Federal Aviation Administration June 21, 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed to rescind an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and - 400ER series airplanes. The proposed AD action would have rescinded the existing AD, which requires an inspection to determine if certain motor operated valve (MOV) actuators for the fuel tanks are installed, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. Since the proposed AD action was issued, we have determined that the proposed AD action does not adequately address the safety concerns. Accordingly, the proposed AD action is withdrawn.

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 superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. That AD currently requires one-time and repetitive inspections of specific areas and, when necessary, corrective actions for those rudders where production rework has been identified. This new AD adds airplanes with certain rudders to the AD applicability; changes an inspection type for certain reinforced rudder areas; requires pre- inspections and repairs if needed; and requires permanent restoration of vacuum loss holes. This AD also requires additional inspections for certain rudders and repair if needed, and requires replacement of certain rudders with new rudders. This AD was prompted by reports of surface defects on rudders that were the result of debonding between the skin and honeycomb core. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct extended de-bonding, which might degrade the structural integrity of the rudder. The loss of the rudder leads to degradation of the handling qualities and reduces the controllability of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) Model BO-105A, BO-105C, BO- 105S, BO-105LS A-1, BO-105LS A-3, EC135 P1, EC135 P2, EC135 P2+, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A- 4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, MBB-BK 117 C-1, and MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters with certain part-numbered cantilever assemblies, cyclic stick locking devices, or cyclic stick holder assemblies installed. This AD requires modifying and identifying the cyclic stick cantilever or lock. This AD was prompted by pilots inadvertently taking off with the cyclic locked. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent a pilot taking off with the cyclic in the locked position, which could result in loss of control of the helicopter.