Federal Aviation Administration 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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 January 30, 2023. 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.

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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Viking Air Limited (type certificate previously held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) (Viking) Model DHC-3 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracking in the left-hand side (LHS) and right-hand side (RHS) lower engine mount pickup fittings. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the affected parts for cracking, deformation, corrosion, fretting or wear, paint or surface coating damage, and loose, missing, or broken fasteners, and applicable corrective actions. This proposed AD would also require reporting the inspection results. 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 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (Hamilton Sundstrand) Model 14SF-7, 14SF-15, and 14SF-23 propellers. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an auxiliary motor and pump failing to feather a propeller in flight. This proposed AD would require replacement of a certain auxiliary motor and pump. This proposed AD would also prohibit installation of a certain auxiliary motor and pump on any propeller. 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 Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH (Schempp-Hirth) Model Ventus-2a and Ventus-2b gliders. This AD is prompted by reports of the uncommanded extraction of the airbrakes on one or both wings, possibly resulting in reduced control of the glider. This AD requires repetitively inspecting airbrake bell cranks and airbrake drive funnels for cracking, repetitively inspecting the clearance of the airbrake control system, and taking corrective action as necessary. This AD also requires modifying the airbrake system, which is terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-23-04, which applies to certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 airplanes. AD 2020-23-04 requires revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) and airplane maintenance manual (AMM) to include information pertaining to the fuel boost pump. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-23-04, an inspection for a missing or misplaced impeller shaft key of suspect fuel boost pumps has been developed that would terminate the actions of AD 2020-23-04. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2020-23-04 and require inspecting affected fuel boost pumps for proper installation of the impeller shaft key, marking affected fuel boost pumps that pass that inspection, and replacing fuel boost pumps that fail. This proposed AD would also limit installation of affected fuel boost pumps. 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 BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (Rotax) Model 912 F2, 912 F3, 912 F4, 912 iSc2 Sport, 912 iSc3 Sport, 912 S2, 912 S3, 912 S4, 914 F2, 914 F3, and 914 F4 engines; and Model 912 A, 912 A2, and 912 A3 engines included as part of the type certificated aircraft type design for various aircraft. This AD was prompted by a report of surface abnormalities on the affected propeller shaft, which could lead to increased wear of the propeller shaft bearings. This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections of the magnetic plug for the accumulation of metal chips to assess the condition of the propeller gearbox for wear of the propeller shaft bearings and removal of the affected propeller shaft from service and replacement with a part eligible for installation as a terminating action either immediately or at a certain time depending on inspection findings. This AD also prohibits installation of the affected propeller shaft on any engine. 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 Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Model DA 62 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of baggage nets installed with defective buckles, which may result in failure of the baggage net to restrain the baggage or cargo, which could lead to injury to the occupants in the case of an emergency landing. This proposed AD would require identifying and replacing the affected part. 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 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A11 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a manufacturing issue with an electrical connector that may prevent the connector from self- locking. This proposed AD would require removing the affected connector, installing a new connector, and testing the emergency power supply units (EPSUs), as specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This document announces the existence of and requests comments on the proposed airworthiness design criteria for acceptance for the type certification of the ICON Aircraft, Inc., Model A5-B airplane under the regulations for primary category aircraft.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Embraer S.A. Model EMB-135BJ airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of missing sealant on the rivets installed in the interface between rib 3 and the wing skin. This proposed AD would require applying sealant on the rivets installed in the interface between rib 3 and wing skin, as specified in an Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC) 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 a meeting of the Research, Engineering, and Development Advisory Committee (REDAC).

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-04-15, which applies to certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. AD 2023-04-15 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-04- 15, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2023-04-15 and would require 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 proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-10- 08, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A320-214, -251N, and - 271N airplanes. AD 2022-10-08 required a one-time detailed inspection of the affected passenger seats and corrective actions if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-10-08, it was determined that additional passenger seats are affected. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2022-10-08, and also requires inspecting additional affected passenger seats; 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 document alerts the public that the FAA intends to initiate a rulemaking to address the exception from FAA's domestic, flag, and supplemental operations regulations for public charter operators. To inform this effort, the FAA seeks public comment, data, and other information regarding current and planned public charter flights operated under on-demand rules that appear indistinguishable from flights conducted by air carriers as supplemental or domestic operations. The FAA will review comments received in response to this document to evaluate the need for and, if necessary, scope of any rulemaking.

This Notice announces the FAA's intent to designate Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. SA1201GL as abandoned and make the related engineering data available upon request. The FAA has received a request to provide engineering data concerning this STC. The FAA has been unsuccessful in contacting the STC holder concerning the STC. This action is intended to enhance aviation safety.

This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPS) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure procedures (ODPs) 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 safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

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.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that all six Integrated Display Units (IDUs) became blank when new flight plan data was entered in the Flight Management System (FMS), and by a determination that indication of decaying airspeed in certain scenarios is required. This proposed AD would require installing updated software. 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 for a renewed information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on January 25, 2023. FAA received two comments to this notice. The collection involves a request that airplane operators subject to the applicability of Annex 16, Volume IV of the Convention on Civil Aviation (hereinafter the ``Chicago Convention'') submit electronically an Emissions Monitoring Plan (EMP), an annual Emissions Report (ER), and an optional annual ER CORSIA Eligible Fuels Annex (CEFA) to the FAA. The information to be collected is necessary because FAA will use the information to fulfill the United States' responsibilities under the Chicago Convention.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that some airplanes were delivered without a portable protective breathing equipment (PBE) device located in the forward left side cabin area of the airplane. This proposed AD would require visually inspecting the forward left side cabin area of the airplane to determine if the portable PBE device is installed and, if not installed, would require installing the portable PBE device along with the associated placard. 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 Thales AVS France SAS (Thales) flight management computer navigation modules (FMC2 NAVM) installed on, but not limited to, airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that, due to software issues, certain FMC2 NAVM navigation modules provide erroneous data to the flight management computer, compromising safe flight of the airplane. This proposed AD would require revising the existing aircraft flight manual (AFM) for your airplane and updating the navigation database. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing a database unless certain procedures were removed. 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 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-24 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of an electrical burning smell in the cabin without the presence of smoke. This AD requires revising the Limitations Section of the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) for your airplane, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). 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 renew information collection. Advisory Circular 70-2B provides guidance to civilian air crews on the reporting of laser illumination incidents and recommended mitigation actions to be taken in order to ensure continued safe and orderly flight operations.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces additional findings for the noise compatibility program submitted by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for EWR, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for details. On January 15, 2019, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted for EWR were in compliance with applicable requirements. On August 19, 2022, the FAA determined that the noise compatibility program submitted for EWR would be initiating final review for approval or disapproval. On February 15, 2023, the FAA approved the EWR noise compatibility program with the issuance of a Record of Approval. The noise compatibility program contained 28 recommended measures, including 13 noise abatement measures, three land use measures, and 12 program management measures. Of the measures proposed, 15 were approved, two were approved as voluntary, two were partially approved as voluntary and partially disapproved, five were disapproved, and one was determined to have no FAA action as continuations of existing mandatory practices at EWR. Three measures contained in the noise compatibility program were noise abatement procedures that required additional consultation with the FAA Air Traffic Organization. Additionally, following issuance of the Record of Approval on February 15, 2023, the Port Authority requested that the FAA revisit the decision for Noise Abatement Measure 6, indicating that the rationale for disapproval originally provided contained an error. On August 14, 2023, the FAA issued a Supplemental Record of Approval for the EWR noise compatibility program regarding these four noise abatement measures. The Supplemental Record of Approval disapproves the three measures upon which No Action was taken with the February 15, 2023 Record of Approval and revises the decision on Noise Abatement Measure 6 from disapproved to approved.