Federal Aviation Administration February 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dassault Model Falcon 900EX airplanes. This proposed AD would require inspecting the number 2 engine left- and right-hand forward mounts for missing rivets and installing rivets if necessary. This proposed AD results from reports of two missing rivets in the front section of the central engine mast discovered on airplanes in service and in production. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct missing rivets in the front section of the central engine mast, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the central engine mast, possible separation of the engine from the airplane during flight, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus transport category airplanes. This proposed AD would require inspecting to determine the part number of the twin motor actuators, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from a report of a low pressure valve of the twin motor actuator found partially open, although the valve detection system indicated that the valve was closed. Investigation revealed that the locating pin in the actuator was too short to engage with the valve slot, resulting in incorrect alignment of the actuator and the drive assembly, causing the valve to remain partially open. We are proposing this AD to ensure that, in the event of an engine fire, the valve actuator functions properly to delay or block the fuel flow to the engine and prevent an uncontrollable fire.

This action modifies the St. Louis, MO, (STL) Class B airspace area to contain large, turbine-powered aircraft operations to and from the new Runway 11/29 at the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (KSTL), St. Louis, MO. The FAA is taking this action to enhance safety and improve the management of aircraft operations in the KSTL terminal area. Further, this effort supports the FAA's national airspace redesign goal of optimizing terminal and en route airspace areas to reduce aircraft delays and improve system capacity.

This action establishes 16 high altitude area navigation (RNAV) routes in the South Central United States in support of the High Altitude Redesign (HAR) program. The FAA is taking this action to enhance safety and to facilitate the more flexible and efficient use of the navigable airspace.

The FAA proposed to rule and invite public comment on the release of land at City-County Airport under the provisions of Section 125 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21), now 49 U.S.C. 47107(h)(2).

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking or fracturing of the output links of the power control unit (PCU) for the ailerons, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from reports of fractured output links of the aileron PCU. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of an output link of the aileron PCU, which, if both links on one aileron fail, could result in reduced lateral control of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires reviewing airplane maintenance records; inspecting the yaw damper actuator portion of the upper and lower rudder power control modules (PCM) for cracking, and replacing the PCMs if necessary; and reporting all airplane maintenance records review and inspection results to the manufacturer. This proposed AD would expand the applicability and discontinue certain requirements of the existing AD. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the PCMs and replacement of the PCMs if necessary. This proposed AD results from manufacturer findings that the inspections required by the existing AD must be performed at regular intervals. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the yaw damper actuator portion of the upper and lower rudder PCMs, which could result in an uncommanded left rudder hardover, consequent increased pilot workload, and possible runway departure upon landing.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to authorize the release of a portion of the airport property. The City of Oconto WI is proposing to swap 13.9 acres of existing airport land for 13.9 acres of land from an adjacent landowner. The swap will allow the airport to acquire land in fee that lies under the approach to Runway 22. Both parcels are vacant land in the northeast corner of the airport and are deemed of equal value. The acreage being released is not needed for aeronautical use as currently identified on the Airport Layout Plan. The acreage comprising this parcel was originally acquired under Grant No. AIP 3-55-SBGP-20-04 (Oconto AIP06). The City of Oconto (Wisconsin), as airport owner, has concluded that the subject airport land is not needed for expansion of airport facilities. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to dispose of the property. No revenue will be derived as the parcels are of the same value. 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. The disposition of proceeds from the disposal of the airport property will be in accordance with FAA's Policy and Procedures Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, published in the Federal Register on February 16, 1999. 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 invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) renewal of a current information collection. The Federal Register Notices with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on December 5, 2005, vol. 70, 232, page 72496. The data from this report will be used to assist the principal maintenance or avionics inspector in preparing the annual FAA surveillance requirements of the leading contract maintenance providers to the air operators.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Spolka zo.o. Model PZL M26 01 airplanes. This AD requires you to repetitively inspect fuselage frame No. XI for cracks and to replace fuselage frame No. XI and install reinforcement modifications if any cracks are found. The installation of reinforcement modifications is terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirement. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the European Union. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in fuselage frame No. XI, which could result in failure of this frame. This failure could lead to failure of the tail section of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for some Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) MU-2B series airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to change the flight idle blade angle. This proposed AD results from a recent safety evaluation that used a data-driven approach to analyze the design, operation, and maintenance of the MU-2B series airplanes in order to determine their safety and define what steps, if any, are necessary for their safe operation. Part of that evaluation was the identification of unsafe conditions that exist or could develop on the affected type design airplanes. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent confusion in blade angle settings. This unsafe condition, if not corrected, could lead to an asymmetric thrust situation in certain flight conditions, which could result in airplane controllability problems.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 777-200 and 777-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for discrepancies of the splined components that support the inboard end of the inboard trailing edge flap, and related investigative, corrective, and other specified actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also require a one-time modification of the inboard support of the inboard trailing edge flap by installing a new isolation strap and attachment hardware. This proposed AD would also require repetitive replacement of the torque tube assembly. This proposed AD results from reports of corrosion on the torque tube and closeout rib fittings that support the inboard end of the inboard trailing edge flap, as well as a structural reassessment of the torque tube joint that revealed the potential for premature fatigue cracking of the torque tube that would not be detected using reasonable inspection methods. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct corrosion or cracking of the torque tube and closeout rib fittings that support the inboard end of the inboard trailing edge flap. Cracking in these components could lead to a fracture, which could result in loss of the inboard trailing edge flap and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Model Avro 146-RJ airplanes. This proposed AD would require modifying the control cable duct on the left bulkhead structure at frame 12, and for certain airplanes, the forward toilet bulkhead structure. This proposed AD results from a structural analysis by the manufacturer which revealed that rapid decompression of the flight compartment with the door closed could cause structural deformation of the left bulkhead structure at frame 12, and of the attached cable duct structure. The duct structure protects the cables for the primary flight controls. We are proposing this AD to prevent deformation of the cable duct structure in the event of a rapid decompression, which could result in restriction of the primary flight controls and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318-100 and A319-100 series airplanes; A320-111 airplanes; A320-200 series airplanes; and A321-100 and A321-200 series airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the horizontal hinge pin of the 103VU electrical panel in the avionics compartment to determine if the hinge pin can move out of the hinge, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from a report indicating that electrical wire damage was found in the 103VU electrical panel due to contact between the hinge pin and the adjacent electrical wire harness. We are issuing this AD to prevent contact between the horizontal hinge pin and the adjacent electrical wire harness, which could result in damage to electrical wires, and consequent arcing and/or failure of associated systems.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas transport category airplanes. This AD requires an initial ultrasonic inspection for cracks of the studbolts of the inboard and outboard hinge fittings of the left and right outboard flaps of the wings. Based on the inspection results, this AD also requires doing repetitive ultrasonic inspections, replacing upper and/or lower studbolts with new or serviceable studbolts, doing a detailed inspection for corrosion of the upper studbolts, doing a magnetic particle inspection for cracks of studbolts, and changing the protection treatment; as applicable. This AD results from reports of corrosion and failures of the upper and lower studbolts of the outboard flaps inboard and outboard hinge fittings. We are issuing this AD to prevent corrosion and subsequent cracking of studbolts, which could result in failure of the flap hinge fittings and their possible separation from the wing rear spar, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

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 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 737 airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive measurement of the freeplay of both aileron balance tabs; repetitive lubrication of the aileron balance tab hinge bearings and rod end bearings; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from reports of freeplay-induced vibration of the aileron balance tab. The potential for vibration of the control surface should be avoided because the point of transition from vibration to divergent flutter is unknown. We are proposing this AD to prevent excessive vibration of the airframe during flight, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Aerospatiale Model ATR42 airplanes. This proposed AD would require one-time inspections to detect discrepancies (e.g., cracking, loose/sheared fasteners, distortion) of the upper skin and rib feet of the outer wing boxes, and repair if necessary. This proposed AD results from a report of cracking on the upper skin and ribs of the outer wing box on an in-service airplane. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct these discrepancies, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to revise an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes; and Model DHC-8-200 and -300 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires performing a one-time inspection to detect chafing of electrical wires in the cable trough below the cabin floor; repairing, if necessary; installing additional tie-mounts and tie- wraps; applying sealant to rivet heads; and modifying electrical wires in certain sections. This proposed AD would, for certain airplanes, eliminate the requirement to modify electrical wires in certain sections. This proposed AD results from a report indicating that the modification of electrical wires does not need to be done on certain airplanes subject to the existing AD. We are proposing this AD to prevent chafing of electrical wires, which could result in an uncommanded shutdown of an engine during flight.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 777 airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for corrosion or missing corrosion inhibiting compound of the fuselage skin under the forward and aft wing-to-body fairings for certain airplanes, or the fuselage skin under the forward wing-to-body fairings only for other airplanes; and corrective action if necessary. The proposed AD would also provide an optional preventive modification of the wing-to-body fairing panels, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD results from several reports indicating that significant levels of corrosion were found on the external surface of the fuselage skin under the forward and aft wing-to-body fairings. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct corrosion, and prevent subsequent fatigue cracks, on the fuselage skin under the forward and aft wing-to-body fairings, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD requires modifying the passenger door and installing new placards. This AD results from reports of the airstairs-type passenger door opening during flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent rapid decompression of the airplane, or ejection of a passenger or crew member out the door during flight.

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 adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all airplanes equipped with Aero Advantage ADV200 series (part numbers ADV211CC and ADV212CW) vacuum pumps installed under supplemental type certificate number SA10126SC, through field approval, or other methods. This AD requires you to remove from service any affected vacuum pump and install an FAA-approved vacuum pump other than the affected part numbers. This AD results from several reports of pump chamber failure. We are issuing this AD to prevent vacuum pump failure or malfunction during instrument flight rules (IFR) flight that could lead to loss of flight instruments critical for flight. The loss of flight instruments could cause pilot disorientation and loss of control of the aircraft.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 92- 07-05, which applies to certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) 65, 90, 99, and 100 series airplanes. AD 92-07-05 currently requires you to inspect the rudder trim tab for proper moisture drainage provisions, and if the correct drainage provisions do not exist, prior to further flight, modify the rudder trim tab. Since we issued AD 92- 07-05, FAA has received and evaluated new service information that requires the actions of AD 92-07-05 for the added serial numbers LJ-1281 through LJ- 1732 for the Model C90A airplanes. Consequently, this proposed AD retains all the actions of AD 92-07-05 and adds serial numbers LJ-1281 through LJ-1732 for the Model C90A airplanes in the applicability section. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent water accumulation in the rudder trim tab, which could result in a change in the mass properties and thus result in the lower flutter speed of the airplane. Airplane flutter could result in failure and loss of control of the airplane.