Federal Aviation Administration 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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).

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.