Federal Aviation Administration October 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Eagle Airport, Eagle, AK. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate the new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures developed for the airport. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at Eagle Airport, Eagle, AK.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Brevig Mission Airport, Brevig Mission, AK. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at the airport. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport.

This action modifies Class D and E airspace at Kenai Municipal Airport, Kenai, AK. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using the new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at the airport. A minor adjustment is made to the geographic coordinates of the airport. Additionally, language establishing dates and times of use of the procedures was inadvertently omitted from the description for the Class E airspace designated as an extension, and is included in this rule. This action, initiated by the biennial review of the Kenai airspace area, enhances the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport.

These special conditions are issued for the Learjet Model 45 series airplanes. These airplanes will have novel or unusual design features associated with connectivity of the passenger service computer systems to the airplane critical systems and data networks. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

This action proposes special conditions for the Bombardier Inc. Models BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 series airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with aluminum-lithium fuselage construction that may provide different levels of protection from post-crash fire threats than similar aircraft constructed from traditional aluminum structure. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47501 et seq. (formerly the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, hereinafter referred to as ``the Act'') and 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 150 (hereinafter referred to as ``Part 150''). On March 20, 2013, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by the TAA under Part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements. On September 9, 2013, the FAA approved the Tucson International Airport noise compatibility program. Most of the recommendations of the program were approved. No program elements relating to new or revised flight procedures for noise abatement were proposed.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MDHI Model MD900 helicopters with certain main rotor blade (MRB) retention bolts (bolts) installed. This AD requires a daily check of the position of each bolt, a daily check and a repetitive inspection for a gap in each bolt, and, if necessary, removing and inspecting the bolt for a crack and replacing any cracked bolt with an airworthy bolt. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of in-service bolt failures. The actions are intended to prevent failure of a bolt, which could lead to loss of MRB structural integrity and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of movement of the rudder pedals being impeded due to corrosion of the trunnion shaft of the rudder feel trim unit (RFTU). This AD requires an inspection to determine if certain RFTUs are installed, an operational check for signs of seizure of affected parts, repetitive lubrication of certain RFTUs, and replacement of the RFTU if necessary. Installing replacement RFTUs having conformal bushings terminates the repetitive lubrication requirements. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any sign of rough movement or seizure of the trunnion shaft and its bushing, which could cause a rudder control jam or a large and rapid alternating rudder input leading to a structural failure of the vertical fin.

These special conditions are issued for the Bombardier Inc. Models BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 series airplanes. These airplanes will have novel or unusual features when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. These design features include systems that, directly or as a result of failure or malfunction, affect structural performance. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 206L-4 and 407 helicopters. This AD requires replacing or reworking certain aft bearing caps. This AD was prompted by the manufacture of certain freewheel aft bearing caps without a lubrication channel to allow oil flow into the aft bearing support assembly. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure of the freewheel unit and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 94-13-06 for certain The Boeing Company Model 747 series airplanes. AD 94-13-06 required repetitive detailed inspections to detect cracking in certain fuselage upper deck tension ties, repair or modification of any cracked tension ties, and repetitive inspections of repaired and modified tension ties and repair or modification if necessary. AD 94-13-06 also provided for optional terminating action for the repetitive detailed inspections of tension ties that had not been repaired or modified. This new AD retains the repetitive inspections, mandates the previously optional terminating modification, and adds, for tension ties that have not been repaired or modified, repetitive inspections that must be done concurrently with the existing repetitive inspections. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder indicating that the upper deck tension ties of the fuselage are subject to widespread fatigue damage. We are issuing this AD to prevent widespread fatigue damage of certain fuselage upper deck tension ties, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes; and Model DHC-8-200, -300, and -400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of excessive wear found in the clevis (bolt) hole where the rod assembly attaches to the rudder/brake pedal bellcrank, due to prolonged fretting. This AD requires measuring the bellcrank clevis holes, inspecting for cracking of the bellcrank, and re-working the clevis holes with steel bushings, or replacing the bellcrank. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a worn or cracked clevis hole, which could cause failure of the bellcrank on one side, with subsequent asymmetric braking and consequent runway excursion.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-300 series airplanes and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion found on certain trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSA), affecting the ballscrew lower splines between the tie bar and the screw-jack. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for corrosion of certain THSAs, ballscrew integrity tests if necessary; and replacing any affected THSA with a serviceable or new and improved THSA, if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion of the THSAs, which could lead, in the case of ballscrew rupture, to the loss of transmission of THSA torque loads from the ballscrew to the tie-bar, prompting THSA blowback, and possibly resulting in loss of control of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATRGIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72-101, -201, - 102, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of airplane incidents and accidents that have occurred because of low-level fuel tank situations and fuel starvation that resulted in engine flameouts. This AD requires installing a fuel quantity indicator (FQI) equipped with a locking adaptor on the electrical connector. We are issuing this AD to prevent an engine flame-out, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-08-51 for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 369F and 369FF helicopters with certain MDHI or Helicopter Technology Company (HTC) tail rotor blades installed. AD 2003-08-51 required reducing the retirement life of each tail rotor blade (blade), performing a one-time visual inspection of each blade's pitch horn (pitch horn) for a crack or corrosion, and replacing any cracked blade or any blade that has exceeded its retirement life with an airworthy blade. AD 2003-08-51 also required reporting information to the FAA within 24 hours following the one-time inspection. Since we issued AD 2003-08-51, an accident in England prompted an investigation that showed corrosion on the blade's pitch horn that had not been detected under the paint. This new AD retains some of the requirements of AD 2003-08-51 and also requires paint removal for all pitch horn inspections, inspecting for pitting and the shot peen surface's condition in addition to cracks and corrosion, and adds certain part- numbered blades to the applicability. These actions are intended to prevent a pitch horn from cracking, leading to vibration, loss of tail rotor pitch control, and subsequent loss of tail rotor and helicopter control.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Model 430 helicopters. This AD requires installing a placard on the instrument panel and revising the limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). This AD was prompted by several incidents of third stage engine turbine wheel failures, which were caused by excessive vibrations at certain engine speeds during steady- state operations. These actions are intended to alert pilots to avoid certain engine speeds during steady-state operations, prevent failure of the third stage engine turbine, engine power loss, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Model 407 helicopters. This AD requires installing a placard beneath the NR/NP dual tachometer and revising the limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). This AD was prompted by several incidents of third stage engine turbine wheel failures, which were caused by excessive vibrations at certain engine speeds during steady- state operations. These actions are intended to alert pilots to avoid certain engine speeds during steady-state operations, prevent failure of the third stage engine turbine, engine power loss, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN- 2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN- 2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as damage of the cable sliding end assembly and installation of the incorrect end fitting on engine control cable assemblies. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This document announces the availability of and request for comments on the initial regulatory flexibility analysis for the previously published Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-09-05 that applies to certain Twin Commander Aircraft LLC Models 690, 690A, and 690B airplanes. AD 2013-09-05 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.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M, PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2146, PW2240, PW2337, PW2643, and F117-PW-100 turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a rupture of the diffuser-to-high-pressure turbine (HPT) case flange. This proposed AD would require a one-time eddy current inspection (ECI) of affected engines with certain diffuser and HPT cases installed. This AD also proposes to require a fluorescent-penetrant inspection (FPI) of the diffuser case rear flange and HPT case front flange. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the diffuser-to-HPT case flange, which could lead to uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2012-24-09 for Lycoming Engines TIO-540-AK1A, and Continental Motors, Inc. (CMI) TSIO- 360-MB, TSIO-360-SB, and TSIO-360-RB reciprocating engines, with certain Hartzell Engine Technologies (HET) turbochargers, model TA0411, installed. AD 2012-24-09 required removing certain HET turbochargers from service before further flight. This AD also requires removing certain HET turbochargers from service before further flight. This AD was prompted by a report that an additional engine, the CMI LTSIO-360- RB, has the affected HET turbochargers installed. We are issuing this AD to prevent turbocharger turbine wheel failure, reduction or complete loss of engine power, loss of engine oil, oil fire, and damage to the airplane.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2000-12-11, for certain Model A300 B4-600 and Model A300 B4-600R series airplanes. AD 2000-12-11 required repetitive inspections to detect cracks in the bolt holes inboard and outboard of rib 9 on the bottom booms of the front and rear wing spars, and repair if necessary. This new AD reduces the initial inspection compliance time and repetitive inspection interval. This AD was prompted by a fleet survey and an updated fatigue and damage tolerance analysis indicating a high risk for fatigue cracking on the front and rear spar bottom booms. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracks in the bolt holes of the wing spars, which could result in reduced structural integrity of a wing spar.

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.

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 all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that oxygen generators installed on a certain batch of passenger emergency oxygen container assemblies might become detached by extreme pulling of the mask tube at the end of the oxygen supply causing a high temperature oxygen generator and mask to fall down. This AD requires modifying the passenger emergency oxygen container assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent a high temperature oxygen generator and mask from falling down and possibly resulting in an ignition source in the passenger compartment, injury to passengers, and reduced availability of supplemental oxygen.