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

This amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas.

Under the provisions of Title 49, U.S.C. 47153(c), notice is being given that the FAA is considering a request from the Savannah Airport Commission to waive the requirement that a 0.18-acre parcel of surplus property, owned and operated by the Savannah Airport Commission and located adjacent to Georgia Department of Transportation property, be used for aeronautical purposes.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive on-ground power cycles (resets) of the Transponder, Terrain and Traffic Collision Avoidance System (T3CAS). This AD was prompted by reports of spurious terrain ahead warning system (TAWS) alerts during approach and takeoff. We are issuing this AD to prevent spurious TAWS alerts, which could increase flightcrew workload during critical landing or takeoff phases, and result in reduced control of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that the pintle pins installed on a certain number of airplanes may be incorrectly protected against corrosion. This AD requires replacing certain pintle pins on the left- and right-hand main landing gear (MLG) with a serviceable part. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct pintle pins that have been incorrectly corrosion-protected, which could cause the pintle pins to shear under normal load and lead to the collapse of the MLG during take-off or landing.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of ``BLEED 1(2) LEAK'' messages displayed on the engine indication and crew alert system (EICAS), and indirect damage to components of the electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) in the engine pylon area. This AD requires inspecting the EWIS components for damage, and repair if necessary. This AD also requires installing pre-cooler deflectors on the left- and right-hand pylons, and applying silicone sealant. We are issuing this AD to prevent indirect damage to EWIS components near the engine bleed air pre-coolers, which could result in a dual engine roll back to idle and consequent dual engine power loss and reduced controllability of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that elevator power control unit (PCU) shear pins may fail prematurely. This AD requires repetitive replacement of the elevator PCU shear pins. We are issuing this AD to prevent premature elevator PCU shear pin failure. If all pins fail on one elevator, the elevator surface would become inoperative, which could reduce the controllability of the airplane and could result in a loss of redundancy for flutter prevention.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by our determination of the need to incorporate new life limits for the main landing gear (MLG) barrel assembly, retraction actuator assembly linkage, and flange duct. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to include the new life limits. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplane and possible loss of controllability of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 900EX airplanes. This AD was prompted by our determination to introduce a corrosion prevention control program, among other changes, to the maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to include the maintenance tasks and airworthiness limitations specified in the Airworthiness Limitations section of the airplane maintenance manual. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity and reduced controllability of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of chafing of the fuel lines due to contact with the surrounding structures in the fuel tank. This proposed AD would require replacing and modifying fuel lines, revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to include critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCL) and airworthiness limitation (AWL) items, and, for certain airplanes removing certain clamps and mounting hardware. We are proposing this AD to prevent chafing of the fuel lines in the fuel tank, which could result in potential ignition sources in the fuel tank in the event of a lightning strike and consequent fire or explosion.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, and A321 series airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of corrosion found during the manufacturing process for some oxygen pipe assemblies that are used to supply oxygen to the flight crew. This proposed AD would require an inspection to determine the batch number or installation date of the oxygen pipe assembly that is installed at the end of the right-hand crew distribution line, and, if necessary, replacement of the pipe. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct corrosion, which could lead to blocked or reduced oxygen supply to a flight crew member during a decompression event or a smoke/fire event in the cockpit. Under certain conditions, corrosion particles could increase the risk of fire in the cockpit.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-13- 09 for all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2011-13- 09 currently requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate new limitations and maintenance tasks for certain certification management requirements (CMRs). Since we issued AD 2011-13-09, we have determined that more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are proposing this AD to prevent safety-significant latent failures that would, in combination with one or more other specific failures or events, result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-09- 11, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2011-09-11 currently requires repetitive inspections for hydraulic fluid contamination of the interior of the strut disconnect assembly; repetitive inspections for discrepancies of the interior of the strut disconnect assembly, if necessary; repetitive inspections of the exterior of the strut disconnect assembly for cracks, if necessary; corrective action if necessary; and an optional terminating action for the inspections. Since we issued AD 2011-09-11, we have received reports of side and top cover plates installed with missing fastener bolts, which results in an unsealed opening on the system disconnect assembly. This proposed AD would add, for certain airplanes, an inspection of the side and top cover plates to determine if all cover plate attach fasteners have been installed, and installing any missing fasteners including doing an inspection for damage, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct hydraulic fluid contamination, which can cause cracking of titanium parts in the system disconnect assembly; and also to detect and correct missing fasteners, which results in unsealed openings on the system disconnect assembly. Both unsafe conditions can compromise the engine firewall and result in fire hazards for both the engine compartment and the strut.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-22-10, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, and -300 series airplanes. AD 98-22-10 currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the aft frame and frame support structure of the forward service doorway, and repair if necessary. AD 98-22-10 also provides for an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of that AD. Since we issued AD 98-22-10, we have determined that additional inspections are needed, and that additional airplanes may be subject to the identified unsafe condition. This proposed AD would add inspections and add airplanes to the applicability. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD provides a preventive modification, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the aft frame and frame support structure of the forward service doorway around the six doorstop fittings, which could result in door deflection and loss of pressurization.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-18-09 for certain Honeywell ASCa Inc. emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) installed on various transport category airplanes. AD 2013-18-09 required various one-time general visual inspections of the ELT transmitter units (TUs), and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD corrects the manufacturer's name in the AD applicability and adds a source of approval for an installation. AD 2013-18-09 was prompted by a fire on a parked and unoccupied airplane; preliminary information indicated combustion in the area of the ELT TU. This new AD was prompted by the identification of an error in the applicability of AD 2013-18-09. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies of the battery wiring installation inside the TU, which could result in an electrical short and possible ignition source.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition.

The FAA announces the charter renewal of the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC), a Federal Advisory Committee that works with industry and the public to improve the development of the FAA's regulations. This charter renewal will take effect on September 17, 2014, and will expire after 2 years.

These special conditions are issued for Airbus Model A350-900 airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with a high-speed protection system that limits nose-down pilot authority at speeds above VC/MC, and prevents the airplane from performing the maneuver required under the Code of Federal Regulations. 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.

These special conditions are issued for Airbus Model A350-900 series airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with high speed limiting. 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 are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, and A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that the service life limits of the cabin pressure control system (CPCS) safety valves installed on the aft pressure bulkhead were being exceeded. This AD requires repetitive replacement of the CPCS safety valves with serviceable valves. We are issuing this AD to prevent exceeding the service life limits of the CPCS safety valves, which, in the event of a failure, could result in excessive positive or negative differential pressure in the fuselage and consequent incapacitation or injuries to airplane occupants.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-10-53 for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) (now Airbus Helicopters) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135T1, EC135T2, and EC135T2+ helicopters. AD 2012-10-53 required, before further flight and at specified intervals, checking and inspecting the upper and lower main rotor hub (MRH) shaft flanges for a crack, and inspecting the lower hub-shaft flange bolt attachment areas for a crack. Since we issued AD 2012-10- 53, it has been determined that it is safe to increase the visual inspection intervals of the MRH shaft flanges from 10 hours time-in- service (TIS) to 50 hours TIS and remove the inspection of the lower MRH shaft flange bolt attachment areas. This new AD continues to require checking and inspecting the upper and lower MRH shaft flanges for a crack. These actions are intended to detect a crack on the MRH shaft flange, which if not corrected, could result in failure of the MRH and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directives (AD) 2006-21-08, AD 2007-14-01, AD 2008-25-02, AD 2010-04-09, AD 2011-01-02, and AD 2012-16-05, for certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. AD 2006-21-08, AD 2007-14-01, AD 2008-25-02, AD 2010-04-09, AD 2011-01-02, and AD 2012-16-05 required revising the maintenance program or inspection program to incorporate certain maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations for fuel tank systems. This new AD requires a new maintenance or inspection program revision. This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. 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.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.), Council on Environmental Quality NEPA implementing regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500- 1508), and FAA Order 1050.1E, Change 1, the FAA is announcing the availability of the Final EA for Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, McGregor, Texas, and FONSI.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the sixth meeting of the RTCA Tactical Operations Committee.