Federal Aviation Administration 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new Airworthiness Directive (AD) to supersede AD 99-06-02, which currently applies to certain Fairchild Aircraft (Fairchild) SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. AD 99-06-02 requires you to repetitively inspect the wing spar center web cutout on both wings for cracks between Wing Station (WS) 8 and WS 17.5. That AD also requires you to repair any area found cracked before further flight. The repair will eliminate the need for the repetitive inspections on that particular wing spar. Since that AD became effective, we have determined that we inadvertently omitted certain Model SA227-CC/DC airplane serial numbers from the applicability. This AD retains the actions of AD 99-06-02 and adds additional Model SA227- CC/DC airplanes to the Applicability section. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the wing spar center web cutout area, which could result in structural failure of the wing spar. This could lead to loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for GE CF6-80A1/A3 and CF6-80C2A series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires completing one of the following actions before further flight: Performing a directional pilot valve (DPV) pressure check for leakage, and, if necessary, replacing the DPV assembly with a serviceable assembly, or Replacing the DPV assembly with a serviceable assembly, or Deactivating the thrust reverser, and revising the FAA- approved airplane flight manual (AFM) to require applying performance penalties for certain takeoff conditions if a thrust reverser is deactivated. That AD also requires revising the Emergency Procedures Section of the FAA-approved AFM to include a flight crew operational procedure for use in the event of any indication of an in-flight thrust reverser deployment. This AD specifies the same requirements for leak checks, but increases the interval between required checks. This AD also removes the requirement to revise the Limitations Section and the Emergency Procedures Section of the applicable AFM when deactivating one or both thrust reversers. This AD results from Airbus Industrie, the airplane manufacturer, revising the master minimum equipment list (MMEL) to include procedures for operating the airplane with the thrust reversers deactivated, and revising the AFM to include procedures for emergency operation if the thrust reversers deploy while in flight. This AD also results from the engine manufacturer recommending extending the interval between inspecting or replacing the DPV. We are issuing this AD to prevent inadvertent thrust reverser deployment, which, if it occurs in-flight, could result in loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections of a certain bracket that attaches the flight deck instrument panel to the airplane structure; replacement of the bracket with a new, improved bracket; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by reports of cracking of a certain bracket that attaches the flight deck instrument panel to the airplane structure. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a cracked bracket. Failure of this bracket, combined with failure of the horizontal beam, could result in collapse of the left part of the flight deck instrument panel, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by Capital Region Airport Authority for Capital City 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 also announces that it is reviewing a proposed noise compatibility program that was submitted for Capital City Airport under Part 150 in conjunction with the noise exposure map, and that this program will be approved or disapproved on or before August 5, 2005.

The FAA will hold three informational meetings to discuss the proposed policy (Draft Order 8110.RC) that the FAA's Aircraft Certification Service personnel, Flight Standards Service Personnel, persons designated by the Administrator, and organizations associated with the certification process required by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) will use during the certification evaluation of restricted category aircraft. These public meetings will be a continuation of information gathering for the evaluation of Restricted Category Aircraft Applications originally offered to the public for comments in the Federal Register, dated October 8, 2004, Page 60454 (Volume 69, Number 195). This meeting, the third and final public meeting will be held at the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Orlando Florida's Flight Standards District Office, located at 5950 Hazeltine National Drive, Suite 500, Orlando, Florida. To obtain additional information and details about this meeting, please contact Mr. Graham Long via the information listed in the paragraph titled FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Notes from this informational meeting will be posted on the Internet at: https://www.faa.gov/Certification/ Aircraft/DraftDoc/Comments.htm.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD requires modification of certain auxiliary power unit (APU) alternating current (AC) generators. This AD is prompted by a report of an explosion in the APU compartment, which blew open the compartment doors. We are issuing this AD to prevent oil vapor leakage from the APU AC generator, which, when combined with an electric arc at the electrical receptacle, could result in a fire or explosion in the APU compartment during flight.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require the following: Repetitive eddy current inspections for cracks of the countersunk rivet holes in the lower lobe, adjacent to the radio altimeter cutouts; additional inspections, for certain airplanes, for cracks and/or corrosion; and further investigative and corrective action if any crack is found. This proposed AD also would provide an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the fuselage skin of the lower lobe. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracks of the countersunk rivet holes, which could result in cracks of the fuselage skin of the lower lobe, and consequent rapid depressurization of the cabin.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 172R, 172S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to inspect any MC01-3A I.C. 9 or MC01-3A I.C. 10 main electrical power junction box circuit breakers for correct amperage (amp) (a correct 40- amp circuit breaker) and replace any incorrect amp circuit breaker with the correct 40-amp circuit breaker. This proposed AD results from several reports of circuit breakers that are not the correct 40-amp circuit breaker installed in the MC01-3A main electrical power junction box. We are issuing this proposed AD to replace any incorrect circuit breaker installed in the MC01-3A I.C. 9 or MC01-3A I.C. 10 main electrical power junction box, which could result in premature tripping of the power junction box main feeder circuit breakers and could lead to partial or complete loss of all electrical power on the airplane. This failure could lead to the loss of all navigation and communication equipment and lighting in the cockpit.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the left and right engine throttle control gearboxes for wear, and corrective action if necessary. The existing AD was prompted by numerous failures of the engine throttle control gearbox, some of which resulted in an in-flight engine shutdown. This AD adds airplanes to the applicability of the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent excessive wear of the gearboxes and subsequent movement or jamming of the engine throttle; movement of the throttle towards the idle position brings it close to the fuel shut-off position, which could result in an in-flight engine shutdown.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus model airplanes, as specified above. This proposed AD would require modifying the electrical bonding points of additional center tanks. This proposed AD is prompted by the results of fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent electrical arcing inside the fuel tank, due to insufficient bonding, which could result in the ignition of fuel vapors with a potential risk of explosion of the fuel tank.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes. This AD requires replacing, with improved parts, certain existing fluorescent light lamp holders located in the ceiling panels and life raft ceiling support housings, and behind the overhead stowage compartments in the main cabin. This AD is prompted by reports of failure of fluorescent light lamp holders in the main cabin. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the lamp holder power wire against the mounting bracket, and moisture intrusion into the lamp holders, which could result in failure of the lamp holders and consequent smoke and fire in the airplane cabin.

This action proposes to establish eight area navigation (RNAV) routes in Alaska to support the Alaskan Region's Capstone Program. The Capstone Program is a Safety Program which seeks near term safety and efficiency gains by accelerating the implementation and use of modern technology. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance safety and to improve the efficient use of the navigable airspace in Alaska.

The FAA withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplanes. The proposed AD would have required repetitive inspections for damage of the flexible supply lines of the pilot and copilot oxygen mask boxes, and eventual replacement of the lines with new rigid tubes. Since the proposed AD was issued, we have received new data that 100% of the affected worldwide fleet has accomplished the hardware replacement in accordance with the service bulletin specified in the proposed AD. Accordingly, the proposed AD is withdrawn.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-7 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions of Continued Airworthiness to include a new lower life limit for lower wing skins. This proposed AD is prompted by the discovery that during the manufacture of the lower wing skins, score marks may have been accidentally inscribed around the edge of the lower wing skin doublers. We are proposing this AD to prevent fatigue cracks from developing at the score marks in the lower wing skins, which could result in the structural failure of the wing.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the application to impose and use the revenue from a PFC at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport under the provisions of the Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 (Title IX of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990) (Pub. L. 101-508) and part 158 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 158).

This action revises the Class E airspace area at Presque Isle, ME (PQI) to increase the controlled airspace in the vicinity of the Northern Main Regional Airport (PQI), the Caribou Municipal Airport (CAR), and the Loring International Airport (ME16). This action is necessary to accommodate aircraft arriving at Loring International Airport using the new Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to that airport.

Under the provisions of Title 49 U.S.C. 47153(c), notice is being given that the FAA is considering a request from the Craig Field Airport and Industrial Authority to waive the requirement that a 0.969- acre parcel of surplus property, located at the Craig Field Airport, be used for aeronautical purposes.

This action proposes to establish 39 low altitude area navigation (RNAV) routes in Alaska to support the Alaskan Capstone Program. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance safety and improve the efficient use of the navigable airspace in Alaska.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-622R and A300 F4-622R airplanes. This AD requires doing a one-time inspection to determine if lower guide fittings for the forward doors are installed in the correct positions, and corrective action if necessary. This AD is prompted by reports that lower guide fittings for the forward doors were found installed in the wrong positions at frames 14 and 16A. We are issuing this AD to prevent difficulty opening the forward doors, which could impede an emergency evacuation and result in injury to passengers or crewmembers.

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC 155B and EC 155B1 helicopters that requires inspecting the chamfer of the stop on the cabin sliding doors (doors) and installing an airworthy stop if the chamfer exceeds a certain length; and prior to each flight, visually checking the door to determine if it is correctly locked in the open position before flying with the doors open, and checking the locking indicator light and the position of the door handles before flying with the doors closed. This amendment also requires revising the Limitations Section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to prohibit the opening or closing of a cabin sliding door at airspeeds of 40 or greater knots indicated airspeed (KIAS). This amendment is prompted by a report of a door separating from a helicopter during flight. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent separation of a door during flight and damage to the helicopter, resulting in a forced landing or loss of control of the helicopter.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dornier Model 328-300 series airplanes. This AD requires performing repetitive inspections for discrepancies of the heat pack rotor assembly and rotor drive clips of the brake unit of the main landing gear (MLG), and replacing the assembly if any discrepancy is found. This AD is prompted by reports of cracking and breakage of the heat pack rotor assemblies. We are issuing this AD to find and fix discrepancies of the heat pack rotor assembly of the brake unit of the MLG and consequent loss of braking capability, which could result in the airplane overrunning the runway during take-off or landing.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Boeing Model 727 airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive detailed inspections to detect cracking, corrosion, and existing stop-drilled repairs of cracking in the upper chord of the rear spar of the wing; and repair if necessary. This new AD requires new repetitive inspections to detect cracks, corrosion, minor surface defects, and existing stop-drilled repairs of cracks in the upper and lower chords of the front and rear spars of the wing; and repair if necessary. This AD is prompted by our determination that further rulemaking action is necessary to require additional actions specified in the referenced service bulletin. We are issuing this AD to prevent structural failure of the wing and fuel leaks in the airplane due to stress corrosion cracking of the wing spar chords.

This document corrects a typographical error that appeared in airworthiness directive (AD) 2005-03-12 that was published in the Federal Register on February 14, 2005 (70 FR 7386). The typographical error resulted in an incorrect AD number. This AD is applicable to certain Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections of certain frame stiffeners to detect cracking and replacement of any cracked stiffener with a new, reinforced stiffener. Replacement of the stiffener constitutes terminating action for certain inspections. This AD also requires a one-time inspection of any new, reinforced stiffener; and repair or replacement of the new, reinforced stiffener if any cracking is found during the one-time inspection. This AD also provides for an optional terminating action for certain requirements of this AD.