Federal Aviation Administration September 11, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that during a test of the oxygen system, an operator found that the passenger oxygen masks did not properly flow oxygen, and that a loud noise occurred in the overhead area, which was caused by the flex line separating from the hard line due to a missing clamshell coupler. This proposed AD would require, for certain airplanes, performing a detailed inspection of certain areas of the airplane oxygen system to ensure clamshell couplers are installed and fully latched, and corrective actions if necessary. For all airplanes, this proposed AD would require performing and meeting the requirements of the low pressure leak test. We are proposing this AD to prevent the oxygen system flex line from separating from the hard line, which could cause an oxygen leak and a drop in the oxygen system pressure, resulting in improper flow of oxygen through the passenger masks and injury to passengers if emergency oxygen is needed.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 airplanes. That NPRM proposed repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the left and right rib hinge bearing lugs of the aft face of the center section of the horizontal stabilizer; measuring crack length and blending out cracks; and replacing the horizontal stabilizer center section rib, if necessary. That NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks of the hinge bearing lugs of the center section ribs of the horizontal stabilizer. This action revises that NPRM by adding the requirement for rib replacement if cracking is found during certain inspections of this proposed AD. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to detect and correct cracking in the hinge bearing lugs of the horizontal stabilizer center section ribs, which could result in failure of the lugs, resulting in the inability of the horizontal stabilizer to sustain the required limit loads 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.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Trinchera Ranch Airstrip Airport, Fort Garland, CO. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Trinchera Ranch Airstrip Airport. This improves the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action amends Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface, and adds controlled surface airspace at Dillon, MT, to accommodate aircraft using new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Dillon Airport. This improves the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. The geographic coordinates of the airport also are adjusted.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the thirteenth meeting of the RTCA Special Committee 223, Airport Surface Wireless Communications.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the fifteenth meeting of the RTCA Special Committee 224, Airport Security Access Control Systems

This action amends the Class E airspace areas at Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field), Boise, ID. This action also adjusts the geographic coordinates of the airport. The Boise VHF Omni-Directional Radio Range Tactical Air Navigational Aid (VORTAC) is no longer needed as a reference. The Donnelly Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN) has been decommissioned and controlled airspace reconfigured. This action also makes a minor change to the legal description in reference to Class E airspace 9,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL). This improves the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters with certain hoist hook assemblies (hook) installed. This AD requires inspecting the hook for correct assembly of the nut and body. This AD is prompted by a report that a hook separated from the cable of a helicopter. These actions are intended to prevent detachment of the hook from the helicopter and subsequent loss of an external load, possibly resulting in personal injury.