Federal Aviation Administration – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Lycoming Engines (Lycoming) model engines that have a certain connecting rod assemblies installed. This proposed AD was prompted by several reports of connecting rod failures, which resulted in uncontained engine failure and in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs). This proposed AD would require repetitive oil inspections for bronze metal particulates and, if found, additional inspections of the connecting rod bushings for damage, proper fit, movement, and wear, and replacement if necessary. As terminating action to the connecting rod bushing inspections, this proposed AD would require replacement of the connecting rod bushings with parts eligible for installation. 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 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 March 25, 2024. The collection involves two distinct methods of collecting. The first method of collecting uses the traditional paper/hardcopy forms which is limited in scope. The second method is more expansive and uses online web-based forms or Application Programming Interface (API) upload functionality. The information can then be shared with a potential employer to aid them in their hiring decision-making process. The information collected can be release to a hiring employer by the pilot. Disclosure of their information is not possible unless the pilot first authorizes the release. The information to be collected will be used to and/or is necessary because before allowing an individual to begin service as a pilot, and air carrier or operator shall receive and evaluate all relevant information pertaining to the individual.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by several reports of failed clutch actuators and failed rivets attaching the belt tension clutch actuator brackets (bracket) to the fan scroll housing. This proposed AD would require inspecting each bracket and, depending on the results, accomplishing additional inspections or taking any necessary corrective actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-12-03 and AD 2023-04-05, which apply to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2023-12-03 and AD 2023-04-05 require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-12-03 and AD 2023-04-05, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would continue to require all actions in AD 2023-12-03 and certain actions in AD 2023-04-05 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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for The Boeing Company Model 757-200 airplanes modified by particular supplemental type certificates. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the structure in and around the lavatory service panel. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the lavatory service panel, access pan, and attaching structure for cracks; reinforcing the attaching structure; and if necessary, replacing the access pan or repairing cracked parts. 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 The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of multiple engine indicating and crew alerting system messages during the potable water servicing for a Model 777 freighter airplane after the water leaked onto the electronics equipment cooling air filter. Since the Model 767 passenger airplanes are similar in design, we are issuing an AD against the Model 767 passenger airplanes. This proposed AD would require installation of hoseducts around the left-side section 43 potable water supply hoses and connections, a potable water system leakage test, and applicable corrective actions. 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 The Boeing Company Model 767-300F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that certain cargo compartment insulation blankets do not adequately fit some locations and allow smoke to migrate past the cargo compartment sidewall liners and upward into the main cabin. This proposed AD would require replacing cargo compartment insulation blankets. 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 to renew an information collection. The information is used to determine if applicants satisfy requirements for renewing a launch license to protect the public from risks associated with reentry operations.

The FAA announces that it is reviewing a proposed Naples Airport Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) Update submitted by the Naples Airport Authority. This NCP Update was submitted subsequent to a determination by the FAA that the associated Noise Exposure Maps (NEMs) previously submitted for the Naples Airport, were prepared in compliance with applicable requirements. As required by title 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 150, the NCP Update will be approved or disapproved (other than the proposed use of flight procedures for noise control) on or before December 15, 2024. Finally, this notice announces that the proposed NCP Update will be available for public review and comment for 60 days from the publication date of this notice.

This action amends Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-66, V-155, V-157, V-258, V-266, V-454, and V- 469; and revokes VOR Federal Airway V-189 and Colored Federal Airway Green 13 (G-13) in the eastern United States. The FAA is taking this action due to the planned decommissioning of the Danville, VA (DAN), VOR; Franklin, VA (FKN), VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC); Lawrenceville, VA (LVL), VORTAC; Wright Brothers, NC (RBX), VOR/ Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME); and Manteo, NC (MQI), Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB). This action is in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program.

This action updates five latitude/longitude points in the description of the East-West Corridor of the Valparaiso, Florida, Terminal Area. The changes are needed to reconcile the coordinates of U.S. maritime limits described in the Valparaiso Terminal Area description with those maritime limits published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) pursuant to its statutory authority. The FAA has developed these revised coordinates using updated digital data that more precisely define maritime limits and other geophysical features used in the boundary descriptions. This action is administrative and does not make substantive changes to the Valparaiso, Florida, Terminal Area.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an in- flight event where isolation valve caution messages were received. This proposed AD would require inspecting the fuse/shuttle valve serial numbers, and replacing certain fuse/shuttle valves, 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 action amends the Class E airspace at Covington, KY. This action is the result of an airspace review conducted due to the decommissioning of the Cincinnati very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) as part of the VOR Minimum Operating Network (MON) Program. The name and geographic coordinates of various airports are also being updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database. This action brings the airspace into compliance with FAA orders to support instrument flight rule (IFR) operations.

This action amends Jet Route J-220 by removing an unnecessary mid-point from the route description. This action is an administrative change and does not affect the airspace boundaries or operating requirements.

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.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a main landing gear (MLG) collapse event following maintenance where a grinder was operating outside of its input parameters, resulting in possible heat damage to the outer cylinder of the MLG. This proposed AD would require replacing any affected outer cylinders. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Fort Yates, ND. This action is due to the development of new public instrument procedures at The Standing Rock Airport, Fort Yates, ND, and supports instrument flight rule (IFR) operations.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and SA330J helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by the installation of unapproved main gearbox (MGB) forward and rear suspension bar attachment plates. This proposed AD would require inspecting or measuring the MGB forward and rear suspension bar attachment plates and, depending on the results, taking corrective action, 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 revokes Colored Federal airway Amber 1 (A-1) in Alaska due to the pending decommissioning of the navigational aids (NAVAID) that support the airway.

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 is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of an obstructed tail rotor (TR) pedal control that was blocked during flight. This AD requires a one-time inspection for proper positioning of the TR actuator harness and cable ties installation and, depending on the results, accomplishing corrective action, 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 modifies the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface of the earth at Yerington Municipal Airport, Yerington, NV. This action supports the airport's transition from visual flight rules (VFR) to instrument flight rules (IFR) operations.

This action establishes Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface of the earth at Lincoln Airport, Lincoln, MT. This action supports the airport's transition from visual flight rules (VFR) to instrument flight rules (IFR) operations.

This action finalizes the substantive relief proposed in the notice of proposed rulemaking entitled Removal of Check Pilot Medical Certificate Requirement. It removes inconsistencies applicable to the qualification requirements for check pilots and flight instructors in domestic, flag, and supplemental operations and flight instructors in commuter and on-demand operations so that check pilots, check flight engineers, and flight instructors can continue to perform their functions in aircraft without a medical certificate unless they are serving as required flightcrew members. It also removes the medical certificate requirement for flight instructors in commuter and on- demand operations who perform their functions in aircraft and are not serving as required flightcrew members. Removing the conflicting medical certificate requirement enables the utilization of pilots who are otherwise qualified to function as check pilots, check flight engineers, and flight instructors in aircraft. Finally, this final rule updates related terminology.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of an uncommanded deployment of the emergency life-raft system (ELS). This AD requires a one-time inspection of the life-raft installations and, depending on the results, accomplishing additional actions, 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.