Federal Aviation Administration July 19, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MDHI Model 500N, 600N, and MD900 helicopters to require determining the cure date for each NOTAR fan blade tension-torsion strap (T-T strap), establishing a calendar-time retirement life for certain T-T straps, reducing the retirement life of certain T-T straps, marking each T-T strap with the expiration date, creating a component record card for each T-T strap, and revising the airworthiness limitations section of the maintenance manual to reflect the changes to the retirement life. This proposal is prompted by a report from the T-T strap manufacturer that, over a period of time, moisture may reduce the strength of a T-T strap. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of a T-T strap, loss of directional control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

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. To obtain type certification of a rotorcraft, an applicant must show that the rotorcraft complies with specific certification requirements. To show compliance, the applicant must submit substantiating data.

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 reports that airplanes with a Class C cargo (baggage) compartment have liners that do not meet flammability requirements. This proposed AD would require replacing the existing cargo compartment liners with liners that comply. We are proposing this AD to prevent inadequate fire protection in the cargo compartment and consequent uncontrolled fire.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Piper Aircraft, Inc. (type certificate previously held by The New Piper Aircraft Inc.) Models PA-18 and PA-19 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by incidents of inadvertent magneto switch shut off in flight. This proposed AD would require moving all magneto switches that are now or are at any time located on the left cabin panel, adjacent to the front seat, to the instrument panel. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting an airworthiness directive (AD) superseding an existing airworthiness directive for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Model 407 and 427 helicopters. The existing AD requires inspecting certain hydraulic servo actuators (servo) to determine whether the shaft turns independently of the nut or the clevis assembly, and additional actions based upon the inspection's outcome. The AD also requires reidentifying the servo. Since we issued that AD, Bell has learned that additional servos may need repair or removal. This AD expands the scope of the current AD to include inspections for all servos, and requires that servos meeting inspection requirements be marked with the letter ``V'' after the part number on the data plate. The actions are intended to detect any loose or misaligned parts in the servo that could lead to failure of the servo and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

This action amends the descriptions of 14 Jet Routes and 9 VOR Federal airways in the northeastern United States to reflect route changes made in Canadian airspace as part of Canada's Windsor-Toronto- Montreal airway project.

This action establishes Class E airspace at West Memphis, AR. Separation of existing Class E airspace surrounding West Memphis Municipal Airport from the Class E airspace of Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN, has made this action necessary to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney Division PW4074 and PW4077 turbofan engines. That AD currently requires removing the 15th stage high-pressure compressor (HPC) disk within 12,000 cycles since new (CSN) or using a drawdown removal plan for disks that exceed 12,000 CSN. This new AD requires the same actions and clarifies that 15th stage HPC disks that have accumulated more than 9,865 CSN require a borescope inspection (BSI) or eddy current inspection (ECI) of the disk outer rim front rail for cracks prior to accumulating 12,000 CSN. This AD was prompted by a request from an operator that we clarify our inspection schedule for 15th stage HPC disks that have accumulated more than 9,865, but less than 12,000 CSN, on the effective date of the AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks from propagating into the disk bolt holes, which could result in a failure of the 15th stage HPC disk, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.