Federal Aviation Administration December 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes. This AD requires doing initial and repetitive inspections for cracking of the elevator actuator fittings, and replacing any cracked fitting with a new fitting. This AD results from a report that a cracked left elevator actuator fitting was found on a Model 777 airplane. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a cracked actuator fitting, which could detach from the elevator and lead to an unrestrained elevator and an unacceptable flutter condition, which could result in loss of airplane control.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed and high-frequency eddy current inspections for cracking around the heads of the fasteners on the forward fastener row of certain areas of the station (STA) 259.5 circumferential butt splice, and repair if necessary. This AD also requires a preventive modification, which eliminates the need for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from a report that an operator found multiple cracks in the fuselage skin of a Model 737-200 airplane, at the forward fastener row of the STA 259.5 circumferential butt splice between stringers 19 and 24. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the STA 259.5 circumferential butt splice, which could result in loss of structural integrity of the fuselage skin and possible loss of cabin pressure.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 757 airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the anchor tab of the bulkhead seal assemblies of the wing thermal anti-ice (TAI) system for cracks at certain outboard stations of the left and right wings, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD also provides optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD results from reports of cracks found at the anchor tab of the bulkhead seal assemblies of the wing TAI system. In one incident the anchor tab and bulkhead seal assembly had separated because of the cracks. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the anchor tab of the bulkhead seal assembly, which in icing conditions could result in insufficient airflow to the wing TAI system, subsequent ice on the wings, and consequent reduced controllability 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) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Thrush Aircraft, Inc. (Thrush) Model S2R series airplanes. This AD requires you to do repetitive visual inspections of the vertical and horizontal stabilizer attach fitting, attach fitting bolts, and the vertical fin aft spar for cracks or corrosion. This AD also requires immediate replacement of the vertical and horizontal stabilizer attach fittings and attach fitting bolts if cracked or corroded parts are found, and the inspection of the vertical fin aft spar with repair or replacement if cracks or corrosion are found. This AD requires the eventual replacement of the vertical and horizontal stabilizer attach fittings and attach fitting bolts if no corrosion or cracks are found as terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from reports of cracks in the empennage of Thrush S2R series airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct these cracks, which could cause the vertical stabilizer to lose structural integrity. This failure could lead to loss of control.

In anticipation of congress enacting an extension of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) the FAA is publishing this annual notice. This notice announces the criteria, application procedures, and schedule to be applied by the Secretary of Transportation in designating or redesignating, and funding capital development annually for up to 15 current (joint-use) or former military airports seeking designation or redesignation to participate in the MAP. While FAA currently has continuing authority to designate or redesignate airports, FAA does not have authority to issue grants for fiscal year 2008 MAP, and will not have authority until Congress enacts legislation enabling FAA to issue grants. The MAP allows the Secretary to designate current (joint-use) or former military airports to receive grants from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The Secretary is authorized to designate an airport (other than an airport designated before August 24, 1994) only if: (1) The airport is a former military installation closed or realigned under the Title 10 U.S.C. Sec. 2687 (announcement of closures of large Department of Defense installations after September 30, 1977), or under Section 201 or 2905 of the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Acts; or (2) The airport is a military installation with both military and civil aircraft operations. The Secretary shall consider for designation only those current or former military airports, at least partly converted to civilian airports as part of the national air transportation system, that will reduce delays at airports with more than 20,000 hours of annual delays in commercial passenger aircraft takeoffs and landings, or will enhance airport and air traffic control system capacity in metropolitan areas, or reduce current and projected flight delays (49 U.S.C. 47118(c)).

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

This rule establishes a Class E airspace area extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Prairie Du Sac, WI. The effect of this rule is to provide appropriate controlled Class E airspace for aircraft departing from and executing instrument approach procedures to Sauk-Prairie Airport, Prairie du Sac, WI and to segregate aircraft using instrument approach procedures in instrument conditions from aircraft operating in visual conditions.

This rule amends Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of changes in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding of new obstacles, or changing 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 action establishes Class D, E2 and E4 airspace at Easton, MD to provide adequate airspace that will support the new Air Traffic Control Tower constructed at Easton Airport/Newnam Field. Increased safety and airspace management is enhanced through this rule by providing controlled airspace for Instrument Approaches and Instrument and Visual Flight Rule operations. This action also amends Class E5 airspace at Easton, MD by imparting a technical correction to the airport's name.

This action establishes additional Class E Airspace at Honesdale, PA. The existing controlled airspace does not adequately support a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Special Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP) that has been developed for medical flight operations. This action will enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations by providing the required controlled airspace to protect for this approach around Honesdale, PA.

This final rule requires holders of design approvals to make available to operators damage tolerance data for repairs and alterations to fatigue critical airplane structure. This rule will support operator compliance with the Aging Airplane Safety final rule with respect to the requirement to incorporate into the maintenance program, a means for addressing the adverse effects repairs and alterations may have on fatigue critical structure. The intent of this final rule is to ensure the continued airworthiness of fatigue critical airplane structure by requiring design approval holders to support operator compliance with specified damage tolerance requirements.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes identified above. This proposed AD would require modifying the outboard flap track and transmission attachments. This proposed AD results from a joint Boeing and FAA multi-model study (following in-service trailing edge flap structure and drive system events) on the hazards posed by skewing and failed flaps. This study identified the safety concerns regarding the transmission attachment design and the potential loss of an outboard trailing edge flap. We are proposing this AD to prevent certain discrepancies associated with this design (for example, a flap skew or lateral control asymmetry that can cause collateral damage to adjacent hydraulic tubing and subsequent loss of a hydraulic system), which could result in the asymmetric flight control limits being exceeded, and could adversely affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747- 200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the station (STA) 1241 bulkhead fittings just above the canted pressure deck; a one-time determination of the edge margin at seven fastener positions on each side of the airplane; and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from a report that an operator found a 1.65- inch crack on the STA 1241 bulkhead fitting on the left side of a Boeing Model 747-200F series airplane that had accumulated 17,332 total flight cycles. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the STA 1241 bulkhead fittings, which could result in reduced structural integrity 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) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

These special conditions are issued to L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, for a Supplemental Type Certificate for the Cirrus Design Corporation Model SR22. This airplane will have novel and unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisaged in the applicable airworthiness standards. These novel and unusual design features include the installation of electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) displays Model SmartDeck manufactured by L-3 Communications Avionics Systems for which the applicable regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate airworthiness standards for the protection of these systems from the effects of high intensity radiated fields (HIRF). These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to the airworthiness standards applicable to these airplanes.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-400 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the forward and rear heat exchanger shells of the air distribution system of the crew rest area, and applicable corrective actions. This AD also requires an inspection to identify the part number, shop code, and build date of the forward and rear heat exchanger shells of the air distribution system of the crew rest area, and applicable corrective actions, which end the repetitive inspections. This AD results from a report of an uncommanded up and down pitch movement of an airplane in flight and resistance in the elevator controls on the ground during taxi. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking and buckling of the forward or rear heat exchanger shell of the air distribution system of the crew rest area, which could result in jamming of the rudder and/or elevator control cables and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

These special conditions are issued to ASPEN Avionics Inc., for a Supplemental Type Certificate for the models listed under the heading ``Type Certification Basis'' under the Approved Model List Process. These airplanes will have novel and unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisaged in the applicable airworthiness standards. These novel and unusual design features include the installation of electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) displays Model EFD 1000 manufactured by ASPEN Avionics Inc., for which the applicable regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate airworthiness standards for the protection of these systems from the effects of high intensity radiated fields (HIRF). These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to the airworthiness standards applicable to these airplanes.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81) and DC-9-82 (MD-82) airplanes. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, inspecting for cracking of the fuselage skin at the upper corners of the forward passenger doorjamb, installing or replacing doublers as applicable, and doing applicable repairs. This AD results from reports of fatigue cracking in the fuselage skin at the upper corners of the forward passenger doorjamb. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the fuselage skin at the upper corners of the forward passenger doorjamb, which could lead to loss of overall structural integrity of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 206A and 206B helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 0004 through 3906, with two-piece vertical stabilizer (fin) supports (fin supports) installed, that requires inserting a revision into the applicable maintenance manual, verifying the torque on the fin support attachment hardware, inspecting the fin support bracket and fins for paint or gaps, and inspecting the fin support bracket for cracking, and if a crack is found, replacing the two-piece vertical fin support with a one-piece casting support. This amendment is prompted by an accident in which the fin supports failed. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect improper torque of the fin supports' attachment hardware, gaps between the fin support bracket and the doubler, painted mating surfaces of the fin supports, vertical fin, and vertical fin inserts (fin inserts), and cracking in the fin supports, to prevent the vertical fin from rotating into the tail rotor, separation of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: