Federal Aviation Administration 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-223, -321, -322, and -323 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the firewall of the lower aft pylon fairing (LAPF), and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from reports of cracking of the LAPF firewall. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct this cracking, which could reduce the effectiveness of the firewall and result in an uncontrolled engine fire.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-120, -120ER, -120FC, -120QC, and -120RT airplanes in operation. This AD requires replacing the protective tubes and conduits of the wiring harnesses of the refueling vent and pilot valves with non-conductive hoses; modifying the harness wiring and supports; and rerouting the harnesses to prevent interference with adjacent strobe light connectors; as applicable. This AD results from a fuel system review conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent a potential source of ignition near a fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion.

This document makes a correction to Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006-01-11 R1, which published in the Federal Register on March 16, 2006 (71 FR 13538), and applies to all The Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 208 and 208B airplanes. AD 2006-01-11 R1 requires the installation of a pilot assist handle and deicing boots on the cargo pod and landing gear fairings; and the incorporation of changes to the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) and FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). Current language in paragraph (e)(4) of AD 2006-01-11 R1 regarding the placard requirement inadvertently states: ``You may insert a copy of this AD into the appropriate sections of the POH to comply with this action.'' This does not meet the intent of the AD. This document corrects that paragraph by removing the language referenced above.

This notice announces the availability of, and requests comments on draft Order 8040.2, Airworthiness Directive Process for Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information. The draft order describes new policy and procedures for developing and issuing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness directives (AD) on imported products where the State of Design Authority issued mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI). The process will allow for a timelier issuance of ADs.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the lubrication passage and link assembly joint in the inboard and outboard flaps of the trailing edge for discrepancies, and corrective action if necessary. This new AD requires new inspections for cracking or severe wear of the bearings of the link assembly, inspections of any link assembly not previously inspected for damage, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also ends the existing repetitive inspections for certain airplanes, and extends the repetitive interval for the existing repetitive inspections and the compliance time for the corrective action on certain other airplanes. This AD also provides an optional terminating action. This AD results from additional reports indicating fractured bearings of the link assembly joint in the inboard and outboard flaps of the trailing edge. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the bearings in the link assembly joint, which could result in separation of the inboard or outboard flap and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

The Federal Aviation Administration is requesting public comment on the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) request to release a portion of airport property, 4,314 square feet, for other than aeronautical purposes.

The FAA proposed to rule and invites public comment on the application to impose a PFC at MCI for use at MCI and MKC under the provisions of the 49 U.S.C. 40117 and part 158 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 158).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is issuing this Notice of Availability to advise the public that a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) containing a DOT section 4(f)/303(c) evaluation has been prepared for the proposed replacement airport for the City of St. George, Utah. The FEIS will be available for public review beginning May 19, 2006. The FAA will accept comments on new and/or revised/updated information and analyses disclosed in Appendix T through Y and in Chapter 6, section 6.4, Air Quality, until 5 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, Monday, July 3, 2006, at the address listed in the section entitled: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The FEIS addresses the environmental impacts associated with the development of a replacement airport for St. George Municipal Airport in the City of St. George, Washington City, and Washington County, Utah. The FEIS is submitted for review pursuant to major environmental directives to comply with NEPA: Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190); and other applicable Federal and state environmental laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and statutes. The FAA will not make a decision on the proposed action for a minimum of 45 days following the publishing of the Notice of Availability of the FEIS in the Federal Register. The FAA will record the appropriate decision or decisions in a Record of Decision.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 and 440) airplanes. This AD requires an inspection of the manufacturer's date code on certain electrical relays to identify defective Leach TDH- series electrical relays and replacement of identified relays. This AD results from a report of defective electrical relays affecting emergency equipment. We are issuing this AD to prevent the malfunction of emergency equipment (the passenger oxygen system, the thrust reverse control system, and the auxiliary power unit fire detection, warning, and extinguishing system) during an emergency.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection to see if a faulty uplock axle for the shock strut of the main landing gear (MLG) is installed, and replacing the uplock axle with a new uplock axle if necessary. This AD results from a report of a cracked uplock axle caused by hydrogen embrittlement during the manufacturing process. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the uplock mechanism, which, combined with a loss of hydraulic pressure, could result in an uncommanded extension of the MLG.

This action proposes to amend the Norton Sound Low Offshore Airspace Area in Alaska. Specifically, this action proposes to modify the Norton Sound Low Offshore Airspace Area in the vicinity of the Shishmaref Airport, AK, by lowering the offshore airspace floor to 1,200 feet mean sea level (MSL) within a 30-mile radius of the airport. Additionally, this action proposes to modify the airspace in the vicinity of Nome Airport, AK, by lowering the airspace floor to 700 feet MSL within a 25-mile radius of the airport, and 1,200 feet MSL within a 77.4-mile radius of the Nome VORTAC. The FAA is proposing this action to provide additional controlled airspace for aircraft instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the Nome and Shishmaref Airports.

This notice proposes to establish Class E airspace at Forest Hill Airport, Forest Hill, Maryland. The development of a Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) to serve flights operating into the airport during Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions makes this action necessary. Controlled airspace extending upward from 700 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) is needed to contain aircraft executing an approach. The area would be depicted on aeronautical charts for pilot reference.

This amendment proposes superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (ECF) model helicopters that currently requires replacing each affected main rotor head torsion tie bar (tie bar) with an airworthy tie bar and revising the limitations section of the maintenance manual by adding life limits for certain tie bars. This action would retain the current requirements and reduce life limits of another part-numbered tie bar. This proposal is prompted by the FAA determination, after reviewing the manufacturer's data, that another part-numbered tie bar should be included in the applicability of the AD. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of a tie bar, loss of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

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 Lake in the Hills Airport, Lake in the Hills, 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 Lake in the Hills 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: Acquire approximately 102 acres of land in fee simple title and approximately 57 acres of easements; these actions include relocation assistance, as required; install perimeter fencing to control deer and preserve security; Improve Runway 26 Safety Area, Stage 1acquisition of land needed; Remove Airport design deviations and FAR Part 77 obstructions, Stage 1acquisition of land needed; Replace Airport rotating beacon; Improve Runway 26 safety area, Stage 2relocation of Pyott Road; Remove Airport design deviations and 14 CFR part 77 obstructions, Stage 2acquisition of land needed; Install AWOS-III P/T to support 14 CFR part 135 Operators; Remove Airport design deviations and 14 CFR part 77 Obstructions, Stage 3removal of buildings and objects; construct storm water management/detention system (dry bottom)multi-phased construction; construct replacement electrical vault; construct parallel taxiway (for temporary runway use) to meet design standards; install MITL taxiway edge lighting and guidance signs; Remove Airport design deviations and 14 CFR part 77 obstructions, Stage 4construction of replacement aircraft apron, Phase 1; Remove Airport design deviations and 14 CFR part 77 obstructions, Stage 5relocation of existing access road to serve new replacement terminal area; construct auto parking in the new replacement terminal areamulti-phased construction; Widen Runway 8-26 to 100 feet; shift runway ends to East to meet design standards (runway safety area, object free area, and pavement width); install MIRL runway edge lights, and PAPI-4 approach lights, REIL lights and supplemental wind cones at each runway end; Remove Airport design deviations and 14 CFR part 77 obstructions, Stage 6construction of replacement aircraft apron, Phase 2; construct new and replacement aircraft hangar pavements in the new replacement terminal areamulti-phased construction; construct new and replacement aircraft storage hangars in the new replacement terminal areamulti-phased construction; construct new and replacement Fixed Based Operator/Aircraft Maintenance hangars in the new replacement terminal areamulti-phased construction; construct replacement public terminal building in the new replacement terminal area; construct replacement aircraft fuel storage/dispensing facility in the new replacement terminal area; construct new Airport maintenance complex; Extend municipal water and sanitary sewer utilities to existing-to-remain and new building facilities requiring domestic water service and sanitary sewer collection and/or fire protection. Copies of the environmental decision and the Final EA are available for public information review during regular business hours at the following locations: 1. Lake in the Hills Airport, 8407 Pyott Road, Lake in the Hills, Illinois 60156. 2. Division of AeronauticsIllinois 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.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-13- 04, which applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd (Pilatus) Model PC-6 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) up to and including 939. AD 2003-13-04 currently requires you to inspect the integral fuel tank wing ribs for cracks and the top and bottom wing skins for distortion, repair any cracks or distortion before further flight, and do a fuel tank ventilating system installation. Since we issued AD 2003-13-04, the FAA determined the action should also apply to all the models of the PC-6 airplanes listed in the type certification data sheet of Type Certificate (TC) No. 7A15 that are produced in the United States through a licensing agreement between Pilatus and Fairchild Republic Company (also identified as Fairchild Industries, Fairchild Heli Porter, or Fairchild-Hiller Corporation). In addition, the intent of the applicability of AD 2003-13-04 was to apply to all the affected serial numbers of the airplane models listed in TC No. 7A15. Consequently, this proposed AD would retain all the actions of AD 2003- 13-04, would add those Fairchild Republic Company airplanes to the applicability of this proposed AD, and would list out the individual specific airplane models. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the ribs of the inboard integral fuel tanks in the left and right wings, which could lead to wing failure during flight.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, and 747SR series airplanes. This proposed AD would require doing repetitive inspections of engine struts 1 through 4, as applicable, for heat discoloration, cracking, buckling, or wrinkling. This proposed AD also would require 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 proposed 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 proposing 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 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Raytheon (Beech) Model 400 and 400A series airplanes. This proposed AD would require, among other actions, reviewing the airplane logbook to determine whether certain generator control unit (GCU) installation kits are installed, and replacing any incorrect GCU. This proposed AD results from reports of over-voltage conditions of the direct current (DC) starter generator. We are proposing this AD to prevent such over-voltage conditions due to the incompatibility between certain GCUs, which could result in the loss of normal electrical power, damage to some electrical components, or blown fuses during flight, and consequent unrecoverable loss of some or all essential equipment.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-700 and 737-800 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require performing a one-time high frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of the backup intercostals located above the cutout for the forward airstair door; doing related investigative and corrective actions if any crack is found; and doing other specified corrective actions if no crack is found. This proposed AD results from a report of fatigue cracks discovered during a full- scale fatigue test conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in more extensive fatigue cracking and lead to possible loss of cabin pressure.

This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all of the airplanes identified above. That proposed AD would have required repetitive inspections to detect breaks in the bottom flange fitting of the ram air turbine (RAT); and corrective actions, if necessary. This new action revises the proposed AD by proposing to remove the requirement to repeat the inspections and, instead, revising the FAA-approved maintenance program to include a new Airplane Maintenance Manual task that specifies a detailed inspection after each RAT extension. This new action also proposes to require, for certain airplanes, an adjustment of the ejection jack; and, for certain other airplanes, replacement of the aluminum part with an improved steel part; these actions would terminate the inspection requirements of the earlier proposed AD. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the RAT yoke fitting, which could result in the loss of RAT function and possible loss of critical flight control in the event of certain emergency situations. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of the airport designated aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and authorize the release of approximately 70.463 acres of airport property. Approximately 69.903 acres of the property will be used as dedicated road right-of-way associated with Phase 1B of the Alum Creek Drive Extension to Franklin County for public transportation purposes. The remaining 0.56 acres of land will be used for land exchange with South Central Power Company. A small portion of the land is currently developed with existing roadways and four existing structures that formerly supported military base activities. The parcel was acquired by the Rickenbacker Port Authority through three agreements (Quitclaim Deeds) dated March 30, 1984, September 22, 2003 and May 16, 2005 from the United States of America. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to dispose of the property. The roadways currently support civilian airport activities. The present condition of the existing roadway pavements varies from poor to excellent. The present condition of the four existing structures are: Building 904Sanitary sewer lift station for military cantonment area is currently in use, is in fair condition and will remain in use; Building 905 (Warehouse/Tank Control)not in use, to be demolished; Building 906 (Warehouse Tank port)Not in use, to be demolished; Building 812 (Former Base Exchange)Not in use, to be demolished. 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. 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by the City of Portland under the provisions of Title I of the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-193) and 14 CFR part 150. These findings are made in recognition of the description of federal and non- federal responsibilities in Senate Report No. 96-51 (1980). On September 9, 2005, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by the City of Portland under part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements. On March 8, 2006, the Acting Associate Administrator approved the Portland International Jetport noise compatibility program. All 13 of the proposed program elements were approved.

The FAA publishes a monthly notice, as appropriate, of PFC approvals and disapprovals 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 notice is published pursuant to paragraph d of Sec. 158.29.

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.