Federal Aviation Administration December 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the BHTC Model 407 and Model 427 helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) ADs issued by the aviation authority of Canada. The MCAI ADs state that some hydraulic pump driveshaft assemblies may have been delivered with a missing internal plug or fastening rivet. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a loss of hydraulic pressure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-09-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC225LP helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, before further flight, determining if the ``CHIP'' detector light on the instrument panel (Vehicle Monitoring System Screen) previously illuminated. If the ``CHIP'' detector light did illuminate and it illuminated because of a metal particle on the magnetic plug of the epicyclic reduction gear module (module) of the main gearbox (MGB), or if you cannot determine from the maintenance records which chip detector caused the ``CHIP'' detector light to illuminate or whether the detector light stayed illuminated after the ``CHIP'' detector switch was turned to the ``CHIP PULSE'' setting, replacing the module with an airworthy module is required before further flight. Also required before further flight is inspecting the MGB module magnetic chip detector electrical circuit and determining whether the system is functioning properly, including whether the ``CHIP'' detector light annunciates on the instrument panel (Vehicle Monitoring System Screen). Finally, this AD requires replacing the module with an airworthy module if the ``CHIP'' detector light illuminates, stays illuminated after the ``CHIP'' detector switch is turned to the ``CHIP PULSE'' setting, and you determine that a metal particle on the module magnetic plug caused that illumination. This amendment is prompted by a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. EASA notified us of an accident that occurred April 1, 2009 on a Eurocopter Model AS332L2 helicopter and EASA advises that the ``cause of the accident seems to be connected with degradation of the epicyclic module of the MGB, the root cause of which is still to be determined.'' The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the MGB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

This action modifies Jet Route J-20 by terminating the route at the Orlando, FL, very high frequency omnidirectional range/tactical air navigation (VORTAC) facility, thereby eliminating a portion of J-20 that is no longer needed. This action will ensure the efficient use of airspace within the National Airspace System (NAS).

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 document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. The AD would require revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM), Operating Limitations section, to make it clear to operators that this model helicopter was not certificated to the standards that allow for the carriage of human external cargo. This proposal is prompted by a mistake in the RFM, which allows ``Class D'' rotorcraft load combinations for human external cargo load (HEC) operations for this model. The Model S-92A RFM does not include the required one-engine inoperative (OEI) hover performance and procedures. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to correct the Limitations section of the RFM to prevent HEC operations, which could result in injury or loss of life.

This action proposes special conditions for the Dassault Aviation Falcon Model 2000EX airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design features associated with the autobraking system for use during landing. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. 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.

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 FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking, and repair as necessary, of lower lobe body frames (sections 42 and 46) of the fuselage. The existing AD also provides for optional modification of the frames, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This new AD requires additional repetitive inspections for cracking of certain fuselage frames, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from a new report of a crack found in a body frame with a tapered side guide bracket at fuselage station 1800, located on the left side between stringers 39 and 40; the frame was severed. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct the loss of structural integrity of the fuselage, which could result in rapid depressurization of the airplane.

This action proposes to modify Jet Routes J-32 and J-38 by terminating portions of the routes at the Duluth, MN, VHF omnidirectional range/tactical air navigation (VORTAC) that are no longer needed. This action also would amend the J-538 airway description to align it with the corresponding segment of J-538 contained in Canadian airspace. This action is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations within the National Airspace System (NAS).

These special conditions are issued for the Embraer S.A., Model EMB-505 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with high fuel temperature. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. 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 airworthiness standards.

This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or revokes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures 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, adding 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 lowers the altitude floor within a part of the Atlantic Low Offshore Airspace Area. This action provides additional controlled airspace to enable air traffic control (ATC) to more efficiently handle arriving instrument flight rules (IFR) aircraft a various coastal airports along the United States (U.S.) east coast.

This action establishes Class E Airspace at Fort A.P. Hill, VA. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) at A.P. Hill AAF, Fort A.P. Hill, VA. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for SIAPs at the airport.

This establishes, amends, suspends, or revokes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures 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, adding 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 notice announces four fact-finding informal airspace meetings to solicit information from airspace users and others, concerning a proposal to revise Class B airspace at Atlanta, GA. The purpose of these meetings is to provide interested parties an opportunity to present views, recommendations, and comments on the proposal. All comments received during these meetings will be considered prior to any issuance of a notice of proposed rulemaking.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Langdon, ND. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) at Robertson Field Airport, Langdon, ND. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for SIAPs at Robertson Field Airport.

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 that would revise an existing AD. 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 FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-14, DC-9-15, and DC-9-15F airplanes; and McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-20, DC-9-30, DC-9- 40, and DC-9-50 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracks of the main landing gear (MLG) shock strut cylinder, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD adds more work on airplanes that have main landing gear shock struts with certain identified part numbers. This AD results from two reports of a collapsed MLG and a report of cracks in two MLG cylinders. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracks in the shock strut cylinder of the MLG, which could result in a collapsed MLG during takeoff or landing, and possible reduced 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 issuing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, and 747SR series airplanes. This AD requires a one-time general visual inspection for missing fasteners in certain stringer-to-stringer clip joints at the station (STA) 760 through STA 940 frames, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from a report of broken and cracked frame shear ties, cracks on the frame doubler and frame web, and missing fasteners in the stringer (S) -10L stringer-to- stringer clip joint at the STA 820 frame. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct missing fasteners in the stringer-to-stringer clip joints, which could result in shear tie and skin cracks and rapid in- flight decompression of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Learjet Model 45 airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the baggage bay door fire barrier seal for inconel mesh in the fire barrier seal material; for certain airplanes, inspecting the fiberglass doublers for presence of red Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) sealant; and doing related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from reports of incorrect external baggage door seal material and door seal sealant, as well as incorrect sealant on interior baggage panels used during manufacture of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to prevent the use of door seals and sealant that do not meet flammability requirements, which could result in an uncontrollable and undetected fire within the baggage compartment.

The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to all 328 Support Services GmbH (Dornier) Model 328-100 airplanes. That AD currently requires modifying the electrical wiring of the fuel pumps; installing insulation at the hand flow control and shut-off valves, and other components of the environmental control system; and installing markings at fuel wiring harnesses. That AD also requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new inspections of the fuel tank system. This AD clarifies the intended effect of the AD on spare and on-airplane fuel tank system components. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss 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: During testing, it was discovered that when the outflow valve (OFV) manual mode connector is not connected, the manual mode motor and altitude limitation are not properly tested. Consequently, a disconnect of the OFV manual mode and/ or a related wiring failure could potentially result in a dormant loss of several CPC [cabin pressure control] backup/safety functions, including OFV manual control, altitude limitation, emergency depressurization and smoke clearance.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public that it has issued a ROD for a Written Re-evaluation of the FEIS for the Relocation of the Panama City-Bay County International Airport, Panama City, Florida. The FEIS for the relocation of the airport was issued in May 2006. The FAA issued a ROD for this federal action in September 2006. Airport facilities are currently being constructed at the new airport site. This ROD is issued for a Written Re-evaluation of the FEIS because the Panama City-Bay County Airport and Industrial District (Airport Sponsor) has proposed to extend the primary runway (Runway 16L-34R) from 8,400 feet to 10,000 feet. This ROD approves the extension and other minor changes as shown on a revised Airport Layout Plan (ALP) that has been submitted to the FAA. Subsequent to this ROD, the FAA will conditionally approve the revised ALP.