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

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell) TFE731-4, -4R, -5AR, -5BR, and -5R turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a report of certain interstage turbine transition (ITT) ducts failing to meet containment capability requirements. This AD requires replacing certain ITT ducts. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the ITT duct, which could lead to an uncontained part release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-8 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection to determine if all oxygen components in the passenger oxygen system are installed, installation of new o-rings, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report that oxygen tube couplings in the passenger oxygen system could be missing or incorrectly installed. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct oxygen leaks from oxygen tube couplings in the passenger oxygen system, which could result in depletion of emergency oxygen at a faster rate than expected, reduce the passengers' and crews' protection from hypoxia at elevated cabin altitudes, and increase the risk of a fire.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the main fitting of the nose landing gear (NLG) and a determination that a new safe-life limitation for affected NLG main fittings has not been mandated. This AD requires replacing affected NLG main fittings that have exceeded the safe-life limitation with a new or serviceable fitting. We are issuing this AD to prevent collapse of the NLG, which if not corrected, could lead to degradation of direction control on the ground or an un-commanded turn to the left, and a consequent loss of control of the airplane on the ground, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

This action proposes to establish temporary restricted areas R-2509E, R-2509W, and R-2509N, Twentynine Palms, CA, to support a Marine Expeditionary Brigade level Large Scale Exercise (LSE) planned for existing and newly acquired training lands at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms from August 1 to August 18, 2016.

This action changes the effective date of a final rule published in the Federal Register of February 4, 2016, amending Class E surface area airspace at Lynchburg, VA, by adjusting the geographic coordinates at Lynchburg Regional-Preston Glenn Field Airport, and Falwell Airport. This correction updates the geographic coordinates of the above airports in Class D airspace, Class E airspace designated as an extension, and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface, and adds Class D Airspace to the title.

The FAA has determined this rule is necessary to amend the Qualification Performance Standards for flight simulation training devices (FSTDs) for the primary purpose of improving existing technical standards and introducing new technical standards for full stall and stick pusher maneuvers, upset recognition and recovery maneuvers, maneuvers conducted in airborne icing conditions, takeoff and landing maneuvers in gusting crosswinds, and bounced landing recovery maneuvers. These new and improved technical standards are intended to fully define FSTD fidelity requirements for conducting new flight training tasks introduced through recent changes to the air carrier training requirements, as well as to address various National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Aviation Rulemaking Committee recommendations. This final rule also updates the FSTD technical standards to better align with the current international FSTD evaluation guidance and introduces a new FSTD level that expands the number of qualified flight training tasks in a fixed-base flight training device. These changes will ensure that the training and testing environment is accurate and realistic, will codify existing practice, and will provide greater harmonization with international guidance for simulation. The amendments will not apply to previously qualified FSTDs with the exception of the FSTD Directive, which codifies the new FSTD technical standards for specific training tasks.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and 900ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the S-14L and S-14R lap splices are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would require repetitive low frequency eddy current inspections for cracking in the lower fastener row of the S-14L and S-14R lap splices and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct widespread cracking in the S-14L and S-14R lap splices that could rapidly link up and result in possible rapid decompression and reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

This action proposes to modify Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Belleville Municipal Airport, Belleville, KS; Stanton County Municipal, Johnson, KS; Marysville Municipal Airport, Marysville, KS; Atkinson Municipal Airport, Atkinson, KS; and Washington County Memorial Airport, Washington, KS. Decommissioning of non-directional radio beacon (NDB), cancellation of NDB approaches, and implementation of area navigation (RNAV) procedures have made this action necessary for the safe management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the above airports. This action also updates the geographic coordinates at Marysville Municipal Airport and Atkinson Municipal Airport to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

This action modifies Class E surface area airspace and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Bert Mooney Airport, Butte, MT. After a review, the FAA found it necessary to amend the standard instrument approach procedures for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action amends Class E Airspace at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport, Jackson, TN, and Tri-Cities Regional Airport, Tri-Cities, TN, by eliminating the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) part time status of the Class E airspace designated as an extension at each airport. This is an administrative change to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks on the lugs of the inboard and outboard control rod fittings of the right hand (RH) and left hand (LH) side ailerons. This AD requires a one-time non- destructive test (NDT) inspection of the inboard and outboard control rod fittings of the RH and LH side ailerons for cracks and corrosion, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks and corrosion on the lugs of the inboard and outboard control rod fittings of the RH and LH side ailerons, which could lead to reduced controllability of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340- 200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that the potable water service panel access door was lost during flight. This AD requires modifying affected potable water service panel access doors. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the latching mechanism of the potable water service panel access door, which could result in the loss of the potable water service panel access door during flight, and resultant damage to the airplane (e.g., damage to the trimmable horizontal stabilizer) that could cause loss of control of the airplane.

This action proposes to amend Class E Airspace Designated as an Extension to a Class D at Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, Charlottesville, VA, as the Azalea Park Non-Directional Radio Beacon (NDB) has been decommissioned requiring airspace reconfiguration at the airport. Also, the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) part time status would be removed from this airspace. This action also would update the geographic coordinates of the above airport and the University of Virginia Medical Center Heliport in Class D and E airspace listed in this proposal. This action would enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations in the area.

This action proposes to establish Class D and Class E airspace at Brookshire, TX. The establishment of an airport traffic control tower has made this action necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations within the airspace at Houston Executive Airport.

This action further corrects a final rule published in the Federal Register of February 4, 2016, and corrected in the Federal Register of March 3, 2016, amending the Class D and E airspace areas at Minot International Airport, Minot, ND. This correction adds part-time Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) language inadvertently removed to the Class E surface area description, and removes duplicative Class E extension airspace boundary information language from the Class E surface area description.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC- 12/47E 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 incorrect installation instructions of the torlon plates in the airplane maintenance manual resulting in the incorrect installation of the torlon plates in the forward wing-to-fuselage attachment. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require installing an automatic shutoff system for the center and auxiliary tank fuel boost pumps, as applicable; installing a placard in the airplane flight deck if necessary; replacing the P5-2 fuel system module assembly; installing the ``uncommanded ON'' (UCO) protection system for the fuel boost pumps; revising the airplane flight manual to advise the flightcrew of certain operating restrictions for airplanes equipped with an automatic shutoff system; and revising the maintenance program by incorporating new airworthiness limitations for fuel tank systems to satisfy Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 requirements. The NPRM was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. This action revises the NPRM by proposing to require updated or additional actions that are necessary for certain airplane configurations. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to prevent operation of the center and auxiliary tank fuel boost pumps with continuous low pressure, which could lead to friction sparks or overheating in the fuel pump inlet that could create a potential ignition source inside the center and auxiliary fuel tanks. These conditions, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

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.

This action announces a limited waiver of the requirement to use Operating Authorizations (slots) at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport due to significant impacts of winter weather in January 2016. This policy is effective from January 22, 2016, through January 26, 2016. Carriers who seek to obtain a waiver must submit information on flight cancellations and the slots for which relief is requested.

Pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 5 U.S.C. App. 2), notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC). The meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Thursday, April 28, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the National Transportation Safety Board Conference Center, 429 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20594. This will be the 63rd meeting of the COMSTAC. The proposed schedule for the COMSTAC working group meetings on April 27 is below:

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 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.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S and AW109SP helicopters. This proposed AD would require visually inspecting the tail rotor drive shaft assembly (drive shaft) for a crack. This proposed AD is prompted by the discovery of three cracks on the drive shaft of a Model A109S helicopter. The proposed actions are intended to detect a crack on the drive shaft to prevent failure of the driveshaft, failure of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of the airport from aeronautical use to nonaeronautical use and to authorize the conversion of the airport property. The proposal consists of one parcel of land containing a total of approximately 120.4 acres and one parcel of land containing a total of approximately 86.0 acres. Ownership of the associated property transferred Webb Air Force Base to the City of Big Spring via an ``Indenture'' between the United States of America and the City of Big Spring, Texas on October 6, 1978. The land comprising this parcel is outside the forecasted need for aviation development and, thus, is no longer needed for indirect or direct aeronautical use. The airport wishes to develop this land for compatible commercial, nonaeronautical use. The income from the conversion of this parcel will benefit the aviation community by reinvestment in the airport. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the conversion of the subject airport property nor a determination of eligibility for grant-in-aid funding from the FAA. The disposition of proceeds from the conversion of the airport property will be in accordance with FAA's Policy and Procedures Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, published in the Federal Register on February 16, 1999. In accordance with Section 47107(h) of Title 49, United States Code, this notice is required to be published in the Federal Register 30 days before modifying the land-use assurance that requires the property to be used for an aeronautical purpose.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of land at the Humboldt Municipal, Humboldt, Iowa, under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47107(h)(2).