Federal Aviation Administration May 23, 2018 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 188A and 188C airplanes; and Model P3A, P-3A, and P3B airplanes type certificated under various other type certificate holders. Certain variants of Model 188A and 188C airplanes are known as ``P-3'' series airplanes. P-3 series airplanes include but are not limited to Model CP-140, NP-3A, P3A, P-3A, P3B, P-3B, P-3C, P-3P, and WP-3D airplanes. This AD requires a borescope inspection of the aileron control rod assembly to determine if threads exist on the aileron control rod body, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that certain aileron control rod bodies were incorrectly machined so that they did not include the load- carrying threads in the bore of the aileron control rod body. As a result, aileron control rod assemblies, which contain the discrepant part, do not provide adequate load carrying capabilities. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of land at Myrtle Beach International Airport, Myrtle Beach, SC.

This action modifies the description of VOR Federal airway V- 312 by removing a maximum authorized altitude (MAA) limitation published along the airway segment between the Woodstown, NJ, VORTAC, and the Coyle, NJ, VORTAC. The MAA is no longer required for air traffic control purposes and the FAA is removing it in order to improve the efficient flow of air traffic in the Philadelphia, PA area.

This action amends Class D airspace, Class E surface area airspace and Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class D surface area, by updating the name to Erie International Airport/Tom Ridge Field, Erie, PA. This action also amends Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface in Erie, PA, by updating the name to St. Vincent Health Center Heliport. This action also updates the geographic coordinates of the airport and heliport, and replaces the outdated term ``Airport/Facility Directory'' with the term ``Chart Supplement'' in the legal descriptions of associated Class D and E airspace to match the FAA's aeronautical database. The Class E surface airspace is further clarified showing removal of the extensions, and the Class E extension airspace is further clarified showing removal of the part-time Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) language.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires installing a cut-out for the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) rail support junction profiles and inspecting splices, frame 5295, and related equipment for a crack. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on frame 5295 and on splices installed to prevent those cracks. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. This proposed AD would require visually checking each tail rotor blade for a crack. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of cracking in certain tail rotor blades. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

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 are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-01-12, AD 2017-11-08, and AD 2017-15-09 for certain Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Model DA 42 airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and address an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as uncommanded engine shutdown during flight due to failure of the propeller-regulating valve caused by hot exhaust gases coming from fractured engine exhaust pipes. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.