Federal Aviation Administration January 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on Peninsula Airport Commission's (PAC) request to dispose of 0.083 acres of federally obligated airport property at Newport NewsWilliamsburg International Airport, Newport News, VA. This acreage was originally conveyed to PAC under the Surplus Property Act and Federal Airport Act. The proposed use of land after the release will be compatible with the airport and will not interfere with the airport or its operation.

The FAA is considering a proposal to change approximately 7.07 acres of airport land from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the sale of this airport property located at Lakefield Airport, Celina, Ohio. The aforementioned land is not needed for aeronautical use. The subject properties, airport parcels 11a and 13a, are bound on the south side by the south line of the southwest quarter of section 30, on the west by existing industrial parcels and the Franklin Drive right-of-way, and on the north and east by airport property. Currently parcel #11a is a maintained turf field and parcel #13a is being utilized as farmland. The airport is proposing the release and sale of this land for non-aeronautical development.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A319-151N, -153N and -171N airplanes; Model A320-251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and Model A321-251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -253NX, - 271NX, and -272NX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a safety review of the airplane fuel system, which identified that the electrical harness routing of the engine low pressure shut off valve (LPSOV) is not adequately protected against uncontained engine rotor failure (UERF). This proposed AD would require modification of the LPSOV electrical harness routing on either the left-hand engine or the right-hand engine, 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 Colored Federal airway Red 39 (R-39) in the vicinity of Bethel, AK, due to the pending decommissioning of the Oscarville (OSE) Non-directional Beacon (NDB), Takotna River NDB (VTR), and Ice Pool NDB (ICW) in Alaska.

This action extends the comment period for an NPRM titled ``Safety Management Systems'' that was published on January 11, 2023. In that document, the FAA proposed to update and expand the requirements for safety management systems (SMS) and require certain certificate holders and commercial air tour operators to develop and implement an SMS. The FAA is extending the comment period closing date to allow commenters additional time to analyze the proposed rule and prepare a response.

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 collection involves information demonstrating that a launch or reentry operation involving human participants will meet the risk criteria and requirement to ensure public safety.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-03-12, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -300, -800, and -900 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. AD 2022-03-12 requires replacing the doghouse door lock placard with an improved instruction placard. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-03-12, it has been determined that additional parts need to be modified. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2022-03-12 and would expand the list of affected parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-04-09, which applies to certain AVOX System Inc. (formerly Scott Aviation) oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies; and oxygen valve assemblies; installed on but not limited to various transport airplanes. AD 2022-04-09 requires an inspection of the oxygen valve assemblies, and oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, to determine the serial number; for certain assemblies and parts, a detailed inspection of the gap between the bottom of the packing retainer and top of the valve body on the assemblies; and replacement of assemblies having unacceptable gaps. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-04-09, the agency determined additional assemblies and parts are affected by the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the oxygen valve assemblies, and oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, to determine the serial number of the valve, cylinder, and entire assembly. For assemblies and parts with certain serial numbers, this proposed AD would require a detailed inspection for correct spacing of the gap between the bottom of the packing retainer and top of the valve body on the assemblies, and replacement of assemblies having unacceptable gaps. This proposed AD would also limit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action amends the Class E airspace at Hannibal, MO; Monroe City, MO; and Monticello, MO. This action is the result of airspace reviews conducted as part of the decommissioning of the Quincy very high frequency (VHF) omnidirectional range (VOR) as part of the VOR Minimal Operational Network (MON) Program. The name of CPT Ben Smith Airfield-Monroe City Airport, Monroe City, MO, is also being updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

This action revokes Alaskan Very High Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway V-621 (hereinafter referred to as Alaskan V-621) due to the planned decommissioning of the Atqasuk, AK (ATK), Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) navigational aid (NAVAID).

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Mooney International Corporation Model M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, and M20G airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of the hybrid material elevator balance weight cracking. This AD requires inspecting to determine whether a certain elevator balance weight is installed. If installed, this AD requires inspecting each affected elevator balance weight for corrosion and cracking, and depending on the findings, either replacing each affected elevator balance weight with a non- hybrid (lead) elevator balance weight or repetitively inspecting each affected elevator balance weight. This AD also prohibits the installation of an affected elevator balance weight on any airplane. 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 The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by the potential for cracks to start in hidden areas underneath the scuff plates in the fuselage skin and bear strap of certain doors. This proposed AD would require an inspection or a maintenance records check for repairs in the areas around the fuselage skin door cutout lower corners of certain doors, and applicable on- condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-01-09 for certain Stemme AG Model Stemme S 10-VT and Model Stemme S 12 gliders. AD 2022-01-09 required removing the affected freewheel clutch from service and prohibited the installation of affected parts. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-01-09, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) superseded its mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) to amend the definition of an affected part. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2022-01-09 for removing the affected freewheel clutch from service and continues to prohibit the installation of an affected part, and amends the definition of an affected part and clarifies the part installation prohibition. 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 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GV and GV-SP airplanes. This AD was prompted by the omission of a life limit in the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the maintenance manual for a certain main landing gear (MLG) trunnion pin. This AD requires revising the ALS of the existing instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) or inspection program for the airplane to establish a life limit for the affected MLG trunnion pin. 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 an information collection. The collection involves an automated application process for employment with the Federal Aviation Administration by way of the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) USAJOBS website: www.usajobs.gov. The Applicants begin the application process by building an account on USAJOBS website and thereafter, they are passed into the FAA Automated Vacancy Information Access Tool for Online Referral (AVIATOR) to answer specific questions related to FAA job vacancy of interest. This pass through is a direct USAJOBS interface with AVIATOR and hence, there is no standalone link to be used by the applicants. The information collected is necessary to determine basic eligibility for employment and potential eligibility for Veteran's Preference, Veteran's Readjustment Act, and People with Disability appointments. In addition, there are specific occupation questions that assist the FAA Office of Human Resource Management (AHR) in determining candidates' qualifications in order that the best-qualified candidates are hired for the many FAA occupations.

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 Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on July 7, 2022. The collection involves information related to rules governing Helicopter Air Ambulance, Commercial Helicopter, and Part 91 Helicopter Operations. The information to be collected supports the Department of Transportation's strategic goal of safety. Specifically, the goal is to promote the public health and safety by working toward the elimination of transportation-related deaths and injuries.

This action modifies VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V-5, V-20, V-155, V-241, and V-321; and removes jet routes J- 37, J-55, J-79, J-121, J-174, J-191, and J-209. These changes support the VOR Minimum Operation Network (MON) project in the eastern United States.

This action establishes Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Ness City Municipal Airport, Ness City, KS. This action is the result of new public instrument procedures being developed at this airport.

This action removes the Class E airspace at Marfa, TX. This action is due to the closure of the airport.

This action proposes to amend the Class D and Class E airspace at Bloomington/Normal, IL. The FAA is proposing this action due to an airspace review conducted as part of the decommissioning of the Bloomington very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) as part of the VOR Minimum Operating Network (MON) Program. The name and geographic coordinates of the airport would also be updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

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 is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) Makila 1A and Makila 1A1 model turboshaft engines. This AD was prompted by reports of false engine fire warnings. This AD requires replacing the affected fire detectors, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits the installation of affected fire detectors. 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 EC120B, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of corrosion detected on certain part-numbered landing gear assemblies. This proposed AD would require, for helicopters with certain part-numbered landing gear assemblies installed, visually inspecting for cracks and corrosion; borescope inspecting; and if required, removing corrosion, measuring thickness, interpreting results of the measurements, applying chemical conversion coating and primer, and removing affected parts (landing gear assembly) and affected part sub-assemblies (front or rear crossbeam or left-hand or right-hand skid assembly) from service and replacing with airworthy parts. This proposed AD would allow an affected part or affected part sub-assembly to be installed on a helicopter if certain actions in this proposed AD are accomplished. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to amend the Class E airspace at Rantoul, IL. The FAA is proposing this action due to an airspace review conducted as part of the decommissioning of the Danville very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) as part of the VOR Minimum Operating Network (MON) Program. The name of the airport would also be updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.