Federal Aviation Administration September 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections for damage (degraded finish; missing, lifted, peeling, or blistering paint; or signs of corrosion) of the interior skin in the forward and aft cargo compartments, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of skin corrosion on four Boeing Model 747 series airplanes that were delivered between 1995 and 1999. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct corrosion, which can penetrate the thickness of the skin and cause cracking, and result in rapid decompression of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747- 200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed and ultrasonic inspections of the thrust links of the rear engine mounts for any crack or fracture and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from the finding of a fractured forward lug of the rear engine mount thrust link on the number one strut. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracked or fractured thrust links that could lead to the loss of the load path for the rear engine mount bulkhead and damage to other primary engine mount structure, which could result in the in-flight separation of the engine from the airplane and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

Pursuant to FAA's rulemaking provisions governing the application, processing, and disposition of petitions for exemption part 11 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), this notice contains a summary of certain petitions seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of any petition or its final disposition.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus transport category airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing the existing cabin altitude indicator in the cabin pressure control panel with a new, improved cabin altitude indicator. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of injuries occurring on in- service airplanes when crewmembers forcibly initiated opening of passenger/crew doors against residual pressure causing the doors to rapidly open. We are proposing this AD to prevent injury to crewmembers, and subsequent damage to the airplane caused by rapid opening of the door.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Sabreliner Model NA-265-40, NA- 265-50, NA-265-60, NA-265-70, and NA-265-80 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections for discrepancies in the front and rear spars of the wing in the area of the wing center section, and in the lugs on the rear spar and wing trailing edge panel rib, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would expand the applicability of the existing AD and require new repetitive inspections for fuel leaks of the front and rear spars of the wing, and for discrepancies in the front and rear spars of the wing in the area of the wing center section, and in the lugs on the rear spar and wing trailing edge panel rib. This proposed AD would also require related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. This proposed AD results from reports of cracking in the upper and lower flanges of the front and rear spars of the wing near the wing center section, and in the lugs on the rear spar. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking or other discrepancies in these areas, which could result in structural failure of the wing.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Burkhardt Grob Luft-Und Raumfahrt GmbH & CO KG (Grob) Model G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes. This proposed AD would require you to replace the elevator lever, part number (P/N) 103-3521, with a part of improved design, P/N 103-3523. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent cracks in the elevator lever, which could cause the elevator lever to fail. This failure could result in loss of control of the sailplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Aerospatiale Model ATR42-500 airplanes. This AD requires inspecting for correct installation of the fastener that attaches the ground braids on the elevator, modifying the forward bonded assembly of the elevator control rod, and corrective action if necessary. This AD results from a functional test of the elevator trim tab control rod of the leading edge, which showed that, in a full-up elevator condition with the tab fully down, interference could occur between the tab control rod and the forward edge of the lower skin of the elevator. We are issuing this AD to prevent discrepancies between the elevator trim tab control rod and the forward edge of the lower skin of the elevator, which could result in reduced control of the elevator and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all EMBRAER Model ERJ 170 airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the hydraulic pressure tubes at the outlet of the engine-driven hydraulic pumps to determine the part and serial numbers; and replacing hydraulic pressure tubes having certain serial numbers with new hydraulic pressure tubes. This AD results from failure of a hydraulic system due to leakage of hydraulic fluid from a crack in the pipe coming from the pressure side of the engine-driven pump. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the hydraulic pressure pipes, which could result in failure of hydraulic system 1 or 2 or both, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires modification of the splice plate assemblies installed under the floor panels at the forward and aft edges of the cabin aisle. This AD results from reports of cracking of the aluminum splice plates under the floor panels in the cabin aisle. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of the capability of the cabin floor and seat track structure to support the airplane interior inertia loads under emergency landing conditions. Loss of this support could lead to galley or seat separation from attached restraints, which could result in blocking of the emergency exits and consequent injury to passengers and crew.

This rule establishes a Class E surface area airspace area extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Gardner, KS. The effect of this rule is to provide appropriate controlled Class E airspace for aircraft departing from and executing approach procedures to, Gardner Municipal Airport, KS and to segregate aircraft using instrument approach procedures in instrument conditions from aircraft operating in visual conditions.

This action corrects a direct final rule; request for comments that was published in the Federal Register on Friday, July 29, 2005 (70 FR 43741) [FR Doc. 05-21707].

This action establishes Class E airspace at Golovin, AK to provide adequate controlled airspace to contain aircraft executing two new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and one new departure procedure. This rule results in new Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) and 1,200 ft. above the surface at Golovin, AK.

This action revises Class E airspace at Prospect Creek, AK to provide adequate controlled airspace to contain aircraft executing Special Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs). This rule results in revised Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) above the surface at Prospect Creek, AK.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by the City of Dayton for the Dayton International Airport under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47501 et seq. Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act) and 14 CFR part 150 are in compliance with applicable requirements.

The current taxes and fees paid into the Aviation Trust Fund, which provide funding for the National Aviation System, are only authorized through September 30, 2007. Since there is only a small and declining balance in the Trust Fund, it is critical that the financing not be allowed to lapse. The new financing structure should generate stable and predictable revenue, maintain the appropriate levels of service, and enable FAA to make long-term investments and tie revenues raised for the system to the infrastructure and operational costs of the system. The FAA has developed a series of data packages in examining FAA costs, paid for through the Trust Fund, from a managerial reporting standpoint. These packages will advance everyone's understanding of FAA costs and what the Agency faces as it considers a range of future funding options. They are available at https:// www.faa.gov/about /officeorg/ headquartersoffices/aep/aatf/.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Raytheon Aircraft Company Models 1900, 1900C, 1900C (C-12J), and 1900D airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect all elevator hinge support attachments on both left and right elevators for loose and missing rivets, replace rivets if loose or missing rivets are found, inspect the elevator hinge joints for looseness and clearance of each elevator to its stabilizer, correct looseness and clearance if incorrect, and report results of the required inspections. This AD results from a report of excessive movement of the elevator and elevator trim. The hinge support attachment that attaches the elevator to the horizontal stabilizer was loose and had loose and missing rivets. The elevator counterweight horn showed evidence of rubbing against the horizontal stabilizer, indicating possible incorrect clearance. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any looseness in the elevator hinge support attachments, which could result in binding of the elevator control system. This elevator binding could lead to loss of control of the airplane.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of the airport designated aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the release of 1.5411 acres of airport property for an exchange of property between the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) and the City of Columbus. The land currently houses a fire station that will remain on the site. The land was conveyed to the City of Columbus in Deed Volume 2806, page 644 of the Recorder's Office, Franklin County, Ohio. The land was acquired by the City of Columbus with funding from Federal Grant 8-39-0026-01. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to dispose of the property. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the disposal of the subject airport property nor a determination of eligibility for grant-in-aid funding from the FAA. In exchange, the CRAA will receive a parcel of land (43.562 acres) currently being used as a golf course facility adjacent to Port Columbus International Airport. This parcel is partially located in the existing Runway Protection Zone for Runway 10R-28L and is partially located in the Runway Protection Zone for future Runway 10R-28L as indicated on the approved Airport Layout Plan (ALP) for Port Columbus International Airport. In accordance with section 47107(h) of title 49, United States Code, this notice is required to be published in the Federal Register 30 days before modifying the land-use assurance that requires the property to be used for an aeronautical purpose.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-100B SUD, 747-300, 747-400, and 747-400D series airplanes; and Model 747-200B series airplanes having a stretched upper deck. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting for cracking or discrepancies of the fasteners in the tension ties, shear webs, and frames at body stations 1120 through 1220, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from new reports of severed tension ties, as well as numerous reports of cracked tension ties, broken fasteners, and cracks in the frame, shear web, and shear ties adjacent to tension ties for the upper deck. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the tension ties, shear webs, and frames of the upper deck, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.

Pursuant to FAA's rulemaking provisions governing the application, processing, and disposition of petitions for exemption, part 11 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), this notice contains the disposition of certain petitions previously received. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of any petition or its final disposition.

The FAA is establishing a compliance date for the final rule published in the Federal Register on August 4, 2005. The rule revised the pilot certification regulations to establish a second-in-command (SIC) pilot type rating and associated qualifying procedures. This action is necessary to give affected pilots time to prepare and file the paperwork necessary to obtain the SIC pilot type rating. We also are correcting the amendment number of the final rule.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Nikolai, AK to the size necessary to contain aircraft executing Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP). This action is proposed as a result of the development of two new SIAPs. Adoption of this proposal would result in establishing Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) above the surface at Nikolai, Alaska.

This action proposes to revise Class E airspace at Egegik, AK to the size necessary to contain aircraft executing Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP). Adoption of this proposal would result in revising Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) above the surface at Egegik, Alaska.

Consistent with Agency policy, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gives notice of the holding in Creation Aviation, Inc., vs. Textron Financial Corporation, Florida District Court of Appeal, Fourth District, No. 4D04-2178, decided on April 27, 2005. The Court in Creston held that Federal law pertaining to recording with the FAA Aircraft Registry did not preempt a Florida statute requiring that an artisan lien for work on an aircraft first be filed in the county where the work was performed in order to enforce the lien under Florida law. Accordingly, the FAA is advising the public that recording an artisan lien with the FAA Aircraft Registry only, may be insufficient to enforce an artisan lien under Florida law.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the fuel and hydraulic tubes, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires modifying fairlead plate assemblies. This AD results from reports of chafing between fuel and hydraulic tubes and the fairlead plate where the tubes pass through the firewall. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the fuel and hydraulic tubes, which could lead to fuel and/or hydraulic fluid leakage in the engine nacelle area and consequent fire or explosion.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 757 airplanes. This AD requires inspections of certain wire bundles in the left and right engine-to-wing aft fairings for discrepancies; installation of back-to-back p-clamps between the wire and hydraulic supply tube at the aft end of the right-hand strut only; and associated re-routing of the wire bundles, if necessary. This AD results from a report indicating that a circuit breaker for the fuel shutoff valve tripped due to a wire that chafed against the structure in the flammable leakage zone of the aft fairing, causing a short circuit. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing between the wire bundle and the structure of the aft fairing, which could result in electrical arcing and subsequent ignition of flammable vapors and possible uncontrollable fire.