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

The FAA seeks comments on current policy, guidance, and procedures that aircraft operators (ranging from pilots of general aviation aircraft up to and including air carrier certificate holders at the major airlines) use when determining if passenger use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) may be allowed during any phase of flight on their aircraft. Current FAA regulations generally prohibit the use of all PEDs during flight, with the exception of portable voice recorders, hearing aids, heart pacemakers, and electric shavers. These regulations also provide an exception for any other PED that the aircraft operator has determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication systems on the aircraft. To better effectuate the safety purposes of these regulations, this notice requests comments about key areas of policy and guidance that are used by aircraft operators when making these determinations. It also requests comments about other technical challenges for addressing the problems associated with determining if and when PEDs can be used. The desired outcome of this solicitation is to have sufficient information to allow operators to better assess whether more widespread use of PEDs during flight is appropriate, while maintaining the highest levels of safety to passengers and aircraft. The Agency stresses that the existing regulations allow the operator to authorize the use of PEDs, and that no specific FAA approval is required. The aircraft operator is responsible for assuring that the interference from PEDs does not pose a flight risk. Once all the comments have been collected, the FAA intends to establish an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) to review the comments and provide recommendations that might permit the more widespread use of PEDs during flight while maintaining the highest levels of safety for the passengers and aircraft. The FCC will be a key partner in this activity working collaboratively with the FAA, airlines, and the manufacturers to explore broader use of PEDS in flight.

In preparation for the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Dangerous Goods Panel's (DGP's) Fall Working Group to be held October 15-19, 2012, in Montreal, Canada, the FAA's Office of Hazardous Materials Safety and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) Office of Hazardous Materials Safety announce a public meeting.

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 for an existing information collection. The FAA collects information to allocate slots and maintain accurate record of slot transfers at slot-controlled airports. The information is provided by air carriers and other operators at slot controlled airports.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with a certain wire strike protection system (WSPS) top cable cutter assembly installed. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of in-flight contact between the top cable cutter assembly and two main rotor (M/R) blades. This proposed AD would require reworking or replacing the top cable-cutter assembly to increase clearance between the WSPS and the M/ R blades. The proposed AD actions are intended to prevent damage to the M/R blades and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model 369D, 369E, 369F, and 369FF helicopters with certain serial-numbered tailboom assemblies. This proposed AD is prompted by the discovery of short-edge margin conditions on two tailboom assemblies. The proposed actions are intended to detect a short-edge margin condition, to modify the tailboom by adding a longeron doubler over the area with the short-edge distance, and to prevent failure of the tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

This action corrects geographic coordinates that were not adjusted in the airspace description of a final rule, technical amendment published in the Federal Register on July 31, 2012, amending controlled airspace in the Montgomery, AL, area. The corrected coordinates for Maxwell AFB and Wetumpka Municipal Airport, are included in this final.

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Univair Aircraft Corporation Models (ERCO) 415-C, 415-CD, 415-D, E, G; (Forney) F-1 and F-1A; (Alon) A-2 and A2-A; and (Mooney) M10 airplanes. That AD currently requires an inspection of the aileron balance assembly and ailerons for cracks and excessive looseness of associated parts with the required repair or replacement of defective parts as necessary. This new AD would add airplanes to the Applicability section; require inspections of the ailerons, aileron balance assembly, and aileron rigging for looseness or wear, require repair or replacement of parts as necessary; and require a report of the inspection results. This new AD was prompted by a report of a Univair Aircraft Corporation Model ERCO 415-D Ercoupe that crashed after an in-flight breakup due to possible aileron flutter. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Goodyear Aviation Tires, part number 299K63-1 (Brazilian made new tires only), installed on various transport category airplanes, including but not limited to Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as tire tread separations and tread-area bulges on the main landing gear tires due to low adhesion in the tread shoulder area. The unsafe condition is specific to Brazilian produced new tires, size H29x9.0-15, only; retread tires are not affected by this AD. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could cause the main landing gear tires to fail during takeoff or landing. The failure may cause damage to the airplane structure, flaps, engine, and wheel well and result in reduced controllability of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 5 U.S.C. App. 2), notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC). The meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Wednesday, October 10, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., at the National Housing Center, 1201 15th Street NW., Washington, DC, 20005. This will be the 56th meeting of the COMSTAC. The proposed agenda for October 9 features meetings of the working groups as follows:

The recently enacted Pilot's Bill of Rights (PBR) provides, among other things, that ``air traffic data'' should be made accessible to, or obtainable by, an airman in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigations when such data are in the FAA's possession and the data will facilitate the individual's ability to participate in a proceeding related to an FAA investigation. Some ``air traffic data'' are in the possession of government contractors providing operational services to the FAA. This notice specifies how and where an airman may request the FAA's assistance in seeking ``air traffic data'' from government contractors.

This action proposes special conditions for the Airbus Model A318-112 airplane. This airplane as modified by Fokker Services B.V. will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with a cooktop installation. 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.

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 all Honeywell International Inc. TFE731-20R, -20AR, -20BR, -40, -40AR, - 40R, -50R, and -60 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a report of a quality escape of about 8,000 2nd stage low-pressure turbine (LPT2) rotor blades, manufactured by Honeywell Chihuahua Manufacturing Operation since 2009. This AD requires removing and inspecting certain LPT2 rotor blades. We are issuing this AD to correct an unsafe condition caused by these blades installed on these engines.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -800, and -900ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by incorrect wire support clamps installed within the left environmental cooling systems (ECS) bay, which could allow wiring to come in contact with the exposed metal of the improper clamp. This proposed AD would require inspections to identify the part number of the wire support clamp, related investigative actions, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent electrical arcing and a potential ignition source, which in combination with flammable fuel vapors could result in a fuel tank explosion, and consequent loss of the airplane.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, - 900, and -900ER series airplanes. That NPRM proposed to require, for certain airplanes, installing two warning level indicator lights on each of the P1-3 and P3-1 instrument panels in the flight compartment. That NPRM also proposed to require revising the airplane flight manual to remove certain requirements of previous AD actions, and to advise the flightcrew of the following changes: revised non-normal procedures to use when a cabin altitude warning or rapid depressurization occurs, and revised cabin pressurization procedures for normal operations. That NPRM was prompted by a design change in the cabin altitude warning system that would address the identified unsafe condition. This action revises that NPRM by adding airplanes to the applicability; adding airplanes to the installation requirement, including, for certain airplanes, replacing the existing P5-16 and P5-10 panels; and, for certain airplanes, replacing the basic P5-16 panel with a high altitude landing P5-16 panel. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to prevent failure of the flightcrew to recognize and react to a valid cabin altitude warning horn, which could result in incapacitation of the flightcrew due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the body), and consequent loss of control of the airplane. 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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney Division PW4052, PW4152, PW4056, PW4156A, PW4060, PW4060A, PW4060C, PW4062, PW4062A, PW4158, PW4460, PW4462, PW4164, PW4164C, PW4164C/B, PW4168, and PW4168A turbofan engines with certain high- pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 front hubs installed. This AD was prompted by Pratt & Whitney's updated low-cycle-fatigue analysis that indicated certain HPT stage 1 front hubs could initiate a crack prior to the published life limit. This AD requires removing the affected HPT stage 1 front hubs from service using a drawdown plan. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT stage 1 front hub, which could lead to an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

This action amends Class E Airspace in Augusta, GA. The Bushe Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) and the Burke County NDB have been decommissioned and new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures have been developed at Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field, Augusta, GA, and Burke County Airport, Waynesboro, GA, respectively. Airspace reconfiguration is necessary for the continued safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations within the Augusta, GA, airspace area. This action also updates the geographic coordinates of Burke County Airport.

This amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas.

The FAA proposes to exclude tethered launches as defined in this proposal from the existing licensing requirements. This proposed rule would maintain public safety for these launches by providing launch vehicle operators with clear and simple criteria for a safe tethered launch. The FAA would not require a license, permit or waiver for tethered launches that satisfy the design and operational criteria proposed here.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Airplane Company Model 525 airplanes equipped with certain part number (P/N) air conditioning (A/C) compressor motors. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of smoke and/or fire in the tailcone caused by brushes wearing beyond their limits on the A/C motor. This proposed AD would require inspection of the number of hours on the A/C compressor hour meter, inspection of the logbook, and replacement of the brushes on certain P/N A/C compressor motors or deactivation of the A/C system until replacement of the brushes. This proposed AD also requires reporting of aircraft information related to the replacement of the brushes. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

This document notifies the public of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB's) approval of the information collection requirement contained in the FAA's final rule, ``Fatigue Tolerance Evaluation of Metallic Structures,'' which was published on December 2, 2011.

The FAA is amending the scope of its regulations to allow launch operators that conduct certain amateur rocket launches an opportunity to voluntarily apply for a commercial space transportation license or experimental permit.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Boone, IA. Decommissioning of the Boone non-directional beacon (NDB) at Boone Municipal Airport has made reconfiguration necessary for standard instrument approach procedures and for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Perry, IA. Decommissioning of the Perry non-directional beacon (NDB) at Perry Municipal Airport, Perry, IA, has made reconfiguration necessary for standard instrument approach procedures and for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

This notice announces the bi-annual meeting of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aeronautical Charting Forum (ACF) to discuss informational content and design of aeronautical charts and related products, as well as instrument flight procedures development policy and design criteria.