Federal Aviation Administration 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of two in-service occurrences on Model 737-400 airplanes of total loss of boost pump pressure of the fuel feed system, followed by loss of fuel system suction feed capability on one engine, and in-flight shutdown of the engine. This AD requires repetitive operational tests of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct loss of the engine fuel suction feed capability of the fuel system, which, in the event of total loss of the fuel boost pumps, could result in dual engine flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, and 430 helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting each bearing to determine if it has been properly staked and replacing the bearing or assembly if it has not been staked properly. This proposed AD is prompted by bearings not being staked as required and migrating out of their proper position, which may limit the functionality of the affected part. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of a bearing and the assembly in which it is installed and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

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 for a new information collection. A Federal Register Notice for proposed process for limiting aircraft data displayed via ASDI, with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on May 9, 2012, vol. 77, no. 90, pages 27269-27271. The collected information will be used by the National Air Space Data Release Office to block aircraft flight data as requested by any interested aircraft owner or operator.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of fractured rudder pedal pushrod connecting bolts in a rudder pedal assembly. This proposed AD would require repetitive replacements of the rudder pedal pushrod connecting bolts and repetitive inspections of the rudder pedal assembly bolt holes in each of the captain and the first officer rudder pedal assemblies, and if necessary, repair or replacement of worn rudder pedal assemblies. We are proposing this AD to prevent fracture of the rudder pedal pushrod connecting bolts during pedal use, which could result in a large involuntary input to the rudder, nose-wheel steering, and braking systems, leading to a runway excursion.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of smoke or flames in the passenger cabin of various transport category airplanes related to the wiring for the passenger cabin in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, cabin lighting, and passenger seats. This proposed AD would require installing wiring and changing certain electrical load management system (ELMS) panels and other concurrent requirements to ensure the flightcrew is able to turn off electrical power to the IFE systems and other non-essential electrical systems through a switch in the flight compartment in the event of smoke or flames. In the event of smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or passenger cabin, the flightcrew's inability to turn off electrical power to the IFE system and other non-essential electrical systems could result in the inability to control smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or passenger cabin during a non-normal or emergency situation, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

Under the provisions of Title 49, U.S.C. Section 47153(c), notice is being given that the FAA is considering a request from the Tupelo Airport Authority to waive the requirement that a 1.78-acre parcel of surplus property, located at the Tupelo Regional Airport, be used for aeronautical purposes.

This action modifies the Philadelphia, PA, Class B airspace area to ensure the containment of large turbine-powered aircraft within Class B airspace, reduce controller workload, and reduce the potential for midair collision in the Philadelphia terminal area.

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Revo, Incorporated Models COLONIAL C-1, COLONIAL C-2, LAKE LA-4, LAKE LA-4A, LAKE LA-4P, and LAKE LA-4-200 airplanes. That AD currently requires a one-time, dye-penetrant inspection of the horizontal stabilizer attachment fitting and repetitive visual inspections of the fitting for any evidence of fretting, cracking, or corrosion (with necessary replacement and modification); replacement of the fitting upon reaching the 850-hours time-in-service (TIS) safe life; and reporting to the FAA the results of the initial inspection and any cracks found on repetitive inspections. This new AD requires the same actions of AD 2005-12-02 except using revised service documents and procedures, adds Model COLONIAL C-1 airplanes to the Applicability, and adds an optional terminating action for the requirements. This AD was prompted by a report from Revo, Incorporated that, while the drawing numbers are different, the attachment fittings on the Model COLONIAL C-1 airplanes are identical in every other respect to those installed on the airplanes referenced in AD 2005-12- 02. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

We are superseding two existing airworthiness directives (AD) that apply to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, - 300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. Those ADs, for certain airplanes, currently require repetitive inspections of the flap track of the wing outboard flap, and corrective actions if necessary; and eventual rework of the flap track assembly and rear spar attachments. For certain airplanes, this new AD adds repetitive inspections, scheduled overhauls, correct alignment during installation, and repetitive maintenance of the flap track, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by reports that the work sequence and procedures used during installation of replacement tracks could cause loose or cracked tracks. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking and damage in the flap track, which could cause loss of the outboard trailing edge flap and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

We are revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect cracking in the web of the aft pressure bulkhead at body station 1016 at the aft fastener row attachment to the ``Y'' chord, various inspections for discrepancies at the aft pressure bulkhead, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD requires clarifying certain actions specified in the existing AD. This AD was prompted by several reports of fatigue cracks in the aft pressure bulkhead. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such fatigue cracking, which could result in rapid decompression of the fuselage.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, SA- 365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the collective pitch lever for correct locking and unlocking conditions. This proposed AD is prompted by two separate reports of inadvertent collective pitch lever locking and unlocking. The proposed actions are intended to detect an incorrectly adjusted collective pitch lever, which could result in loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747- 100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747SR series airplanes. The existing AD requires, for certain airplanes, inspection to determine the material of a main entry door (MED) reveal; repetitive inspections of certain reveals for cracking; a detailed inspection of certain reveals for a sharp edge and cracking; and corrective action if necessary. That AD also allows a certain replacement as an optional action for certain inspections of certain airplanes. Since we issued that AD, an operator reported a crack found in a 6061 machined aluminum one-piece corner reveal. This proposed AD would add, for certain airplanes, an inspection to determine material type of MED reveals, repetitive inspections for cracking of 6061 machined aluminum one-piece corner reveals, and replacement with 6061 machined aluminum two-piece corner reveals if necessary. This proposed AD would also allow replacement with two-piece corner reveals as an option for certain repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would also revise the applicability by removing a certain airplane. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the lower forward corner reveal of the number 3 MEDs, which could lead to the door escape slide departing the airplane when the door is opened and the slide is deployed, and consequent injuries to passengers and crew using the door escape slide during an emergency evacuation.

This document withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would have applied to all Piper Aircraft, Inc. (type certificate previously held by The New Piper Aircraft Inc.) Models PA-18 and PA-19 airplanes. The proposed airworthiness directive (AD) would have required either moving all toggle-style magneto switches located on the left cabin panel, adjacent to the front seat, away from this position; or replacing these switches with FAA-approved, non-keyed, rotary-style switches. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has re-evaluated this airworthiness concern and determined that an unsafe condition does not exist that would warrant AD action. This withdrawal does not prevent the FAA from initiating future rulemaking on this subject.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 717-200 airplanes. That NPRM proposed requiring repetitive inspections for cracking of the overwing frames, and corrective actions if necessary. That NPRM was prompted by multiple reports of cracks of overwing frames. This action revises that NPRM by revising the initial compliance time and providing an optional modification that would extend the compliance time for the next repetitive inspection. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to detect and correct such cracking, which could sever a frame and increase the loading of adjacent frames, and could result in damage to the adjacent structure and consequent loss of structural integrity of the airplane. Since certain actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

This action amends Class E Airspace at Easton, PA, as the Allentown VORTAC has been decommissioned and new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures have been developed at Braden Airpark. This action enhances the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also recognizes the airport's name change and updates the geographic coordinates of the airport.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of damaged fire seals on the forward edge of the thrust reverser. This AD requires inspecting to detect damage to the upper fire seals on the forward edge of the thrust reverser, where the fire seal contacts the 12-o'clock engine strut, and for correct stiffness and vent holes, and doing corrective actions if necessary; and installing a bracket for the fire seal. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damage to the fire seals, which could allow airflow into the engine fire zone and could degrade the ability to extinguish an engine fire.

The FAA hereby provides notice of intent to release certain airport properties 33 acres at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, Zephyrhills, FL from the conditions, reservations, and restrictions as contained in a Quitclaim Deed agreement between the FAA and the City of Zephyrhills, dated May 15, 1947. The release of property will allow the City of Zephyrhills to dispose of the property for other than aeronautical purposes. The property is located on the southeast corner of airport property. The parcel is currently designated as non- aeronautical use. The property will be released of its federal obligations for municipal purposes. The fair market value of this parcel has been determined to be $500,000. Documents reflecting the Sponsor's request are available, by appointment only, for inspection at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport and the FAA Airports District Office.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the frame-to-floor beam attachment is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would require repetitive high frequency eddy current inspections for any crack of the frames at body station (STA) 188 through STA 344, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking at the frame-to-floor beam attachment, on both the left- and right-sides, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane, and decompression of the cabin.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 747 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires inspection of the fuselage skin lap splice between body station (BS) 340 and BS 400 at stringers (S)-6L and S-6R, and repair, if necessary. Since we issued that AD, analysis results indicated that the protruding head fastener modification and related post-modification inspections currently required are not adequate to prevent cracking at the upper row of fasteners in the stringer 6 lap joint before the cracks reach a critical length. This proposed AD would add new repetitive inspections for cracking in the stringer 6 skin lap splice, which would terminate the existing inspections; and eventual modification of the lap splice, which would terminate the repetitive inspections; post-modification inspections; and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also add airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking at the upper row of fasteners in the stringer(s) 6 lap joint, which could result in a sudden loss of cabin pressurization and the inability of the fuselage to withstand failsafe loads.

This notice announces the availability of, and request for public comments on, the Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) standard operating procedure (SOP) describing the process used to prioritize certification projects and manage certification project resources when local resources are not available.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that ballscrew rupture could occur on certain trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSAs). This proposed AD would require repetitive THSA ballscrew shaft integrity tests, and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct ballscrew rupture, which, along with corrosion on the ballscrew lower splines, may lead to loss of transmission of THSA torque loads from the ballscrew to the tie-bar and consequent THSA blowback, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

This document is the FAA's proposal and the FAA's invitation to the public to comment on its data and information distribution policy. This notice is in accordance with the presidential directive for Open Government issued on January 21, 2009; this directive instructed agencies to make information available in open formats, and presume openness to the extent permitted by law and subject to valid privacy, confidentiality, security, and other restrictions. The scope of this policy does not include requests for historical FAA data or information whose availability will continue to be determined under the existing Freedom of Information Act process. FAA data and information published via FAA Web sites is not within the scope of this policy.

The FAA announces its determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by Oakland County, for the Oakland County International Airport 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 CFR Part 150 (hereinafter referred to as ``Part 150'') are in compliance with applicable requirements.

This action amends Class E Airspace in the West Palm Beach, FL area, as new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) have been developed at Palm Beach County Park Airport. Airspace reconfiguration is necessary for the continued safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations within the West Palm Beach, FL airspace area. This action also updates the geographic coordinates of the airport.

This action proposes to amend Class E Airspace at Dayton, TN, as the Hardwick Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) has been decommissioned and new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) have been developed at Mark Anton Airport. Also, Hardwick Field Airport has closed; therefore, the controlled airspace area would be removed. This proposal also would establish Class E Airspace at Cleveland Regional Jetport, Cleveland, TN, to accommodate area navigation (RNAV) global positioning system (GPS) SIAPs at the airport. Information regarding Bradley Memorial Hospital would be added to the Cleveland, TN, airspace description and removed from both the Dayton, TN, regulatory text as well as its listing as Bradley Memorial Hospital, Cleveland, TN, to correct an erroneous reference. This proposal would enhance the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations in the Dayton, TN, and Cleveland, TN, airspace areas.