Federal Aviation Administration August 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Honeywell International Inc. TPE331-10 and TPE331-11 series turboprop engines. This AD requires removing certain first stage turbine disks from service. This AD results from a report of an uncontained failure of a first stage turbine disk that had a metallurgical defect. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained failure of the first stage turbine disk and damage to the airplane.

We propose to revise Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-10-09, which applies to certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) 150 and 152 series airplanes. AD 2009-10-09 requires either installing a placard prohibiting spins and other acrobatic maneuvers in the airplane or replacing the rudder stop, the rudder stop bumper, and the attachment hardware with a new rudder stop modification kit and replacing the safety wire with jamnuts. Since we issued AD 2009-10-09, we became aware of a need to clarify certain model and serial number designations, remove the duplicate requirement of replacing the safety wire with jamnuts, and clarify the conditional acceptability of using Modification Kit part number (P/N) SK152-25 as a terminating action to this proposed AD. Consequently, this proposed AD would retain the actions currently required in AD 2009-10-09, correct model designation for certain serial numbers, remove the duplicate requirement of replacing safety wire with jamnuts, and clarify the conditional acceptability of using Modification Kit P/N SK152-25 as a terminating action to this proposed AD. We are proposing this AD to prevent the rudder from traveling past the normal travel limit. Operation in this non-certificated control position is unacceptable and could cause undesirable consequences, such as contact between the rudder and the elevator.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all American Champion Aircraft Corp. Models 7ECA, 7GCAA, 7GCBC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, and 8GCBC airplanes, manufactured prior to 1989 and equipped with folding rear seat backs. This proposed AD would require inspection of the rear seat back hinge areas for cracking and excessive elongation of the rear seat hinge bolt hole and, if cracking or excessive elongation is found, replacement of the rear seat frame. This proposed AD results from an occurrence of the rear seat hinge area failing in flight. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the rear seat back hinge area and excessive elongation of the rear seat hinge bolt hole, either of which could result in failure of the seat back. This failure could lead to a rear-seated pilot or passenger inadvertently interfering with the control stick while attempting to not roll to the rear of the airplane upon seat back failure. Consequently, this failure could result in loss of control.

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 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 certain Boeing Model 747-200C and -200F series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections to find fatigue cracking in the floor panel attachment fastener holes of the upper chord of certain upper deck floor beams in Section 41 (i.e., body station 520 and forward), and repair if necessary. The existing AD also provides optional modifications, which extend the threshold for the initiation of certain repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would add repetitive inspections to find fatigue cracking in the floor panel attachment fastener holes of the upper chord of certain other upper deck floor beams in Section 41 and Section 42 (i.e., aft of body station 520); repetitive inspections to find fatigue cracking in the permanent fastener holes of the upper chord of certain upper deck floor beams in Section 41; and related investigative and corrective actions. This proposed AD would also provide a new optional modification, which would terminate certain repetitive inspections. This proposed AD results from new reports of cracking in the upper chord of the upper deck floor beams in Sections 41 and 42, and new analysis that shows the permanent fastener holes of the upper chord of certain upper deck floor beams in Section 41 are also susceptible to fatigue cracking. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the upper chord of the upper deck floor beams. Such cracking could extend and sever the floor beams, which could result in rapid decompression and loss of controllability of the airplane.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Midlothian- Waxahachie, TX. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) at Mid- Way Regional Airport, Midlothian-Waxahachie, TX. This action would also reflect the name change to Mid-Way Regional Airport and update the geographic coordinates. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for SIAPs at Mid-Way Regional Airport.

These special conditions are issued for Boeing Model 747-8/-8F airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with an increased engine size when compared to previous model airplanes. These larger engines with larger bypass fans are capable of producing higher and more complex dynamic loads than previously experienced in older designs. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

We are revising an existing 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 amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas.

This notice contains a summary of certain petitions 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 any petition or its final disposition.

This action corrects errors in the legal descriptions of several Area Navigation Routes listed in a final rule published in the Federal Register on July 6, 2009 (74 FR 31845), Airspace Docket No. 08- AAL-24, FAA Docket No. FAA-2008-0926.

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

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 release of 5.597 acres of airport property for non-aeronautical use. The land consists of portions of 2 original airport acquired parcels. These parcels were acquired under grants 5-39-0030-01, 5-39-0030-02, 5-39-0030-03, 5-39- 0030-05, and 3-39-0030-01. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the City of Dayton to sell the property. The land is not needed for aeronautical use. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the sale of the subject airport property nor a determination of eligibility for grant-in-aid funding from the FAA. The disposition of proceeds from the sale 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.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006-08- 09, which applies to all Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes. AD 2006-08-09 currently requires you to repetitively inspect (using the eddy current method) the two outboard fastener holes in both of the wing main spar lower caps at the center splice joint for cracks and repair or replace any cracked spar cap. Since we issued AD 2006-08-09, we have determined we need to clarify the applicability of Models AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes affected serial number (SN) ranges. Additionally, we propose to add an option of modifying the wing main spar lower caps to extend the safe life limit on the affected airplanes. Consequently, this proposed AD would keep the actions of AD 2006-08-09, clarify the applicability of Models AT- 802 and AT-802A affected SN ranges, and add a modification option to extend the safe life limit. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the wing main spar lower cap at the center splice joint, which could result in failure of the spar cap and lead to wing separation and loss of control of the airplane.

This action proposes to modify Class E airspace at Pueblo Memorial Airport, CO. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to facilitate vectoring of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) traffic from en route airspace to Pueblo Memorial Airport, CO. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at Pueblo Memorial Airport, CO.

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 notice announces the FAA's schedule for transitioning to full electronic distribution of airworthiness directives (ADs). This transition will provide a timelier and more cost effective method for the FAA to provide safety information.

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 for cracking, and repair as necessary, of lower lobe body frames (sections 42 and 46) of the fuselage. The existing AD also provides for optional modification of the frames, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would require additional repetitive inspections for cracking of certain fuselage frames, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also revise the AD applicability. This proposed AD results from a new report of a crack found in a body frame with a tapered side guide bracket at fuselage station 1800, located on the left side between stringers 39 and 40; the frame was severed. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct the loss of structural integrity of the fuselage, which could result in rapid depressurization of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 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 Italy, with which we have a bilateral agreement, states in the MCAI that during the installation of a fire extinguisher bottle on a new helicopter, it was found that the electrical receptacle/connectors on the bottle which commands the firing of the extinguishing agent were swapped between engines No. 1 and No. 2. This condition could affect helicopters already in service and fire extinguisher bottles of the same part number in stock as spare parts. If not corrected, an improperly wired fire extinguishing bottle might cause the extinguishing agent to be discharged toward the unselected engine when the system is activated, rather than toward the engine with the fire. This AD requires determining if each engine has the proper outlet end on the electrical receptacle/connector that attaches the firing cartridge to the fire extinguisher bottle, and if not, replacing the fire extinguisher bottle. This AD is intended to prevent the fire extinguishing agent from not discharging toward the engine with the fire, which could result in loss of the helicopter due to an engine fire.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, - 400, and -500 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the intercostal webs, attachment clips, and stringer splice channels for cracks; and corrective action if necessary. This new AD reduces the repetitive inspection intervals from 25,000 flight cycles to 6,000 flight cycles, and expands the inspection area for Model 737-200C series airplanes to include the area aft of the forward entry door. This AD results from additional reports of fatigue cracks. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the intercostals on the forward and aft sides of the forward entry door, which could result in loss of the forward entry door and rapid decompression of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain TCM IO-520, TSIO-520, and IO-550 series reciprocating engines, with certain SAP investment cast cylinder assemblies installed. This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections and compression tests to detect cracks in those cylinders with more than 750 flight hours (FH) time-in-service (TIS). This AD results from reports of cracks in the area of the exhaust valve and separation of cylinder heads from the barrels of SAP cylinder assemblies with certain part numbers. We are issuing this AD to prevent the separation of the cylinder head, which could result in immediate loss of engine power, possible structural damage to the engine, and possible fire in the engine compartment.

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:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is making a minor technical change to a final rule published in the Federal Register on February 2, 2005. This final rule established new manual requirements for aging aircraft under 14 CFR part 135. In the final rule, the FAA inadvertently changed one of the regulatory references in Sec. 135.427(a).

This notice announces the cancellation of TSO-C76a, Fuel Drain Valves. If you have reason to believe that this proposed action will negatively impact aviation safety, we would like to solicit your comments.