Federal Aviation Administration 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Daher Aircraft Design, LLC (type certificate previously held by Quest Aircraft Design, LLC (Quest)) Model KODIAK 100 airplanes. This AD requires revising the pilot's operating handbook and FAA approved airplane flight manual (POH/AFM) or supplement 5 to the POH/AFM. This AD was prompted by incorrect low weight landing distances in the performance section of the POH/AFM and supplement 5 to the POH/AFM. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-11-08 for all International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE) PW1133G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, PW1130G-JM, PW1129G-JM, PW1127G-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1124G- JM, PW1124G1-JM, and PW1122G-JM model turbofan engines. AD 2019-11-08 required the removal of the main gearbox (MGB) assembly and electronic engine control (EEC) software and the installation of a part and software version eligible for installation for engines that operate on extended operations (ETOPS) flights. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2019-11-08 and requires replacement of the MGB assembly and EEC software on engines that do not operate on ETOPS flights. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of in-flight engine shutdowns as the result of high-cycle fatigue causing fracture of certain parts of the MGB assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This notice announces a limited waiver of the minimum usage requirement that applies to Operating Authorizations or ``slots'' at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), in light of the current impacts on air travel demand related to the outbreak of novel 2019 coronavirus (also known as ``SARS-CoV-2,'' causing the disease COVID-19) (``Coronavirus''). Through May 31, 2020, the FAA will waive the minimum usage requirement as to any slot associated with a scheduled nonstop flight between JFK, LGA, or DCA, respectively, and other points that is canceled as a direct result of Coronavirus-related impacts. This action is effective for Coronavirus-related flight cancelations through May 31, 2020. The duration of the Coronavirus outbreak and its effect on demand for commercial air travel remains to be seen. The FAA will continue to monitor the situation and may augment this waiver as circumstances warrant. The FAA will inform carriers of any decision to extend the waiver period as soon as possible. In addition, this notice announces the policy that the FAA will prioritize flights canceled at designated International Air Transport Association (IATA) Level 2 airports in the U.S. due to Coronavirus through May 31, 2020, including at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), for purposes of establishing a carrier's operational baseline in the next corresponding season. The FAA is acting in good faith in granting relief to carriers worldwide impacted by the Coronavirus. In doing so, the FAA expects that U.S. carriers will be accommodated with reciprocal relief by foreign slot coordinators.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A320-214, -232, and -271N airplanes, and Model A321-231 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a production line inspection finding of damage on a main landing gear (MLG) side stay attachment outboard lug. This AD requires an inspection for discrepancies of the MLG side stay attachment outboard lugs, left-hand and right-hand sides, and applicable corrective action, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169 helicopters. This proposed AD would require modifying the weight on wheels (WoW) support installation on the main landing gear (MLG). This proposed AD is prompted by a report that an inappropriately tightened WoW support could result in a rotation of the support and improper WoW switch performance. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to amend Class D airspace by updating the geographic coordinates, and remove Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Bogue Field Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field, (MCALF), Bogue, NC, at the request of the US Marine Corps. Class E airspace is no longer required, as there are no instrument approaches into Bogue Field MCALF. This action would also replace the outdated term Airport/Facility Directory with term Chart Supplement in the legal description of associated Class D airspace. This action would enhance the safety and management of controlled airspace within the National Airspace System.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 airplanes. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) for your airplane to incorporate revised limitations and procedures. This AD was prompted by a report of a landing incident where the alpha limiter engaged in the landing flare in unstable air while on the approach, resulting in a high rate of descent landing and damage to the airplane. The FAA is 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 this information collection. The collection involves maintaining and recording ``the current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance. The information to be collected is necessary for maintaining and recording that the part is airworthy.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that elevator skin panels were found disbonded as a result of water ingress. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of skin panels on both elevators, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with an agricultural spray system installed by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR00286BO (spray system). This spray system is also known as a Simplex Manufacturing Company (Simplex) Model 244 spray system. This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight failure of the spray system elbow pump fitting (pump fitting). This AD requires repetitive inspections of the spray system pump fitting, corrective action if necessary, replacement of the spray system pump fitting, and installation of hose supports and a pump outlet cover. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A330-941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports indicating premature aging of certain chemical oxygen generators. This AD requires repetitively removing the affected chemical oxygen generators and replacing them with serviceable parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-23-04, which applies to all De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. AD 2010-23-04 requires repetitive detailed inspections of the nacelle attachment fittings for cracks, a conductivity inspection of the nacelle attachment fittings, and replacement if necessary. Since AD 2010-23-04 was issued, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to do a replacement with new nacelle attachment fittings. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2010-23-04, remove a certain inspection requirement for certain airplanes, and add a new requirement to replace the rear spar fitting and nacelle attaching structure with a new nacelle attachment fitting. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that a changed manufacturing process for the tail rotor blades (TRB) was implemented, affecting the structural characteristics of the blades and generating a new part number for these blades. This proposed AD would require re-identifying each affected TRB having a certain part number and serial number and establishing a life limit for the new part numbers. This AD also prohibits installation of any affected TRB identified with the old part number on any helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD) Trent 1000-AE3, Trent 1000- CE3, Trent 1000-D3, Trent 1000-G3, Trent 1000-H3, Trent 1000-J3, Trent 1000-K3, Trent 1000-L3, Trent 1000-M3, Trent 1000-N3, Trent 1000-P3, Trent 1000-Q3, and Trent 1000-R3 model turbofan engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSI) of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades. This AD also requires replacement of HPT blades with parts eligible for installation when the HPT blades fail inspection or reach the new life limit. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer identifying that the HPT blades may fail prematurely. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action modifies VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway V-18, in the vicinity of Talladega, AL. This action is necessary due to the planned decommissioning of the Talladega, AL, VOR/DME navigation aid which provides navigation guidance for segments of the route. Additionally, this action removes the compulsory reporting point requirement for the HEFIN, AL, navigation fix.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a certain modification that causes interference with inspections that are intended to detect fatigue cracks. This AD requires repetitive low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspections of a certain fuselage upper skin lap splice for cracks, repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of a certain fuselage upper skin lap splice for cracks, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-25-16, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. AD 2017-25-16 requires repetitive inspections of certain fuel pumps for cavitation erosion, corrective action if necessary, and revision of the minimum equipment list (MEL). Since the FAA issued AD 2017-25-16, the FAA has determined that the inspection area must be expanded, and Model A330-941 airplanes are also subject to the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2017- 25-16, expand the inspection area, add certain maintenance actions, and expand the applicability, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will be incorporated by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action amends VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V-11 by redefining the EDGEE fix in the vicinity of Bryan, OH, and V-275 by redefining the KLOEE fix in the vicinity of Defiancé, OH. These modifications are necessary due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Waterville, OH (VWV), VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid (NAVAID), which provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected air traffic service (ATS) routes. The Waterville VOR is being decommissioned as part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

The FAA is considering a proposal to change 210.253 acres of airport land from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use of airport property located at Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport, Indianapolis, Indiana. The aforementioned land is not needed for aeronautical use. The land is made up of four parcels. South ParcelEast, 38.606 acres, and South ParcelWest, 25.126 acres, are located south of the airport along 96th Street. Center Parcel, 99.096 acres, is located east of the airport along Hague Road and North Parcel, 47.425 acres, is located north of the airport along 106th Street. This is all vacant land with no aeronautical use. The Sponsor is proposing the land be made available for future commercial non-aeronautical use.

This action modifies VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V-56 and V-209, in the vicinity of Kewanee, MS. This action is necessary due to the planned decommissioning of the Kewanee, MS, VORTAC navigation aid, which provides navigation guidance for segments of the routes.

This action amends one domestic Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway V-165 in the western United States. The modifications are necessary due to the planned decommissioning of Clovis, CA, VOR portion of the VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid (NAVAID), which provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected ATS route. The Clovis, CA, VOR is being decommissioned as part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

This action proposes to amend one domestic Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway V-187 in the western United States. The modifications are necessary due to the planned decommissioning of McChord, WA, VOR portion of the VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid (NAVAID), which provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected ATS route. The McChord, WA, VOR is being decommissioned due to ongoing maintenance problems.

This action proposes to amend the Class E airspace area, designated as a surface area, by reducing the radius of the airspace and adding an extension to the northeast of the Dillon Airport, Dillon, MT. Also, this action proposes to amend the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface, by reducing the circular radius of the airport and adding extensions to the southwest and north of the airport. Additionally, this action proposes to amend the Class E airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface, by significantly reducing the dimensions of the area and sizing it to properly contain IFR arrivals and departures. Further, this action proposes an administrative correction to the airport's legal descriptions. This action would ensure the safety and management of IFR operations at the airport.

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.

These special conditions are issued for The Boeing Company (Boeing) Model 777-9 series airplane. This airplane will have novel or unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. These design features are passenger cabins with high wall suites (HWS). 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.