Federal Aviation Administration October 16, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model L-1011 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect corrosion or fatigue cracking of certain structural elements of the airplane; corrective actions if necessary; and incorporation of certain structural modifications. Since we issued that AD, we have received reports of small cracks in additional areas outside those addressed in the existing AD, prior to the inspection threshold required by the existing AD. This proposed AD would reduce certain compliance times for the initial inspection, and the repetitive inspection interval for certain airplanes. We are proposing this AD to prevent corrosion or fatigue cracking of certain structural elements, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that high rate discharge (HRD) bottle explosive cartridges of a cargo compartment fire extinguisher system were swapped between the forward and aft cargo compartments. Additional investigation also revealed the possibility of swapping between the electrical connectors of the HRD and low rate discharge (LRD) bottles, and a rotated installation of the HRD bottle. Improper assembly of the fire extinguishing bottle might cause the extinguishing agent to be discharged toward the unselected cargo compartment rather than toward the cargo compartment with fire. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the HRD bottle for correct installation and to determine if the pressure switch is in the correct position, and re-installation if necessary; an inspection of the HRD and LRD bottle discharge heads to determine the part number and replacement if necessary; and, for certain airplanes, an inspection to determine the part numbers of the HRD and LRD electrical connectors, and relocation if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent the inability of the fire extinguishing system to suppress fire.

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 of two in- service incidents where the left main landing gear (MLG) failed to extend. This proposed AD would require installing stopper plates on the aft uplock frames in the MLG bay adjacent to the right and left MLG uplock assemblies. We are proposing this AD to prevent incorrect installation of the upper bolt in the MLG uplock assembly, which could prevent the MLG from extending and adversely affect the safe landing of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Brantly International, Inc. (Brantly) Model B-2, Model B-2A, and Model B-2B helicopters with a certain main rotor blade. This proposed AD was prompted by multiple reports of main rotor (M/R) blade cracks and an accident in which a crack that originated near the M/R blade trailing edge resulted in the loss of a large section of the M/R blade. The proposed actions are intended to prevent loss of the M/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS332C, L, and L1 helicopters to require an initial and repetitive inspections of the outer skin, butt strap, and fuselage frame for a crack and modification of the helicopter. This proposed AD is prompted by an AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, which states that a crack was discovered in a fuselage frame during a daily check. The proposed actions are intended to detect a crack, to prevent loss of airframe structural integrity and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; Model A330-200 and - 300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing defect in certain rods installed in the belly fairing, which could lead to cracks at the crimped end of the rod. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the rods to determine the manufacturer; and for affected parts, an inspection for any cracking of the rods, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the rods, which could result in rupture of rods that attach the belly fairing to the airframe, leading to separation of the belly fairing from the airframe, and consequent damage to airplane structure and airplane systems.

This action amends the FAA's rules for permitting limited use of portable oxygen concentrator systems on board aircraft, to allow for the use of additional portable oxygen concentrator (POC) devices on board aircraft, provided certain conditions in the SFAR are met. This action is necessary to allow all POC devices deemed acceptable by the FAA for use in air commerce to be available to the traveling public in need of oxygen therapy. Passengers will be able to carry these devices on board the aircraft and use them with the approval of the aircraft operator.