Federal Aviation Administration March 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-16- 02, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, and -115 airplanes; Model A320-211, - 212, -214, and -216 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -211, -212, and -213 airplanes. AD 2018-16-02 required modifying and re-identifying the 3-lug aft engine mount assemblies. This AD continues to require modifying and re-identifying the 3-lug aft engine mount assemblies, and also requires modifying and re-identifying the 4-lug aft engine mount assemblies; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by a report of a production quality deficiency on the inner retainer installed on link assemblies of the aft engine mount, which could result in failure of the retainer. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by two reported failures of the tail plane installation forward bolts (bolts). This AD requires inspecting the bolts and depending on the results of those inspections, removing certain parts from service or installing a tail plane retromod. This AD also requires torqueing certain part-numbered nuts, inspecting bolts and nuts for wear, and depending on the results of those inspections, removing parts from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is correcting a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that published in the Federal Register. The NPRM proposed to issue an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to certain Mooney International Corporation (Mooney) Model M20V airplanes. As published, the docket number referenced throughout is incorrect. This document corrects that error. In all other respects, the original document remains the same; however, for clarity, the FAA is publishing the entire proposed rule in the Federal Register.

These special conditions are issued for the Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. These helicopters as modified by AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation (AWPC) will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for helicopters. This design feature is the optional closed circuit refueling receiver (CCRR). 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.

The FAA is superseding Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-05-52 which applied to certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 505 helicopters. Emergency AD 2021-05-52 required a one-time visual inspection of the pilot collective stick and grip assembly (pilot collective stick), a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) if no crack was found during the visual inspection, and depending on the inspection results, removing the pilot collective stick from service and reporting certain information to Bell. Emergency AD 2021-05-52 also prohibited installing any pilot collective stick on any helicopter unless the inspections had been accomplished. This AD removes the visual inspection of the pilot collective stick, requires repetitive FPIs of the pilot collective stick, and requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. This AD retains the reporting requirement and expands the prohibition. This AD was prompted by the determination that visual inspections do not adequately detect a crack and additional findings that a crack may occur sooner than previously expected. The FAA is 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 special conditions for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes (Boeing) Model 737-800 airplane. This airplane, as modified by Haeco Cabin Solutions (Haeco), 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 is structure-mounted airbags designed to protect each occupant from serious head injury in the event of an emergency landing. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed 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 Airbus Model A321neo Cabin Flex (ACF) airplane. This airplane 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 is single-occupant oblique seats with 3- point restraints. 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 Model BD-100-1A10 airplane. This airplane, as modified by Rockwell Collins, 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 is the installation of a system that allows connection to airplane electronic systems and networks, and access from sources internal to the airplane to the previously isolated internal airplane electronic assets. 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.

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.

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 of cracks and geometrical non- conformities of the tail rotor blades (TRBs); all cracks initiated in the drain hole area at the blade root section. This proposed AD would require cleaning affected parts, visual and dye penetrant inspections for cracks of affected parts, a dimensional inspection to verify conformity of affected parts, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would have applied to Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (now Erickson Incorporated) (Erickson) Model S-64E and S-64F helicopters. The NPRM was prompted by several reports of cracking in the strap and pocket areas of the tail rotor blade. The NPRM would have required inspecting certain tail rotor blade assemblies (blade assembly) for a crack and replacing any cracked blade assembly. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has determined that the unsafe condition no longer exists. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of an oil leak from the main gearbox (MGB) during engine start up. This proposed AD would require modification and subsequent repetitive functional testing of the MGB emergency lubrication (EMLUB) system as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to revoke the Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway V-271 and amend the VOR Federal airway V-285 in the vicinity of Manistee, MI. The airway amendments are necessary due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Manistee, MI, VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) that these airways utilize for navigation guidance. The Manistee VOR is being decommissioned as part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC 155B, EC155B1, EC225LP, and SA330J helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the snap fasteners on the windows. This AD was prompted by incidents of difficulty unbuttoning the extraction tape on the windows. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is reopening the comment period for an earlier proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 206L series helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require replacing certain low fuel level detector switch units (switch units) and testing certain other switch units to determine if replacement is required. The NPRM was prompted by a manufacturing flaw that could cause the switch units to hang in the high position and fail to indicate a low fuel condition. This action reopens the comment period because a significant amount of time has elapsed since the NPRM was published. This action also revises the NPRM by updating the type certificate holder's name, updating the estimated cost information, clarifying and expanding the applicability, clarifying the requirements, adding a compliance time, and adding parts installation prohibitions. The FAA is 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, the agency is requesting comments on this SNPRM.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain serial-numbered Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model A109S and AW109SP helicopters. This AD requires installing a placard in the baggage compartment, revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter, and inspecting the installation of the terminal lugs. Depending on the outcome of the inspection, this AD requires restoring the installation of the terminal lugs. This AD would also require modifying the helicopter to shim the baggage fairing assy (fwd up) away from the circuit breaker panel and incorporating protective coverings. This AD was prompted by reports of several occurrences of fire ignition and smoke in the baggage compartment. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-15- 02, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. AD 2018-15-02 required repetitively inspecting the tail rotor (TR) pitch rod for a damaged elastomeric ball joint, and corrective action if necessary. This AD continues to require the repetitive inspections and allows the repetitive inspection interval to be extended under certain conditions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by a report of several cases of damaged TR pitch rod ball joints. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-23- 05, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N1, AS- 365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-366G1, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. AD 2016- 23-05 required repetitive checks of the oil level of the tail rotor gearbox and, if necessary, filling the oil to the maximum level; and replacement of a certain control rod double bearing (bearing) with a new bearing. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2016-23-05 and also requires modifying the helicopter by replacing the tail gearbox (TGB) control shaft guide bushes; repetitive inspections of the TGB magnetic plug and corrective actions if necessary; repetitive replacements of the bearing; and modifying the helicopter by replacing the TGB; as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also adds helicopters to the applicability. This AD was prompted by reports of occurrences of loss of yaw control due to failure of the TGB bearing. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action removes the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Orange City Municipal Airport, Orange City, IA and amends the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at the Le Mars Municipal Airport, Le Mars, IA. This action is the result of an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of Orange City (ORC) non-directional beacon (NDB), and the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) navigation aids, and the closure of the Orange City Municipal Airport. Additionally, the geographical coordinates for the Le Mars Municipal Airport, Le Mars, IA, have been updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

This notice contains a summary of a petition by Rolls-Royce Deutschland LTD & Co KG seeking relief from specific regulatory requirements. 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 FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-20-13 for certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now Bell Textron Canada Limited) (Bell) Model 206B and 206L helicopters. AD 2013-20-13 requires installing a placard beneath the engine power dual tachometer and revising the Operating Limitations section of the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. Since the FAA issued AD 2013-20-13, the engine manufacturer expanded the RPM (N2) steady-state operation avoidance range limits. This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2013-20-13, require revising certain sections of the existing RFM for your helicopter, and require either replacing or installing a placard. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK117 A-1, MBB-BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 A-4, MBB-BK117 B-1, MBB-BK117 B-2, MBB-BK117 C-1, and MBB- BK117 C-2 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the tail gearbox (TGB) bellcrank attachment arm (arm) for a crack. This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked TGB arm. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that a life limit for the adapter forward (FWD) of the outboard load system, repetitive inspections of other components of that system, and for certain helicopters, a modification of the outboard load system, are necessary to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would require a modification of the outboard load system for certain helicopters, repetitive inspections of the outboard load system and its components for any defect (including cracking, damage, corrosion, and incorrect installation) and applicable corrective actions, and implementation of a new life limit for the FWD adapter, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action extends the comment period on a summary review of FAA sponsored research programs on civil aircraft noise that could potentially inform future aircraft noise policy, which was published to the Federal Register on January 13, 2021. The FAA invites public comment on the scope and applicability of these research initiatives to address aircraft noise.