Federal Aviation Administration March 2018 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the renewal of the RTCA Charter (FAA Order 1110.77Y) for 2 months, effective March 29, 2018. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is authorized to establish the RTCA advisory committee in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The current charter agreement requires that the RTCA manage various Federal subcommittees on behalf of the agency. The objective of the advisory committee is to seek resolution of issues and challenges involving air transportation concepts, requirements, operational capabilities, the associated use of technology, and related considerations to aeronautical operations that affect the future of the Air Traffic Management System and the integration of new technologies.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is requesting public comment on a request by the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport Commission, on behalf of the airport Sponsor (the City of Laurinburg and the Town of Maxton), to change a portion of airport property from aeronautical to non-aeronautical use at the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport. The request consists of release of approximately 1.72 acres to Mr. William J. Martin for use in conjunction with his existing business, Martin Transport. Martin Transport currently borders the property.

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 an information collection. The collection involves on-line, electronic applicant (customer) answers to standard survey questions. The questions are presented as multiple-choice selections and free-form text areas where applicants can choose their desired answer and, if they wish, add additional comments. The information to be collected will be used to and is necessary to gage the level of user satisfaction with the AVIATOR (Automated Vacancy Information Access Tool for Online Referral) system. Additionally, the surveys are used to obtain benchmarking and feedback to ensure quality.

We are revising an earlier proposal for certain General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80A, CF6-80A1, CF6-80A2, CF6-80A3, CF6- 80C2A1, CF6-80C2A2, CF6-80C2A3, CF6-80C2A5, CF6-80C2A5F, CF6-80C2A8, CF6-80C2B1, CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-80C2B2, CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B4, CF6- 80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, CF6-80C2B6, CF6-80C2B6F, CF6-80C2B6FA, CF6- 80C2B7F, CF6-80C2D1F, CF6-80C2L1F, and CF6-80C2K1F turbofan engines. This action revises the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by removing certain engine models and adding a new part number (P/N) to the applicability and by revising the references to the service information. We are proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an additional burden over those in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these changes.

Currently, FAA regulations require all pilots operating aircraft to or from College Park Airport, Potomac Airfield or Washington Executive/Hyde Field Airport to file instrument flight rules (IFR), DC Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ), or DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) flight plans with the Washington Hub Flight Service Station (FSS). The FAA is transferring the responsibility for processing flight plans within the DC FRZ from the Washington Hub FSS to the Washington Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). This document revises the regulations by updating the organization responsible for processing the flight plans and by updating the flight plans required for flight operations in the DC FRZ.

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 amends and removes multiple VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways in northcentral United States as part of the FAA's Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) efforts to safely improve the overall efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) and due to the decommissioning of the Tiverton, OH, VOR/ Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid. This action also incorporates NAV CANADA's amendment to one of the airways that crosses into Canada's airspace.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-16-14 for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH) Model EC 135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters. AD 2013-16-14 required installing a washer in and modifying the main transmission filter housing upper part. Since we issued AD 2013-16-14, Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH has extended the overhaul interval for the main transmission and determined that other models may have the same unsafe condition. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2013-16-14, adds models to the applicability, and revises the required compliance time for the modification. The actions of this AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Textron Aviation Inc. Models A36TC, B36TC, S35, V35, V35A, and V35B airplanes. This AD was prompted by a fatal accident where the exhaust tailpipe fell off during takeoff. This AD adds a life limit to the exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling (clamp) that attaches the exhaust tailpipe to the turbocharger and requires an annual visual inspection of the exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling (clamp). We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

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.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-03-07, which applied to certain Airbus Model A320-111, -211, -212, and -231 series airplanes. AD 2004-03-07 required repetitive inspections for fatigue cracking around the fasteners attaching the pressure panel to the flexible bracket at a certain frame (FR), adjacent to the longitudinal beams on the left and right sides of the airplane; and repair as necessary. This new AD retains certain requirements of AD 2004-03-07, expands the applicability, and requires an inspection of the fastener holes on the pressure panel and modification or repair as applicable. This AD was prompted by fatigue tests which revealed cracking around the fasteners attaching the pressure panel to the flexible bracket, and by the discovery of additional cracks under the longitudinal beams at locations that are not included in the inspection area required by AD 2004-03-07. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

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 an information collection. The Information to be collected is necessary to insure the safety of the flying public. Documentation of maintenance repair actions record the who, what, when, where and how of the task performed. All maintenance actions as well as documentation are required by Title 14 CFR part 43. This insures proper certification of personnel; proper tooling is utilized and accurate measures to insure safety. FAA reviewed 142,652 form 337s in 2017 with 316,175 aircraft registrations filed in 2017. Each form 337 takes approximately .5 hours.

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 an information collection. The information is used to determine if applicants satisfy requirements for obtaining a launch license to protect the public from risks associated with reentry operations from a site not operated by or situated on a Federal launch range.

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 an information collection. The information to be collected includes data required for performing launch site location analysis. The launch site license is valid for a period of 5 years. Respondents are licensees authorized to operate sites.

This notification provides Emergency Order of Prohibition No. FAA-2018-0243, issued March 22, 2018 to all operators and pilots of flights for compensation or hire with the doors open or removed in the United States or using aircraft registered in the United States for doors off flights. The Emergency Order prohibits the use of supplemental passenger restraint systems that cannot be released quickly in an emergency in doors off flight operations. It also prohibits passenger-carrying doors off flight operations unless the passengers are at all times properly secured using FAA-approved restraints.

This action proposes to modify two VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways (V-72 and V-429) in the vicinity of Mattoon and Charleston, IL. The FAA is proposing this action due to the planned decommissioning of the Mattoon, IL (MTO), VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid (NAVAID) which provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected ATS routes. The Mattoon VOR is being decommissioned in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; all Model A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of false traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) resolution advisories. This AD requires modifying the software in the TCAS computer processor or replacing the TCAS computer with a new TCAS computer. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Federal Aviation 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 proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Washington Island Airport, Washington Island, WI. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new standard instrument approach procedures developed at Washington Island Airport, for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations.

This notice announces a public meeting of the FAA's Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) Transport Airplane and Engine (TAE) Subcommittee to discuss TAE issues.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Federal Aviation 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 proposes to amend Class D airspace, Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class D surface area, and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface in Wrightstown, NJ, by updating the name of McGuire Field (Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst). This action also proposes to amend Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface in Wrightstown, NJ, by updating the name and geographic coordinates of Ocean County Airport. Also, an editorial change would be made where necessary removing the city from the airport name in the airspace designation. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also would update the geographic coordinates of Lakehurst (Navy) TACAN and Colts Neck VOR/DME.

This Notice provides information to Federal, state, and local agencies; Native American tribes; and other interested persons regarding the FAA's intent to prepare an EIS to evaluate the potential impacts of the City of Charlotte Aviation Department's (Department's) proposal to construct capacity enhancements and other improvements at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, NC. The Department has initially identified the following four main elements of the Proposed Action: (1) Fourth Parallel Runway 1-19 and End-Around Taxiways; (2) Concourse B and Ramp Expansion; (3) Concourse C and Ramp Expansion; and (4) Daily North Parking Deck. The EIS will evaluate the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental impacts that may result from the Proposed Action, including related activities and actions connected to the Proposed Action. To ensure that all significant issues related to the Proposed Action are identified, two (2) public scoping meetings and two (2) governmental agency scoping meetings will be held. The FAA is the lead agency for the preparation of the EIS. Cooperating Agencies will be identified during the agency scoping process. The FAA intends to use the preparation of this EIS to comply with other applicable environmental laws and regulations as identified through the environmental analysis. The FAA will provide more specific public notice of the environmental laws, regulations and executive orders being satisfied through the EIS as the environmental consequences of the proposed project and its alternatives are better understood.

These special conditions are issued for the Bombardier Inc. (Bombardier) Model BD-700-2A12 and BD-700-2A13 airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport-category airplanes. This design feature will use a fly-by- wire electronic flight control system (EFCS) that will prevent the flight crew from inadvertently or intentionally exceeding the positive or negative airplane limit-load-factor. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. 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.

These special conditions are issued for the Bombardier Inc. (Bombardier), Model BD-700-2A12 and BD-700-2A13 series airplanes. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the applicable airworthiness standards for transport-category airplanes. This design feature is the fly-by-wire electronic flight-control system (EFCS) that will limit pitch and roll functions to prevent the airplane from attaining certain pitch attitudes and roll angles. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. 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.