Federal Aviation Administration March 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) PT6A-60AG, -65AG, -67AF, and -67AG turboprop engines. This AD requires removing Woodward fuel control units (FCUs) and installing an FCU that is eligible for installation. This AD was prompted by incidents of corrosion and perforation of the two-ply Cu-Be bellows in Woodward FCUs. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the Woodward FCU and engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss of control of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes powered by GE GEnx engines. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual to provide the flight crew a new fan ice removal procedure to reduce the likelihood of engine damage due to fan ice shedding. This AD also requires, for certain airplanes, reworking the fan stator module assembly on GE GEnx-1B Performance Improvement Program (PIP) 2 engines. This AD was prompted by a recent engine fan blade rub event that caused an in-flight non-restartable power loss. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced fan tip clearance, which could result in engine damage and a possible in-flight non-restartable power loss of one or both engines.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006-22-15 for all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. AD 2006-22-15 required repetitive inspections for cracking of certain panel webs and stiffeners of the nose wheel well (NWW), and corrective actions if necessary; and replacement of certain panels with new panels, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This new AD reduces a compliance time and adds certain inspections and an applicable repair. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of fatigue cracking in the NWW top panel and side panel webs and stiffeners. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the NWW side and top panels, which could result in a NWW depressurization event severe enough to reduce the structural integrity of the fuselage.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Model KODIAK 100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of limited control yoke movement of the elevator control system due to cushion edging jammed in the elevator control anti-rotation guide slot. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the elevator control system cushion edging for proper condition; replacing the cushion edging; and at a specified time terminating the repetitive inspections by installing wear pads on the elevator bearing assemblies. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A319-131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-232 and - 233 airplanes; and Model A321-131, -231, and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of forward engine mount attachment pins that were manufactured from discrepant raw material. This AD requires identification and replacement of affected forward engine mount attachment pins. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of a forward engine mount attachment pin, possible loss of an engine in-flight, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2006-23-17 for certain Turbomeca S.A. Turmo IV A and IV C turboshaft engines. AD 2006- 23-17 required repetitive inspections of the centrifugal compressor intake wheel (inducer) blades for cracks and corrosion, replacement of parts that fail inspection, and replacement of the TU 197 standard centrifugal compressor. This AD requires the same inspections, but at revised intervals, adds the replacement of the TU 215 standard centrifugal compressor, and requires replacement of parts that fail inspection. This AD was prompted by a centrifugal compressor inducer blade loss. This AD was also prompted by a Turbomeca S.A. review of the engine service experience and their determination that more frequent borescope inspections (BSIs) are required on engines not modified to the TU 191, TU 197, or TU 224 standard. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the centrifugal compressor inducer, which could lead to an uncontained blade release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-25- 07 for certain Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes; and AD 2005-13-39 for certain Airbus Model A321 series airplanes. AD 2003-25- 07 currently requires a revision to the airplane flight manual (AFM) and replacement of both elevator aileron computers (ELACs) having L80 standards with new ELACs having L81 standards. AD 2005-13-39 currently requires a revision to the AFM, replacement of existing ELACs with ELACs having either L83 or L91 standards, as applicable; and a concurrent action. Since we issued AD 2003-25-07 and AD 2005-13-39, we have determined that new ELAC standards must be incorporated. The ELAC standards have been upgraded to version L97+, which implements enhanced angle-of-attack (AOA) monitoring to better detect AOA blockage, including multiple AOA blockages. This proposed AD would require replacing existing ELACs with new ELACs having L97+ standards or revising the software in an existing ELAC to the L97+ standards, as applicable, which would terminate the requirements of AD 2003-25-07 and AD 2005-13-39. This proposed AD would also add Airbus Model A318 series airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to prevent inadvertent activation of the AOA protections. Inadvertent activation of the AOA protections could result in a continuous nose down pitch rate that could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew a currently approved information collection. To determine regulatory compliance, there is a need for airmen to maintain records of certain training and recency of experience; a training center has to maintain records of student's training, employee qualification and training, and training program approvals.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the Thirteenth RTCA Tactical Operations Committee (TOC) meeting.

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.

On March 4, 2015, the FAA published a final rule entitled ``Air Carrier Contract Maintenance Requirements'' which will result in new information collection requirements. This technical amendment updates the FAA's list of OMB control numbers to display the control number associated with the approved information collection activities in the ``Air Carrier Contract Maintenance Requirements'' final rule.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to revise an information collection. The FAA is developing an information system to collect certain frequency information currently being collected on form 7460-1, and to revise form 7460-1 to remove frequency information requests.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the Eighteenth RTCA Special Committee 223 Meeting.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by reports of the installation of non-conforming honeycomb cartridges in the high-pressure compressor (HPC) adjacent to the HPC rotor stage 2 to 5 spool and stage 7 to 9 spool. This AD requires removal and replacement of the affected HPC rotor stage 2 to 5 and stage 7 to 9 spools and adjacent honeycomb cartridges. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPC rotor stage 2 to 5 and stage 7 to 9 spools, which could lead to uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

We are superseding an airworthiness directive (AD) 2007-06-06 for B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN- 2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B- 21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, BN2A MK. III-3 BN2A, BN2B, and BN2A MKIII (all models on TCDS A17EU and A29EU) airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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 cracks in the inner shell of certain pitot/static pressure heads. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GV and GV-SP airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a new revision to the airworthiness limitations of the maintenance planning document based on fatigue and damage tolerance testing, and updated analysis. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program to update inspection requirements and life limits that address fatigue cracking of principal structural elements (PSEs). We are proposing this AD to ensure fatigue cracking of PSEs is detected and corrected; such fatigue cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the PSEs and critical components.

The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). The NPRM proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. The proposed action would have required revising the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to clarify that the Model S-92A helicopter was certificated as a transport category rotorcraft in both Categories A and B with different operating limitations for each category and must be operated accordingly. Since we issued the NPRM, we have determined that operating the helicopter in Category B with 10 or more passenger seats is not an unsafe condition but an inconsistency with 14 CFR 29.1(c). Accordingly, we withdraw the proposed rule.

The FAA proposes to amend its airworthiness standards for normal, utility, acrobatic, and commuter category airplanes by removing current prescriptive design requirements and replacing them with performance-based airworthiness standards. The proposed standards would also replace the current weight and propulsion divisions in small airplane regulations with performance- and risk-based divisions for airplanes with a maximum seating capacity of 19 passengers or less and a maximum takeoff weight of 19,000 pounds or less. The proposed airworthiness standards are based on, and would maintain, the level of safety of the current small airplane regulations. Finally, the FAA proposes to adopt additional airworthiness standards to address certification for flight in icing conditions, enhanced stall characteristics, and minimum control speed to prevent departure from controlled flight for multiengine airplanes. This notice of proposed rulemaking addresses the Congressional mandate set forth in the Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces the cancellation of Policy Statement Number PS-ANM100-1982-00038. The policy statement is cancelled because it was superseded by an advisory circular (AC) and is no longer necessary.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Continental Motors, Inc. (CMI) TSIO-550-K, TSIOF-550-K, TSIO- 550-C, TSIOF-550-D, and TSIO-550-N reciprocating engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an uncommanded in-flight shutdown (IFSD) resulting in injuries and significant airplane damage. This proposed AD would require replacing the oil cooler cross fitting assembly. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the oil cooler cross fitting and engine, IFSD and loss of the airplane.

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2006-18- 14 that applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Tay 650-15 and Tay 651-54 turbofan engines. AD 2006-18-14 requires calculating and re-establishing the cyclic life of stage 1 high- pressure turbine (HPT) disks, part number (P/N) JR32013 and P/N JR33838, and stage 1 low-pressure turbine (LPT) disk, P/N JR32318A. This proposed AD would require re-calculating the cyclic life, and would impose a reduced cyclic life, of stage 1 HPT disk, P/N JR32013. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of stage 1 HPT disks, P/N JR32013 and P/N JR33838, and stage 1 LPT disk, P/N JR32318A, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dowty Propellers R352/6-123-F/1, R352/6-123-F/2, and R410/6-123-F/35 model propellers. This AD was prompted by reports of dowel hole cracks in the face of the rear hub half. This AD requires installing dowel hole liners as necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of structural integrity of the propeller hub, which could result in damage to the propeller and damage to the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS 365 N3 helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the cabin and cockpit for labels, placards, or markings that provide jettison procedure instructions for cabin doors, removing any labels, placards, or markings that are in an incorrect location, and installing placards where they are missing. This proposed AD is prompted by the determination that placards had not been installed according to specifications on newly manufactured helicopters. The proposed actions are intended to provide exit procedures during an emergency.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This AD requires certain inspections of the main rotor and tail rotor control pushrods (pushrods). This AD is prompted by a Sikorsky investigation that indicated that some pushrods may have incorrectly installed locking mechanisms. These AD actions are intended to detect an incorrectly installed locking mechanism, which if not corrected, could result in a loose jam nut, failure of the pushrod, loss of main rotor or tail rotor flight control, and consequent loss of helicopter control.

This action proposes to modify Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Portales Municipal Airport, Clovis, NM. This action is necessary due to the decommissioning of the Portales non-directional radio beacon (NDB), cancellation of NDB approaches at Portales Municipal Airport, and implementation of area navigation (RNAV) procedures at the airport. This action will also update the geographic coordinates for Portales Municipal Airport to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database. This proposal would enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations in the Clovis, NM, airspace area.