected critical life-limited parts of CF6-80A, CF6- 80C2, and CF6-80E1 series engines. We are proposing this AD to prevent critical life-limited rotating engine part failure, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

This action establishes Class E Airspace at Morehead, KY. Airspace is needed to support new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) that have been developed for Morehead-Rowan County Airport. As a result, controlled airspace extending upward from 700 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) is needed to contain the SIAP and for Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at Morehead-Rowan County Airport. The operating status of the airport will change from Visual flight Rules (VFR) to include IFR operations concurrent with the publication of the SIAP. This action enhances the safety and airspace management of Morehead-Rowan County Airport, Morehead, KY.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various transport category airplanes. This AD requires deactivation of PATS Aircraft, LLC, auxiliary fuel tanks. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer, which identified unsafe conditions for which the manufacturer has not provided corrective actions. We are issuing this AD to prevent 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 updates the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) policy on noise limits for future civil supersonic aircraft to reflect current U.S. noise regulations. This action is intended to provide guidance on noise limits to manufacturers that are considering designs for supersonic aircraft.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require deactivation or modification of the wiring to the outboard landing lights, until the wire bundles and electrical connectors have been replaced. For all airplanes, this proposed AD would also require an inspection for any broken, damaged, or missing fairleads, grommets, and wires in the four electrical junction boxes of the main wheel well, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would also require replacement of certain wire bundles for the landing lights and fuel shutoff valves, and related investigative, other specified, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would also require replacement of certain electrical connectors and backshell clamps. This proposed AD results from reports of uncommanded engine shutdowns and burned and damaged wire bundles associated with the outboard landing lights and engine fuel shutoff valves. This proposed AD also results from reports of damaged and missing grommets and broken and damaged fairleads in the electrical junction boxes of the main wheel well. We are proposing this AD to prevent a hot short between the outboard landing light and fuel shutoff valve circuits, which could result in an uncommanded engine shutdown. We are also proposing this AD to prevent corrosion of the electrical connectors of the wing rear spars, which could result in short circuits and consequent incorrect functioning of airplane systems needed for safe flight and landing.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters that would supersede an existing AD. The airworthiness authority of France has issued a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD that requires a 50 percent reduction in the life of each affected main rotor blade (blade). The MCAI also requires, for each affected blade, initial and repetitive inspections for correct alignment of the tip cap, correct tenon filler wedge (wedge) position, a crack in the tenon, and erosion in a specified zone in the end of the leading edge. Also, the MCAI requires measuring the vertical clearance between each blade assembly and a straight edge at the blade-to-tip cap junction and replacing any blade that has a cracked tenon. This proposal contains those same requirements as described in the MCAI and requires replacing any blade with a measured vertical clearance exceeding a certain limit. A misalignment, crack, or erosion in a blade could lead to failure of the blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by County of Kern, Department of Airports under the provisions of Title I of the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, as amended, (Public Law 96- 193) (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. 9652 (1980). On January 16, 2008, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by County of Kern, Department of Airports under Part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 727-100 and 727-200 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive internal and external high frequency eddy current, mid frequency eddy current, low frequency eddy current, and magneto optic imaging inspections to detect cracks, corrosion, delamination, and materials loss in the lower fastener row of the lower skin and the upper fastener row of the upper skin, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from a report of decompression in a Boeing Model 737 airplane at flight level 290. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct scratches and excessive reduction in material thickness from excessive blend-out or corrosion, which could lead to premature cracking in the lap joint. Such cracking could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.

This action proposes to revise Class E airspace at Ketchikan, AK. Seven Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs), two Standard Instrument Departure Procedures (SIDs) and a textual Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP) are either being drafted or amended for the Ketchikan International Airport at Ketchikan, AK. Three of the SIAPs and one SID are Special procedures for private use and are funded privately. Adoption of this proposal would result in revision of Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) and 1,200 ft. above the surface at the Ketchikan International Airport, Ketchikan, AK.

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:

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 767 airplanes. The original NPRM would have required sealing certain fasteners and stiffeners in the fuel tank, and changing certain wire bundle clamp configurations on the fuel tank walls. The original NPRM resulted from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. This action revises the original NPRM by adding inspections, for certain airplanes, of additional fasteners in the fuel tanks and of the method of attachment of the vortex generators, and corrective action if necessary. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to prevent possible ignition sources in the auxiliary fuel tank, main fuel tanks, and surge tanks caused by a wiring short or lightning strike, which could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747- 200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This proposed AD would require adding two new indicator lights on the P10 panel to inform the captain and first officer of a low pressure condition in the left and right override/jettison pumps of the center wing tanks. This proposed AD would also require replacing the left and right override/jettison switches on the M154 fuel control module on the P4 panel with improved switches and doing the associated wiring changes. This proposed AD would also require a revision to the FAA- approved maintenance program to incorporate airworthiness limitation No. 28-AWL-22. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent uncommanded operation of the override/jettison pumps of the center wing tanks, which could lead to an unwanted ignition source inside the center wing tank. This condition, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a center fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA is requesting public comment on the request by the Louisville Regional Airport Authority to change a portion of airport property from aeronautical to non-aeronautical use at the Louisville International Airport, Louisville, Kentucky. The request consists approximately of 1.09 acres of formal release. This action is taken under the provisions of Section 125 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21).

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT-402, AT-402A, and AT-402B airplanes. This AD requires you to repetitively visually inspect the rudder and vertical fin hinge attaching structure for loose fasteners and inspect the rudder or vertical fin skins, spars, hinges, or brackets for cracks and/or corrosion. This AD also requires you to replace any damaged parts found as a result of the inspections and install an external doubler at the upper rudder hinge. Installation of the external doubler at the upper rudder hinge is terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements. This AD results from a report of a Model AT-402 airplane with a loose upper rudder hinge caused by fatigue. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct loose fasteners; any cracks in the rudder or vertical fin skins, spars, hinges, or brackets; or corrosion of the rudder and vertical fin hinge attaching structure. Hinge failure adversely affects ability to control yaw and has led to the rudder folding over in flight. This condition could allow the rudder to contact the elevator and affect ability to control pitch with consequent loss of control.

This 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 is correcting its proposed establishment of a Special Air Traffic Rule, in the vicinity of Luke AFB, AZ. The purpose of the NPRM was to address reported near midair collisions in the area around Luke and to help reduce the potential for midair collisions in the vicinity of Luke. In the preamble the docket number was incorrect. This document corrects the error. The old docket number FAA-2007-26470 is being changed to FAA-2008-1087.

This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 relating to airspace designations to reflect the approval by the Director of the Federal Register of the incorporation by reference of FAA Order 7400.9S, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points. This action also explains the procedures the FAA will use to amend the listings of Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas; air traffic service routes; and reporting points incorporated by reference.

This action withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2 and CF6-80E1 series turbofan engines. That action would have required replacement of all clevis pins installed on the thrust reverser central drive units and upper and lower actuators, or replacement of pins that fail an on-wing rebound hardness test. Since we issued that NPRM, we determined there is no unsafe condition that warrants issuing an AD. The likelihood of this event occurring again and significantly damaging an aircraft is very low. Accordingly, we withdraw the proposed rule.

This 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 proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all of the airplanes identified above. The existing AD currently requires revising the FAA-approved maintenance program to include a new airplane maintenance manual task that specifies a detailed inspection after each ram air turbine (RAT) retraction. That existing AD also currently requires, for certain airplanes, a one-time inspection to detect breaks in the bottom flange fitting of the RAT and corrective actions, if necessary; for certain airplanes, an adjustment of the ejection jack; and, for certain other airplanes, replacement of the aluminum part with an improved steel part. This proposed AD also would continue to require certain actions for additional airplanes and would revise the FAA-approved maintenance program to include procedures for replacing the RAT swivel coupling fork fitting with a new steel part only. This proposed AD results from a report that an additional swivel coupling of the RAT yoke fitting was found cracked while accomplishing the requirements of the existing AD. We are proposing this AD to prevent misrigging of the ejection jack of the RAT and to ensure removal of any RAT yoke fitting made from aluminum material. Such conditions could result in a broken or cracked swivel coupling and consequent failure of the RAT yoke fitting, which could result in the loss of RAT function and possible loss of critical flight control systems in the event of certain emergency situations.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to authorize the release of 10.73 acres of the airport property. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is seeking an easement on the east edge of the airport to construct a local connector road (Bartillon Drive extension) between USH 51 and Portage Road in Madison. WisDOT will also construct a sidewalk along the west side of Portage Road from Rieder Road to Melody Lane. The acreage being released is not needed for aeronautical use as currently identified on the Airport Layout Plan. The acreage comprising this parcel was originally acquired under Grant No. ADAP 10 in 1980. The County of Dane (Wisconsin), as airport owner, has concluded that the subject airport land is not needed for expansion of airport facilities. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to dispose of the property. The airport will receive the appraised fair market value of the land. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the disposal of the subject airport property nor a determination of eligibility for grant-in-aid funding from the FAA. The disposition of proceeds from the disposal of the airport property will be in accordance with FAA's Policy and Procedures Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, published in the Federal Register on February 16, 1999. In accordance with section 47107(h) of title 49, United States Code, this notice is required to be published in the Federal Register 30 days before modifying the land-use assurance that requires the property to be used for an aeronautical purpose.

Today the FAA is publishing a final rule to address congestion at New York's LaGuardia Airport (LaGuardia). The rule grandfathers the majority of operations at the airport and will develop a robust secondary market by annually auctioning off a limited number of slots; the FAA plans to use the proceeds from the auctions to mitigate congestion and delay in the New York City area. In addition, the hourly cap on scheduled operations will be reduced to 71 per hour during the regulated hours. This reduction will lead to an estimated 41 percent reduction in modeled delay at the airport. This rule also contains provisions for use-or-lose, unscheduled operations, and withdrawal for operational need. The rule will sunset in ten years.

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model 600N helicopters. The AD currently requires modifying the fuselage aft section within the next 24 months to strengthen the tailboom attachment fittings and upper longerons. This amendment retains the current required modification and adds the following requirements: Repetitively inspecting the tailboom attachment fittings; installing inspection holes and attachment bolt washers; modifying both access covers; and replacing broken attachment bolts. These additional requirements were inadvertently omitted from the current AD. This amendment is prompted by the need to correct our mistake and continue the repetitive inspections of the tailboom attachment fittings until the fuselage aft section is modified. This series of ADs is prompted by an accident due to failure of the tailboom attach points resulting in loss of control of the helicopter. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the tailboom attachment fittings, separation of the tailboom from the helicopter, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

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: