Federal Aviation Administration May 14, 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This action amends the Order Limiting Operations at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) that published on May 21, 2008, and was amended on October 7, 2009, and April 4, 2011. The Order remains effective until the final Rule on Slot Management and Transparency for LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport becomes effective but not later than October 24, 2014.

The FAA issued BST a safety approval, subject to the provisions of Title 51 U.S.C Subtitle V, ch. 509, and the orders, rules and regulations issued under it. Pursuant to Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Sec. 414.35, this Notice publishes the criteria that were used to evaluate the safety approval application. Background: BST applied for, and received, a safety approval for its ability to provide as a service, scenario based physiology training, which includes hypobaric chamber training. BST may offer its scenario based physiology altitude training as a service to a prospective launch and reentry operator to meet the applicable crew and participant training requirements of 14 CFR 460.5 and 14 CFR 460.51. Criteria Used To Evaluate Safety Approval Application: The performance criteria for this safety approval include 14 CFR 61.31(g) for additional training required for operating pressurized aircraft capable of operating at high altitudes. These criteria are FAA regulations, which are acceptable technical criteria for reviewing a safety approval application per 14 CFR 414.19(a)(1). The FAA's evaluation included assessment of BST's scenario based physiology training lesson plan and objectives, which include classroom and hypobaric chamber training for crew and space flight participants to experience and demonstrate knowledge of the following through testing: Understand fundamental principles of the atmosphere and how it relates to the human body. Understand the fundamentals of respiratory physiology and how it relates to hypoxia. Show competence in the identification of the many different symptoms and physical signs of hypoxia. Show advanced competence in the phenomena of neurological impairment (time of useful consciousness) due to hypoxia. Understand the effects of prolonged oxygen use. Understand the difference between decompression illness and hypoxia. Demonstrate using different scenarios the difference between slow decompression and rapid decompression. Identify personal symptoms of hypoxia and demonstrate donning of oxygen mask and ability to perform within a hypobaric chamber.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes, Model A319 series airplanes, Model A320 series airplanes, and Model A321 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the 80VU rack lower lateral fittings for damage; repetitive inspections of the 80VU rack lower central support for cracking; and corrective action if necessary. That existing AD also specifies optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Since we issued that AD, we have received reports of worn lower lateral fittings of the 80VU rack. This proposed AD would reduce the inspection compliance time, add an inspection of the upper fittings and shelves of the 80VU rack, and add airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct damage or cracking of the 80VU fittings and supports, which could lead to possible disconnection of the cable harnesses to one or more computers and, if occurring during a critical phase of flight, could result in reduced control of the airplane.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) model RB211 Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2-61, 560-61, and 560A2-61; and RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, and 772B-60; and RB211-Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17; and RB211-524G2- T-19, -524G3-T-19, -524H-T-36, and -524H2-T-19 turbofan engines that have a high-pressure (HP) compressor stage 1 to 4 rotor disc installed, with a certain part number (P/N) installed. The existing AD requires repetitive inspections of the axial dovetail slots, and follow-on corrective action depending on findings. This proposed AD expands the population of affected parts. This proposed AD also changes, for the purposes of this AD, the definition of ``engine shop visit.'' We are proposing this AD to detect cracks in the HP compressor stage 1 and 2 disc posts, which could result in failure of the disc post and HP compressor blades, damage to the engine, 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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of two in-service incidents where the left main landing gear (MLG) failed to extend. This AD requires installing stopper plates on the aft uplock frames in the MLG bay adjacent to the right and left MLG uplock assemblies. We are issuing this AD to prevent incorrect installation of the upper bolt in the MLG uplock assembly, which could prevent the MLG from extending and could adversely affect the safe landing of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Twin Commander Aircraft LLC Models 690, 690A, and 690B airplanes. This AD requires inspection for cracking of the outer fuselage attachments, the lower wing main spar, the vertical channels, the upper picture window channels, aft cabin pressure web, external wing to fuselage fillets, and fasteners; repair or replacement of damaged parts as necessary; and modification of the structure with reinforced parts. This AD was prompted by cracks found in the upper picture window frame channels, left- and right-hand wing main spar frame support channels, and aft pressure bulkhead web. This condition, if not corrected, could result in structural failure of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.