Federal Aviation Administration May 7, 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by an in-service occurrence of loss of engine thrust control resulting in uncommanded high thrust. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive replacement of the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) integrated circuit (MN4) microprocessor. 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 certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVII- G500 airplanes. This proposed AD results from flap yoke fittings with design features that cause decreased fatigue life. This proposed AD would require replacing the flap inboard and outboard yoke fitting assemblies and establishing a 20,000 flight cycle life limit for the fittings. 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 SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that during an inspection of the flight deck escape hatches it was found that they were difficult to open from the inside, and several hatches were found impossible to open from the outside. Subsequent investigation revealed corrosion on the flight deck escape hatch mechanism due to condensation penetrating inside the mechanism. This proposed AD would require replacing all affected flight deck escape hatches with serviceable hatches, 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 revising a SNPRM for all Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 helicopters. The SNPRM retained the proposed requirements in the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) and added recurring inspections and references to an engineering report that lists approved U.S. alternative fasteners and materials that may be used in any required repairs. The FAA is reopening the comment period because a significant amount of time has elapsed since the SNPRM was published. This proposed AD would require measuring the 9-degree frame flange (frame) for the correct edge distance of the four attachment holes for the stretcher support and inspecting for cracks, and repairing the frame, if necessary, as specified in two Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) ADs, which are proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). This action also revises the SNPRM by updating the type certificate holder's name and estimated cost information. 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 SNPRM, the agency is requesting comments on this SNPRM.