Federal Aviation Administration June 9, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by the City of Ypsilanti, Michigan 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''). On January 15, 2014, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by the City of Ypsilanti, Michigan under Part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements. On May 20, 2014 the FAA approved the Willow Run Airport noise compatibility program. This is the first Record of Approval (ROA) for the YIP NCP, which included nine measures recommended for approval. No program elements relating to new or revised flight procedures for noise abatement were proposed by the airport operator.

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

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-21- 01 that currently applies to Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. AD 2013-21-01 currently requires certain inspections of each tail rotor pitch horn assembly (pitch horn) for a crack and, if there is a crack, before further flight, replacing the pitch horn with an airworthy pitch horn. AD 2013-21-01 also requires a one-time visual inspection for pitch horns above certain hours time-in-service (TIS). This NPRM would retain the requirements of AD 2013-21-01 but would require a repetitive visual inspection for all pitch horns regardless of hours TIS, which requires allowing the public an opportunity to comment. These proposed actions are intended to detect a crack in the pitch horn to prevent failure of the pitch horn, loss of the anti-torque function, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.