Federal Aviation Administration May 26, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

These special conditions amend Special Conditions No. 25-388- SC for the Boeing Model 747-8/-8F airplanes. These special conditions were previously issued July 29, 2009, and became effective September 10, 2009. These special conditions are being amended to include additional criteria addressing the Outboard Aileron Modal Suppression System. The 747-8/-8F will have novel or unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. These design features include their effects on the structural performance. 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. Additional special conditions will be issued for other novel or unusual design features of the 747-8/-8F airplanes.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above, with certain part number (P/N) high-pressure compressor (HPC) stages 2-5 spools installed. This proposed AD would require eddy current inspection (ECI) or spot fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the stages 1-2 rotating seal teeth of the HPC stages 2-5 spool for cracks and would prohibit installation of HPC stator stage 1 interstage seals that are not pregrooved to prevent heavy rubs. This proposed AD was prompted by an aborted takeoff and two shop findings of cracks in the stages 1-2 rotating seal teeth. We are proposing this AD to detect cracks in the HPC stages 1-2 rotating seal teeth due to heavy rubs, which could result in failure of the stages 1- 2 rotating seal of the HPC stages 2-5 spool, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. This collection of information is required of persons who must receive training and testing under 14 CFR 91.161 in order to fly within 50 nautical miles (NM) of the Washington, DC omni-directional range/distance measuring equipment (DCA VOR/DME). For a person to enroll in the FAA's ``Washington, DC Area Training Program,'' the rule requires persons to electronically furnish their names, residence addresses, and pilot certificate numbers.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Kenbridge, VA, to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures that have been developed for Lunenburg County Airport. This action enhances the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the Airport.

This rule 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.