Federal Aviation Administration 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of skin cracking found at the corners of the aft entry and aft galley doorways. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the corners of the aft entry and aft galley doorways; and repair if necessary, which would terminate the repetitive inspections of the repaired areas. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the corners of the aft entry and aft galley doorways, which could result in rapid decompression and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

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 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is issuing this notice under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended to advise the public that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared to assess the potential impacts of the proposed Airfield Safety Enhancement Project (ASEP) including real property transactions between the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA); demolition of 12 Earth Covered Magazines (ECM); replacement of the ECMs elsewhere on USAF Plant 44; construction of a new parallel taxiway; relocation of Runway 11R-29L and other associated development at Tucson International Airport. The proposed project also includes transfer of land ultimately to the USAF, on behalf of the National Guard Bureau (NGB), for construction of a Munitions Storage Area and access road to support the 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson Air National Guard Base. To ensure that all significant issues related to the proposed action are identified, one (1) public scoping meeting and one (1) governmental agency scoping meeting will be held. FAA is the lead agency on the preparation of the EIS and has invited the Department of the Air Force (USAF) and the National Guard Bureau (NGB) to participate as cooperating agencies because the Tucson Airport Authority's proposed action requires federal actions by both U.S. Department of Defense agencies.

We are superseding 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 required 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 required a revision to the AFM, replacement of existing ELACs with ELACs having 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 AD requires replacing existing ELACs with new ELACs having L97+ standards or revising the software in an existing ELAC to the L97+ standards, as applicable, which terminates the requirements of AD 2003-25-07 and AD 2005-13-39. This AD also expands the applicability to include all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. We are issuing 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.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-20-11, for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2013-20-11 required modifying the passenger emergency oxygen container assembly. This new AD expands the affected group of oxygen containers to include those labeled ``DAe Systems.'' This AD was prompted by a determination that the unsafe condition also affects oxygen containers labeled ``DAe Systems.'' We are issuing this AD to prevent a high temperature oxygen generator and mask from falling down and possibly resulting in an ignition source in the passenger compartment, injury to passengers, and reduced availability of supplemental oxygen.

The FAA is amending its commercial space regulations governing reciprocal waivers of claims to require that customers waive claims against all the customers involved in a launch or reentry, including those signing a different set of reciprocal waivers. Also, customers of a customer contracting directly with a licensee or permittee will not have to sign a waiver directly with the licensee or permittee, other customers, or the FAA. The FAA is also adding an appendix to provide permittees with an example of a Waiver of Claims and Assumption of Responsibility for Permitted Activities with No Customer.

This action proposes to modify Class C airspace at El Paso International Airport, El Paso, TX, by removing a cutout from the Class C airspace area that excludes the airspace within a 2-mile radius of West Texas Airport and the airspace beyond an 8-mile arc from the El Paso International Airport beginning at the 115[deg] bearing from the airport clockwise to the Rio Grande River. Additionally, this proposal would update the El Paso International Airport geographic coordinates to reflect the current airport reference point (ARP) information in the FAA's aeronautical database and remove the West Texas Airport and geographic coordinate references from the Class C airspace description. The FAA is proposing this action to enable more efficient operations at El Paso International Airport.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites comment on the release of 0.7 acres of airport property at Enterprise Municipal Airport, Enterprise, Alabama, under the provisions of Title 49, U.S.C. Section 47107(h)(2).

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 for a new information collection. The FAA is launching a rebate program to emphasize the urgent need for pilots to comply with Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS- B) Out requirements ahead of the January 1, 2020, compliance deadline. This program will defray costs associated with the ADS-B equipment and installation for eligible general aviation aircraft, and help ensure that all general aviation aircraft are equipped by the compliance date.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of Sixty-Eighth Meeting, Special Committee 135, Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of TWENTY-NINTH MEETING Special Committee 216 Aeronautical Systems Security.

This action modifies the Boise, ID, Class C airspace area by amending the legal description to contain the current Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field airport name and updated airport reference point (ARP) information. This action does not change the boundaries, altitudes, or operating requirements of the Class C airspace area.

This action proposes to modify Class E airspace at Albany Municipal Airport, Albany, OR. Advances in Global Positioning System (GPS) mapping accuracy and a reliance on precise geographic coordinates to define airport and airspace reference points have made airspace redesign necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-13-10, for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. AD 2016-13-10 required repetitive external detailed inspections and nondestructive inspections to detect cracks in the fuselage skin along the chem-mill steps at stringers S-1 and S-2R, between station (STA) 400 and STA 460, and repair if necessary. AD 2016-13-10 also required a preventive modification of the fuselage skin at crown stringers S-1 and S-2R. This AD requires the same actions as AD 2016-13-10, and clarifies certain regulatory text. This AD was prompted by the determination that certain regulatory text in AD 2016- 13-10 requires clarification. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin panels at the chem-mill steps, which could result in sudden fracture and failure of the fuselage skin panels, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.

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 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 establishes Class E en route domestic airspace in the Harvey, ND, area for Harvey Municipal Airport. Controlled airspace is necessary to facilitate vectoring of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft under control of Minneapolis Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). This action enhances the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations within the National Airspace System.

This action removes Class D Airspace at North, SC, as the North Air Force Auxiliary Field Air Traffic Control Tower is no longer staffed, and the controlled Class D airspace area is no longer required.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-10-13, for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146 series airplanes. AD 2010-10-13 required repetitive inspections of the wing fixed leading edge and front spar structure for corrosion and cracking, and repair if necessary. This new AD requires revised inspection procedures that terminate a previously approved inspection procedure. This AD was prompted by revised inspection procedures issued by the Design Approval Holder (DAH). We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion and cracking of the wing fixed leading edge and front spar structure, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

This action modifies Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Gratiot Community Airport, Alma, MI; Antrim County Airport, Bellaire, MI; Wexford County Airport, Cadillac, MI; Drummond Island Airport, Drummond Island, MI; Charles C. Zettel Memorial Airport, Gladwin, MI; Park Township Airport and West Michigan Regional Airport, Holland, MI; and Three Rivers Municipal Dr. Haines Airport, Three Rivers, MI. Decommissioning of non-directional radio beacons (NDB), cancellation of NDB approaches, or implementation of area navigation (RNAV) procedures have made this action necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the above airports. This action also updates the geographic coordinates of Three Rivers Municipal Dr. Haines Airport, and the name change of West Michigan Regional Airport (formerly Tulip City Airport) to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

This action establishes Class E airspace in Park River, ND. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures developed at Park River-W C Skjerven Field, Park River, ND, for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. Additionally, to correct airport name to correspond with the NASR in the header and legal description.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Continental Motors, Inc., (CMI) San Antonio (formerly known as Airmotive Engineering Corp. (AEC)), replacement parts manufacturer approval (PMA) cylinder assemblies marketed by Engine Components International Division (ECi). On July 17, 2015, AEC was purchased by CMI and is now operating as ``Continental MotorsSan Antonio.'' These cylinder assemblies are used on all CMI model -520 and -550 reciprocating engines, and on all other CMI engine models approved for the use of model -520 and -550 cylinder assemblies, such as the CMI model -470 when modified by supplemental type certificate (STC). This AD was prompted by reports of multiple cylinder head-to-barrel separations and cracked and leaking aluminum cylinder heads. This AD requires removal of the affected cylinder assemblies, including overhauled cylinder assemblies, according to a phased removal schedule. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the cylinder assemblies, which could lead to failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss of control of the airplane.

This action modifies Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Hutchinson Municipal Airport-Butler Field, Hutchinson, MN; Jackson Municipal Airport, Jackson, MN; Pipestone Municipal Airport, Pipestone, MN; Richard B. Helgeson Airport, Two Harbors, MN; and Waseca Municipal Airport, Waseca, MN. Decommissioning of the non-directional radio beacon (NDB), cancellation of NDB approaches, and implementation of area navigation (RNAV) procedures have made this action necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the above airports. This action also updates the geographic coordinates at Hutchinson Municipal-Butler Field, Jackson Municipal Airport, Pipestone Municipal Airport, and Richard B. Helgeson Airport, to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-10-01 for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. AD 2011-10-01 required repetitive functional tests of the ram air turbine (RAT) heater, and repair if necessary. This new AD requires revision of the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This AD was prompted by the need for new and more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and systems. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity and reduced control of these airplanes due to the failure of system components.