Federal Aviation Administration 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the application to impose and use PFC revenue at Sacramento International Airport, under the provisions of the Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 (Title IX of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990) (Public Law 101-508) and Part 158 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 158).

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for discrepancies of the fuse pins of the inboard and outboard midspar fittings of the nacelle strut, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from a report of corrosion damage of the chrome runout on the head side found on all four midspar fuse pins of the nacelle strut. Additionally, a large portion of the chrome plate was missing from the corroded area of the shank. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies of the fuse pins of the inboard and outboard midspar fittings of the nacelle strut, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuse pins and consequent loss of the strut and separation of the engine from the airplane.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, and -800 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect damage of the aft strut insulation blanket, and eventual replacement of the insulation blankets with new, improved blankets. This new AD adds airplanes to the applicability and requires installation of a new heat insulation blanket and new cover plate on the left and right side engine struts. This new AD does not retain the requirements of the existing AD but does terminate the requirements of the existing AD. This AD results from reports of damaged heat insulation blankets on the engine struts. We are issuing this AD to prevent exposure of the lower surface of the strut to extreme high temperatures, consequent creation of a source of fuel ignition, and increased risk of an uncontrollable fire and possible fuel tank explosion.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect evidence of wear damage in the area at the interface between the vertical stabilizer seal and fuselage skin, and corrective actions, if necessary. The existing AD also provides for an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. For all airplanes, this proposed AD would require doing repetitive inspections for wear damage and cracks of the fuselage skin in the interface area of the vertical stabilizer seal and fuselage skin, doing a detailed inspection for wear damage and cracks of the surface of any skin repair doubler in the area, and doing corrective actions. For airplanes on which the fuselage skin has been blended to remove wear damage, this proposed AD would require doing repetitive external detailed inspections or high frequency eddy current inspections for cracks of the blended area of the fuselage skin, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from reports of wear damage on airplanes with fewer than 8,000 total flight cycles. In addition, there have been three reports of skin wear damage on airplanes that applied BMS 10-86 Teflon-filled coating (terminating action per AD 2002-26-15). We are issuing this AD to detect and correct wear damage and cracks of the fuselage skin in the interface area of the vertical stabilizer seal and fuselage skin in sections 46 and 48, which could cause in-flight depressurization of the airplane.

This action confirms the effective date of the direct final rule that established Class E airspace at Muldrow Army Heliport, Lexington, OK, published in the Federal Register August 6, 2008 (73 FR 45607) Docket No. FAA-2008-0003.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at South Texas International Airport, Edinburg, TX. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) at South Texas International Airport, Edinburg, TX. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft operations at South Texas International Airport.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD would require, among other actions, installing new ground fault interrupter (GFI) relays for the main fuel tanks and the auxiliary fuel tank pumps. This proposed AD also would require revising the FAA-approved maintenance program to incorporate new Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) for the GFI of the boost pumps and for the uncommanded on system for the auxiliary fuel tank pumps. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent an electrical fault in the fuel pump system, which might cause a connector or end cap to burn through and a subsequent fire or explosion inside the fuel pump or wing spar area. We are also proposing this AD to prevent uncommanded operation of the auxiliary fuel tank pumps, which can cause them to run dry. This condition will increase pump temperature and could supply an ignition source to fumes in the fuel tank, which can result in a consequent fire or explosion.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model BAe.125 series 800A (including C- 29A and U-125) airplanes, and Hawker Beechcraft Model Hawker 800XP airplanes. This AD requires doing an inspection to determine the serial number and part number on the main landing gear (MLG) upper casing, and replacing the MLG assembly with a serviceable MLG assembly if necessary. This AD results from a report indicating that the MLG casings have received improper hydrogen embrittlement relief. We are issuing this AD to prevent a fracture of the MLG casings and a collapse of the affected MLG, which could adversely affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of approximately 15.61 acres of airport property at Nenana Airport, Nenana, Alaska, from all restrictions of the surplus property agreement since the parcel of land is not needed for airport purposes. Reuse of the land for Alaska Rail Road track straightening represents a compatible land use. Sale of the property to the Alaska Rail Road at the appraised fair market value will be used to pay legal fees incurred during recent airport improvements. The property is not needed for airport purposes and reinvestment of the sale proceeds will benefit the airport and the interests of civil aviation.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the abandonment of the Tatum Airport, Tatum, NM, under provisions of Title 49, U.S.C. Section 47107(h) and to release the State of New Mexico as airport sponsor from the Airport Improvement Program Grant Agreement Grant Assurances, and to change forever the lands of the Tatum Airport from aeronautical to non-aeronautical use. The State of New Mexico will transfer Tatum's grant obligations associated with AIP Grant Number 3- 35-0044-001-2002 obligations to Navajo Lake Airport, Navajo Dam NM by investing the grant funds of $27,362 for fencing at Tatum to a fencing project at Navajo Lake Airport.

On October 5, 2007, the FAA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed performance requirements for certain avionics equipment on aircraft operating in specified classes of airspace within the United States National Airspace System. The comment period closed on March 3, 2008. The FAA is reopening the comment period for an additional 30 days to give the public an opportunity to comment on recommendations received from an Aviation Rulemaking Committee established by the Administrator on July 15, 2007.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of the airport from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the sale of the airport property. The proposal consists of the sale of vacant, much of which is farmed or vacant, containing trees, streams, and scattered wetland areas owned by the City of Mansfield. The Miller Farm Parcel 50 is approximately 100.521 acres. The land was acquired under FAA Project No(s): AIP-90-2-3-39-0049-099l (Contract No. AlP FA91-GL-l806). There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to dispose of the property. The proposed land for release is vacant, not required for future development, safety, or compatible land use. The intended land use is infrastructure development, including roads, utilities, and industrial development. 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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD requires replacing the existing straight-to-90- degree hose assembly for the Lavatory ``A'' water supply. The replacement is a new straight hose assembly and a separate 90-degree elbow fitting. This AD results from a report of a separated hose assembly for the passenger water system. We are issuing this AD to prevent a water leak into the flight deck ceiling, which could result in an electrical short and possible loss of several functions essential to safe flight.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a second meeting of RTCA Special Committee 215, Aeronautical Mobile Satellite (Route) Services, Next Generation Satellite Services and Equipment.

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:

This action revises the published description of three low altitude Alaskan compulsory reporting points, two high altitude reporting points, and revokes one high and low altitude reporting point in the vicinity of Bethel and Ketchikan. Specifically, the FAA is revising the description of CRACK, GARRS and MOCHA to address recent technical adjustments to their actual locations. Additionally, the FAA has determined that the FLUKE reporting point is no longer needed in the National Airspace System (NAS).

This action establishes Class D airspace at Victoria Regional Airport, Victoria, TX. Establishment of an air traffic control tower has made this action necessary for the safety of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at Victoria Regional Airport.

This action revises the Class E Airspace at Windsor Locks, Bradley International Airport, CT (BDL) to provide for adequate controlled airspace for those aircraft using Instrument Approach Procedures to the airport. The CHUPP NDB has been decommissioned, and after evaluation of the extension to the Windsor Locks Class C airspace defined using the CHUPP NDB, the FAA determined that the Class E3 airspace should be retained and extended 1 mile to provide adequate controlled airspace for the Instrument Approach Procedures to BDL. This action will enhance the safety and airspace management around the Bradley International Airport.

This action confirms the effective date of the direct final rule that establishes Class E5 airspace at Plains, TX, published in the Federal Register July 7, 2008, (73 FR 38313) Docket No. FAA-2008-0683.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. That AD currently requires a one-time inspection of the main landing gear (MLG) main fitting for cracks, and repair if necessary. The existing AD also currently requires installing a placard and revising the airplane flight manual to include procedures to prohibit the application of brakes during backward movement of the airplane. This new AD requires repetitive eddy current inspections of the MLG main fitting and rework before further flight as applicable. This AD results from reports that a final solution eliminating the cause of the crack initiation mechanism is not yet available and that repetitive inspections are necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the MLG main fitting, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the MLG main fitting.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. 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 MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Lockheed Model 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, and 382G series airplanes. This AD requires revising the FAA-approved maintenance program by incorporating new airworthiness limitations for fuel tank systems to satisfy Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 requirements. This AD also requires the accomplishment of certain fuel system modifications, the initial inspections of certain repetitive fuel system limitations to phase in those inspections, and repair if necessary. This AD results from a design review of the fuel tank systems. We are issuing 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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. 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 MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

This action restructures the restricted areas and other special use airspace (SUA) located in the vicinity of Fort Drum, NY. The Air National Guard (ANG) requested redesign of existing restricted airspace R-5201, known as the Adirondack Airspace Complex, by establishing two new restricted areas: R-5202A and R-5202B, and by restructuring the military operations areas (MOA) contained in the Adirondack Airspace Complex. Unlike restricted areas, which are designated under 14 CFR part 73, MOAs are not rulemaking airspace actions. However, since these MOAs form an integral part of the Adirondack Airspace Complex, the FAA is including a description of the associated MOA changes in this rule. The MOA changes described here will also be published in the National Flight Data Digest (NFDD). The ANG requested these airspace changes to provide the additional SUA needed to conduct more realistic aircrew training in the Adirondack Airspace Complex.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is issuing this notice to advise the public that a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Proposed New Runway and Associated Development at Palm Beach International Airport, has been prepared and is available for public review and comment. Your written comments on the DEIS and related documents can be sent to the individual listed in the section FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. A Public Information Workshop and Public Hearing will be held on November 12, 2008. The public comment period will commence on September 26, 2008 and will close on November 24, 2008. Public Comment and Information Workshop/Public Hearing: The start of the public comment period on the DEIS and associated studies will start on September 26, 2008 and will close on November 24, 2008. A Public Information Workshop and Public Hearing will be held on November 12, 2008 in West Palm Beach. The purpose of the Public Information Workshop and Public Hearing and the public comment period is to comply with NEPA requirements to provide public disclosure and involvement concerning the scope and content of the DEIS, and to afford the public and other interested parties the opportunity to comment on the economic, social, and environmental effects of the proposed project and its consistency with the objectives of any planning that the community has carried out. The Public Information Workshop will begin at 4 p.m. (EST) and will end at 7 p.m. (EST). The Public Hearing will begin at 6 p.m. (EST) and run concurrently with the Public Information Workshop. The Public Information Workshop/Public Hearing will be held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, Second Floor, 650 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. You can review copies of the DEIS and related documents may be viewed during regular business hours at the following locations: 1. PBC Library Main Branch, 3650 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33406. 2. PBC Library Greenacres Branch, 3750 Jog Road, Greenacres, FL 33467. 3. PBC Library Okeechobee Boulevard Branch, 5689 West Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33417. 4. WPB Public Library, 100 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Copies of the DEIS and related documents will also be available for review by appointment only at the following FAA and Palm Beach County Department of Airports offices: Federal Aviation Administration, Orlando Airports District Office, 5950 Hazeltine National Drive, Citadel International Building, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, (407) 812-6331; Palm Beach International Airport, Palm Beach County Department of Airports Office, 846 Palm Beach International Airport, West Palm Beach, FL, (561) 471-7412. Please schedule an appointment to review the DEIS in advance. A copy of the DEIS will also be available September 26, 2008 on the project Web site at https://www.pbia-eis.com.