Federal Aviation Administration March 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-200B, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F series airplanes, and Model 767 series airplanes, powered by General Electric (GE) CF6-80C2 engines. This AD was prompted by reports of failure of the electro mechanical brake flexshaft (short flexshaft) of the thrust reverser actuation system (TRAS). This AD requires replacing the short flexshaft on each engine with a new short flexshaft, testing of the electro mechanical brake and center drive unit (CDU) cone brake to verify the holding torque, and performing related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncommanded in-flight thrust reverser deployment and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to rule and invite public comment on the release of land at Malin Airport under the provisions of Section 125 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21), now 49 U.S.C. 47107(h)(2). The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, HR 658, section 817, gave the Secretary of Transportation the authorization to grant an airport, city, or county release from any of the terms, conditions, reservations, or restrictions contained in a deed under which the United States conveyed to the airport, city, or county an interest in real property for airport purposes pursuant to section 16 of the Federal Airport Act (60 Stat. 179) or section 23 of the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 232). On March 7, 2014, the FAA determined that the request to release property at the Malin Airport submitted by the City of Malin meets the procedural requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration. The City of Malin is proposing the release from the terms, conditions, reservations, and restrictions on a 0.14 acre parcel of property by an instrument of disposal dated August 16, 1951. The property was conveyed to the City of Malin under Section 16 of the Surplus Property Act of 1944 to be used in developing, improving, operating, or maintaining and operating a public airport. The parcel is not within the fenced boundary of the airport and is not needed for aviation purposes and the proceeds from the sale of the property will be deposited into the airport account and will be used for airport improvements and maintenance.

We propose to revise airworthiness directive (AD) 2010-17- 11R1, which applies to all Dowty Propellers R408/6-123-F/17 model propellers. AD 2010-17-11R1 requires initial and repetitive application of sealant between the bus bar assembly and the backplate assembly of certain line-replaceable units (LRUs). That AD also provides an optional terminating action to the repetitive re-application of sealant. This proposed AD would increase the interval allowed between the required re-application of sealant, and would specify an additional acceptable sealant. We are proposing this AD to prevent an in-flight double generator failure, which could result in reduced control of the airplane.

This action proposes special conditions for the Extra EA-300/ LC airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with static stability. This airplane can perform at the highest level of aerobatic competition. To be competitive, the aircraft was designed with positive and, at some points, neutral stability within its flight envelope. Its lateral and directional axes are also decoupled from each other providing more precise maneuvering. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. 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 to EA-300/LC airplanes certified solely in the acrobatic category.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Elkin, NC, as new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures have been developed at Elkin Municipal Airport. This action would enhance the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also would update the geographic coordinates of airport.

This action proposes to amend Class E Airspace at Newnan, GA, as new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures have been developed at Newnan Coweta County Airport. This action would enhance the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also would update the geographic coordinates of airport.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that a batch of main landing gear (MLG) door actuators with a certain part number having certain serial numbers could be assembled with the scraper installed backward. This AD requires repetitive functional checks of the MLG alternate extension system (AES) and eventual replacement of certain MLG door actuators with actuators that have either been reworked or do not have certain serial numbers. We are issuing this AD to prevent incorrectly installed scrapers, which could hinder the operation of the MLG AES, and result in failure of the MLG AES on one side, and consequent unsafe asymmetrical landing configuration.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2008-11-04 for all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. AD 2008-11-04 required repetitive inspections for cracking in and around the upper and lower hinge cutouts of the forward entry and forward galley service doorways, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD reduces the inspection threshold for cracking in and around the galley service doorway hinge cutouts, adds inspections of certain repaired structure at the forward entry and galley service doorway upper and lower hinge cutouts, expands the inspection area at the forward entry and galley service doorway upper and lower hinge cutouts, and removes certain airplanes from the applicability. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of cracks in the skin and/or bear strap at the forward galley service doorway hinge cutouts, and multiple reports of cracking under the repairs installed at the hinge cutouts. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-15-08 for all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. AD 2010-15-08 required repetitive inspections for discrepancies of each carriage spindle of the outboard mid-flaps; repetitive gap checks of the inboard and outboard carriages of the outboard mid-flaps to detect fractured carriage spindles; measuring to ensure that any new or serviceable carriage spindle meets minimum allowable diameter measurements taken at three locations; repetitive inspections, measurements, and overhaul of the carriage spindles; replacement of any carriage spindle when it has reached its maximum life limit; and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD requires reducing the life limit of the carriages, reducing the repetitive interval for certain inspections and gap checks for certain carriages. This new AD also adds an option, for certain replacements, of doing an inspection, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report of failure of both flap carriages. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracked, corroded, or fractured carriage spindles, which could lead to severe flap asymmetry, and could result in reduced control or loss of controllability of the airplane.

The FAA is considering amending its drug and alcohol testing regulations to require drug and alcohol testing of certain maintenance personnel outside the United States. Specifically, the FAA is considering requiring certain air carriers to ensure that all employees of certificated repair stations, and certain other maintenance organizations that are located outside the United States, who perform safety-sensitive maintenance functions on aircraft operated by that air carrier are subject to a drug and alcohol testing program that has been determined acceptable by the FAA Administrator and is consistent with the applicable laws of the country in which the repair station is located. Safety-sensitive maintenance functions include aircraft maintenance and preventive maintenance duties. This action is necessary to address a statutory mandate. The FAA has determined that it needs additional information to develop a proposed rule and assess its likely economic impact. This notice invites comments on a variety of issues related to proposing drug and alcohol testing requirements for the relevant employees of covered maintenance providers.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Bois Blanc Island, MI. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) at Bois Blanc Island Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for SIAPs at the airport.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam srl Model P2006T 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 a cracked engine mount. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are revising Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-22-05 for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, D1, AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP helicopters with certain tail rotor (T/R) pitch control rods (control rods) installed. AD 2011-22-05 required checking the control rod for play before the first flight of each day. This new AD requires checking the control rod for play within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) and, if no bearing play is detected, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 30 hours TIS. The actions in this AD are intended to prevent failure of a T/R control rod, loss of T/R control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-17- 02, AD 2012-08-03, and AD 2012-15-14, for certain Airbus Model A300 B4- 2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4- 600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. AD 2008-17-02, AD 2012-08-03, and AD 2012-15-14 currently require repetitive inspections of the forward lugs of the aft bearing at rib 5 of the main landing gear (MLG) on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) wings, and repair if necessary; and installation of new bushes with increased interference fit in the forward lug of the aft bearing at rib 5 of the MLG on the LH and RH wings. Since we issued AD 2008-17-02, AD 2012-08-03, and AD 2012-15-14, we have received two reports of ruptured MLG rib 5 forward lugs that had been modified (bushes with increased interference fit). This proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability; and would add, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections of the MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the forward lugs of the aft bearing at rib 5 of the MLG on the LH and RH wings, which could affect the structural integrity of the MLG attachment, resulting in possible MLG collapse during landing or rollout.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 727-100 series airplanes. This proposed AD is intended to complete certain mandated programs intended to support the airplane reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that support the established structural maintenance program. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking in stringers or frames until modification, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking in stringers or frames originating at or near stringer-to-frame attachment fastener holes, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane, and decompression of the cabin.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of contact between certain electrical harnesses and the hatrack rod that could cause chafing between the harnesses and surrounding structure. This proposed AD would require modifying the routing of certain electrical harnesses. We are proposing this AD to prevent chafing and possible short circuit of two oxygen chemical generator containers in different wiring routes, which could result in malfunction of the electrical opening of all the containers connected to these routes. Such conditions, during a sudden depressurization event, could result in lack of oxygen and consequent injuries to airplane occupants.

This action proposes to modify segments of jet routes J-64 and J-80, and remove jet route J-77, in the northeastern United States. The FAA is proposing this action because segments of these routes are receiving minimal to no usage due to other more efficient routes in the area. This action would eliminate unneeded route segments, reduce chart clutter and improve chart readability.

This document announces the availability of and request for comments on the IRFA for the previously published proposed airworthiness directive (AD). That AD applied to certain Airmotive Engineering Corp. replacement parts manufacturer approval cylinder assemblies marketed by Engine Components International Division, used on the Continental Motors, Inc. (CMI) models 520 and 550 reciprocating engines, and all other engine models approved for the use of CMI models 520 and 550 cylinder assemblies such as the CMI model 470 when modified by supplemental type certificate.

This final rule amends the type certification requirements for chemical oxygen generators installed on transport category airplanes so the generators are secure and not subject to misuse. This rule increases the level of security for future transport category airplane designs but does not directly affect the existing fleet of those airplanes.

This action announces a limited waiver of the requirements to use slots at Washington's Reagan National Airport and Operating Authorizations (slots) at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport. This policy is effective on selected dates from January 5, 2014, through March 3, 2014.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 (Challenger 300) airplanes. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of erratic electrical status indications on the push button annunciators and the engine instrument and crew alerting system. Certain of those reported incidents resulted in the airplane experiencing a momentary loss of electrical power and loss of flight displays. This AD requires modification of the direct current power centers. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of electrical power, which could result in the loss of flight displays and reduced controllability of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J helicopters. This AD prohibits use of the hydraulic hoist in helicopters equipped with certain parts and configurations until a hoist beam lower fitting protector is installed. This AD was prompted by a report that the hoist cable jammed during a rescue at sea. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent the hoist cable from jamming and subsequent cable failure, which could result in injury and damage to the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, and SA330J helicopters with a certain tail rotor control turnbuckle (turnbuckle) installed. This AD requires inspecting the turnbuckles for corrosion or a crack, and depending on the results, either replacing the turnbuckle or treating the turnbuckle for corrosion. This AD was prompted by a report that a turnbuckle had failed because of corrosion. The actions of this AD are intended to detect corrosion or a crack on a turnbuckle and prevent the failure of a turnbuckle, loss of control of the tail rotor and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

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 action proposes to modify the Class E airspace at Akutan Airport, Akutan, AK. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate 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.