Federal Aviation Administration 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. The existing AD currently requires revising the airworthiness limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness of the aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) by incorporating procedures for repetitive functional tests of the pilot input lever of the pitch feel simulator (PFS) units. This AD requires new repetitive functional tests of the pilot input lever of the PFS unit, and corrective actions if necessary. After initiating the new tests, this AD also requires removal of the existing procedures for the repetitive functional tests from the AMM. This AD results from a report that the shear pin located in the input lever of two PFS units failed due to fatigue. We are issuing this AD to prevent undetected failure of the shear pin of both PFS units simultaneously, which could result in loss of pitch feel forces and consequent reduced control of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A310-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the flap transmission shafts, and replacing the transmission shafts if necessary. This proposed AD also would provide an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD results from reports of longitudinal cracks due to stress corrosion in the transmission shafts between the power control unit (PCU) and the torque limiters of the flap transmission system. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the flap transmission shaft, which could compromise shaft structural integrity and lead to a disabled flap transmission shaft and reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Aerospatiale Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes. This AD requires doing repetitive inspections of the upper arms of the main landing gear (MLG) side braces for missing or inadequately bonded identification plates; doing an ultrasonic inspection of the upper arm of the MLG side brace for any defects and related investigative/ corrective actions if necessary; and replacing the side brace assembly with a modified part. This AD results from an operator who reported experiencing an unlock warning for the MLG on the right side of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the upper arms of the side braces of the MLG, which could result in failure of the MLG during landing and possible damage to the airplane and injury to the flightcrew and passengers.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes. This AD requires installing a new washer between the lower wing surface and the jam nut of the sump drain valve assembly. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent energy from a lightning strike on the bushing for the sump drain valve from arcing to the inside of the center fuel tank wall, which could create an ignition source in the fuel tank and result in a fuel tank explosion.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Model Avro 146-RJ airplanes. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection for corrosion of the hinge bracket assembly of the left and right main landing gear (MLG) doors, and corrective action if necessary. This AD results from in-service reports of hinge bracket failures on the MLG doors. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the hinge bracket on the MLG door, which could result in separation of the door, consequent structural damage to the airplane, and possible injury to people on the ground.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 747-100 and -200 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the station 800 frame assembly, and repair if necessary. This proposed AD would retain the repetitive inspection requirements of the existing AD, but would expand the area to be inspected. This proposed AD also would reduce the initial inspection threshold, remove the adjustment of the compliance threshold and repetitive interval based on cabin differential pressure, and add airplanes to the applicability. This proposed AD results from several reports of cracks of the station 800 frame assembly on airplanes that had accumulated fewer total flight cycles than the initial inspection threshold in the existing AD. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracks that could extend and fully sever the frame, which could result in development of skin cracks that could lead to rapid depressurization of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Honeywell International Inc. TPE331 series turboprop engines with certain part numbers of Woodward fuel control assemblies installed. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive dimensional inspections of the splines between the fuel pump and fuel control, for wear or damage. This proposed AD would also require replacing those fuel control assemblies with serviceable modified fuel control assemblies with improved overspeed protection. This proposed AD results from reports of loss of the drive between the fuel pump and fuel control, leading to engine overspeed, overtorque, overtemperature, uncontained rotor failure, and asymmetric thrust in multi-engine airplanes. We are proposing this AD to prevent rapid, uncommanded, uncontrolled increase in fuel flow to the engine, asymmetric thrust, uncontained rotor failure, and damage to the airplane.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 727-200 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires initial and repetitive inspections for cracks in the forward frame of the No. 3 cargo door cutout; and corrective actions, if necessary. The existing AD also provides for an optional structural modification, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would reduce the compliance time for the initial inspections and add an optional method of inspection for both the initial and repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would also add initial and repetitive inspections of an additional area and repair if necessary. Additionally, this proposed AD would clarify that the previously optional structural modification is now required by other rulemaking. This proposed AD results from additional reports of cracking in the forward frame of the No. 3 cargo door cutout. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the forward frame and fuselage skin of the No. 3 cargo door cutout, which could result in failure of the frame and skin, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) EMB-120( ) airplane models in operation. This proposed AD would require replacing the de-icing system ejector flow control valves with new, improved control valves having hermetically sealed switches; and rewiring applicable connectors. This proposed AD results from a fuel system review conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing 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 and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain EMBRAER Model EMB-120, -120ER, -120FC, -120QC, and -120RT airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing the shut-off and crossbleed valves of the bleed air system with new valves having hermetically sealed switches. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing 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 and consequent loss of the airplane.

This action amends the Norton Sound Low, Woody Island Low and 1234L Offshore Airspace Areas in Alaska. Specifically, this action modifies the Norton Sound Low Offshore Airspace Area in the vicinity of the Toksook Bay Airport, Toksook Bay, AK, by lowering the Offshore airspace floor to 1,200 feet mean sea level (MSL) within a 35-mile radius from a defined point just south of the airport. This action also modifies the Woody Island Low and 1234L Offshore Airspace Areas in the vicinity of the Chignik Airport, Chignik, AK, by lowering the Offshore airspace floors to 1,200 feet MSL within a 72.8-mile radius from the Chignik Airport. The additional controlled airspace is necessary for the safety of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the Toksook Bay and Chignik Airports.

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.

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Boeing Model 747SP, 747SR, 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, and -300 series airplanes, that requires modification of the escape slide/raft pack assembly and cable release sliders, as applicable. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent improper deployment of the escape slide/raft or blockage of the passenger/crew doors in the event of an emergency evacuation, which could result in injury to passengers or crewmembers. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH variable pitch and fixed pitch propellers with serial numbers (SNs) below 95000, which have not been overhauled since April 1994. This AD requires overhauling the propeller blades of these propellers within 30 days after the effective date of the AD. This AD also requires performing initial and repetitive visual inspections of affected propeller blades. This AD also requires removing all propeller blades from service with damaged erosion sheath bonding or loose erosion sheaths and installing any missing or damaged polyurethane protective strips. This AD results from reports of stainless steel leading edge erosion sheaths separating from propeller blades and reports of propeller blades with damaged or missing polyurethane protective strips (PU-protection tape) due to insufficient inspection procedures in older MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH Operation & Installation Manuals. We are issuing this AD to prevent erosion sheath separation leading to damage of the airplane.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 204: 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 159: Global Positioning System.

This action modifies Class E airspace at Sand Point, AK to provide adequate controlled airspace to contain aircraft executing three new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs), one revised SIAP, and a revised Departure Procedure (DP). This rule results in revised Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) and 1,200 ft. above the surface at Sand Point, AK.

Pursuant to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 5 U.S.C. App. 2), and 5 U.S.C. 552b (c), notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Risk Management Working Group of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC). The meeting agenda will include a briefing by a representative from The Aerospace Corporation on the issue of indemnification for commercial launch activities, and will take place on Monday, March 20, 2006, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at FAA Headquarters, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591.

On January 7, 2005, the FAA published Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 103 establishing the procedures and some standards by which an air traffic controller in a flight service station, enroute or terminal facility, or at the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command Center may request a waiver of the mandatory separation age. The FAA requested comments on the SFAR. This action confirms that SFAR No. 103 remains in effect as adopted and disposes of the comments.

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 Quad City International Airport, Moline, 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 Metropolitan Airport Authority of Rock Island County 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: Construction, lighting and marking of a 500 foot long by 150 foot wide extension to Runway 5 that includes grading and drainage; Construction, lighting and marking of parallel and connecting taxiways to the Runway 5 extension; Construction of Taxiway Q; Widening of Taxiway F; Expansion of the General Aviation Ramp; Installation of a CAT II/III ILS to Runway 9 that includes an Approach Lighting System with sequenced Flashing Lights (ALSF-2), Touchdown Zone Lighting (TDZL) and Runway Centerline Lighting; Creation of a Standard CAT II/III Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) for Runway 9; Installation of a Mid-Field Runway Visual Range (RVR) Sensor; Relocation of the Runway 5 Visual Approach Decent Indicator (VADI); Construction of detention areas to mitigate approximately 0.6 acres of potential floodplain encroachment; and Approval of the Quad City International Airport's Layout Plan (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. Quad City International Airport, 2200 69th Avenue, Moline, IL 61265. 2. Division of Aeronautics-Illinois Department of Transportation, One Langhorne Bond Drive, Capital Airport, Springfield, IL 62707. 3. Chicago Airport District Office, Room 320, Federal Aviation Administration, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by the Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field under the provisions of Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.), the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, hereinafter referred to as ``the Act,'' and Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 150. These findings are made in recognition of the description of federal and nonfederal responsibilities in Senate Report No. 96-52 (1980). On August 23, 2005, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by the Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field under Part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements. On February 8, 2006, the FAA approved the Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field noise compatibility program. Thirty of thirty-two recommendations of the program were approved.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 747-200F, 747-200C, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of certain fuselage internal structure, and repair if necessary. This AD results from fatigue tests and analysis that identified areas of the fuselage where fatigue cracks can occur. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of the structural integrity of the fuselage, which could result in rapid depressurization of the airplane.

This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, part 71 (14 CFR 71) by revising the Class E airspace area at Scott City, KS. A review of the controlled airspace at Scott City, KS revealed that the area does not comply with the criteria for 700 feet above ground level (AGL) airspace required for diverse departures and does not reflect the current Scott City, KS Municipal Airport airport reference point (ARP). This action increases the radius of the existing controlled airspace at Scott City, KS and corrects the ARP in the legal description.