Federal Aviation Administration December 13, 2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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.