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

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-12-08 for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2012-12-08 required an inspection for the part number of the main landing gear retract actuator fuse pin, and replacement of the pin if necessary. This new AD retains the actions required by AD 2012-12-08 and adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by a determination that additional airplanes may be subject to the identified unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent structural damage to the side and drag brace lock assemblies, which could result in landing gear collapse during touchdown, rollout, or taxi.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135T1, EC135T2, and EC135T2+ helicopters. This AD requires analyzing the main gearbox (MGB) oil for indications of metal chips or pieces, reviewing the MGB log or equivalent record, and inspecting certain teeth in the MGB after two chip indications. This AD was prompted by a partial tooth rupture found in an MGB that was returned to the manufacturer for repairs. The actions of this AD are intended to detect wear in the MGB that could lead to a gear tooth rupture, failure of the MGB, loss of power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4- 600R series airplanes; Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of rupture of the uplock springs of the nose landing gear (NLG) and main landing gear (MLG) doors and legs. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the uplock springs of the NLG and MLG doors and legs for broken and damaged springs, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct improper free fall extension of the MLG or NLG, which could lead to possible loss of control of the airplane on the ground, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of latently failed fuel shutoff valves discovered during fuel filter replacement. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program to include new airworthiness limitations. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct latent failures of the fuel shutoff valve to the engine, which could result in the inability to shut off fuel to the engine and, in case of certain engine fires, an uncontrollable fire that could lead to wing failure.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. The NPRM proposed to supersede AD 2009-15-17 to continue to require inspections for damage to the protective treatments or any corrosion of all main landing gear (MLG) bogie beams, application of protective treatments, and corrective action if necessary. The NPRM also proposed to require modification of the MLG bogie beams, which would terminate the repetitive inspections for any modified bogie beam. The NPRM also proposed to allow optional methods of compliance for certain actions. The NPRM was prompted by reports of thin paint coats and paint degradation on enhanced MLG bogie beams, as well as reports that some airplanes have been inspected too early and not re-inspected as needed. This action revises the NPRM by revising the compliance times and adding a one-time inspection for airplanes that have been inspected too early. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to detect and correct damage or corrosion of the MLG bogie beams, which could cause a runway excursion event, bogie beam detachment from the airplane, or MLG collapse, which could result in damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants. Since these 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.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-15- 09, which applies to certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. AD 2011-15-09 currently requires repetitive inspections for proper operation of the main landing gear (MLG) alternate extension system (AES), and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 2011-15-09, we have determined that, for certain airplanes not affected by AD 2011-15-09, a different MLG AES cam mechanism assembly was installed resulting in input lever fractures and inability to open the MLG door; those assemblies could be subject to the same unsafe condition in AD 2011-15-09. This new proposed AD would require, for certain airplanes, new repetitive inspections for proper operation of the MLG AES, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also require eventually replacing the MLG AES cam mechanism assembly with a new assembly, which would terminate the repetitive inspections for those airplanes. We are proposing this AD to prevent improper operation of the cam mechanism or rupture of the door release cable, which could result in loss of control of the airplane during landing.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of the ARAC.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, replacing radio altimeter transceivers with upgraded units, and, for all airplanes, replacing low range radio altimeter antennas with new antennas. This AD was prompted by operator reports of erratic low range radio altimeter (LRRA) operation while the airplane is airborne. We are issuing this AD to prevent adverse system responses and flight deck effects that could result in loss of controllability of the airplane or landing short of the runway during landing.

This rule 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 Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters with certain tail rotor (T/R) blades. This AD requires installing additional rivets to secure each T/R blade trailing edge tab (tab), and inspecting for evidence of debonding of the tab after the rivets are installed. This AD was prompted by reports of T/R blade tab debonding. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent loss of a T/R blade tab, which could result in excessive vibration and loss of control of the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found in the aft support fitting, the rear spar upper chord, and the rear spar web. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the aft support fitting for the main landing gear (MLG) beam, and the rear spar upper chord and rear spar web in the area of rear spar station (RSS) 224.14; and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracks, which could grow and result in a fuel leak and possible fire.

In April 2013, the FAA Administrator chartered an Aviation Rulemaking Committee to develop recommendations that would establish an acceptable and effective means for air carriers to notify passengers of hazardous materials regulations. In November 2013, that Aviation Rulemaking Committee published a report containing its recommendations, as well as a proposed Advisory Circular with one or more means for air carriers to comply with passenger notification regulations. The FAA invites public comment on the Aviation Rulemaking Committee's recommended guidance.

This action amends Class E airspace at Georgetown, TX. Decommissioning of the Georgetown non-directional radio beacon (NDB) at Georgetown Municipal Airport has made reconfiguration necessary for standard instrument approach procedures and for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action amends Class E airspace at Lapeer, MI. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Dupont-Lapeer Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport. Geographic coordinates are also updated.

This action amends Class D and Class E airspace within the Wheeling, IL, area by updating the airport name and geographic coordinates for Chicago Executive Airport, formerly known as Palwaukee Municipal Airport. This action does not change the boundaries or operating requirements of the airspace.

This rulemaking adopts more stringent noise certification standards for helicopters that are certificated in the United States (U.S.). This rule applies to applications for a new helicopter type design. It also allows applicants to upgrade Stage 1 and Stage 2 helicopters to Stage 3 when applying for a supplemental type certificate. A helicopter type certificated under this standard is designated as a Stage 3 helicopter. This rule adopts the same noise certification standards for helicopters that exist in the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These more stringent noise certification standards adopted into U.S. regulations will reduce noise exposure from helicopters certificated in the United Stated and are consistent with the FAA's goal of harmonizing U.S. regulations with international standards.

This action amends Class E airspace at Burnet, TX. Decommissioning of the Burnet non-directional radio beacon (NDB) at Burnet Municipal AirportKate Craddock Field has made reconfiguration necessary for standard instrument approach procedures and for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action amends Class E airspace at Lawrenceville, IL. Decommissioning of the Mount Carmel non-directional radio beacon (NDB) at Mount Carmel Municipal Airport has made reconfiguration necessary for standard instrument approach procedures and for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport. Geographic coordinates are also updated.

This action amends Class D airspace at St. Joseph, MO. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Rosecrans Municipal Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Mineral Point, WI. A Class E surface area is necessary to accommodate increased business aviation and flight instruction activity at Iowa County Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for SIAPs at the airport. This action also would amend the geographic coordinates for existing Class E airspace.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Program Management Committee.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the sixtieth meeting of the RTCA Special Committee 186, Automatic Dependent SurveillanceBroadcast (ADS-B)

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Eagle Grove, IA. Decommissioning of the Eagle Grove non-directional radio beacon (NDB) at Eagle Grove Municipal Airport has made airspace reconfiguration necessary for standard instrument approach procedures and for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. Geographic coordinates also would be adjusted.

These special conditions are issued for Embraer Model ERJ-170 airplanes. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with interior arrangements that include passenger seats that incorporate non-traditional, large, non-metallic panels in lieu of the traditional metal frame covered by fabric. 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.

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2008-14- 17, for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. AD 2008-14-17 currently requires a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection, corrective actions if necessary, and modifications. Since we issued AD 2008-14-17, it has been determined from a fatigue and damage tolerance evaluation that the compliance time needs to be revised. This proposed AD would require the same actions as those required by AD 2008-14-17, but with a reduced compliance time. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct damage of the upper shell structure at the skin and frame interface, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airframe.