Federal Aviation Administration 2024 – 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 SAS external portal is a web-based tool developed for applicants and certificate holders (also referred to as external users) to exchange information with Flight Standards (FS) employees, primarily to collaborate and communicate with their FS counterparts regarding initial certification applications, and requesting new programs for acceptance and approval.

This action adds the proposed amendment of United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Route Q-409 that was inadvertently omitted from the NPRM for Docket No. FAA-2024-2352. Additionally, this action corrects the OYVAY waypoint (WP) state location to Delaware in RNAV Route Q-437. This action supports the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route (NEC ACR) Optimization Project to improve the efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS).

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-2A12 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that the pivot door pressure seals on the thrust reverser fixed structure were found disbonded or missing on several airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the pivot door pressure seals and accomplishing applicable corrective actions. This AD also requires a functional test of the thrust reversers. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) Update submitted by the Naples Airport Authority (NAA) for the Naples Municipal Airport (the Airport). On December 9, 2021, the FAA determined that Noise Exposure Maps (NEMs) submitted by the NAA were in compliance with applicable requirements. The NCP Update was submitted to the FAA for review on June 14, 2023. After completing initial reviews, the FAA accepted the Noise Compatibility Program and initiated the review process on June 18, 2024. On December 9, 2024 the FAA approved the Naples Airport NCP Update. The NCP contains one noise abatement measure, three land use measures, and six program management measures for which the NAA seeks approval. The noise abatement measure proposed at the airport is related to revised flight procedures. No action is taken at this time on the proposed noise abatement measure as it requires further FAA review. The FAA approved the nine other measures.

This amendment will allow the FAA to review and, if acceptable to the Administrator, recognize as valid air operator certificates issued by a Regional Safety Oversight Organization to foreign air carriers when the State of the Operator is a member of that Regional Safety Oversight Organization, for purposes of evaluating foreign applicants for operating specifications.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-02-14, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. AD 2015-02-14 requires repetitive inspections for cracking, damage, correct installation, and correct adjustment of the main landing gear (MLG) door hinge and actuator fittings on the keel beam, corrective actions if necessary, and revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. Since the FAA issued AD 2015-02-14, a new design of the MLG door keel beam hinge and actuator fitting was developed. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions specified in AD 2015-02-14, add an optional terminating action, and revise the applicability, 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 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 action proposes to amend Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-161, V-163, and V-568; and to establish United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Route T-545. The FAA is proposing this action due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Three Rivers, TX (THX), VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigational aid (NAVAID). The Three Rivers VOR is being decommissioned in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

These special conditions are issued for the Airbus Model A321 neo ACF and A321 neo XLR airplanes. These airplanes have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. This design feature incorporates oblique (side-facing) passenger seats which may include a 3-point restraint system with pretensioner. These oblique seats may be installed at an angle of 18 to 45 degrees to the aircraft centerline and have surrounding furniture that introduces occupant and loading concerns. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These 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.

These special conditions are issued for the Airbus Model A350- 941 airplane. This airplane, as modified by Aerocon Engineering Company (Aerocon), will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. This design feature is an installation of a lower lobe crew rest (LLCR) compartment located under the passenger cabin floor in the cargo compartment. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These 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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; 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 Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by investigations that found cracks on the main deck cargo door (MDCD) actuator bearing fitting caused by fatigue. This proposed AD would require an operational limitation to the MDCD opening angle, repetitive detailed visual inspection (DET) of the MDCD actuator bearing fittings, and replacement if any cracks are found, 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 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500- 1A11 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a design review that discovered software protection logic for potential large leaks from the engine bleed duct inside the engine core compartments was partially impaired. This proposed AD would require revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to incorporate the procedures for the flight crew to manually isolate the opposite functional engine in the event of an engine bleed duct large leak condition, 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.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces the release of a Draft Condensed Environmental Assessment (Draft CEA) for the proposed airport improvements at the Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). The purpose of the Draft CEA is to evaluate the potential environmental impacts from the decommissioning and redevelopment of Runway 13L-31R at MDW pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public that the Draft CEA will be made available for public comment and provide an opportunity to request a public meeting regarding the aforementioned project at MDW as part of the public involvement process for this project.

This action amends the Class E airspace at Ottumwa, IA. This action is the result of an airspace review conducted due to the decommissioning of the Ottumwa very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. This action also updates the name and geographic coordinates of the airport to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database. This action brings the airspace into compliance with FAA orders and supports instrument flight rule (IFR) procedures and operations.

This action announces April 1, 2025, as the deadline for each airport sponsor to notify the FAA if it will use its Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 entitlement funds (referred to as apportionments) to accomplish Airport Improvement Program (AIP) eligible projects. Each sponsor has previously identified to the FAA such projects through the Airports Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP) process. This action also announces April 28, 2025, as the deadline for an airport sponsor to submit a final grant application, based on bids, for grants that will be funded with FY 2025 entitlement funds only.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations for certain brake accumulators are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. This AD also requires determining the accumulated landings on the affected brake accumulators. The FAA is issuing 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.

This action proposes to modify the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface and remove the Class E airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface at Cheyenne Regional/Jerry Olson Field, Cheyenne, WY. Additionally, this action proposes administrative amendments to update the airport's legal descriptions for its Class D airspace and Class E airspace designated as a surface area. These actions would support the safety and management of visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-09-14, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model SA330J helicopters. AD 2021-09-14 requires repetitively inspecting for a gap between the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly (fan) rotor blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing, installing improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings, and repetitively inspecting the improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-09-14, Airbus has developed modifications to the components of the MGB fan bearing assembly and issued new material regarding these modifications. This proposed AD would retain the actions required by AD 2021-09-14 and would also require installing the improved MGB fan rotor bearing assembly, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections. These actions are 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 proposes to amend Jet Route J-538 and Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airway V-129; establish Canadian Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes Q-828, Q-945, Q-971, and T-797 within United States (U.S.) airspace; and revoke Jet Routes J-483 and J-562. The FAA is proposing this action due to NAV CANADA's decommissioning of the Sioux Narrows (VBI), Ontario (ON), Canada, Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR)/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigational aid (NAVAID) and the planned decommissioning of the Lumsden (VLN), Saskatchewan (SK), Canada, VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) and Brandon (YBR), Manitoba (MB), Canada, VORTAC NAVAIDs. This action is proposed in support of NAV CANADA's NAVAID Modernization Program within Canada.

This action proposes to amend Jet Routes J-26, J-64, and J- 181, and Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-10 and V-156; and to revoke VOR Federal Airway V-262. The FAA is proposing this action due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Bradford, IL (BDF), VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigational aid (NAVAID). The Bradford VOR is being decommissioned in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes. This AD was prompted by the discovery during a quality review performed during manufacturing, that a torque strip indicator (material "Dykem") had been applied on the orifice fitting on certain slides' inflation reservoirs' venting holes. This AD requires an inspection for discrepancies of affected parts (certain reservoirs having certain orifices) and replacement of discrepant affected parts, and prohibits installing affected 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.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes, Model A319-111, - 112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, - 112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by cracks being found during full-scale fatigue testing of the keel beam bottom panel between the edge profile and stringer run- out at a certain frame and stringer. This proposed AD would require repetitive special detailed inspections (SDI) of the affected area, 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.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATRGIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that for airplanes converted from passenger to cargo configuration using certain supplemental type certificates, no height limitation for the cargo, when loaded in the cargo compartment, is defined, and that as a consequence, cargo might be loaded up to the ceiling of the cargo compartment. This AD requires modification of the cargo compartment and implementation of updated cargo loading procedures. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-18- 09, which applied to all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes; and certain Model C- 295 airplanes. AD 2018-18-09 required a detailed inspection of the upper and lower lugs of each horizontal stabilizer-to-fuselage rear attachment fitting, repair if necessary, and a report of findings. This AD was prompted by reports of new occurrences of cracking. This AD requires repetitive inspections, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also revises the applicability. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.