Federal Aviation Administration 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 210, Cabin Management.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing the drain tube assemblies and support clamps on the aft fairings of the engine struts. This proposed AD results from reports of failure of the drain tube assembly and clamp on the aft fairings of an engine strut. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the drain tube assemblies and clamps on the aft fairings of the engine struts. Such a failure could allow leaked flammable fluids in the drain systems to discharge on to the heat shields of the aft fairings of the engine struts, which could result in an undetected and uncontrollable fire.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, and 747-400D series airplanes. This proposed AD would require a detailed inspection to detect missing fasteners from the shear clip at a certain stub frame to auxiliary sill joint, and applicable related investigative and corrective actions. This proposed AD results from reports of missing fasteners from the shear clip of the stub frame to auxiliary sill joint and cracking of the adjacent exterior skin and internal doubler. We are proposing this AD to ensure that fasteners are installed in the shear clip of the stub frame to auxiliary sill joint. Missing fasteners could result in cracks in the adjacent exterior skin and internal doubler, which can propagate and result in loss of structural integrity and sudden in-flight decompression of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above that would supersede an existing AD. 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 final rule amends the aircraft turbine engine type certification standards to better address the threat flocking birds present to turbine engine aircraft. These changes will also harmonize FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) bird ingestion standards for aircraft turbine engines type certificated by the United States and the EASA countries, and simplify airworthiness approvals for import and export. The changes are necessary to establish uniform international standards and provide an acceptable level of safety for aircraft turbine engines with respect to the current large flocking bird threat.

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:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the Noise Exposure Maps submitted by the Kenton County Airport Board for Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47501 et seq. (Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act) and 14 CFR Part 150 are in compliance with applicable requirements. The FAA also announces that it is reviewing a proposed Noise Compatibility Program that was submitted for Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport under Part 150 in conjunction with the Noise Exposure Map, and that this program will be approved or disapproved on or before April 7, 2008.

This action proposes to revise Class E airspace at Chevak, AK. Two new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) are being developed for the Chevak Airport at Chevak, AK. Adoption of this proposal would result in revision of existing Class E airspace upward, from 700 feet (ft.) and 1,200 ft. above the surface, at the Chevak Airport, Chevak, AK.

This action proposes to revise Class E airspace at Selawik, AK. Two Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) are being amended for the Roland Norton Memorial Airport at Selawik, AK. Additionally, four new SIAPs and a textual departure procedure (DP) are being developed. Adoption of this proposal would result in revision of existing Class E airspace upward, from 700 feet (ft.) and 1,200 ft. above the surface, at the Roland Norton Memorial Airport, Selawik, AK.

This notice proposes special conditions for the Boeing Model 787-8 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. The Boeing Model 787-8 airplane will have numerous electrically operated systems whose function is needed for continued safe flight and landing of the airplane. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. 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 Boeing Model 787-8 airplanes.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747 and 767 airplanes. This AD requires reworking the electrical bonding between the airplane structure and the pump housing of the outboard boost pumps in the main fuel tank of certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes, and between the airplane structure and the pump housing of the override/jettison pumps in the left and right wing center auxiliary fuel tanks of certain Boeing Model 767 airplanes. This AD also requires related investigative actions and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent insufficient electrical bonding, which could result in a potential of ignition sources inside the fuel tanks, and which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This AD requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new limitations for fuel tank systems. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 707 airplanes and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. This AD requires identifying the material used in the elevator hinge support fittings of the horizontal stabilizer trailing edge, doing repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the fittings and corrective actions if necessary, and doing an eventual terminating action. This AD results from a report that stress corrosion cracking of the elevator hinge support fittings has been discovered on several Model 707 airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the elevator hinge support fittings, which could reduce the elevator support stiffness and lead to in-flight airframe vibration, consequent damage to the elevator and horizontal stabilizer, and reduced controllability of the airplane.

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.

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 propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) provided by the aviation authority of the United Kingdom to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI states the following:

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

The Federal Aviation Administration is requesting public comment on Clinton County Airport (PLB), Plattsburgh, New York notice of proposed release from aeronautical use of approximately 624 acres of airport property, including runways, taxiways, aprons, airside and landside facilities to allow for non-aeronautical development. It has been determined through the planning process to close Clinton County Airport and transfer all operations to Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG), Plattsburgh, New York, its replacement airport. FAA's action is to release the land from its deed provision requiring aeronautical use of the property. A prior study explored the potential for the public benefit conveyance of Plattsburgh International Airport as a replacement airport, with Clinton County as the owner and operator of the new airport. The Plattsburgh International Military Airport Program application and Airport Master Plan determined that land constituting Clinton County Airport has no aeronautical use and should be replaced by the new facility at PGB. Revenue generated from the disposal of the property will be utilized at the replacement airport, Plattsburgh International Airport, Plattsburgh, New York for aeronautical development. Documents reflecting the sponsor's request are available, by appointment only, for inspection at the Airport Manager's office and the FAA Airports District Office.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 airplanes. This proposed AD would require electrical bonding of the fill valves for the right and left main fuel tanks, the fill valve and pipe assembly for the center wing fuel tank, and the defuel shutoff valve. This proposed AD results from a fuel system review conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent improper bonding of the fill valves and defuel shutoff valve for the main fuel tanks and center wing tank, which, in combination with a lightning strike, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking in and around the upper and lower hinge cutouts of the forward entry and forward galley service doorways, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from multiple reports of cracks found in the skin, bearstrap, and/or frame outer chord in the hinge cutout areas of the forward entry and forward galley service doorways. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for GE CF6-80C2A5F turbofan engines installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A300F4-605R airplanes. This AD requires removing previous software versions from the engine electronic control unit (ECU). Engines with new version software will have increased margin to flameout. This AD results from reports of engine flameout events during flight, including reports of events where all engines simultaneously experienced a flameout or other adverse operation. Although the root cause investigation is not yet complete, we believe that exposure to ice crystals during flight is associated with these flameout events. We are issuing this AD to minimize the potential of an all-engine flameout event caused by ice accretion and shedding during flight.

These special conditions are issued for the Boeing Model 787-8 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. The Boeing Model 787-8 airplanes will use high capacity lithium ion battery technology in on- board systems. For these design features, the applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards. 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 standards. Additional special conditions will be issued for other novel or unusual design features of the Boeing Model 787-8 airplanes.

The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (RAC) Models 58P and 58TC airplanes that were used as lead airplanes by the United States Forest Service (USFS). This AD establishes new limits for the structural life of the airframe (wing, fuselage, empennage, and associated structure) through the incorporation of a supplement to the Limitations Section of the pilot's operating handbook and airplane flight manual (POH/AFM). This AD results from the FAA's analysis and determination that the operational history and usage of the affected airplanes requires a reduction in the structural life limit to 4,500 hours time-in-service (TIS) for the airframe (wing, fuselage, empennage, and associated structure). We are issuing this AD to prevent structural failure of the airframe (wing, fuselage, empennage, or associated structure) based on the operational history and usage of the affected airplanes. Such failure could lead to loss of control.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of land at Muskogee-Davis Field Municipal Airport under the provisions of Title 49 United States Code, section 47153.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW4090 and PW4090-3 turbofan engines with front turbine hub, part number (P/N) 53L601, installed. This proposed AD would reduce the published life limit of those front turbine hubs from 12,000 cycles-since-new (CSN) to 9,370 CSN. This proposed AD would also remove from service those front turbine hubs using a drawdown schedule. This proposed AD results from PW updating the low-cycle- fatigue (LCF) life analysis for front turbine hubs, P/N 53L601. We are proposing this AD to prevent an uncontained failure of the front turbine hub, resulting in an in-flight engine shutdown and possible damage to the airplane.