Federal Aviation Administration September 3, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes. This AD requires replacing certain Thales Avionics pitot probes with certain other pitot probes. This AD results from reports of airspeed indication discrepancies while flying at high altitudes in inclement weather conditions. We are issuing this AD to prevent airspeed discrepancies, which could lead to disconnection of the autopilot and/or auto-thrust functions, and reversion to flight control alternate law and consequent increased pilot workload. Depending on the prevailing airplane altitude and weather, this condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced control of the airplane.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Mankato, MN. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) at Mankato Regional Airport, Mankato, MN. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for SIAPs at Mankato Regional Airport.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Oooguruk, AK, providing controlled airspace to contain aircraft executing special Instrument Approach Procedures (IAPs) at two heliport facilities, Oooguruk Drill Site Helipad, and Oooguruk Tie-in Helipad, Oooguruk, AK. Also, this action makes a minor change in the description for the Oooguruk Drill Site Helipad. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at Oooguruk, AK.