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

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is issuing this notice to advise the public of the approval of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on an Environmental Assessment for proposed Federal actions at Southern Illinois Airport, Carbondale-Murphysboro, Illinois. The FONSI specifies that the proposed federal actions and local development projects are consistent with existing environmental policies and objectives as set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and will not significantly affect the quality of the environment. A description of the proposed Federal actions is: (a) To issue an environmental finding to allow approval of the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) for the development items listed below; (b) Approval of the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) for the development items listed below; and (c) Establish eligibility of the Southern Illinois Airport Authority to compete for Federal funding for the development projects depicted on the Airport Layout Plan. The specific items in the local airport development project include: Acquisition of approximately 210 acres of land in fee simple title including relocation assistance for one (1) residence; Widening of the existing Runway 18R/36L by 15 feet and construction of a 500- foot extension to Runway 36L to provide a total runway dimension of 4,000 feet x 75 feet. This action includes all appropriate grading and drainage; Extension and widening of the existing parallel taxiway to Runway 18R/36L to serve the extended runway threshold; Construction of new airport facilities in the western and northwestern airfield quadrants. This action includes the construction of a new west side entrance roadway system; creation of a new GPS non-precision Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) for Runways 18R, 36L, and 36; relocation of portions of Airport Road, Fox Farm Road and the Airport Entrance Road to allow for the initiation of new non-precision instrument approach procedures for Runways 36L and 36R; relocation of a portion of Fox Farm Road to remove the facility from within the Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) for Runway 06; relocation of the existing Visual Approach Descent Indicator (VADI) lights and associated wind cone to serve the relocated Runway 36L threshold; installation of Medium Intensity Runway Lights (MIRL) on the extended and widened runway; installation of Medium Intensity Taxiway Lights (MITL) on the extended on widened taxiway; relocation of a portion of the Southern Illinois Power Company's electric lines to allow for the new SIAPs to Runways 36L and 36; removal of obstructions in the approaches to Runways 06 and 18L; mitigation of impacts to 2.7 acres of wetlands; and the approval of the Southern Illinois ALP. Copies of the environmental decision and the Final EA are available for public information review during regular business hours at the following locations: 1. Southern Illinois Airport, 665 North Airport Road, Murphysboro, Illinois 62966. 2. Division of Aeronautics-Illinois Department of Transportation, One Langhorne Bond Drive, Capital Airport, Springfield, IL 62707. 3. Chicago Airports District Office, Room 320, Federal Aviation Administration, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318-100 series airplanes; Model A319-100 series airplanes; Model A320-111 airplanes; Model A320-200 series airplanes; Model A321-100 series airplanes; and Model A321-200 series airplanes. This AD requires replacing the water drain valves in the forward and aft cargo doors with new valves. This AD results from a report indicating that, during a test of the fire extinguishing system, air leakage through the water drain valves in the forward and aft cargo doors reduced the concentration of fire extinguishing agent to below the level required to suppress a fire. We are issuing this AD to prevent air leakage through the water drain valves, which, in the event of a fire in the forward or aft cargo compartment, could result in an insufficient concentration of fire extinguishing agent and consequent inability of the fire extinguishing system to suppress the fire.

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 operators to review the airplane's maintenance records to determine the part numbers of the magnetic fuel level indicators (MFLI) of the wing fuel tanks, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from several in-service incidents of wear and detachment of the top-stops from the MFLI. Such detachment allows the top-stop to move around the wing fuel tank, and the top-stop could come into contact or in close proximity with a gauging probe, resulting in compromise of the air gap between the probe and the structure and creating a potential ignition source. We are issuing this AD to prevent an ignition source in the wing fuel tank in the event of a lightning strike, which could result in a fire or explosion.

This action modifies the Class E airspace area at Palm Springs, CA. The establishment of an Area Navigation (RNAV) Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Y Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP) to Runway (RWY) 13R and 31L to Palm Springs International Airport, Palm Springs, CA has made this action necessary. Additional controlled airspace extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface of the earth is needed to contain aircraft executing this RNAV (RNP) Y IAP RWY 13R to Palm Springs International Airport. The intended effect of this action is to provide adequate controlled airspace for Instrument Flight Rules operations at Palm Springs International Airport, Palm Springs, CA.

This action proposes to revise Class E airspace at Vandenberg AFB, CA. During a review of this airspace, it was determined that additional controlled airspace was needed for Category E aircraft conducting circling maneuvers in conjunction with published Standard Instrument Procedures. This airspace change will place aircraft in controlled airspace from final descent to runway and protect Category E aircraft while conducting a circling approach to land.

The FAA hereby gives notice of its intention to grant an exclusive license in the invention titled ``Automated System for Assisting Employees to Comply with Filing Requirements'', Application Number 11/174,642, to HRWorx LLC, a small business located in Herndon, VA. HRWorks is participating in a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the William J. Hughes Technical Center to further develop and commercialize the Government-owned invention. (Authority: 35 U.S.C. 209, 15 U.S.C. 3710a, 37 CFR part 401)

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming) AEIO-360, IO-360, O-360, LIO-360, and LO-360 series reciprocating engines. This AD requires replacing certain crankshafts. This AD results from a crankshaft failure in a Lycoming LO-360-A1H6 reciprocating engine. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the crankshaft, which could result in total engine power loss, in-flight engine failure, and possible loss of the aircraft.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 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 AD requires repetitively inspecting for cracking or discrepancies of the fasteners in the tension ties, shear webs, and frames at body stations 1120 through 1220, and performing related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This 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 issuing 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.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all EMBRAER Model ERJ 170 airplanes. This AD requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations section (ALS) of the airplane maintenance manual (AMM) to include new, specific maintenance tasks related to the incorporation of a new horizontal stabilizer actuator. This AD also requires revising the ALS of the AMM to include revised repetitive inspection intervals for certain tasks in the maintenance plan related to the aileron and flap/slat flight controls system. This AD results from safety assessments of the aileron and flap/slat flight controls system, conducted after the type certification of the airplane, which showed that some dormant faults did not comply with the safety assessment criteria. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the aileron and flap/slat controls system, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 777 airplanes. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the first bonding jumper aft of the bulkhead fitting to detect damage or failure and to determine the mechanical integrity of its electrical bonding path, and repair if necessary; measuring the bonding resistance between the fitting for the fuel feed tube and the front spar in the left and right main fuel tanks, and repairing the bonding if necessary; and applying additional sealant to completely cover the bulkhead fittings inside the fuel tanks. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent arcing or sparking during a lightning strike at the interface between the bulkhead fittings of the engine fuel feed tube and the front spar inside the fuel tank. This arcing or sparking could provide a potential ignition source inside the fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

This action extends the comment period for an NPRM published on November 23, 2005. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed new rules that would require operators and manufacturers of transport category airplanes to take steps that, in combination with other required actions, should greatly reduce the chance of a catastrophic fuel tank explosion. The extension of the comment period is a result of requests from a number of entities to allow public comment on new information that has recently been placed in the public docket.

This action extends the comment period for a notice of availability of proposed AC 25.981-2A, Fuel Tank Flammability, and request for comments published on November 28, 2005. In this Notice, the FAA announced the availability of and requested comments on a proposed AC which sets forth an acceptable means, but not the only means, of demonstrating compliance with the provisions of the airworthiness standards in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published on November 23, 2005. The comment period for this Notice closes on the same day as the comment period for the NPRM (March 23, 2006). The extension of the Notice's comment period is a result of an extension of the NPRM's comment period.

This action corrects a final rule published in the Federal Register on February 15, 2006 (71 FR 7848), Airspace Docket No. 03-AWA- 2, FAA Docket No. FAA-2005-22509. In that rule, inadvertent errors were made in the graphic depicting the modified St. Louis Class B airspace area. This action corrects those errors.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of approximately 16 acres of airport property at Sedona Airport, Sedona, Arizona from the airport- use restrictions of conveyance deed dated October 31, 1996. The purpose of the release is to authorize leasing of the property at fair market value in order to permit the airport to earn revenue from non-aviation uses of the airport land.

This document confirms the effective date of the direct final rule which revises Class E airspace at Gothenburg, Quinn Field, NE.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to authorize the release of a portion of the airport property. The City of Faribault, MN is proposing to release for sale 29.72 acres of existing airport land for the development of an Army Reserve and Minnesota National Guard Readiness Center. 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 with local funds in 1944 and 1945. The City of Faribault (Minnesota), as airport owner, has concluded that the subject airport is not needed for expansion of airport facilities. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to dispose of the property. The appraised value is $830,000 and the Airport will receive that amount. 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 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Sicma Aero Seat, passenger seat assemblies. This proposed AD would require modifying the aft track fittings on these passenger seat assemblies by installing new tab locks, and then torquing the aft track fitting locking bolts. This proposed AD results from reports of loose and unlocked aft track fittings on Sicma Aero Seat, passenger seat assemblies. We are proposing this AD to prevent detachment of passenger seat assemblies, especially during emergency conditions, leading to occupant injury.

This action reopens the comment period for a proposed grant of exemption that was published on February 7, 2006. The purpose of that document was to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in the FAA's regulatory activities. This reopening is a result of a request from the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) to extend the comment period to the exemption.

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.

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 Twin Commander Aircraft Corporation (Twin Commander) Models 690, 690A, and 690B airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to inspect, visually and using fluorescent dye penetrant, the support structures for the inboard and center aileron hinge fittings on both wings for cracks and replace any cracked support structure. This proposed AD would require you to reinforce the support structures for the inboard and center aileron hinge fittings on both wings. This proposed AD results from reports that cracks were found in the support structures for the inboard and center aileron hinge fittings on both wings. We are issuing this proposed AD to detect and correct cracks in the support structures for the inboard and center aileron hinge fittings on both wings, which could result in aileron failure. This failure could lead to reduced controllability or loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA has issued an order to show cause which solicits the views of interested persons on the FAA's tentative determination to extend through October 28, 2006, an August 18, 2004, order limiting the number of scheduled aircraft arrivals at O'Hare International Airport during peak operation hours. The text of the order to show cause is set fourth in this notice.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) to supersede AD 2005-07-01, which applies to all The Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 208 and 208B airplanes. AD 2005-07-01 currently requires you to incorporate information into the applicable section of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). This AD is the result of several accidents/incidents with the affected airplanes during operations in icing conditions, FAA evaluation of Cessna flight test data, Cessna issuing AFM revisions, and FAA determining these revisions are necessary for safe operation. Consequently, this AD updates the actions of AD 2005-07-01 that require incorporation of text in the AFM and requires the insertion of new text in the AFM, and the fabrication and installation of placards. We are issuing this AD to assure that the pilot has enough information to prevent loss of control of the airplane while in-flight during icing conditions.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, -20, - 30, -40 and -50 series airplanes, and Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), and DC-9- 82 (MD-82) airplanes. That AD currently requires installing a water drain system for the slant pressure panels in the left and right wheel wells of the main landing gear (MLG). This new AD also requires inspecting the seal assemblies of the overwing emergency exit doors for defects and constant gap; replacing defective door seals; performing repetitive operational checks of the water drain system auto drain valve and corrective actions if necessary; and, for certain airplanes, modifying the insulation blankets on the slant pressure panels in the left and right MLG wheel wells. This AD results from reports of water runoff from the slant pressure panels in the left and right MLG wheel wells, which subsequently froze on the lateral control mixer and control cable assemblies. We are issuing this AD to prevent ice from forming on the lateral control mixer and control cable assemblies, which could reduce controllability 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.