Federal Aviation Administration November 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This action amends the legal description of the VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) Federal airways V-81, V-89, and V-169 in the vicinity of Chadron, Nebraska. The FAA is taking this action because the Chadron VOR distance measuring equipment (DME), included as part of the V-81, V-89, and V-169 route structure, is being renamed the Toadstool VOR/DME to avoid confusion with Chadron Airport that shares the same identifier.

This special condition is issued for the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with the use of a hydrophobic windshield coating, rather than windshield wipers, as the means to maintain a clear portion of the windshield during precipitation conditions, as required by the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. 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.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, 42 United States Code Sec. 4321-4347 (as amended), Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) NEPA implementing regulations (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Parts 1500-1508), and FAA Order 1050.1E, Change 1, the FAA is announcing the availability of the Final EA and FONSI for Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the Grasshopper Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas. The Final EA was prepared in response to an application for an experimental permit from Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX). Under the Proposed Action, the FAA would issue an experimental permit to SpaceX to conduct suborbital launches and landings of the Grasshopper Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) from the McGregor test site in McGregor, Texas. The Grasshopper RLV is a vertical takeoff and vertical landing vehicle. The McGregor test site is located within the city limits of the City of McGregor, Texas in Coryell and McLennan Counties, approximately 20 miles southwest of Waco, Texas. The Final EA addresses the potential environmental impacts of implementing the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative of not issuing an experimental permit to SpaceX. The FAA has posted the Final EA and FONSI on the FAA/AST Web site at https://www.faa.gov/about/officeorg/headquartersoffices/ast/. In addition, copies of the Final EA and FONSI were sent to persons and institutions on the distribution list (see Chapter 8 of the Final EA). A paper copy of the Final EA and FONSI may be reviewed during regular business hours at the following location: McGinley Memorial Library, 317 Main Street, McGregor, Texas 76657. Additional Information: Under the Proposed Action, the FAA would issue an experimental permit to SpaceX, which would authorize SpaceX to conduct suborbital launches and landings of the Grasshopper RLV from the McGregor test site in McGregor, Texas. SpaceX has determined that to support the Grasshopper RLV activities under the experimental permit, it would be necessary to construct a launch pad and additional support infrastructure (water lines). Therefore, the Proposed Action analyzed in the Final EA includes the activities that would be authorized by the experimental permit (i.e., the operation of the launch vehicle) as well as the construction of the launch pad and installation of water lines. The experimental permit would be valid for one year and would authorize an unlimited number of launches. The FAA could renew the experimental permit if requested, in writing, by SpaceX at least 60 days before the permit expires. SpaceX anticipates that the Grasshopper RLV program would require up to 3 years to complete. Therefore, the Proposed Action considers one new permit and two potential permit renewals. Although an experimental permit would authorize an unlimited number of launches, the FAA, in conjunction with SpaceX, developed a conservative set of assumptions regarding the possible number of launches that could be conducted under any one experimental permit for the Grasshopper RLV at the McGregor test site. The FAA has assumed that SpaceX would conduct up to 70 annual suborbital launches of the Grasshopper RLV under an experimental permit at the McGregor test site. This estimation is a conservative number and considers potential multiple launches per day and potential launch failures. The only alternative to the Proposed Action analyzed in the Final EA is the No Action Alternative. Under the No Action Alternative, the FAA would not issue an experimental permit to SpaceX for operation of the Grasshopper RLV at the McGregor test site. Existing SpaceX activities would continue at the McGregor test site. Please refer to Section 2.2 of the Final EA for a brief discussion of existing SpaceX activities. The resource areas considered in the Final EA include air quality; noise and compatible land use; land use (including U.S. Department of Transportation Section 4(f) Properties); biological resources (fish, wildlife, and plants); historical, architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources; hazardous materials, pollution prevention, and solid waste; light emissions and visual resources; natural resources and energy supply; water resources (surface waters and wetlands, groundwater, floodplains, and water quality); socioeconomics, environmental justice, and children's environmental health and safety; and secondary (induced) impacts. Potential cumulative impacts of the Proposed Action were also addressed in the Final EA. An analysis of the Proposed Action has concluded that there would be no significant short-term, long-term, or cumulative effects to the environment or surrounding populations. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Action is not required. After careful and thorough consideration of the facts contained herein, the FAA finds that the proposed Federal action is consistent with existing national environmental policies and objectives as set forth in Section 101 of NEPA and other applicable environmental requirements and will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment or otherwise include any condition requiring consultation pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of NEPA.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes and Model DHC-8-200, -300, and -400 series airplanes. 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 availability of a Report from the ADS-B In Aviation Rulemaking Committee, Recommendations to Define a Strategy for Incorporating ADS-B In Technologies into the National Airspace System. This committee was convened at the FAA's request to provide a forum for the U.S. and international aviation community to provide recommendations on a global strategy to proceed with ADS-B In while ensuring compatibility with the standards adopted for ADS-B Out. The FAA is currently reviewing the report to evaluate the appropriate course of action.

This action modifies Class E airspace at Driggs, ID to accommodate aircraft using Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport. This action also updates the airport name and adjusts the geographic coordinates of the airport. This improves the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, Colorado Springs, CO. Decommissioning of the Black Forest Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN) has made this action necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also would adjust the geographic coordinates of the airport.

The FAA publishes a monthly notice, as appropriate, of PFC approvals and disapprovals under the provisions of the Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 (Title IX of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990) (Pub. L. 101-508) and Part 158 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 158). This notice is published pursuant to paragraph d of Sec. 158.29.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 172R and 172S airplanes. The existing AD requires you to inspect the fuel return line assembly for chafing; replace the fuel return line assembly if chafing is found; and inspect the clearance between the fuel return line assembly and both the right steering tube assembly and the airplane structure, adjusting as necessary. Since we issued that AD, we have received a field report of a fuel return line chafing incident on a Cessna Model 172 airplane with a serial number (S/N) that was not included in the AD. This proposed AD would retain the actions of the current AD and add S/Ns to the Applicability section of the AD. Chafing of the fuel return line assembly could lead to fire. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA hereby provides notice of intent to release certain airport properties totaling 22.15 acres at the Melbourne International Airport, Melbourne, Florida from the conditions, reservations, and restrictions as contained in a Quitclaim Deed agreement between the FAA and the City of Melbourne, dated August 6, 1947. The release of property will allow the Melbourne Airport Authority to dispose of the property for other than aeronautical purposes. The property is located on the north side of the airfield, along the west side of Neiman Avenue and south of Laurie Street in Brevard County, Florida. The parcel is currently designated as non-aeronautical use. The property will be released of its federal obligations to enhance the storm water management of the surrounding community, a benefit that cannot be quantified. The property will be swapped for another City-owned parcel. The 22.15-acre parcel to be acquired is located west of Apollo Boulevard and North of General Aviation Drive in Brevard County, Florida. This parcel is adjacent to airport property and is currently vacant. The fair market value of the Neiman Avenue/Laurie Street parcel has been determined by appraisal to be $53,000. The fair market value of the Apollo Boulevard/General Aviation Way parcel has been determined by appraisal to be $450,000. Documents reflecting the Sponsor's request are available, by appointment only, for inspection at the Melbourne International Airport and the FAA Airports District Office.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 217/EUROCAE WG-44: Terrain and Airport Mapping Databases: For the tenth meeting

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Honeywell International Inc. LTS101-600A-2, -3, -3A, and LTS101-700D-2 turboshaft engines with certain power turbine governors (PTG) model AL- AB1, installed, that are marked with compliance symbol N or P, or with no compliance symbol, on the PTG identification plate. This AD requires initial and repetitive replacements of the affected PTGs. This AD was prompted by reports of two accidents where the engines suddenly lost power and the helicopters had to make emergency autorotation landings, leading to substantial damage to the helicopters. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine power, leading to emergency autorotation landing and damage to the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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 Pacific Aerospace Limited Model FU24 Airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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 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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP (type certificate previously held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Galaxy and Gulfstream G150 airplanes; and Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 200 airplanes. 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 modifies Class E airspace at Blythe, CA, to accommodate aircraft using Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Blythe Airport. This action also corrects geographic coordinates in the regulatory text. This improves the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of land at the Malden Regional Airport & Industrial Park (MAW), Malden, Missouri, under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47107(h)(2).

The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that published in the Federal Register. That AD applies to certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 150F, 150G, 150H, 150J, 150K, 150L, 150M, A150K, A150L, A150M, F150F, F150G, F150H, F150J, F150K, F150L, F150M, FA150K, FA150L, FRA150L, FA150M, FRA150M, 152, A152, F152, and FA152 airplanes. There is an error in the compliance instructions. This document corrects that error. In all other respects, the original document remains the same.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601-3R, and CL-604 Variants) airplanes. 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 propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. 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 propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. 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 changes the using agency name for Restricted Area R-2104 A through E, Huntsville, AL to read ``Commander, U.S. Army Garrison, Redstone, Redstone Arsenal, AL.'' There are no changes to the boundaries; designated altitudes; time of designation; or activities conducted within the affected restricted areas.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, and -300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report from the airplane manufacturer that airplanes were assembled with air distribution ducts in the environmental control system (ECS) wrapped with Boeing Material Specification (BMS) 8-39 or Aeronautical Materials Specifications (AMS) 3570 polyurethane foam insulation, a material with fire-retardant properties that deteriorate with age. This proposed AD would require reworking certain air distribution ducts in the ECS. We are proposing this AD to prevent ignition of the BMS 8-39 or AMS 3570 polyurethane foam insulation on the duct assemblies of the ECS due to a potential electrical arc, which could start a small fire and lead to a larger fire that may spread throughout the airplane through the ECS.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes), and Model A310 series airplanes 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: