Federal Aviation Administration 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive general visual inspections for dirt, debris, and drain blockage and cleaning of the aft fairing cavities of the engine struts; and modification of the aft fairings, which terminates the repetitive general visual inspections. This AD results from a report indicating that water had accumulated in the cavities of the engine strut aft fairings. We are issuing this AD to prevent drain blockage by debris that, when combined with leaking, flammable fluid lines passing through the engine strut aft fairing, could allow flammable fluids to build up in the cavity of the aft fairing, and consequently could be ignited by the engine exhaust nozzle located below the engine strut, resulting in an explosion or uncontrolled fire.

This notice proposes special conditions for the Airbus A380- 800 airplane. This airplane will have novel or unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. Many of these novel or unusual design features are associated with the complex systems and the configuration of the airplane, including its full- length double deck. For these design features, the applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards regarding extendable length escape slides. These proposed 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. Additional special conditions will be issued for other novel or unusual design features of the Airbus Model A380-800 airplane.

This special condition is issued for the modification of the Robinson Model R44 helicopter. This modification will have novel or unusual design features associated with installing a complex Autopilot/ Stabilization Augmentation System (AP/SAS) that has potential failure modes with more severe adverse consequences than those envisioned by the existing applicable airworthiness regulations. This proposal contains the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to ensure that the failures and their effects are sufficiently analyzed and contained.

This notice proposes special conditions for the Airbus A380- 800 airplane. This airplane will have novel or unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. Many of these novel or unusual design features are associated with the complex systems and the configuration of the airplane, including its full- length double deck. For these design features, the applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards regarding airplane jacking loads. These proposed 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. Additional special conditions will be issued for other novel or unusual design features of the Airbus Model A380-800 airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes; and Model A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes. This proposed AD would require an inspection for anti-fretting material contamination of the Halon filters and plumbing parts of the flow metering system (FMS) and flow metering compact unit (FMCU) in the lower deck cargo compartment (LDCC) and bulk crew rest compartment (BCRC), as applicable; other specified actions; and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from a report that the FMS and FMCU of the fire extinguishing system may be blocked by anti-fretting material contamination. We are proposing this AD to prevent such anti- fretting material contamination, which could reduce the effectiveness of the fire extinguisher system to discharge fire extinguishing agents and to lower the concentration of Halon gas in the LDCC or BCRC in a timely manner. An ineffective fire extinguisher system in the event of a fire could result in an uncontrollable fire in the LDCC or BCRC.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public that a meeting of the Federal Aviation Air Traffic Procedures Advisory Committee (ATPAC) will be held to review present air traffic control procedures and practices for standardization, clarification, and upgrading of terminology and procedures.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ airplanes. The existing AD currently requires a one-time inspection to detect corrosion of the flap structure and machined ribs, corrective actions if necessary, and reprotection of the rib boss bores. This proposed AD would require a records review of the results of that inspection, and an additional inspection and related investigative/corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD results from the development of an improved inspection for corrosion in the subject area. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct corrosion in the flap structure and machined ribs, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

The FAA is revising an earlier NPRM for an airworthiness directive (AD) that would have applied to certain Airbus Model A330- 200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes, and A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes. The original NPRM would have required inspecting to determine if certain emergency escape slides/slide rafts (referred to as slide/rafts) are installed in certain crew/ passenger doors; and, if so, performing a one-time inspection to determine if the electrical harnesses of the slide/rafts are properly routed, and rerouting the harnesses if necessary. The original NPRM resulted from a report that a slide/raft failed to deploy properly during a deployment test. This action revises the original NPRM by expanding the applicability of the proposed AD. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct improper routing of the electrical harnesses of certain slide/rafts, which could prevent proper deployment of the slide/rafts and delay evacuation of passengers and flightcrew during an emergency.

The FAA is revising an earlier supplemental NPRM for an airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus airplanes as listed above. The first supplemental NPRM would have required repetitively inspecting for cracking in the web of nose rib 7 of the inner flap on the wings, and performing related investigative/ corrective actions if necessary. The original NPRM resulted from reports of cracking in the web of nose rib 7 of the inner flap. This action revises the first supplemental NPRM by requiring eventual replacement of nose rib 7 with a new, improved rib, which would terminate the proposed inspections. This action also removes from the applicability airplanes on which the improved nose rib 7 was installed during production. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to prevent cracking in the web of nose rib 7, which could result in rupture of the attachment fitting between the inner flap and flap track 2, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the flap.

The FAA is revising an earlier NPRM for an airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Bombardier Model DHC-7 airplanes. The original NPRM would have required implementing a corrosion prevention and control program (CPCP) either by accomplishing specific tasks or by revising the maintenance inspection program to include a CPCP. The original NPRM resulted from a determination that, as airplanes age, they are more likely to exhibit indications of corrosion. This action revises the original NPRM by clarifying certain compliance aspects of the proposed AD that were not adequately defined in the original NPRM. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to prevent structural failure of the airplane due to corrosion.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has revised its procedures for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act by revising Order 1050.1E, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, with Order 1050.1E, Change 1. The revisions include: changes for clarification, consistency, and addition of information; corrections; and editorial changes. This notice informs the public of the availability of the Final Order. This notice also provides the public with information on how to access Order 1050.1E, Change 1 on FAA's Office of Environment and Energy Web site.

This action establishes a RITTR, designated T-210, in the Jacksonville, FL, terminal area. The purpose of this route is to expedite the handling of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) overflight aircraft transitioning through busy terminal airspace. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace in the Jacksonville, FL, terminal area.

This document identifies and provides guidance on the current FAA policies regarding requests for an exemption from the rules governing the operation of aircraft for the purpose of carrying passengers on living history flights in return for compensation. Specifically, this document clarifies which aircraft are potentially eligible for an exemption and what type of information petitioners should submit to the FAA for proper consideration of relief from the applicable regulations. This policy does not apply to flight crew training or commercial space transportation issues.

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.