Federal Aviation Administration 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 188 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that a certain circumferential fuselage splice is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would require an inspection for corrosion and previous repairs, severed stringers, cracking, and loose or distressed fasteners of the forward and aft ends of the stringer splices of certain stringers, inspection for cracking and modification of certain fastener holes common to the stringer and splice member at the forward and aft ends of the splice, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent loss of residual strength of a certain circumferential fuselage splice, which could lead to rapid decompression of the cabin and potential loss of the airplane.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2014-01-01 for all Turbomeca S.A. Arrius 2F turboshaft engines. AD 2014-01-01 required a one-time inspection of the ejector assembly nozzle of certain serial number (S/N) lubricating devices and, if a discrepancy was found, removal and replacement of the affected ejector assembly nozzle with a part eligible for installation. This AD requires the same action as AD 2014-01-01 and expands the list of affected S/N lubricating devices. This AD was prompted by the determination that additional lubricating devices, identifiable by S/N, may have an incorrect bonding of the nozzle on the ejector assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the ejector assembly nozzle, which could lead to an in- flight shutdown (IFSD) of the engine, damage to the engine, and damage to the helicopter.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-20-11, for Zodiac Seats France 9140, 9166, 9173, 9174, 9184, 9188, 9196, 91B7, 91B8, 91C0, 91C2, 91C4, 91C5, 91C9, 9301, and 9501 series passenger seat assemblies. AD 2014-20-11 required a general visual inspection for cracking of backrest links; replacement with new links if cracking is found; and eventual replacement of all links with new links. This AD was prompted by a determination that a model designation specified in paragraph (c)(1) of that AD was incorrect. This new AD identifies the correct model designation. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the backrest links, which could affect the structural integrity of seat backrests. Failure of the backrest links could result in injury to an occupant during emergency landing conditions.

These special conditions are issued for the Bombardier Aerospace Models BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 series airplanes. These airplanes will have novel or unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. These design features are electrical and electronic systems that perform critical functions, the loss of which could be catastrophic to the airplane. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. 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.

This action proposes to modify Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Ed Carlson Memorial Field- South Lewis County Airport, Toledo, WA. The FAA found modification of the airspace necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) at the airport.

This action proposes to modify Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, Santa Rosa, CA. The FAA found modification of the airspace area above 1,200 feet is no longer needed for standard instrument approach procedures at the airport. This action is necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Slingsby Aviation Ltd. Models T67M260 and T67M260-T3A airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as failure of a brake master cylinder pivot pin. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action modifies the designated altitudes of restricted area R-4501B, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, by raising the restricted area ceiling from 1,500 feet mean seal level (MSL) in the north and 2,200 feet MSL in the south to a single altitude of 4,300 feet MSL across the entire restricted area. This action also adds exclusions to the boundaries of R-4501C, R-4501F, and R-4501H to address overlapping restricted areas. Finally, this action makes administrative changes to the R-4501A and R-4501B titles and to R-4501A-D, R-4501F, and R-4501H using agency information to standardize the format and information describing these restricted areas of the Fort Leonard Wood restricted area complex.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model Jetstream 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 the in- service special detailed inspection technique required for the Jetstream 3200's life extension program was delayed; consequently, the in-service special detailed inspection technique is not formally part of the life extension program and may therefore not be accomplished as intended. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action amends Class E Airspace at Clarksburg, WV, as the Clarksburg VOR/DME has been decommissioned, requiring airspace redesign at North Central West Virginia Airport, formerly Benedum Airport. This action enhances the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also updates the geographic coordinates of the airport.

This action removes Class E Airspace at Lexington, TN, as the Franklin Wilkins Airport has been abandoned, and controlled airspace is no longer required. This action enhances the safety and airspace management around the Lexington, TN, area.

Under the provisions of Title 49, U.S.C. Section 47153(d), notice is being given that the FAA is considering a request from Fergus County, MT, and the City of Lewistown, MT, to waive the surplus property requirements for approximately 5.82 acres of airport property located at Lewistown Municipal Airport, in Lewistown, MT. Approximately 3.43 acres of the subject parcel is currently part of the right of way for West Main Street. An additional 0.84 acres is proposed for right of way along West Main Street, and 1.55 acres is proposed for right of way along Airport Road. These portions of the subject parcel are currently vacant. It has been determined through study and master planning that the subject parcel will not be needed for aeronautical purposes. The proceeds of the sale will be used exclusively for developing, improving, operating, or maintaining the Lewistown Municipal Airport.

This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs) 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.

This rule amends, suspends, or removes 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 for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Tekamah Municipal Airport, Tekamah, NE. A Class E extension is no longer required due to the decommissioning of the Tekamah VHF Omni-directional radio range (VOR) facility and its associated standard instrument approach procedures (SIAPs). This would enhance the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters (previously Eurocopter France) Model AS365N3, EC155B, and EC155B1 helicopters with an external life raft in the footsteps with certain part-numbered junction units. This AD requires inspecting the junction units of the external life raft deployment system for corrosion, removing any corrosion, and performing certain measurements to determine whether the junction unit must be replaced. This AD is prompted by failure of a life raft deployment test and corrosion damage inside the left-hand junction unit. These actions are intended to prevent failure of an external life raft to deploy preventing evacuation of passengers during an emergency.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, the FAA's exemption process. 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 is withdrawing a previously published direct final rule that would have prohibited fixed-wing special visual flight rules operations at Washington-Dulles International Airport. The FAA is withdrawing this action because it has received an adverse comment.

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 Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, the FAA's exemption process. 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 publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Enstrom Helicopter Corporation (Enstrom) Model F-28A, 280, F-28C, F- 28C-2, F-28C-2R, 280C, F-28F, F-28F-R, 280F, 280FX, and 480 helicopters. This AD was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters and supersedes Emergency AD (EAD) 2015- 04-51, dated February 12, 2015. This AD requires inspecting certain main rotor spindles (spindles) for cracks and reporting the inspection results to the FAA. This AD is prompted by a fatal accident and reports of spindles with cracks. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect a crack in a spindle and prevent loss of a main rotor blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to fund, construct, and operate a new Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and Base Building at the General Wayne A. DowningPeoria International Airport (PIA), Peoria, Illinois. The FAA's preferred alternative is to construct the ATCT at a location approximately 1,000 feet east of the PIA terminal building. The purpose of the proposed project is to improve operational efficiency, meet existing and future operational and administrative expansion requirements, and accommodate state-of-the-art equipment upgrades. The need for the project is to provide a replacement ATCT, as the existing ATCT was constructed as part of the original terminal building, which is planned to be demolished. A new ATCT and Base Building at PIA would be able to meet these needs. The FAA has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) in conformance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1E, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures. The DEA analyzes the potential environmental impacts that may result from construction and operation of the proposed new ATCT and Base Building at the proposed site, as well as the no action alternative (i.e., not constructing and operating the new ATCT).

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2002-13- 11 for Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model EC120B helicopters. AD 2002-13-11 currently requires installing front and side covers on the cabin floor to protect the yaw control at both the pilot and co-pilot stations. Since we issued AD 2002-13-11, we have determined that the required actions should apply only to the cabin's right-hand pilot station. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2002-13-11 but for only the pilot station. These proposed actions are intended to prevent an object from sliding between the canopy and the cabin floor, loss of yaw control, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of unreliable performance of the fuel scavenge system. This proposed AD would require changing the main fuel tank water scavenge system, center fuel tank fuel scavenge system, certain electrical panels; related investigative actions, and corrective actions if necessary; and for certain airplanes, changing to give redundant control of the center override/jettison fuel pumps and main jettison fuel pumps. We are proposing this AD to prevent fuel exhaustion and subsequent power loss of all engines due to loss of capability to scavenge fuel in the center fuel tank.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead webs are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for any crack in the aft webs of the radial lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead, and, if necessary, corrective actions. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the aft webs of the radial lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane and decompression of the cabin.