Federal Aviation Administration 2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This action proposes special conditions for the Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) Model R66 helicopter. This helicopter will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for normal category helicopters. This design feature is a pressure refueling system. 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.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-17-18, which applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109C, A109K2, A109E, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters. AD 2021-17-18 requires an inspection of certain tail rotor (TR) sleeve assemblies for discrepancies, an inspection of certain TR shaft assemblies for discrepancies, a repetitive measurement of the position of the bushing of the TR sleeve assembly in relation to the pitch change slider assembly, and corrective actions if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-17-18, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to require repetitive inspections of certain TR sleeve assemblies and corrective actions. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2021-17- 18; and would also require repetitive inspections of the TR sleeve assemblies, and corrective actions if necessary, 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 notice announces the availability of a draft advisory circular on flight path management. The FAA invites public comment on AC 120-FPM.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of oxygen leaks caused by cracked, brittle, or broken oxygen hoses that were found during scheduled maintenance tests of the airplane oxygen system. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the oxygen hose assembly to determine if an affected part number is installed, and replacement of affected oxygen hoses. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would allow repetitive testing of the oxygen system until affected hoses are replaced. This proposed AD would also prohibit installation of an affected oxygen hose. 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.

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. The FAA uses the information collected on form 7460-1 to determine the effect a proposed construction or alteration would have on air navigation and the National Airspace System (NAS) and the information collected on form 7460-2 to measure the progress of actual construction.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the FAA invites public comments about its intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) grant emergency approval for a new information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments is waived, as this is an emergency action in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This action would enable the FAA to collect voluntary information from air carriers authorized to conduct operations under the Code of Federal Regulations that participate or have participated in transport of the COVID-19 vaccines to support continued operational safety and efficiency.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-11- 23, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2021-11-23 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, and, for certain airplanes, updating the hydraulic monitoring system to include additional redundancy. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-11-23, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also revises the applicability to include different airplanes. 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 A300 series airplanes; Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Airbus SAS Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of incorrect installation of the fire shut-off valves (FSOV) actuator, which was found to rotate around its pivot axis. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection of the FSOV actuator for rotation around its pivot axis, and replacement 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 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a discrepancy in the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) where the rotorcraft stay-up flying capabilities for Category B operation were provided through performance data only, not as airworthiness limitations that are dependent upon on the number of passengers on board. This proposed AD would require revising the existing RFM for your helicopter, 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 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 747-8F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of fuselage crown stringer cracking between station (STA) 740 and STA 1000, stringer (S)-7 to S-12. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of fuselage crown stringers and applicable on-condition actions. 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 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of burned Boeing Material Specification (BMS) 8-39 urethane foam, which is a material with fire-retardant properties that deteriorate with age. This proposed AD would require replacing certain BMS 8-39 foam pads with Nomex felt in certain areas, removing certain BMS 8-39 foam pads in a certain area (which includes a general visual inspection to find BMS 8-39 foam pads), and inspecting the corner seals to determine if the corner seals were replaced, and replacing affected corner seals. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of BMS 8-39 urethane foam seal in certain locations. 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 Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters; AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters; and Model SA-365C1, SA-365C2, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters. This AD was prompted a report of increased vibration during flight. This AD requires the application of alignment markings on, and repetitive inspections of, the main rotor (MR) pitch rod upper links and, depending on findings, the accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, 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.

This action establishes Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface of the earth at Monticello Airport, Monticello, UT. The establishment of airspace supports the airport's transition from visual flight rules to instrument flight rule (IFR) operations and ensures the safety and management of IFR operations within the National Airspace System.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-22-20 which applied to certain Austro Engine GmbH E4 and E4P model diesel piston engines. AD 2021-22-20 required, for engines with an affected cylinder head, inspection of the high pressure pump (HPP) driving gear and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the HPP driving gear with a part eligible for installation. AD 2021-22-20 also required, for engines with an affected HPP driving gear, replacement of the HPP driving gear before further flight or within a certain number of flight hours, depending on the engine configuration and number of affected engines installed. This AD requires, for engines equipped with a certain cylinder head and HPP driving gear combination, removal, inspection, and replacement of the HPP driving gear before further flight and, depending on the inspection findings, replacement of the HPP shaft, cylinder head, camshaft gear, or inlet/outlet camshaft bushing. This AD also requires, for engines with an affected HPP driving gear, replacement of the HPP driving gear before further flight or within a certain number of flight hours, depending on the engine configuration and number of affected engines installed. This AD was prompted by reports of failure of the HPP driving gear and a subsequent determination that a batch of HPP driving gears may have been damaged during assembly. This AD was also prompted by an investigation which found that certain cylinder heads installed in combination with certain HPP driving gear on the same engine may cause damage to the HPP driving gear. 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 The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. This AD was prompted by significant changes, including new or more restrictive requirements, made to the airworthiness limitations (AWLs) related to fuel tank ignition prevention and the nitrogen generation system. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. 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 The Boeing Company Model 747-8F and 747-8 series airplanes and Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that radio altimeters cannot be relied upon to perform their intended function if they experience interference from wireless broadband operations in the 3.7-3.98 GHz frequency band (5G C-Band), and a recent determination that this interference may affect multiple airplane systems using radio altimeter data, including the pitch control laws, including those that provide tail strike protection, regardless of the approach type or weather. This AD requires revising the limitations section of the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to incorporate limitations prohibiting dispatching or releasing to airports, and approaches or landings on runways, when in the presence of 5G C-Band interference as identified by Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs). 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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of a substantive change to multiple previously approved information collections. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, Section 546, requires the implementation of systems allowing a member of the public to submit any information or form to the Registry and conduct any transaction with the Registry by electronic or other remote means. In response to this requirement, the FAA created Civil Aviation Registry Electronic Services (CARES) and intends to change its current information collection to accommodate electronic registry applications.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the nose wheel steering selector valve (SSV) can be slow to deactivate under low temperature conditions. This proposed AD would require replacing the affected nose wheel SSV with a redesigned nose wheel SSV, and performing an operational test of the nose wheel SSV and nose wheel steering control system. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of a certain nose wheel SSV. 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 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2, MBB-BK 117 D-2, and MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of engine flame out following prolonged operations in falling snow on helicopters with an inlet barrier filter (IBF) system installed. This AD requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter, 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 The Boeing Company Model 737-800 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by the determination that insufficient sealing may allow water to enter the lower lobe electronic equipment (EE) bay through the main deck floor structure at the rigid cargo barrier (RCB), which could cause damage to EE bay line replacement units (LRUs) in the E5 rack. This proposed AD would require detailed inspections for the presence and condition of sealant at certain locations and applicable on-condition actions. This proposed AD would also require replacing the moisture barrier tape at a certain location, replacing the weather seal at a certain location, and installing seat track fillers. 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 Stemme AG TSA-M Model S6 and S6-RT 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 a new version of the propeller gearbox tooth belt with a reduced life limit. This AD requires establishing a life limit of 5 years for certain propeller gearbox tooth belts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action establishes Class E surface airspace to accommodate Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) serving Ocean Reef Club Airport, Key Largo, FL. This action also amends Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for Ocean Reef Club Airport by updating the geographic coordinates of the airport and correcting the descriptor by replacing AL with FL. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area.

The FAA is amending its policy for the prompt settlement of legal enforcement actions against individuals who the FAA has found violated regulations prohibiting any fraudulent or intentionally false statement on an application for a medical certificate or other document used to show compliance with any requirement for a medical certificate; reproduction of a medical certificate for fraudulent purposes; or alteration of a medical certificate. Revocation of all airman, ground instructor, and medical certificates is the appropriate sanction for such violations, and FAA regulations prohibit application for a new airman or ground instructor certificate for one year following the effective date of the order of revocation unless the order provides otherwise. The previous version of this policy allowed eligible individuals the opportunity to promptly receive an emergency order of revocation and, thereby, apply for a new airman or ground instructor certificate sooner than in the absence of that policy; however, that policy required a one-year wait period from the effective date of the order before an individual could apply for a new certificate. This amended policy will still ensure that eligible individuals promptly receive an emergency order of revocation, but the order will allow them the opportunity to apply for a new airman or ground instructor certificate after nine months from the effective date of the order.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes, Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702) airplanes, Model CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes, Model CL-600- 2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, and Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on fuel clamshell couplings installed in the fuel tank, and a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require removing and replacing the fuel clamshell couplings on certain airplanes, and revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.