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

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 nor 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 United States Area Navigation (RNAV) route T-269 in the vicinity of Yakutat, AK in support of a large and comprehensive T-route modernization project for the state of Alaska.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-22-05, which applies to all General Electric Company (GE) CF34-8C model turbofan engines. AD 2019-22-05 requires initial and repetitive inspections of the operability bleed valve (OBV) fuel tubes, OBV bleed air manifold link rod assemblies, and the OBV fuel fittings. AD 2019- 22-05 also requires replacement of OBVs or related OBV hardware that fail inspection. Since the FAA issued AD 2019-22-05, the manufacturer has redesigned the OBV, which terminates the need for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive inspections of the OBV fuel tubes, OBV bleed air manifold link rod assemblies, and the OBV fuel fittings. This proposed AD would also require replacement of OBVs or related OBV hardware that fail inspection. As a terminating action to the repetitive inspections, this proposed AD would require replacement of certain OBVs installed on GE CF34-8C and CF34-8E model turbofan engines. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to amend the Class E airspace at Springfield, OH. The FAA is proposing this action due to an airspace review conducted as part of the decommissioning of the Springfield very high frequency (VHF) omnidirectional range (VOR) as part of the VOR Minimal Operational Network (MON) Program.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-03-01 and AD 2021-05-51, which apply to certain Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 model turbofan engines. AD 2019-03-01 requires performing initial and repetitive thermal acoustic image (TAI) inspections for cracks in certain 1st-stage low-pressure compressor (LPC) blades and removal of those blades that fail inspection. AD 2021-05-51 requires performing a one-time TAI inspection for cracks in certain 1st-stage LPC blades and removal of those blades that fail inspection. Since the FAA issued AD 2019-03-01 and AD 2021-05-51, the manufacturer determined the need to add initial and repetitive ultrasonic testing (UT) inspections of the 1st-stage LPC blades. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive UT inspections and TAI inspections for cracks in certain 1st-stage LPC blades and removal of those blades that fail inspection. 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 The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of three incidents involving in-flight fan blade failures on certain Pratt & Whitney engines (``fan blades'' are also known as ``1st-stage low-pressure compressor (LPC) blades''these terms are used interchangeably in this proposed AD). This proposed AD would require installation of debris shields on the thrust reverser (T/R) inner wall at the left and right sides of the lower bifurcation, inspection of the fan cowl doors for moisture ingression, repetitive functional checks of the hydraulic pump shutoff valves to ensure they close in response to the fire handle input, and corrective actions if necessary. The FAA is proposing 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.

The FAA proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2020-20-07 which applies to 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, Trent 1000-R3, Trent 7000-72, and Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines. AD 2020-20-07 requires initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) or visual inspections of the intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) shaft assembly and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the IPC shaft assembly. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-20-07, RRD provided optional terminating actions for the required repetitive inspections and alternative inspection instructions. This proposed AD would continue to require initial and repetitive BSIs but would allow modification of the engine in accordance with Rolls-Royce service information as a terminating action to these inspections, 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.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports indicating incidents of wires chafing against the inboard upper corner of the observer station circuit breaker panel. This AD requires, depending on airplane configuration, doing a general visual inspection of the right observer station upper main circuit breaker panel and wiring for certain missing parts; doing an inspection of the right observer station upper main circuit breaker panel to determine if a certain bracket part number is installed; doing a general visual inspection of certain wire assemblies for any damage; modifying the observer station upper main circuit breaker panel; and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 2100D3 model turboprop engines. This AD was prompted by an in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of an engine and subsequent investigation by the manufacturer that revealed a crack in the 3rd-stage compressor wheel. This AD requires replacement of the affected 3rd-stage compressor wheel. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-11-25, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters (type certificate previously held by Eurocopter France) Model AS350B3 and EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2021-11-25 requires revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for your helicopter by inserting a new procedure (temporary). Since the FAA issued AD 2021-11-25, the manufacturer has identified an additional affected full authority digital engine control (FADEC) part number and developed an optional modification for the affected FADECs. This proposed AD would require revising the existing RFM for your helicopter by inserting a new procedure (temporary). This proposed AD would also require, for helicopters on which an optional terminating action (installation of serviceable FADECs) is done, removing the applicable temporary procedure from the existing RFM for your helicopter. In addition, this proposed AD would also add helicopters to the applicability. Furthermore, this proposed AD would prohibit the installation of an affected FADEC. The FAA is proposing 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. This collection involves organizations applying to perform certification functions on behalf of the FAA, including approving data and issuing various aircraft and organization certificates. The information will be used to determine an applicant's qualifications to perform functions as a representative of the FAA Administrator and to authorize organizations to perform those functions.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Hallock, MN. The FAA is proposing this action due to an airspace review conducted as part of the decommissioning of the Humbolt very high frequency (VHF) omnidirectional range (VOR) as part of the VOR Minimal Operational Network (MON) Program.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500- 1A11 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of in-service findings of corrosion on the flange of the main landing gear (MLG) lower spindle pin. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the left and right MLG lower spindle pins to detect corrosion, and applicable repair or replacement if necessary, as specified in a Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Cadillac, MI; Ludington, MI; and Manistee, MI. The FAA is proposing this action due to airspace reviews conducted as part of the decommissioning of the Manistee very high frequency (VHF) omnidirectional range (VOR) as part of the VOR Minimal Operational Network (MON) Program. The names and geographic coordinates of various airports would also be updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked or missing nuts on the tail rotor drive shaft (TRDS) disc pack (Thomas) couplings. This AD requires removing certain nuts from service, installing newly designed nuts, and applying a specific torque and a torque stripe to each newly installed nut. This AD then requires, after the installation of each newly designed nut, inspecting the torque and, depending on the inspection results, either applying a torque stripe or performing further inspections and removing certain parts from service. Finally, this AD prohibits installing any affected nut on any TRDS Thomas coupling. 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 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-500MB and DG-1000M gliders with a Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo Model 2625 02i engine installed. This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as an error in the engine control unit (ECU) software. This AD requires updating the ECU software. 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 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent 1000-A2, Trent 1000- AE2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the engine Time Limits Manual (TLM) life limits of certain critical rotating parts, updating direct accumulation counting (DAC) data files, and updating certain maintenance tasks. This AD requires revision of the engine TLM life limits of certain critical rotating parts and DAC data files, 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 certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of failed rivets between the tailboom skin and the tail rotor (TR) gearbox support assembly. This proposed AD would require visually inspecting the external surface of the TR gearbox support assembly, borescope inspecting or visually inspecting the inside of the tailboom for certain conditions, and performing a tactile inspection. Depending on the results of the inspections, this proposed AD would require removing certain rivets from service or repairing gaps in accordance with FAA-approved methods. This proposed AD would also require repeating these inspections within certain intervals. 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 Stemme AG Model Stemme S 12 gliders. This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as an airspeed indicator (ASI) with speed markings inconsistent with the approved and published values. This AD requires inspecting the ASI markings and, depending on findings, either replacing the ASI or amending the existing aircraft flight manual (AFM) until the ASI is replaced. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Federal Aviation Administration is requesting public comment on a request by Louisville Regional Airport Authority (LRAA), to retroactively release land (8.1 acres) at Bowman Field from federal obligations.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-19- 09, which applied to certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. AD 2017-19-09 required modifying the nose landing gear (NLG) shock strut assembly. This new AD requires repetitive lubrications of the trailing arm of the NLG. This new AD also requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program to include new and revised airworthiness limitations (life limits for certain bolts). This AD was prompted by reports of a certain bolt being found missing or having stress corrosion cracking. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Embraer S.A. Model EMB-500 and EMB-505 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the operational envelope does not contain airspeed limitations and procedures for operating the airplane at static air temperatures below -54 [deg]C. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to incorporate new and revised airspeed limitations and procedures. 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 Viking Air Limited (type certificate previously held by Bombardier Inc.) Model DHC-3 airplanes with a certain wing strut assembly installed. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as fatigue damage of the wing struts. This proposed AD would require a bolt hole eddy current inspection of the lug plate holes, a visual and fluorescent dye penetrant inspection of the lug fittings, and a visual and eddy current surface scan inspection of the wing strut assemblies. This unsafe condition could lead to failure of the wing strut, which could result in an in-flight breakup of the wing. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) CF34-8C and CF34-8E model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a report of a quality escape during the manufacturing of a high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1 disk. This AD requires removing the HPT rotor stage 1 disk from service and replacing the HPT rotor stage 1 disk with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.