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

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109E, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of excessive axial play on the ball bearing of the lower half of the main rotor (MR) rotating scissor assembly. This AD requires one-time scissor coupling and axial play inspections and repetitive quantitative axial play inspections and, depending on the results, additional inspections and replacing certain parts. This AD also requires reporting information and prohibits installing certain parts unless certain inspections have been accomplished. These requirements are 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 is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-24 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that the titanium threaded bolts at the forward end of the short rudder trim tab actuating rods could be subject to unexpectedly high oscillating loads due to aerodynamic forces acting on the rudder trim tab. This AD requires periodic replacement of affected titanium threaded bolts, a one-time inspection of the rudder mass balance arm and other elements of the rudder trim tab installation for correct attachment, damage (gouges), cracks, deformation, surface finish, and corrosion on any surrounding parts and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) emergency AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-19-15, which applies to certain International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE LLC) Model PW1100G series engines; and AD 2023-16-07, which applies to certain IAE LLC Model PW1100G series engines and PW1400G series engines. AD 2022-19-15 requires an angled ultrasonic inspection (AUSI) of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage disk and HPT 2nd-stage disk, and replacement if necessary. AD 2023-16-07 requires an AUSI of the HPT 1st-stage hub (also known as the HPT 1st-stage disk) and HPT 2nd-stage hub (also known as the HPT 2nd-stage disk) for cracks, and replacement if necessary, which is terminating action for AD 2022-19- 15. The NPRM was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that determined an increased risk of powder metal anomalies for all powder metal parts in certain powder metal production campaigns, which are susceptible to failure significantly earlier than previously determined. The NPRM would have retained the AUSI requirement for certain HPT 1st-stage and HPT 2nd-stage hubs from AD 2023-16-07. The NPRM would also have required performing an AUSI of the HPT 1st-stage hub, HPT 2nd-stage hub, high-pressure compressor (HPC) 7th-stage integrally bladed rotor (IBR-7), and HPC 8th-stage integrally bladed rotor (IBR-8) for cracks and replacement if necessary. The NPRM would also have required accelerated replacement of the HPC IBR-7, HPC IBR-8, HPC rear hub, HPT 1st-stage hub, HPT 1st-stage air seal, HPT 1st-stage blade retaining plate, HPT 2nd-stage hub, HPT 2nd-stage blade retaining plate, and HPT 2nd-stage rear seal. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has received information that an error was inadvertently included in the compliance times for some of the HPT 1st-stage and 2nd-stage hubs, which would have required removal significantly later than necessary. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-19-15, which applies to certain International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE LLC) Model PW1100G series engines; and AD 2023-16-07, which applies to certain IAE LLC Model PW1100G series engines and PW1400G series engines. AD 2022-19-15 requires an angled ultrasonic inspection (AUSI) of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage disk and HPT 2nd- stage disk, and replacement if necessary. AD 2023-16-07 requires an AUSI of the HPT 1st-stage hub (also known as the HPT 1st-stage disk) and HPT 2nd-stage hub (also known as the HPT 2nd-stage disk) for cracks, and replacement if necessary, which is terminating action for AD 2022-19-15. Since the FAA issued those two ADs, an investigation determined an increased risk of powder metal anomalies for all powder metal parts in certain powder metal production campaigns, which are susceptible to failure significantly earlier than previously determined. This proposed AD would retain the AUSI requirement for certain HPT 1st-stage and HPT 2nd-stage hubs from AD 2023-16-07. This proposed AD would also require performing an AUSI of the HPT 1st-stage hub, HPT 2nd-stage hub, high-pressure compressor (HPC) 7th-stage integrally bladed rotor (IBR-7), and HPC 8th-stage integrally bladed rotor (IBR-8) for cracks and replacement if necessary. This proposed AD would also require accelerated replacement of the HPC IBR-7, HPC IBR-8, HPC rear hub, HPT 1st-stage hub, HPT 1st-stage air seal, HPT 1st-stage blade retaining plate, HPT 2nd-stage hub, HPT 2nd-stage blade retaining plate, and HPT 2nd-stage rear seal. 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 Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B16 (601-3A, 601-3R, and 604 Variants) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report indicating that a new filter plate connector for the nose wheel steering (NWS) system electronic control module (ECM) does not meet certain certification requirements. This proposed AD would require replacing all affected non-compliant ECMs. 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.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190-400 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of unexpected wear on the wing hinge bearing assembly of the aileron surfaces found during the functional test of the aileron control system backlash. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the press-fitted bushings of the wing ailerons for migration and broken sealant, measurements of the distance between the aileron surfaces and hinge fittings, functional checks of the backlash of the wing aileron control system, and all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, as specified in an Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-25-18, which applies to certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. AD 2022-25-18 requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the main landing gear (MLG) side stay outer link and replacement if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-25-18, additional investigations of the causes of the cracking were conducted. This proposed AD would require a reduction of the repetitive visual inspection interval, provide optional repetitive special detailed inspections, accomplishing a one-off dimensional tolerance check and performing a repetitive lubrication of the MLG side stay outer link pivot, as specified in a United Kingdom (U.K.) Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (U.K. CAA) 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 prohibition against certain flight operations in the Damascus Flight Information Region (FIR) (OSTT) by all: U.S. air carriers; U.S. commercial operators; persons exercising the privileges of an airman certificate issued by the FAA, except when such persons are operating U.S.-registered aircraft for a foreign air carrier; and operators of U.S.-registered civil aircraft, except when the operator of such aircraft is a foreign air carrier, for an additional five years, from December 30, 2023, until December 30, 2028. The FAA finds this action necessary to address significant safety-of- flight risks to U.S. civil aviation associated with the enduring complex conflict in Syria. The FAA also republishes the approval process and exemption information for this Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR), consistent with other recently published flight prohibition SFARs.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-25-04 for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Trent 1000 engines. AD 2021-25-04 required operators to revise the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of their existing approved continuous airworthiness maintenance program by incorporating the revised tasks of the applicable time limits manual (TLM) for each affected model turbofan engine. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-05-04, the manufacturer revised the TLM to introduce new or more restrictive tasks and limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-limited parts, which prompted this AD. This AD requires revising the ALS of the operator's existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive tasks and limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-limited parts, 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 proposes to amend Class D airspace and E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for Tri-State/Milton J. Ferguson Field, Huntington, WV, and removes unnecessary verbiage from the descriptor header.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of land at the St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), St. Louis, Missouri.

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 the discovery that existing maintenance tasks do not detect the potential failure of the passenger door detent mechanism because there is no procedure for inspecting the passenger door locking mechanism. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to require use of a certain aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) task during accomplishment of a specified maintenance check. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Desmet, SD. The FAA is proposing this action due to the development of new public instrument procedures and to support instrument flight rule (IFR) operations.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Liberty, TX. The FAA is taking this action to support new public instrument procedures.

This action delays the original effective date in the final rule published on October 18, 2023. This action also republishes the text of that final rule establishing Class E airspace at Uvalde, TX.

This action modifies Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Minden-Tahoe Airport, Minden, NV. Additionally, this action makes administrative amendments to update the airport's Class E airspace legal description. These actions support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action proposes to establish Class D airspace extending upward from the surface up to and including 2,600 feet at McClellan Airfield, Sacramento, CA. Additionally, this action proposes administrative modifications to update the airport's Class E airspace legal description. These actions would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) and visual flight rules (VFR) operations at the airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) Update submitted by the City of Westfield, Massachusetts, through its Aviation Department, for Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport. The Final Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) was submitted to FAA for review and approval on May 26, 2023. The NCP was found to be sufficient for consideration by the FAA, and a Federal Register noticed appeared on July 11, 2023. The required 60-day public comment period expired on September 9, 2023. The NEM was previously determined to be in compliance on June 13, 2019, and is still valid. The NCP contained 10 noise abatement measures, nine land use measures, and four program management measures. Of the 23 measures proposed, 12 were approved, 9 were approved as voluntary, one requires no action at this time, and one was disapproved for purposes of part 150.

This action proposes to amend the Class E airspace at Ebensburg, PA. The FAA is proposing this action as the result of an airspace review conducted due to the decommissioning of the Revloc very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) as part of the VOR Minimum Operating Network (MON) Program. This action will bring the airspace into compliance with FAA orders to support instrument flight rule (IFR) operations.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a Model AW189 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing helicopter maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) for your helicopter and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program for your helicopter, as applicable, 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.

This action withdraws the final rule correction published in the Federal Register on December 6, 2023. That action incorrectly stated that the action would be incorporated by reference. The FAA has determined that withdrawal of the final rule correction is warranted since the action is not incorporated by reference.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-08-12, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. AD 2022-08-12 requires repetitive inspections for skin cracking and shim migration at the upper link drag fittings, diagonal brace cracking, and fastener looseness; and applicable on-condition actions. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-08-12, it was determined that certain drag fittings may be made of alternate materials, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the engine strut, and that additional inspections and revised compliance times are needed. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2022-08-12 with revised compliance times for certain actions and would add inspections for existing repairs and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to revoke Colored Federal airway Amber 15 (A-15) within United States (U.S.) airspace due to the pending decommissioning of the Nabesna, Sumner Strait, Haines, and Nichols Nondirectional Radio Beacons (NDB) in Alaska. Additionally, this action proposes to amend Alaskan Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airway V-428 due to the pending decommissioning of the Haines NDB.

This action proposes to amend the Class D and Class E airspace at Anderson, IN. The FAA is proposing this action as the result of an airspace review conducted due to the decommissioning of the Muncie 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. This action will bring the airspace into compliance with FAA orders to support instrument flight rule (IFR) operations.

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 determination that new or more restrictive maintenance tasks are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive maintenance tasks. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.