Federal Aviation Administration October 2, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all CFM International (CFM) S.A. CFM56-7B series turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a dual engine thrust instability event that resulted in the overspeed and in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of one engine. This proposed AD would require modification of the engine by removing full authority digital engine control (FADEC) software, version 7BV4 or earlier, installed in the electronic engine controls (EECs) on CFM56-7B engines. We are proposing this AD to prevent a thrust instability event, which could lead to overspeed and IFSD of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Model R2160 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 paint adherence defects inside the engine air intake box and cohesion defects inside the laminated ducting from the filter to the air intake box. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of dislodged engine fan cowl panels. This proposed AD would require installing additional attaching hardware on the left and right fan cowl access panels and the nacelle attaching structures. We are proposing this AD to prevent damage to the fuselage and flight control surfaces from dislodged engine fan cowl panels.

This final rule amends certain airworthiness regulations for transport category airplanes, based on recommendations from the FAA- sponsored Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC). This amendment eliminates regulatory differences between the airworthiness standards of the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This final rule does not add new requirements beyond what manufacturers currently meet for EASA certification and does not affect current industry design practices. This final rule revises the structural test requirements necessary when analysis has not been found reliable; clarifies the quality control, inspection, and testing requirements for critical and non-critical castings; adds control system requirements that consider structural deflection and vibration loads; expands the fuel tank structural and system requirements regarding emergency landing conditions and landing gear failure conditions; adds a requirement that engine mount failure due to overload must not cause hazardous fuel spillage; and revises the inertia forces requirements for cargo compartments by removing the exclusion of compartments located below or forward of all occupants in the airplane.