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

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2000-12- 12, for certain Airbus Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes. AD 2000-12-12 currently requires inspecting to detect cracks in the lower spar axis of the nacelle pylon between ribs 9 and 10, and repair if necessary. AD 2000-12-12 also provides for optional modification of the pylon, which terminates the inspections for Model A300 series airplanes. Since we issued AD 2000-12-12, we have received reports of cracking of the lower pylon spar after accomplishing the existing modification and have determined that shorter initial and repetitive inspection compliance times are necessary to address the identified unsafe condition. This proposed AD would reduce the initial and repetitive inspection compliance times. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the lower spar of the nacelle pylon.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2011-24-09 which applied to certain Airbus Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. AD 2011-24-09 requires inspections to verify electrical bonding for the water drain system and ventilation intake system, and modification if necessary. This new AD requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate certain maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations, and adds additional airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by a determination that existing maintenance requirements are not adequate to address the unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent 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 The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of water leakage into the main deck cargo wire integration unit (WIU). The water flowed from the main deck floor panels, through disbonded seams in the aft main equipment center (MEC) drip shield gutter, then onto the WIU. This AD requires cleaning the aft MEC drip shield gutter; and doing a one-time general visual inspection for disbonded seams, and repair if necessary. This AD also requires installing a fiberglass reinforcement overcoat to the underside of the bonded seams of the aft MEC drip shield gutters. We are issuing this AD to prevent water penetration into the MEC, which could result in the loss of flight critical systems.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at the Flagstaff VHF Omni-Directional Radio Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid, Flagstaff, AZ, to facilitate vectoring of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft under control of Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations within the National Airspace System.

The FAA is considering a proposal to change approximately 44.7 acres of airport land from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the sale of airport property located at Wayne County Airport, Wooster, Ohio. The aforementioned land is not needed for aeronautical use. The property is located near the southeast corner of Geyers Chapel Road (T.R. 68) and Hutton Road (C.R. 78). The property is currently being farmed and the proposed use after the sale would be farmland.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model DC-9-10, DC-9-30, and DC-9-40 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the aft pressure bulkhead web area is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires modifying the aft pressure bulkhead. The modification includes inspecting for cracks around the rivet holes, and repair of any cracking. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead, which could result in reduced structural integrity of 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 serial-numbered Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters with a certain tailboom upper left attachment fitting (fitting). This AD requires inspecting the fitting for a crack and other conditions. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising and extending the 100 hour time-in-service (TIS) inspection requirements for the fitting. The actions of this AD are intended to detect a crack, loose rivet, corrosion, or any other damage, which could lead to loss of the tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2009-24-09 for all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2009-24-09 required a repetitive inspection program on certain check valves in the hydraulic systems that includes, among other things, inspections for lock wire presence and integrity, traces of seepage or black deposits, proper torque, alignment of the check valve and manifold, installing new lock wire, and corrective actions if needed. This new AD expands the applicability, reduces the compliance time, changes torque values of the check valve tightening, and requires a repetitive inspection program for certain check valves in the hydraulic systems on airplanes that have had a certain modification embodied during production or in-service. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of hydraulic line check valves loosening. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such check valve loosening, which could result in hydraulic leaks, possibly leading to the loss of all three hydraulic systems and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by the failure of the generator control unit-constant speed motor/generator (GCU-CSM/G) during a final assembly operational test. This proposed AD would require a detailed inspection of the connector wires for GCU-CSM/G connector 1XE-A for discrepancies (evidence of arcing or overheating damage), and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct incorrect locking of contacts into connector 1XE-A of the GCU-CSM/G, which could result in a loss of contact continuity and lead to the CSM/G not operating, which, in conjunction with an emergency electrical configuration loss of the main electrical system or total engine flame out, could adversely affect the airplane's safe flight.

We propose to revise airworthiness directive (AD) 2008-21-07 that applies to certain Dowty Propellers model R408/6-123-F/17 propellers. AD 2008-21-07 requires initial and repetitive inspections of the blade bonded metallic leading edge (L/E) guards for correct bonding until they accumulate more than 1,200 flight hours (FH) time in service. Since we issued AD 2008-21-07, Dowty Propellers has introduced updated service bulletins that identify terminating action to the requirements of AD 2008-21-07. This proposed AD would maintain the inspection and replacement requirements of AD 2008-21-07, provide an optional terminating action to those requirements, and add a new part number to the list of affected parts. We are proposing this AD to prevent the loss of the bonded metallic L/E guard of the propeller, which could result in damage to the propeller or to the airplane, or injury to personnel.

This Notice provides information to Federal, State, and local agencies, Native American tribes, and other interested persons regarding the FAA's intent to prepare an EIS that will evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the issuance of a Launch Site Operator License to Space Florida. Space Florida, an independent special district and a subdivision of the State of Florida, proposes to construct and operate a commercial space launch site (the ``Shiloh Launch Complex'') and two off-site operations support areas. The Shiloh Launch Complex would include two vertical launch facilities that would accommodate up to 24 launches per year (12 launches per vertical launch facility), as well as up to 24 static fire engine tests or wet dress rehearsals per year (12 static fire engine tests or wet dress rehearsals per vertical launch facility). The launch vehicles would include liquid fueled, medium- to heavy-lift class orbital and suborbital vehicles. In addition to the 24 launches per year, the first stage of the launch vehicle could return to and land at the Shiloh Launch Complex. The proposed commercial space launch site is located on the west side of Kennedy Parkway North (State Road [SR] 3), which straddles Brevard and Volusia counties, Florida. Space Florida would be required to apply for a Launch Site Operator License to be issued by the FAA. The FAA will prepare the EIS in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 42 United States Code [U.S.C.] 4321 et seq.), the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] parts 1500-1508), and FAA Order 1050.1E, Change 1, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, as part of its licensing process. Concurrent with the NEPA process, the FAA is initiating National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 Consultation to determine the potential effects of the Proposed Action on historic properties. The FAA will also consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act regarding potential impacts to federally-listed threatened and endangered species. Pursuant to the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966, this EIS will comply with the requirements of Section 4(f).

This action proposes to modify a VOR Federal airway (V-243) and establish an area navigation (RNAV) route (T-325) in the vicinity of Huntingburg, IN. The FAA is proposing this action due to the scheduled decommissioning of the Huntingburg, IN (HNB), VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR)/Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) facility that provides navigation guidance for a portion of V-243. This action would enhance the safety and efficient management of aircraft within the National Airspace System (NAS).

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at the Albuquerque VHF Omni-Directional Radio Range Tactical Air Navigation Aid (VORTAC), Albuquerque, NM, to facilitate vectoring of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft under control of Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations within the National Airspace System.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at the Truth or Consequences VHF Omni-Directional Radio Range Tactical Air Navigation Aid (VORTAC), Truth or Consequences, NM, to facilitate vectoring of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft under control of Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations within the National Airspace System.

The FAA is correcting a direct final rule published on April 12, 2007 (72 FR 18556). In that rule, the FAA amended its regulations to revise the fee requirement for issuance of airman certificates. This document amends one paragraph that unintentionally expanded the FAA's ability to refuse issuance of airman certificates to U.S. citizens and resident aliens, removes two paragraphs that were inadvertently left in one subsection, and renumbers the paragraphs and revises cross- references accordingly.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227- AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC (C-26B), SA227-TT, SA26-AT, and SA26-T airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of airplanes with multiple fatigue cracks in the FS 69.31 front pressure bulkhead. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting (visually) the FS 51.31 front pressure bulkhead on SA26 series airplanes and FS 69.31 front pressure bulkhead on SA226 and SA227 series airplanes for cracks, and repairing any cracked bulkhead. This proposed AD also requires reporting certain inspection results to M7 Aerospace LLC. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2010-13- 04, which applies to certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. AD 2010-13-04 requires modifying the nose landing gear (NLG) trailing arm. Since we issued AD 2010-13-04, we received a report of several missing or damaged pivot pin retention bolts. This proposed AD would require installing a new pivot pin retention mechanism. This proposed AD would also add airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the pivot pin retention bolt, which could result in a loss of directional control or loss of a NLG tire during take-off or landing.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the free turbine (FT) module (M04) for the affected Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1 engines and, if a discrepancy is found, repair of the affected module. This AD was prompted by a ``chip illumination event'' in flight on a Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1 engine. We are issuing this AD to prevent a loss of FT bearing lubrication, resulting in FT module failure, damage to the engine, and damage to the aircraft.

This action proposes special conditions for Airbus A350-900 series airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. These design features include a high-speed protection system. 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.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) BR700-715A1-30, BR700-715B1- 30, and BR700-715C1-30 turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a partial de-bonding of the low pressure compressor (LPC) case ice impact panels during an engine shop visit. This proposed AD would require replacement of the LPC case ice impact panels. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the LPC case ice impact panels, which could result in damage to the engine and loss of control of the airplane.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Sisseton, SD. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Sisseton Municipal Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.

The FAA has determined that the minimum random drug and alcohol testing percentage rates for the period January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2014, will remain at 25 percent of safety- sensitive employees for random drug testing and 10 percent of safety- sensitive employees for random alcohol testing.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires visually inspecting each jettisonable emergency exit window panel (window) for sealant, and removing any sealant that exists in the window's extruded sections. This AD was prompted by jettison tests during routine maintenance inspections that showed the windows failed to jettison. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure of the windows to jettison, so helicopter occupants can exit the aircraft during an emergency.

This action proposes special conditions for the Airbus Model A350-900 series airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature(s) that will incorporate a nitrogen generation system (NGS) for all fuel tanks that actively reduce flammability exposure within the fuel tanks significantly below that required by the fuel tank flammability regulations. Among other benefits, the NGS significantly reduces the potential for fuel vapor ignition caused by lightning strikes. 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.