Federal Aviation Administration June 9, 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

These special conditions are issued for the CFM International (CFM), LEAP-1A and -1C engine models. These engine models will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the engine fan blades new woven composite fan blades. 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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Jetstream Series 3101 and Jetsream Model 3201 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 missing countersunk washers under the head of the main landing gear trunnion cap tension bolts that could cause fatigue in the bolt shanks. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This AD requires installing a placard and revising the limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). This AD was prompted by several incidents of third stage engine turbine wheel failures caused by excessive vibrations at certain engine speeds during steady-state operations. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent turbine failure, engine power loss, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (type certificate previously held by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation) (Sikorsky) Model 269D and Model 269D Configuration A helicopters. This AD requires reducing the life limit of the ring gear carrier assembly. This AD was prompted by cracks in the ring gear carrier assembly. The actions are intended to reduce the life of the ring gear carrier assembly to prevent failure of the main rotor transmission, loss of engine power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. This AD requires installing a main gearbox (MGB) failed pump sensor and vacuum switch wiring, installing an MGB oil auto bypass system, activating Aircraft Management System (AMS) 7.1 software to show a new visual warning, and installing updated enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) software that includes an aural annunciation of a complete oil pressure loss condition. This AD also requires inserting a Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) Supplement into the applicable RFM. This AD was prompted by investigation results of in- service oil leakage incidents. The actions are intended to alert and prevent MGB oil loss, which could lead to failure of the MGB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 95-26-11 for all Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model L-1011 series airplanes. AD 95-26-11 required repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the fittings that attach the aft pressure bulkhead to the fuselage stringers, repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the fittings and of the splice tab of the aft pressure bulkhead, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD requires repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the fittings that attach the aft pressure bulkhead to the fuselage stringers, repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the fittings and of the splice tab of the aft pressure bulkhead, repetitive inspections for cracking of certain aft fuselage skin panels, a structural modification, a post- modification inspection program, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a determination that the fittings at stringer attachments to the upper region of the aft pressure bulkhead are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are issuing this AD to prevent simultaneous failure of multiple stringer end fittings through fatigue cracking at the aft pressure bulkhead, which could lead to rapid decompression of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of hydraulic fluid loss from the reservoir of the main landing gear (MLG) alternate extension system. This AD requires inspection for correct assembly of the MLG alternate extension system reservoir lid, and corrective action if necessary. We are issuing this AD to, in the event of a failure of the primary MLG extension system, prevent failure of the alternate MLG extension system to fully extend the MLG into a down-and-locked position, which could result in collapse of both left-hand and right-hand MLG sides during touchdown.