Federal Aviation Administration 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is amending a final rule published in the Federal Register on March 7, 2008. That final rule amended cockpit voice recorder and digital flight data recorder regulations affecting certain air carriers, operators, and aircraft. In that final rule, the FAA failed to include conforming amendments to certain operating rules to ensure that certain new requirements apply to only newly manufactured aircraft.

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:

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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 all Boeing Model 777 airplanes. That AD currently requires, for the drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer, repetitive detailed inspections for discrepancies, repetitive lubrication of the ballnut and ballscrew, repetitive measurements of the freeplay between the ballnut and the ballscrew, and corrective action if necessary. This new AD revises the compliance times of the existing AD. This AD results from a report of extensive corrosion of a ballscrew in the drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer on a Boeing Model 757 airplane, which is similar in design to the ballscrew on Model 777 airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent an undetected failure of the primary load path for the ballscrew in the drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer and subsequent wear and failure of the secondary load path, which could lead to loss of control of the horizontal stabilizer and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. For certain airplanes, this AD requires deactivating or modifying the wiring to the outboard landing lights, until the wire bundles and electrical connectors have been replaced. For all airplanes, this AD also requires inspecting for any broken, damaged, or missing fairleads, grommets, and wires in the four electrical junction boxes of the main wheel well, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires replacing certain wire bundles for the landing lights and fuel shutoff valves, and related investigative, other specified, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires replacing of certain electrical connectors and backshell clamps. This AD results from reports of uncommanded engine shutdowns and burned and damaged wire bundles associated with the outboard landing lights and engine fuel shutoff valves. This AD also results from reports of damaged and missing grommets and broken and damaged fairleads in the electrical junction boxes of the main wheel well. We are issuing this AD to prevent a hot short between the outboard landing light and fuel shutoff valve circuits, which could result in an uncommanded engine shutdown. We are also issuing this AD to prevent corrosion of the electrical connectors of the wing rear spars, which could result in short circuits and consequent incorrect functioning of airplane systems needed for safe flight and landing.

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 action will modify Class E airspace at Montrose Regional Airport, Montrose, CO. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using the Instrument Landing System (ILS) Localizer/Distance Measuring Equipment (LOC/DME) Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) at Montrose Regional Airport, Montrose, CO. This will improve the safety of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft executing the ILS LOC/DME SIAP at Montrose Regional Airport, Montrose, CO.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Chuathbaluk, AK. One Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) is being developed for the Chuathbaluk Airport at Chuathbaluk, AK. Adoption of this proposal would result in creating Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) above the surface at the Chuathbaluk Airport, Chuathbaluk, AK.

This document corrects errors in the FAA regulations regarding amateur rockets. A section concerning unmanned rocket activities was inadvertently placed in the subpart for unmanned balloon activities. This correction moves that section to the correct subpart, so all the information relating to unmanned rocket activities will appear in the same subpart. Additionally, we are making minor editorial corrections.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing 747-200C and -200F series airplanes. This proposed AD would require a high frequency eddy current inspection for cracks of certain fastener holes, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD would also require repetitive replacements of the upper chords, straps (or angles), and radius fillers of certain upper deck floor beams, and, for any replacement that is done, detailed and open-hole HFEC inspections for cracks of the modified upper deck floor beams, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from a report from the manufacturer that the accomplishment of certain existing inspections, repairs, and modifications is not adequate to ensure the structural integrity of the affected 7075 series aluminum alloy upper deck floor beam upper chords on airplanes that have exceeded certain thresholds. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracking of the upper chords and straps (or angles) of the floor beams, which could lead to failure of the floor beams and consequent loss of controllability, rapid decompression, and loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

This action amends Class E airspace at Port Clinton, OH. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) at Carl R. Keller Field Airport, Port Clinton, OH. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at Carl R. Keller Field Airport.

This action establishes twenty two Area Navigation (RNAV) routes, and revises fourteen RNAV routes, in the State of Alaska. Additionally, this action removes four existing routes that are no longer required. Q & T-routes are Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes, based on RNAV, for use by aircraft having instrument flight rules (IFR)-approved Global Positioning System (GPS)/Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment. The FAA is taking this action to enhance safety and to improve the efficient use of the navigable airspace in Alaska.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by Ohio State University for Ohio State University 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.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require modifying the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) densitometer. For certain other airplanes, this proposed AD would require replacing the existing hot short protector (HSP) on the FQIS densitometer with a new HSP. The proposed AD would also require revising the Airworthiness Limitations (AWL) section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate AWL No. 28-AWL-22. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent the center tank fuel densitometer from overheating and becoming a potential ignition source inside the center fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a center fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a current information collection. The FAA is proposing to raise the upper age limit for pilots serving in domestic, flag, and supplemental operations until they reach their 65th birthday as long as the other pilot at the controls is under age 60. Affected pilots would have to apply for medical examination twice a year to maintain a first-class medical certificate instead of once a year to maintain a second-class medical certificate.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for GE CF6-80C2B5F turbofan engines. This AD requires removing certain part number (P/N) high-pressure compressor rotor (HPCR) stages 11-14 spool/ shafts before they exceed a new, reduced life limit. This AD results from an internal GE audit that compared the life limited parts certification documentation to the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the instructions for continuing airworthiness (ICA). We are issuing this AD to prevent HPCR stages 11-14 spool/shaft fatigue cracks caused by exceeding the life limit, which could result in a possible uncontained failure of the HPCR spool/shaft and damage to the airplane.

The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) revision of a current information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on April 23, 2009, vol. 74, no. 77, page 18605-18606. This request is a change to FAA Form 5100-127, Operating and Financial Summary, where we will now collect limited statistical information on airport operations. This new information will add 10 lines to the Form and 1 hour to the Forms preparation time. Large, medium, and small hub commercial service airports will be asked to provide this information. A copy of the modified Form is available for public inspection at FAA Docket-2009-0257. This notice is supplementary to the notice of this Airport Grants Program revision published in the Federal Register on February 3, 2009 [74 FR 5965]. Additionally, since that notice of revision, the burden for this collection has increased due to new requirements imposed by the American Recovery and Reimbursement Act of 2009 (ARRA).

This action establishes a high altitude area navigation (RNAV) route, designated Q-42, extending between the New York-Philadelphia area and the Kirksville, MO, very high frequency omnidirectional range/ tactical air navigation (VORTAC) facility. The route will streamline RNAV procedures in the east-central United States by creating a route parallel to the existing Jet Route J-80. This action will help alleviate departure delay issues for westbound aircraft flying from the New York and Philadelphia areas.

This action amends Class E airspace at Ada, OK. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) at Ada Municipal Airport, Ada, OK. This action also updates the geographic coordinates of the airport to coincide with the FAA's National Aeronautical Charting Office. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at Ada Municipal Airport.

This action amends Class E airspace at Mansfield, OH. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) at Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport, Mansfield, OH. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport. This action also updates the airport name to Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport and updates the geographic coordinates of Shelby Community Airport and Willard Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of the airport from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the release of 37.016 acres of airport property for the proposed development bulk warehouse/ distribution facilities as a component of the Rickenbacker Global Logistics Park. The land was acquired by the Rickenbacker Port Authority through two Quitclaim Deeds dated March 30, 1984 from the Administrator of General Services for the United States of America and May 11, 1999 from the United States of America, acting by and through the Secretary of the Air Force. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to dispose of the property. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the disposal of the subject airport property nor a determination of eligibility for grant-in-aid funding from the FAA. The disposition of proceeds from the disposal of the airport property will be in accordance with FAA's Policy and Procedures Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, published in the Federal Register on February 16, 1999.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-400 and -400F series airplanes. This AD requires modifying certain thrust reverser control system wiring to the flap control unit (FCU). This AD results from a report of automatic retraction of the leading edge flaps during takeoff due to indications transmitted to the FCU from the thrust reverser control system. We are issuing this AD to prevent automatic retraction of the leading edge flaps during takeoff, which could result in reduced climb performance and consequent collision with terrain and obstacles or forced landing of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2500-A1, V2527E-A5, V2530-A5, and V2528-D5 turbofan engines. This proposed AD would require reducing the published life limit of certain high-pressure compressor (HPC) stage 9-12 disc assemblies. This proposed AD would also remove from service those HPC stage 9-12 disc assemblies using a drawdown schedule. This proposed AD results from IAE updating the low-cycle-fatigue (LCF) life analysis for certain HPC stage 9-12 disc assemblies. We are proposing this AD to prevent an uncontained failure of the HPC stage 9- 12 disc assembly, resulting in an in-flight engine shutdown and possible damage to the airplane.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect evidence of wear damage in the area at the interface between the vertical stabilizer seal and fuselage skin, and corrective actions, if necessary. The existing AD also provides for an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. For all Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747- 100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, this new AD requires repetitive inspections for wear damage and cracks of the fuselage skin in the interface area of the vertical stabilizer seal and fuselage skin, a detailed inspection for wear damage and cracks of the surface of any skin repair doubler in the area, and corrective actions if necessary. For airplanes on which the fuselage skin has been blended to remove wear damage, this new AD requires repetitive external detailed inspections or high frequency eddy current inspections for cracks of the blended area of the fuselage skin, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from reports of wear damage on airplanes with fewer than 8,000 total flight cycles. In addition, there have been three reports of skin wear damage on airplanes that applied Boeing Material Specifications 10-86 Teflon-filled coating (terminating action per the existing AD). We are issuing this AD to detect and correct wear damage and cracks of the fuselage skin in the interface area of the vertical stabilizer seal and fuselage skin in sections 46 and 48, which could cause in-flight depressurization of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracks of the upper aft skin panels on the horizontal stabilizer, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from a report of cracks found in the aft skin panels on the upper right side of the horizontal stabilizer at the aft inboard corner. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the fail-safe structure that may not be able to sustain limit load, which could result in the loss of overall structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer.