Federal Aviation Administration 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This action would update, simplify, and streamline rules of practice and procedure for filing and adjudicating complaints against federally-assisted airports. It would improve efficiency by enabling parties to file submissions with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) electronically, and by incorporating modern business practices into how the FAA handles complaints. This amendment is necessary to reflect changes in applicable laws and regulations, and to apply lessons learned since the existing rules were implemented in 1996.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 series airplanes; Model A330-300 series airplanes; Model A340-200 series airplanes; and Model A340-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that three failures of the retraction bracket occurred during fatigue testing before the calculated life limit of the main landing gear (MLG). This AD requires repetitive replacement of the affected retraction bracket of the MLG. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the retraction bracket, which could result in a MLG extension with no damping, and consequent structural damage of the MLG.

The Federal Aviation Administration is requesting public comment on the Penn Yan Airport (PEO), Penn Yan, New York, Notice of Proposed Release from Aeronautical Use of approximately 10.00 +/- acres of airport property, to allow for non-aeronautical development. The parcel is located on the northwest corner of the Penn Yan Airport. The tract currently consists of 10.00 +/- acres of land and it is currently vacant. The requested release is for the purpose of permitting the airport owner to sell and convey title of 10.00 +/- acres for construction of a boat storage and maintenance facility by Land and Sea Properties. Documents reflecting the Sponsor's request are available, by appointment only, for inspection at the Office of the Yates County Legislature and the FAA New York Airport District Office.

A notice of proposed rulemaking published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2011, establishing Class E airspace at Wilkes- Barre/Wyoming Valley Airport, Wilkes-Barre, PA, is being withdrawn. Controlled airspace already exists for area airports under this city designator. A new proposal amending the existing airspace will be submitted under a separate rulemaking.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of the RTCA Program Management Committee.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Models 58 and G58 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by installation of oversized clamps on fuel vapor return and/or fuel vent lines in the outboard sections of the left and right wings. This proposed AD would require inspecting for oversized or deformed fuel hose clamps and replacing as necessary. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all GE CF6-80C2 model turbofan engines, including engines marked on the engine data plate as CF6-80C2B7F1. This AD was prompted by a report of a supplier shipping a batch of nonconforming No. 3 bearing packings that had incorrect cooling holes and by subsequent reports of nonconforming No. 3 bearing packings being installed on engines in service. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the No. 3 bearing packing for an incorrect cooling hole size and, if it is found nonconforming, removing the packing and removing certain engine rotating life-limited parts (LLPs), if they were operated with unacceptable rotor bore cooling flow for a specified number of cycles. We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncontained failure of the high-pressure compressor (HPC) rotor or the low-pressure turbine (LPT) rotor, or both, which could cause damage to the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney PW4050, PW4052, PW4056, PW4060, PW4060A, PW4060C, PW4062, PW4062A, PW4152, PW4156, PW4156A, PW4158, PW4160, PW4460, PW4462, and PW4650 turbofan engines, including models with any dash number suffix. This AD was prompted by an engine overspeed event that occurred during taxi and resulted in a high-pressure compressor surge and tailpipe fire. This AD requires replacing Pratt & Whitney fuel metering units (FMUs), part numbers (P/Ns) 53T335 (HS 801000-1), 55T423 (HS 801000-2), and 50U150 (HS 801000-3) at the next shop visit after the effective date of this AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine overspeed on these engines, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to 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.

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. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on December 22, 2011, vol. 76, no. 246, page 79752-79753. The FAA uses the information collected on form 7460-1 to determine the effect a proposed construction or alteration would have on air navigation and the National Airspace System (NAS), and the information collected on form 7460-2 to measure the progress of actual construction.

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. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on December 22, 2011, vol. 76, no. 246, page 79754. Approval is needed for security reasons such as mortgages submitted by the public for recording against aircraft, engines, propellers, and spare parts locations.

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. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on December 22, 2011, vol. 76, no. 246, page 79753-79754. The respondents to this information collection are FAR Part 135 and Part 121 operators seeking airman certification and approval of aircraft dispatcher courses. The FAA uses the information to ensure compliance and adherence to the regulations.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of flight crew failure to activate air data probe heat. This proposed AD would require modifying the anti-icing system for the angle of attack sensor, the total air temperature, and the pitot probes. We are proposing this AD to prevent ice from forming on air data system sensors and consequent loss of or misleading airspeed indication on all airspeed indicating systems, which could lead to loss of control of the airplane.

This action confirms the effective date of the direct final rule published on January 11, 2012. The rule allows qualified operators to conduct lower than standard instrument flight rules (IFR) airport operations at military airports or outside the United States when authorized to do so by their operations specifications.

On March 8, 2011, the FAA published an interim final rule, request for comments (Amendment Nos. 21-94, 25-133, 121-354, 129-50; SFAR 111) on security considerations for lavatory oxygen systems (77 FR 12550). The interim final rule addresses a security vulnerability and is needed so the affected airplanes can continue operating until the non- compliance to airworthiness standards and operating rules is resolved. We sought public comment on the interim final rule even though it became effective upon publication. This action responds to the public comments the FAA received.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain serial numbers of Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW901A auxiliary power units (APUs) approved under Technical Standard Order TSO-C77A and installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 747-400 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by several events of high- pressure turbine blade fracture leading to separation of the rear gas generator case and release of high energy debris. This proposed AD would require modifications of the rear gas generator case, exhaust duct support, and turbine exhaust duct flanges. We are proposing this AD to prevent separation of the rear gas generator case and release of high energy debris, which could result in injury and damage to the airplane.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain transport category airplanes. The existing AD currently requires either activating all chemical oxygen generators in the lavatories until the generator oxygen supply is expended, or removing the oxygen generator(s); and, for each chemical oxygen generator, after the generator is expended (or removed), removing or restowing the oxygen masks and closing the mask dispenser door. Since we issued that AD, we have identified means to provide a supplemental oxygen system that does not have the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would require installing a supplemental oxygen system in affected lavatories, which would terminate the requirements of the existing AD. We are proposing this AD to eliminate a hazard that could jeopardize flight safety, and to ensure that all lavatories have a supplemental oxygen supply.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all PW PW4074 and PW4077 turbofan engines. The existing 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. Since we issued that AD, we received a request from an operator that we clarify our inspection schedule for 15th stage HPC disks. This proposed AD would clarify that 15th stage HPC disks that have accumulated more than 9,685 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. We are proposing 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.

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all GE CF6-80C2B series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires installing software version 8.2.Q1 to the engine electronic control unit (ECU), which increases the engine's margin to flameout. This new AD requires the removal of the affected ECUs from service. This AD was prompted by two reports of engine flameout events during flight in inclement weather conditions, eight reports of engine in- flight shutdown (IFSD) events caused by dual-channel central processing unit (CPU) faults in the ECU, and four reports of engine flameout ground events. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine flameout or un- commanded engine IFSD of one or more engines, leading to an emergency or forced landing of the airplane.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. The existing AD requires replacement of the existing deactivation pin, aft cascade pin bushing, and pin insert on each thrust reverser half with new, improved components. Since we issued that AD, we received reports that certain airplanes require installation of a new bushing and deactivation pin with increased load carrying capability and all airplanes powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D series engines require installation of a new bracket for stowing the deactivation pin. This proposed AD would add a dye penetrant inspection for cracking of the rivet holes of the bushing plate and repair or replacement, if necessary. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require replacing the existing bushing with a new bushing and deactivation pin; and installing a new or serviceable stowage bracket for the deactivation pins on all airplanes powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D series engines. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the thrust reverser deactivation pins, which could fail to prevent a deployment of a deactivated thrust reverser in flight and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601-3R, and CL-604 Variants) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of deformation at the neck of the pressure regulator body on the oxygen cylinder and regulator assemblies (CRAs), and an electrical wiring harness in the area of the oxygen cylinder had no protective conduit sleeving. This proposed AD would require inspecting to determine if certain oxygen pressure regulators are installed and replacing oxygen CRAs containing pressure regulators that do not meet the required material properties. This proposed AD would also require inspecting for damaged wiring and repairing or replacing wiring if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent rupture of the oxygen cylinder, which in the case of cabin depressurization, oxygen would not be available when required; and to detect and correct unprotected wiring that could chafe against the oxygen system components or surrounding structure in the area, which could lead to electrical arcing and an oxygen-fed fire.

We are revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for transport category airplanes that have one or more lavatories equipped with paper or linen waste receptacles. That AD currently requires installation of placards prohibiting smoking in the lavatory and disposal of cigarettes in the lavatory waste receptacles; establishment of a procedure to announce to airplane occupants that smoking is prohibited in the lavatories; installation of ashtrays at certain locations; and repetitive inspections to ensure that lavatory waste receptacle doors operate correctly. This new AD extends the time an airplane may be operated with certain missing ashtrays. This AD was prompted by the determination that certain compliance times required by the existing AD could be extended and still address fires occurring in lavatories caused by, among other things, the improper disposal of smoking materials in lavatory waste receptacles. We are issuing this AD to correct this unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the instructions for continued airworthiness for certain airplanes, and the FAA-approved maintenance program for certain other airplanes, to incorporate new limitations for fuel tank systems. Since we issued that AD, Fokker Services B.V. has revised a Fokker 70/100 maintenance review board (MRB) document with revised limitations, tasks, thresholds, and intervals. This proposed AD would revise the maintenance program to incorporate the limitations, tasks, thresholds, and intervals specified in that Fokker MRB document. We are proposing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Lycoming Engines reciprocating engines. This AD was prompted by a report of a ``machined-from-billet'' HA-6 carburetor having a loose mixture control sleeve that rotated in the carburetor body causing restriction of fuel and power loss. This AD requires removing certain ``machined-from-billet'' Volare LLC (formerly Precision Airmotive Corporation, formerly Facet Aerospace Products Company, formerly Marvel-Schebler (BorgWarner)) HA-6 carburetors, inspecting for a loose mixture control sleeve or for a sleeve that may become loose, repairing the carburetor, or replacing the carburetor with one eligible for installation. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine in-flight shutdown, power loss, and reduced control of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2C1, 2C2, and 2S2 turboshaft engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a helicopter experiencing a digital engine control unit (DECU) malfunction during flight. We are proposing this AD to prevent loss of automatic control on one or both engines installed on the same helicopter, which could result in an uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown, forced autorotation landing, or accident.