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

The FAA has issued the final EA and FONSI/ROD for the Dual Track Airport Project for Brookings Regional Airport. The EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, FAA Orders 1050.1E, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures'' and FAA Order 5050.4B, ``NEPA Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions''.

This action proposes special conditions for Airbus A350-900 series airplanes. These airplanes will have novel or unusual design features associated with two separate Crew Rest Compartments: a Flight Crew Rest Compartment (FCRC) intended to be occupied by flight crew members only, and a Cabin Crew Rest Compartment (CCRC) intended to be occupied by cabin crew members. Both types of Crew Rest Compartments (CRC) are installed in the overhead area with access from the main deck. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed 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 superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Goodrich Evacuation Systems approved under TSO TSO-C69b and installed on Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes. That AD currently requires inspecting to determine the part number of the pressure relief valves on the affected Goodrich evacuation systems, and corrective action if necessary. This new AD requires inspecting to determine the part number of the pressure relief valves on the affected Goodrich evacuation systems and replacing certain pressure relief valves, and adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by reports that during workshop testing, certain pressure relief valves, which were required by the existing AD, did not seal and allowed the pressure in certain slides/ rafts to fall below the minimum raft mode pressure for the unit. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of pressure in the escape slides/rafts after an emergency evacuation, which could result in inadequate buoyancy to support the raft's passenger capacity during ditching and increase the chance for injury to raft passengers.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all DASSAULT AVIATION Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900 airplanes. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of fuel leakage from a defective fuel high-level sensor located in the wing front spar. This AD requires inspecting to determine fuel quantity sensors part numbers and replacing of certain fuel quantity sensors with new fuel quantity sensors. We are issuing this AD to prevent internal fuel leakage with significant fuel vapors, which could result in a fire hazard.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A321-131, -211, -212, and -231 airplanes. This AD requires a rotating probe inspection for cracking of the lower panel bore holes of the center wing box (CWB), and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of incorrect installation of rib pads of the lower aft panel of the CWB due to poor clamping during drilling, and reports that metal chips trapped between panels and stiffeners could impact the fatigue life of CWB panels. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking and damage in the bore holes of the rib pads of the lower forward and aft panels of the CWB which could result in reduced structural integrity of the wings.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500 Elan Orion, DG-500 Elan Trainer, DG-500/ 20 Elan, DG-500/22 Elan, DG-500M, and DG-500MB 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 damage to the bulkhead of the glider's center of gravity (CG) tow hook that, if not detected and corrected, may lead to failure of the fiberglass structure during a winch launch. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action establishes Class E Airspace at Marion, AL, to accommodate the new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures serving Vaiden Field. This action enhances the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations within the National Airspace System.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-76C helicopters. This proposed AD is prompted by a bird-strike to the windshield that resulted in unintended movement of the engine control levers from the forward position and towards the flight-idle position, which reduced power on both engines. These actions are intended to prevent unintended movement of the ECLs, resulting in main rotor speed decay and subsequent loss of control of the aircraft.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France Model SA341G helicopters. This proposed AD is prompted by an analysis and tests performed by the manufacturer that indicate that the life limit of the rotating star should be 12,000 hours time-in-service (TIS). The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of the rotating star and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10, DC-10- 10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC- 10-40F, MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F airplanes. The existing AD currently requires installing or replacing with improved parts, as applicable, the bonding straps between the metallic frame of the fillet and the wing leading edge ribs, on both the left and right sides of the airplane. The existing AD also requires, for certain airplanes, repositioning or replacing two bonding straps, doing a bonding- resistance check and an inspection to determine correct installation of certain bonding straps, and applicable corrective actions. Since we issued that AD, we have determined that additional actions are necessary to address the identified unsafe condition. This proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability and retain the requirements of the existing AD. This proposed AD would also require, depending on the airplane configuration, installing new braided bonding straps, inspecting to determine if a certain strap is installed and replacing with or installing a braided bonding strap if necessary, measuring the electrical resistance of the bonding straps, verifying that brackets have an acceptable fillet seal, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks in the event of a severe lightning strike, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

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 propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking of certain fuel access panels of the outer wing. This proposed AD would require an external inspection, and if necessary an internal inspection, to determine if certain fuel access panels are installed, and replacement if necessary; optional repetitive inspections for cracking of the fuel access panels, and replacement if necessary, would defer the internal inspection; and eventual replacement of affected fuel access panels with new panels. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracking of fuel access panels, which could result in arcing and ignition of fuel vapor in the outer wing fuel tank during a lightning strike.

This action makes a minor editorial change to the time of designation for restricted areas R-5801 and R-5803, Chambersburg, PA, to remove the abbreviation ``EST.'' This amendment does not change the dimensions of, or activities conducted within, the restricted areas.

These special conditions are issued for the Dassault Aviation Model Falcon 7X airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with seats with inflatable shoulder straps. 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 establishes Class E airspace at Piseco, NY, to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Piseco Airport. This action enhances the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also makes a minor adjustment to the geographic coordinates of the airport.

These special conditions are issued for the Airbus A350-900 series airplane. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with seats that include non-traditional, large, non-metallic panels that would affect survivability during a post-crash fire event. 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 proposes to modify Class D and Class E airspace at Bellingham, WA, to accommodate aircraft departing and arriving under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) at Bellingham International Airport. This action also would remove Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class D or E surface area at Bellingham International Airport. This action, initiated by the biennial review of the Bellingham airspace area, would enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport.

This action proposes to amend Class E Airspace at Memphis, TN, as the West Memphis Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) has been decommissioned and new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures have been developed at Memphis International Airport. This action also would remove West Memphis Municipal Airport, West Memphis, TN from the existing airspace surrounding Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN. This action would enhance the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

These special conditions are issued for the XtremeAir GmbH XA42 airplane. The XA42 airplane has a novel or unusual design feature associated with its static stability. This airplane can perform at the highest level of aerobatic competition. To be competitive, the aircraft was designed with positive and, at some points, neutral stability within its flight envelope. Its lateral and directional axes are also decoupled from each other providing more precise maneuvering. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. 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. These special conditions are only applicable to aircraft certified solely in the acrobatic category.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH Models GROB G 109 and GROB G 109B 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 excessive corrosion on the nose plate in the vertical stabilizer, which could cause the vertical stabilizer nose plate to fail. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland (RRD) Models Tay 611-8 and Tay 611-8C turbofan engines. This AD requires replacement of the high-pressure (HP) turbine spanner retaining nut. This AD was prompted by the discovery that certain HP turbine spanner retaining nuts were improperly heat treated after application of silver plating. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HP turbine stage 2 disc, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.

These special conditions are issued for the Boeing Model 787 series airplanes. These airplanes have a novel or unusual design feature associated with single-place side-facing 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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for PW JT9D-7R4G2 and -7R4H1 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by the determination that a new lower life limit for high-pressure turbine (HPT) 1st stage air seals, part number (P/N) 735907, is necessary. This AD establishes a new lower life limit for HPT 1st stage air seals, P/N 735907, and requires removing them from service using a drawdown schedule. We are issuing this AD to prevent critical life-limited rotating engine part failure and damage to the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of the inability to open the airstair door while on the ground, because the airstair door seal did not deflate, which prevented the airstair door from opening. This AD requires changing the wiring that controls the pneumatic shut-off valve. We are issuing this AD to prevent the airstair door seal from not deflating, which could result in the airstair door not opening and could impede evacuation in the event of an emergency.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 050 airplanes, and Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of loose nuts on contactors in the electrical power center (EPC), and in some cases, burned contactors. This proposed AD would require inspecting and, if necessary, adjusting, the torque values of nuts on circuit breakers, contactors and terminal blocks of the EPC and battery relay panel. This proposed AD would also require inspecting to determine if certain parts are installed, and installing the parts if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct loose nuts, which could result in arcing and potentially an onboard fire, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants or maintenance personnel.