Federal Aviation Administration 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0100 airplanes. That AD currently requires revisions to the airplane flight manual (AFM) to include procedures to prohibit use of reverse engine thrust power settings between idle and emergency maximum and to prohibit stabilized engine operation in a certain engine speed range on the ground. This new AD continues to require revising the AFM to include certain procedures. This AD also requires removing the normal maximum (second) detent for the reverse-thrust control. In addition, this AD requires revising the AFM to prohibit use of reverse thrust in flight and to limit operation of Max Reverse thrust. This AD results from issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. We are issuing this AD to prevent inadvertent operation in the prohibited stabilized engine speed range on the ground, which could result in uncontained engine fan blade failure due to high cycle fatigue cracking.

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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program (NCP) submitted by General Mitchell International Airport under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. (the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, hereinafter referred to as ``the Act'') and 14 CFR Part 150. These findings are made in recognition of the description of Federal and nonfederal responsibilities in Senate Report No. 96-52 (1980). The General Mitchell International Airport noise exposure maps were determined by FAA to be in compliance with applicable requirements on December 24, 2008. Notice of this determination was published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2009, Federal Register volume 74, number 10, page 2645.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program (NCP) submitted by Wayne County Airport Authority under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. (the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, hereinafter referred to as ``the Act'') and 14 CFR part 150. These findings are made in recognition of the description of Federal and nonfederal responsibilities in Senate Report No. 96-52 (1980). The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport noise exposure maps were determined by FAA to be in compliance with applicable requirements on March 7, 2006. Notice of this determination was published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2006, Federal Register volume 71, number 54, page 14282.

This action establishes Class D airspace and Class E surface airspace as an extension of the Class D airspace and modifies the existing Class E airspace that extends upwards from 700 feet above the surface of the Earth (E5) at Ocala International AirportJim Taylor Field in Ocala, FL. A new Federal Contract Air Traffic Control Tower is being built and the current Instrument Approach Procedures at Ocala International AirportJim Taylor Field are being amended. It is regulatory, therefore, that Class D and Class E surface airspace be established, and the existing Class E5 airspace be modified. This rule increases the safety and management of the National Airspace System (NAS) around Ocala International AirportJim Taylor Field.

This action corrects the legal description of the Natchitoches Regional Airport, Natchitoches, LA, Class E airspace published in the Federal Register, changing the term ``northeast of the airport'' to ``south of the airport''. All other legal descriptions for the Natchitoches Regional Airport remain the same.

The FAA proposes to revise an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF6-50C series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires reworking certain forward fan stator cases and installing a fan module secondary containment shield. This proposed AD would require the same actions but would eliminate a certain service bulletin from the compliance method. This proposed AD results from a review that shows that only one of the service bulletins referenced in the original AD is applicable as a compliance method. We are proposing this AD revision to prevent uncontained fan blade failures, which can result in separation of airplane hydraulic lines, damage to critical airplane systems, and possible loss of airplane control.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 3007A1/1, AE 3007A1/3, AE 3007A1, AE 3007A1E, AE 3007A1P, AE 3007A3, AE 3007C, and AE 3007C1 turbofan engines with a fan spinner part number (P/N) 23070964 or P/N 23078783, installed. This proposed AD would require replacement of the fan spinner. This proposed AD results from a report of a fan spinner releasing from an AE 3007A turbofan engine, during flight. We are proposing this AD to prevent the fan spinner from releasing, which could result in injury, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

This action proposes to establish Class D airspace at Grand Prairie, TX. Establishment of an air traffic control tower at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport has made this action necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft operations at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport.

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 document makes a correction to final special conditions, NE129, 33-007-SC, applicable to General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-2B67 and GEnx-2B69 model turbofan engines that was published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2009 (74 FR 18624). Two typographical errors occurred under the Background section and one typographical error under The Special Conditions section. This document corrects these errors. In all other respects, the original document remains the same.

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.

The Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 (hereinafter referred to as ``the Act'' or ``ANCA'') provides notice, review, and approval requirements for airports seeking to impose noise or access restrictions on Stage 3 aircraft operations that become effective after October 1, 1990. 49 U.S.C. 47521 et seq.

This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. The AD would require revising the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) by clarifying that the Model S-92A helicopter was certificated as a transport category rotorcraft in both Categories A and B with different operating limitations for each category and must be operated accordingly. We have received reports that some operators are inappropriately operating Model S-92A helicopters using Category B limitations when the helicopter is configured with 10 or more passenger seats. Operating this helicopter when configured with 10 or more passenger seats and adhering to the less stringent limitations for the Category B configuration approved for a 9 or less passenger seat configuration does not maintain the FAA required minimum level of safety. This condition if not corrected, could result in operating under less stringent requirements.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) PA-23 series airplanes and all PA-31 and PA-42 series airplanes. This AD establishes life limits for safety- critical nose baggage door components. This AD also requires you to replace those safety-critical nose baggage door components and repetitively inspect and lubricate the nose baggage door latching mechanism and lock assembly. This AD results from several incidents and accidents, including fatal accidents, where the nose baggage door opening in flight was listed as a causal factor. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged, worn, corroded, or non-conforming nose baggage door components, which could result in the nose baggage door opening in flight. The door opening in flight could significantly affect the handling and performance of the aircraft. It could also allow baggage to be ejected from the nose baggage compartment and strike the propeller. This failure could lead to loss of control.

We are adopting a new 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 the airplanes identified above. That AD currently requires revising the FAA-approved maintenance program to include a new airplane maintenance manual task that specifies a detailed inspection after each ram air turbine (RAT) retraction. That existing AD also currently requires, for certain airplanes, a one-time inspection to detect breaks in the bottom flange fitting of the RAT and corrective actions, if necessary; for certain airplanes, an adjustment of the ejection jack; and, for certain other airplanes, replacement of the aluminum part with an improved steel part. This AD also continues to require certain actions for additional airplanes and revising the FAA-approved maintenance program to include procedures for replacing the RAT swivel coupling fork fitting with a new steel part only. This AD results from a report that an additional swivel coupling of the RAT yoke fitting was found cracked during the accomplishment of the requirements of the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent misrigging of the ejection jack of the RAT and to ensure removal of any RAT yoke fitting made from aluminum material. Such conditions could result in a broken or cracked swivel coupling and consequent failure of the RAT yoke fitting, which could result in the loss of RAT function and possible loss of critical flight control systems in the event of certain emergency situations.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR part 23, Sec. 23.979(b)(2). The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition.

The FAA has delegated selected responsibilities for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act to the MDOT as part of the State Block Grant Program authorized under Title 49 U.S.C., Section 47128. This notice is to advise the public pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, (NEPA) 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c) that MDOT intends to prepare an EA for the proposed extension of runway 6/24 at the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport. While not required for an EA, the FAA and MDOT are issuing this Notice of Intent to facilitate public involvement. This EA will assess the potential environmental impacts resulting from the proposed extension of runway 6/24 from 3,500 feet to 4,300 feet. All reasonable alternatives will be considered including a no action alternative.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of the RTCA Program Management Committee.

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. That AD currently requires removing all main gearbox (MGB) filter bowl assembly mounting titanium studs (titanium studs) and replacing them with steel studs. This amendment requires the same actions as the existing AD as well as changes to the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM). This amendment is prompted by an accident, by recent RFM changes made by the manufacturer that were not available when we issued the existing AD, and by our determination that certain MGB Normal and Emergency procedures in the RFM are unclear, may cause confusion, and may mislead the crew regarding MGB malfunctions, in particular the urgency to land immediately after warning indications of loss of MGB oil pressure and oil pressure below 5 pounds per square inch (psi).

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.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 213, Standards for Air Traffic Data Communication Services.

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:

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: