Federal Aviation Administration January 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a fire which started in the vicinity of an electrical panel that was fed by oxygen escaping from a damaged third crew person oxygen line that occurred while the airplane was on the ground. This proposed AD would require replacing and changing the routing of the flexible oxygen hose of the third crew person oxygen line and modifying the entrance compartment assembly. We are proposing this AD to prevent the possibility of damage to the third crew person oxygen line and an oxygen-fed fire in the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF34-10E series turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a report of heavy wear found on the seating surface of the center vent duct (CVD) (commonly referred to as center vent tube) support ring and on the inside diameter of the fan drive shaft at the mating location. This AD requires removing from service all CVD support assemblies and any fan drive shaft on the affected engines if wear is found on either the CVD support ring or the fan drive shaft. We are issuing this AD to prevent fan drive shaft failure, leading to uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

The FAA hereby provides notice of intent to release certain airport properties 1.52 acres at Page Field, Fort Myers, FL from the conditions, release certain properties from all terms, conditions, reservations and restrictions of a Quitclaim Deed agreement, dated June 4, 1947, between the subject airport and the Federal Aviation Administration. The release of property will allow the Lee County Port Authority, owner of Page Field, to dispose of the property for other than aeronautical purposes. The property is located in the southwest corner of airport property, north of South Road, in Lee County, Florida. The parcel is currently designated as non-aeronautical use. The property will be released of its federal obligations to sell the property at Fair Market Value to Lee County for municipal purposes. The appraised Fair Market Value of the parcel is $64,628. Documents reflecting the Sponsor's request are available, by appointment only, for inspection at the Lee County Port Authority Offices at Fort Myers International Airport and the FAA Airports District Office.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an electrical arc and hydraulic haze in the wheel bay of the left-hand main landing gear (MLG) possibly resulting from chafing between the hydraulic high pressure hose and electrical wiring of the green electrical motor pump (EMP). This proposed AD would require prohibiting in-flight use of the green EMPs; revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) limitations section; installing a placard in the cockpit overhead panel; doing a one-time general visual inspection for correct condition and installation of hydraulic pressure hoses, electrical conduits, feeder cables, and associated clamping devices; and corrective action if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct chafing of hydraulic pressure hoses and electrical wiring of the green EMPs, which in combination with a system failure, could cause an uncontrolled and undetected fire in the MLG bay.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for all RR RB211-Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B- 61, 556B2-61, 560-61, 560A2-61, 768-60, 772-60, 772B-60, 875-17, 877- 17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17 turbofan engines. That NPRM proposed to supersede an existing AD that requires inspecting the intermediate-pressure (IP) compressor rotor shaft rear balance land for cracks, which could lead to engine failure. This action revises that NPRM by changing the optional terminating action for RB211-Trent 700 and RB211-Trent 800 engines to mandatory terminating action. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

By Federal Register notice (See 76 FR 65319; October 20, 2011) the National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) invited interested persons to apply to fill a vacant position on the National Parks Overflights Advisory Group (NPOAG) Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC). That previous notice invited interested persons to apply to fill the vacancy representing Native American tribal concerns due to the incumbent member's completion of a three- year term appointment on April 2, 2012. This notice informs the public of the person selected to fill the vacancy on the NPOAG ARC.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the twenty-eighth meeting of RTCA Special Committee 206: Aeronautical Information and Meteorological Data Link Services

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Glasflugel Models Standard Libelle-201B, Club Libelle 205, Mosquito, and Kestrel gliders. 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 corrosion damage to the elevator control rod that could lead to failure of the elevator control rod, possibly resulting in loss of control of the glider. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 717-200 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks found on the center section ribs of the horizontal stabilizers. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the aft face of the left and right rib hinge bearing lugs of the center section of the horizontal stabilizer; and crack measurement, repairs, and installation of a new center section rib if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the left and right bearing lugs of the rib hinge spreading at the same time, which could result in failure of both hinge bearing lugs. Failure of the hinge bearing lugs could result in the inability of the horizontal stabilizer to sustain flight loads and therefore reduce the controllability of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that escape slides/rafts did not deploy due to galvanic corrosion of the door-mounted slide/raft packboard release mechanisms. This proposed AD would require doing a general visual inspection of the housing assembly of the packboard release mechanism to determine if its surface treatment has been sealed, and if unsealed, replacing the housing assembly with a new or serviceable housing assembly. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct corrosion of the packboard release mechanisms, which could interfere with escape slide/raft deployment, prohibit doors from opening in the armed mode, and cause consequent delay and injury during evacuation of passengers and crew from the cabin in the event of an emergency.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by chafing on high pressure fuel lines due to improper installation of an expandable pin on the lower cowl assembly. This proposed AD would require installing spring clips and repositioning the lanyard attachment points at the forward end and the forward firefloor of the lower cowl. We are proposing this AD to prevent chafing of the high pressure fuel lines, which if not corrected, could cause fuel leakage in a fire zone.

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 lease of the airport property. The proposal consists of 2 parcels of land with the lease portion totaling approximately 5.4 acres. Current use and present condition is partially developed land compatible with local commercial/ industrial zoning classification. The land was acquired under the FAA Project Numbers 9-20-072-6001, 3-26-0039-02, and 3-26-0055-44208. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to lease the property, since the land is no longer needed for aeronautical use. Subject land will provide for the development and expansion of the west Michigan Aviation Academy (WMAA); and through its lease would result in generating a predictable long-term revenue stream for the airport. 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 lease of the airport property will be in accordance 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.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to authorize the release of approximately 29.5 acres of airport property for sale. The land consists of portions of the original airport parcels. These parcels were acquired by the Wayne County Road Commissioners of Wayne County, Michigan, its successors and assigns (Wayne County Airport Authority) from the U.S. Government, General Services Administration without federal participation. This property was previously released for non-aeronautical use. There are no requirements to retain the land for airport use. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the Wayne County Airport Authority 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. 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 The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. This AD requires installing new panel assemblies in the main equipment center or on the forward cargo compartment sidewall and removing certain relays from some panels in the main equipment center. This AD also requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) No. 28-AWL-27 and No. 28-AWL-28. This AD also includes an alternative location for the installation of the new panel assemblies for airplanes that have the optional water system drain plumbing and changing the interconnecting wiring between the P141 panel and the P36 and P37 panels. For airplanes with a deactivated center fuel tank, this AD also requires an alternative functional test for the left and right override/jettison pumps. We are issuing this AD to prevent possible sources of ignition in a fuel tank caused by electrical fault or uncommanded dry operation of the main tank boost pumps and center auxiliary tank override and jettison pumps. This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. An ignition source in the fuel tank could result in a fire or an explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

We are revising an earlier NPRM for DG Flugzeugbau GmbH DG-500 Elan series sailplanes and Models DG-500M and DG-500MB powered sailplanes. 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 incorrect re-installation of the rear cockpit securing rope for the headrest of the rear seat during maintenance, which could cause the rear seat to interfere with the control stick of the sailplane. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the eighteenth meeting of RTCA Special Committee 216: Aeronautical Systems Security (Joint meeting with EUROCAE WG-72).

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the seventeenth meeting of RTCA Special Committee 213, Enhanced Flight Vision/Synthetic Vision Systems (EFVS/SVS).

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109, A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109K2, A109E, A109S, and A119 helicopters. This proposed AD is prompted by a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI AD states that a Model A109E helicopter has experienced a failure of the tail rotor pitch control link assembly caused by a production defect. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of a tail rotor pitch control link and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

This rulemaking would allow qualified operators to conduct lower than standard instrument flight rules (IFR) airport operations at military airports or outside the United States when authorized to do so by their operations specifications. This action is necessary because the current regulatory section limits certain operators to a takeoff minimum visibility of 1 mile, and a landing minimum visibility of \1/2\ mile when conducting IFR operations at those airports, even when the operator has demonstrated the ability to safely conduct operations in lower visibility. The intended effect of this final rule is to bring the identified regulatory section into alignment with other sections of the regulations that currently permit lower than standard IFR operations at domestic civilian, foreign, and military airports when authorized to do so.

These special conditions are issued for the Boeing Model 767- 300 series airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with seats with inflatable lapbelts. 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.

This action extends the comment period for an NPRM that was published on November 28, 2011. In that document, the FAA proposed to establish restricted area airspace within the Devils Lake East Military Operations Area (MOA), overlying Camp Grafton Range, in the vicinity of Devils Lake, ND. This extension is a result of a request from the North Dakota Aviation Council (NDAC), representing eight member groups including the Airport Association of North Dakota, North Dakota Business Aviation Association, North Dakota Pilots Association, North Dakota Professional Aviation Mechanics Association, and North Dakota Flying Farmers, to extend the comment period to the proposal.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Discus 2cT gliders. 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 small cracks which have been found on engine pylons in the area of the lower engine support that have not been detected during the standard daily inspection. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to an engine pylon failure resulting in loss of control of the glider. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Socata Model TBM 700 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 installation of the wrong (switched) aileron control cables in the wing. This unsafe condition could lead to restricted movement of the aileron, resulting in reduced control of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to modify Class E airspace at Willcox, AZ and remove Class E airspace at Cochise, AZ. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Cochise County Airport, Willcox, AZ. This action also proposes to remove the airspace designated as Cochise, AZ and combine it with Cochise County Airport, Willcox, AZ. Decommissioning of the Cochise VHF Omni-Directional Radio Range Tactical Air Navigation Aid (VORTAC) has made this action necessary for the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport.