Federal Aviation Administration 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming) 360 and 540 series reciprocating engines with ECi connecting rods, part number (P/ N) AEL 11750, installed. This proposed AD would require replacing certain serial-numbered connecting rods, P/N AEL 11750. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing certain ECi connecting rods, P/N AEL 11750 into any Lycoming 360 or 540 series reciprocating engines. This proposed AD results from reports of connecting rods with excessive variation in circularity of the journal bores. We are proposing this AD to prevent fatigue failure of the connecting rod and uncommanded shutdown of the engine.

The FAA is rescinding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Honeywell FMS one million word (1M or 700K) data bases (9104 cycle or earlier) as installed in, but not limited to McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes, Boeing Model 747-400 series airplanes, and Boeing Model 757 and 767 airplanes. That AD requires a revision to the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and installation of a placard to prohibit the use of Nondirectional Beacon (NDB) approaches for landing. That AD was prompted by an anomaly in the Honeywell FMS one million word (1M or 700K) data bases (9104 cycle or earlier). We issued that AD to prevent an airplane deviating from the published approach to the runway, which could lead to premature ground contact before reaching the runway. Since we issued that AD, we have determined that the Honeywell FMS one million word (1M or 700K) databases (9104 cycle or earlier) no longer exist on any of the affected airplanes.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-100 and DG-400 sailplanes and certain DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500 Elan Series and DG-500M sailplanes. This proposed AD would require you to modify or replace the complete rudder mount assembly and ensure that the securing washer, castellated nut, and new split pins are installed. 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 the universal bearing of the lower rudder mounting from slipping out of the bearing support. The universal bearing slipping out could result in the rudder separating from its support. This failure could lead to loss of sailplane control during flight operations.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection for cracking of the lugs of the inboard attach fittings of the wing leading edge slat tracks at slat numbers 2 and 5; prior or concurrent actions for certain airplanes; repetitive high-frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the lug surfaces of those inboard attach fittings if necessary; and replacement of the attach fittings with new, improved fittings. This AD results from reports of damage to the lugs of certain inboard attach fittings of the leading edge slat tracks. We are issuing this AD to prevent a lifted slat, which, if the airplane performs any non-normal maneuver during takeoff or landing at very high angles of attack, could lead to the loss of the slat and reduced control of the airplane.

The FAA is superseding two existing airworthiness directives (AD), which apply to certain Boeing transport category airplanes. One AD currently requires doing certain inspections to detect cracks and corrosion around the lower bearing of the actuator attach fittings of the inboard and outboard flaps; repairing if necessary; and either overhauling the fittings or replacing them, which ends certain repetitive inspections. The other AD currently requires certain other inspections to detect discrepancies of the actuator attach fittings of the flaps, and follow-on and corrective actions if necessary, which ends the repetitive inspections of the first AD. For certain airplanes, this AD requires new inspections for discrepancies of the actuator attach fittings of the flaps, and follow-on and corrective actions if necessary, which ends the repetitive inspections of both existing ADs. For all airplanes, this AD requires repetitive overhaul/replacements of the actuator attach fittings of both the inboard and outboard flaps. This AD results from reports of cracks of the actuator attach fittings of the trailing edge flaps. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking and other damage of the actuator attach fittings of the trailing edge flaps, which could result in abnormal operation or retraction of a trailing edge flap, and possible loss of controllability of the airplane.

These special conditions are issued for Dassault-Aviation Mystere-Falcon 50 airplanes modified by Premier Air Center. These modified airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. The modification incorporates the installation of Universal Avionics EFI-890 Electronic Flight Displays and Rockwell Collins AHS-3000A Attitude Heading Reference Systems (AHRS) that perform critical functions. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for the protection of these systems from the effects of high-intensity radiated fields (HIRF). 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 Boeing Model 720B airplane. The airplane will have novel and unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. The modification incorporates the installation of dual Honeywell AM-250 digital altimeters. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for the protection of these systems from the effects of high-intensity radiated fields (HIRF). These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that provided by the existing airworthiness standards.

This action proposes to revise a segment of Jet Route J-158 between the Malad City, ID, Very High Frequency Omni-directional Range/ Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) and the Muddy Mountain, WY, Very High Frequency Omni-directional Range/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC). Specifically, the FAA is proposing to realign the route from Malad City, ID, to Big Piney, WY, VOR/DME to Muddy Mountain, WY. This proposed action would replace the sector taken out of service, reduce controller workload, and enhance the National Airspace System.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 875, 877, 884, 892, 892B, and 895 series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires repetitive application of dry film lubricant (DFL) to low pressure compressor (LPC) fan blade roots. This AD requires the same actions but at more frequent intervals than the existing AD. This AD also adds the Trent 884B engine to the list of engine models affected, adds a fan blade part number (P/N) to the affected list of fan blades, and relaxes the initial DFL repetitive application compliance time for certain fan blades that have never been removed from the disk. This AD results from discovering DFL in worse condition than anticipated on fan blades fitted to disks previously run for a significant period. This AD also results from the need to update the list of engine models affected, and to update the list of fan blade part numbers affected. We are issuing this AD to prevent LPC fan blade loss, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and possible aircraft damage.

This amendment amends Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, addition of new obstacles, or changes in 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 is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-243, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual to provide the flightcrew with new, ground ice-shedding procedures during long taxi periods in certain icing conditions. This AD results from reports of engine damage to the blades of the first stage of the intermediate pressure compressor due to ice accumulation. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine damage due to ice accumulation, which could result in an engine shutdown and cause the flightcrew to divert to the nearest available airport.

This amendment establishes, amends, suspends, or revokes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and/or Weather Takeoff Minimums 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, addition of new obstacles, or changes in 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 invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval for a new information collection. The FAA will use the data from the proposed collection to target those leading outsource maintenance providers that may have a higher risk level which in turn would merit an increase of FAA surveillance.

This action modifies the size of the Class E5 airspace area beginning at 700 feet above the surface at Sheldon, IA to contain Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations in controlled airspace. The radius of the airspace area is expanded from within a 6.4-mile radius to within a 6.9-mile radius of the airport. This action brings the Class E5 airspace area into compliance with FAA directives.

This notice announces the issuance of Advisory Circular (AC) 33.4-3, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness; Aircraft Engine High Intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF) and Lightning Protection Features. This AC sets forth acceptable methods of compliance for aircraft engines with the provisions of Sec. 33.4, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). This AC provides guidance for developing instructions for continued airworthiness to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft engine HIRF and Lightning protection features.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342 airplanes; and Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracks in the aft face of the rear spar at the area adjacent to the bolt holes and the end of the build slot, and repair if necessary. The AD also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from a report that, during fatigue tests of the wing, cracks were found in the vertical web of the rear spar between ribs 1 and 2 having initiated at the build slot. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the vertical web of the wing rear spar, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the wing.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public that a meeting of the Federal Aviation Air Traffic Procedures Advisory Committee (ATPAC) will be held to review present air traffic control procedures and practices for standardization, clarification, and upgrading of terminology and procedures.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by the City of Laredo for Laredo 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 FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain EMBRAER Model ERJ 170 airplanes. This proposed AD would require doing a general visual inspection of the passenger seat track attachments to determine if the attachment rod is installed and to check the torque value of the attachment bolts, and doing any corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from the finding of missing rods, which attach the passenger seat tracks to the airplane structure to absorb loads. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct missing attachment rods, which could result in reducing the ability of the seat to withstand a hard landing or rejected takeoff and possible injury to passengers.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. The existing AD currently requires replacement of the upper and lower reading lights in the forward crew rest area with a redesigned light fixture. This proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability of the existing AD. This proposed AD results from a report of the old reading lights being inadvertently sent to an additional ten airplanes. We are proposing this AD to prevent a possible flammable condition, which could result in smoke and fire in the forward crew rest area.

The FAA is correcting a typographical error in an NPRM that was published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2005 (70 FR 54316). The error resulted in an incorrect Docket No. The NPRM applies to certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. The NPRM would require an inspection of the laminated shims for cracks, damage, or extrusion between the forward attachment fittings of the horizontal stabilizer and the top rib of the vertical stabilizer; a torque check of the attachment bolts in the attachment fittings of the front, middle, and rear spars; and corrective actions if necessary.

The FAA is correcting a typographical error in an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that was published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2005 (70 FR 54251). The error resulted in in an incorrect Docket No. This AD applies to certain Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual to incorporate new procedures for the flightcrew to follow to correct miscalculation of the takeoff and accelerating or stopping distance of the airplane during a ferry flight under certain conditions.

The FAA is correcting a typographical error in an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that was published in the Federal Register on September 13, 2005 (70 FR 53915). The error resulted in an incorrect Docket No. This AD applies to all BAe Systems (Operations) Limited Model ATP airplanes. This AD requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate life limits for certain items and new inspections to detect fatigue cracking in certain structures and of certain significant structural items, and to revise life limits for certain equipment and various components.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain EMBRAER airplanes listed above. This proposed AD would require modifying the drain system of the auxiliary power unit (APU) by installing a scavenge pump and, for certain airplanes, replacing the APU exhaust assembly. This proposed AD results from a report of fuel leaking from the APU feeding line and accumulating inside the APU compartment because the drain system is inadequate when the APU is running. We are proposing this AD to prevent fuel accumulation and subsequent flammable fuel vapors in the APU cowling, which, combined with an ignition source, could result in a fire or explosion.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus transport category airplanes, identified above. This AD requires an inspection to determine if a certain lower pin (p-pin) of the retraction actuator of the main landing gear (MLG) is installed. If the affected p-pin is installed, this AD requires a one-time inspection of the p-pin for correct grease hole position and cracking; repetitive daily inspections for pin migration; and eventual replacement of all p- pins with new p-pins. For any p-pin that is cracked or shows pin migration, this AD requires immediate replacement with a new p-pin. Replacing the p-pin with one that is correctly manufactured (i.e., that has the correct grease hole position) is terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from a report that a cracked p- pin was found when the MLG was removed for overhaul. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the p-pin, which could result in degradation of the MLG structural integrity and possible hazardous landing.