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

This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, part 71 (14 CFR 71) by modifying the Class E airspace area at West Plains Municipal Airport. The establishment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP) to Runways (RWY) 18 and 36 requires the modification of the Class E airspace area beginning at 700 feet above ground level (AGL). In addition, this action corrects the airport reference point (ARP). This airspace area and the legal description are modified to conform to the criteria in FAA Orders.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an airworthiness authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address an unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Lockheed Model L-1011 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require a one-time detailed inspection of the C112 harness clamp assembly for proper installation, a one-time detailed inspection of the C112 and C162 harness assemblies for damage, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from a report of electrical arcing of the essential bus feeder cables behind hinged circuit breaker panel CB3 P-K. We are proposing this AD to prevent arcing of essential bus feeder cables due to improper installation of the harness C112 clamp assembly, which could result in loss of electrical systems and smoke and/or fire behind the CB3 P-K hinged circuit breaker panel in the flight compartment.

The FAA proposes to revise an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, and AT-503A airplanes, which proposes to supersede AD 2002-26-05. AD 2002-26-05 lowers the safe life for the wing lower spar caps for Models AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, and AT-503A airplanes and those that incorporate or have incorporated Marburger Enterprises, Inc. (Marburger) winglets. AD 2002-26-05 also requires you to eddy-current inspect the wing lower spar caps immediately before modifying to correct any crack in a bolt hole before it extends to the modified center section of the wing and report the results of the inspection to the FAA if cracks are found. AD 2002-11-05 R1 currently requires similar action on Model AT-501 airplanes. Since issuing the earlier NPRM, we determined that Model AT-501 airplanes should be added to the Applicability section of this proposed AD and that this proposed AD should also supersede AD 2002-11-05 R1. We have revised the alternative method of compliance (AMOC) to include inspection procedures for airplanes that have or have had Marburger winglets installed. We have also updated the safe life of the replacement and new production spar cap based on additional data we have received from the manufacturer. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the earlier NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these additional actions.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT-502, AT-502A, AT- 502B, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to repetitively visually inspect the rudder and vertical fin hinge attaching structure for loose fasteners, any cracks in the rudder or vertical fin skins, spars, hinges or brackets, or corrosion. The AD would also require you to replace any damaged parts found as a result of the inspection and install an external doubler at the upper rudder hinge. Installation of the external doubler at the upper rudder hinge is terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements. This proposed AD results from two reports (one Model AT-602 airplane and one Model AT-802A airplane) of in-flight rudder separation from the vertical fin at the upper attach hinge area, and other reports of Models AT-502B, AT-602, and AT-802/802A airplanes with loose hinges, skin cracks, or signs of repairs to the affected area. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct loose fasteners; any cracks in the rudder or vertical fin skins, spars, hinges or brackets, or corrosion of the rudder and vertical fin hinge attaching structure. Hinge failure adversely affects ability to control yaw and has led to the rudder folding over in flight. This condition could allow the rudder to contact the elevator and affect ability to control pitch with consequent loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes. This AD requires installing a clamp, bonding jumper assembly, and attaching hardware to the refueling manifold in the right wing refueling station area. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent arcing on the in-tank side of the fueling valve during a lightning strike, which could result in an ignition source that could ignite fuel vapor and cause a fuel tank explosion.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, and 747SR series airplanes. This AD requires doing repetitive inspections of engine struts 1 through 4, as applicable, for heat discoloration, cracking, buckling, or wrinkling. This AD also requires doing a conductivity test to detect the extent of the heat damage and an inspection to detect cracking of the heat-discolored, buckled, or wrinkled area; and repair; if necessary. This AD results from reports of heat damage and cracking of the skin and internal structure adjacent to and aft of the precooler exhaust vent on several engine struts. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking, buckling, wrinkling, or heat damage of the skin and internal structure of the engine struts, which could result in extensive damage to the engine struts and consequent possible separation of an engine from the airplane during flight.

The FAA withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain EMBRAER Model ERJ 170 airplanes. The proposed AD would have required performing a one-time inspection for proper crimping of the terminal lugs for the power cables of each integrated drive generator (IDG), installing a new sleeve on the terminal, and re-crimping if necessary. Since the proposed AD was issued, we have received new data from the manufacturer that the proposed actions have been done on all affected airplanes. Accordingly, the proposed AD is withdrawn.

This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. The original NPRM would have required repetitive inspections for discrepancies of the grease and gear teeth of the radial variable differential transducer of the nose wheel steering gearbox; or repetitive inspections for damage of the chrome on the bearing surface of the nose landing gear (NLG) main fitting barrel; as applicable. And, for airplanes with any discrepancy or damage, the original NPRM would have required an additional inspection or corrective actions. This new action revises the proposed rule by adding a terminating action and removing certain airplanes from the applicability. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to prevent incorrect operation or jamming of the nose wheel steering, which could cause reduced controllability of the airplane on the ground. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Aerospatiale Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. This AD requires an inspection of the locking bolt of the upper attachment pin of the shock absorber on both main landing gears (MLGs) for the correct installation of the locking bolt and for any missing locking bolt, washer, nut, cotter pin, or compound, and applicable corrective action if necessary. This AD results from a report of migration and subsequent rupture of the attachment pin of the shock absorber of a MLG. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of a MLG, which could result in significant structural damage to the airplane and possible injury to the occupants.

The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a current information collection. The Administrator has determined based on evaluation of previous accidents and other incidents, that certain events involving malfunctions and defects may be precursors to the recurrence of these accidents. As a result, operators and repair stations are required to report any malfunctions and defects to the Administrator.

The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a current information collection. Respondents are airport operators proposing voluntary agreement and/or mandatory restrictions on Stage 2 and Stage 3 aircraft operations, and aircraft operators that request reevaluation of a restriction.

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.

These special conditions are issued to Aero Propulsion, Inc., for the Piper Model PA28-236 airplanes with a Societe de Motorisation Aeronautiques (SMA) Model SR305-230 Aircraft Diesel Engine (ADE). This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with the installation of a diesel cycle engine utilizing turbine (jet) fuel. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for installation of this new technology engine. 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.

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 is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney PW4164, PW4168, and PW4168A series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive torque checks for loose or broken front pylon mount bolts made from INCO 718 material and MP159 material, and initial and repetitive visual inspections of the primary mount thrust load path. This AD requires the same actions, but at reduced intervals for front pylon mount bolts made from MP159 material. This AD results from analysis by the manufacturer that the MP159 material pylon bolts do not meet the full life cycle torque check interval requirement, in a bolt-out condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent front pylon mount bolt and primary mount thrust load path failure, which could result in an engine separating from the airplane.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces the availability of policy for the repair and alteration of rotating turbine engine-life-limited parts, Sec. 33.3.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney PW2000 series turbofan engines. This proposed AD would require a onetime focused visual and fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of 21 suspect PW2000 8th stage high pressure compressor (HPC) drum rotor disk assemblies. This proposed AD results from a PW2037 8th stage HPC drum rotor disk assembly failure event caused by tooling damage that occurred during disk assembly manufacture. We are proposing this AD to prevent 8th stage HPC drum rotor disk assembly failure that could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas airplanes, identified above. This AD requires installing or replacing with improved parts, as applicable, the bonding straps between the metallic frame of the fillet and the wing leading edge ribs, on both the left and right sides of the airplane. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks in the event of a severe lightning strike, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an airworthiness authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address an unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

This notice proposes to establish Class E airspace at Butler, GA. Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) and Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) Runway (RWY) 18 and RWY 36 have been developed for Butler Municipal Airport. As a result, controlled airspace extending upward From 700 Feet Above Ground Level (AGL) is needed to contain the SIAPs and for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at Butler Municipal Airport. The operating status of the airport will change from Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to include IFR operations concurrent with the publication of the SIAPs.

This action proposes special conditions for McCauley Propeller Systems. This 3D15C1401/C80MWX-X model propeller will have a novel or unusual design features(s) associated with composite blades. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed special conditions contain the added safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 747-400 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires replacement of the decompression panels that are located in the smoke barrier between the passenger and main deck cargo compartment with new panels of an improved design. This proposed AD would require modification of the decompression panels on the smoke barrier in the main deck cargo compartment or replacement of the smoke barrier with an improved smoke barrier, as applicable. This proposed AD would also require repetitive inspections of the decompression (vent) panels on the smoke barrier and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. This proposed AD results from reports of decompression panels on the smoke barrier opening in flight and on the ground without a decompression event. We are proposing this AD to prevent inadvertent opening or tearing of decompression panels, which could result in degraded cargo fire detection and suppression capability, smoke penetration into an occupied compartment, and an uncontrolled cargo fire, if a fire occurs in the main deck cargo compartment.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Willow, AK to provide adequate controlled airspace to contain aircraft executing new Instrument Procedures. This rule results in new Class E airspace established upward from 700 feet (ft.) and 1,200 ft. above the surface at Willow, AK.

This action establishes Class D and E4 airspace and amends Class E5 airspace at Leesburg, FL. A Federal contract tower with a weather reporting system is being constructed at the Leesburg Regional Airport. Therefore, the airport will meet the criteria for establishment of Class D and E4 airspace. Class D surface area airspace and Class E4 airspace desiganted as an extension to Class D airspace is required when the control tower is open to contain existing Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and other Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action will establish Class D airspace extending upward from the surface to but not including 1,600 feet MSL, within a 4.1-mile radius of the Leesburg Regional Airport and a Class E4 airspace extension that is 4.8 miles wide and extends 7 miles southeast of the airport. This action will also amend Class E5 airspace extending upward from 700 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) needed to contain SIAPs, by decreasing the size from a 7-mile radius of the airport to a 6.6-mile radius of the airport and providing for the procedure turn area. Additionally, a technical amendment will result in a name change from the Leesburg Municipal Airport to the Leesburg Regional Airport, which was effective August 25, 1997.