Federal Aviation Administration 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This action proposes to establish twenty three Area Navigation (RNAV) routes, and revise fourteen RNAV routes, in the State of Alaska. Additionally, this action proposes to remove 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 proposing this action to enhance safety and to improve the efficient use of the navigable airspace in Alaska.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Aviation (WisDOT BOA), have prepared a joint Federal and State Draft Final Environmental Assessment (DFEA) for the Proposed Airport Development at the Sawyer County Airport in Hayward, Wisconsin. The FAA and WisDOT BOA are making available the DFEA for the following proposed airport improvement projects: installation of an instrument landing system (ILS) for Runway 20 with medium approach lighting system with runway alignment indicator lights; construction of a parallel taxiway/ramp expansion for Runway 2/ 20; land acquisition; removal of airspace obstructions, including removal/relocation of a town road; and relocation of precision approach path indicator, localizer, and distance measuring equipment at Runway 20. The proposed airport improvement projects include both state block program actions and FAA actions. Actions for the proposed airport improvement project would be divided between FAA and WisDOT BOA. Agency approvals are required to proceed. Proposed FAA actions include: provide Federal environmental approval to establish eligibility to participate in Federal funding for eligible projects not included in the state block grant program which are assessed in the EA; issue an environmental finding for FAA actions; provide ILS equipment, assist in the design of the proposed ILS; perform the flight check, certification, and operation of the proposed ILS; and provide long-term maintenance of the proposed ILS. Proposed WisDOT BOA actions for the airport improvement projects include: issue an environmental finding for WisDOT BOA's actions; determine eligibility of Airport Improvement Program funds for the proposed ILS project; approve the necessary funding for the proposed ILS project; assist in design of the proposed ILS; purchase land for the proposed ILS; install the proposed ILS; construct necessary airport facilities to support proposed ILS and airport operations; develop, implement, and monitor required mitigation for unavoidable impacts due to the proposed ILS project. The DFEA has been prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, FAA Order 1050.1E, ``Policies and Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts,'' and FAA Order 5050.4B, ``NEPA Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions.'' The proposed action is consistent with the National Airspace System Plan prepared by the U.S. Department of Transportation, FAA. The DFEA will be available for public review for 30 days at the following locations:

This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S- 76A, B, and C helicopters. That AD proposed to require inspecting each installed HR Textron main rotor servo actuator (servo actuator) for a high rate of leakage and for contaminated hydraulic fluid and reducing the time-in-service (TIS) interval for overhauling each servo actuator. That proposal was prompted by a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Safety Recommendation issued in response to an accident involving a Model S-76 helicopter. In the NTSB Recommendation, the performance of an HR Textron servo actuator was questioned as a result of piston head seal leakage and piston head plasma spray flaking. Since the issuance of the initial proposal, and based on further information obtained from the accident investigation, the comments to the proposal, and other test and service history data since we issued the initial proposal, we continue to believe that servo actuator pistons may experience piston head seal leakage and plasma spray flaking, but have determined that the full scope of the initial proposal is unnecessary. We believe that the piston head seal leakage and plasma spray flaking can be addressed by leakage rate inspections and replacement of the current servo actuator pistons with an improved design not as susceptible to plasma spray flaking. Therefore, we are revising the proposed rule by removing the requirement to inspect the hydraulic fluid for contamination; removing the requirement to reduce the interval for overhauling an affected servo actuator from 3,000 to 2,000 hours TIS; revising the initial inspection time; and removing the 600 hours TIS repetitive hydraulic fluid leak inspection. We are proposing to add a 2,250 hours TIS hydraulic fluid leakage inspection and to add a requirement to either install a new design servo actuator or replace the servo actuator pistons when there is excessive leakage or upon reaching a certain time interval. These actions are intended to prevent degraded servo actuator performance as a result of piston head seal leaking and plasma spray flaking, which could result in subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 186 Automatic Dependent SurveillanceBroadcast (ADS-B).

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 collects information from airport sponsors and planning agencies in order to administer the Airports Grants Program.

The information determines if applicant proposals for conducting commercial space launches can be accomplished according to regulations issued by the Office of the Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation.

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 October 31, 2008, vol. 73, no. 212, page 65004. The information collected is used to determine air operators' compliance with the minimum safety standards set out in the regulation and the applicant's eligibility for air operations certification.

The FAA participated as a cooperating agency with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in preparation of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 Launch Vehicle Program (Falcon Launch Vehicle Program) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), Florida, November 2007. The Falcon Launch Vehicle Program is a commercial venture by Space Exploration Technologies, Inc. (SpaceX) to put spacecraft into orbit and supply the International Space Station (ISS) once the Space Shuttle is retired. The Proposed Action analyzed in the EA includes launching two space launch vehicles, the Falcon 1 and the Falcon 9 from Space Launch Complex (SLC) 40, while utilizing the Solid Motor Assembly and Readiness Facility (SMARF) building as a vehicle support facility, and the reentry and recovery of the Dragon reentry capsule in the ocean. The EA analyzed the environmental consequences of conducting up to twelve Falcon 1 launches per year and up to twelve Falcon 9 launches per year starting in 2008 for the next five years from SLC 40 at CCAFS. Two alternative locations, SLC 37 and 47, were considered for the launch of the Falcon vehicles. The EA also analyzed the environmental consequences of reentry/recovery of the Dragon reentry capsule. Additionally, the EA analyzed infrastructure improvements proposed at CCAFS to support the proposed launch activities. The USAF signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on December 21, 2007, which stated that the Proposed Action should not have a significant environmental impact on the human environment. SpaceX is required to obtain a launch license from the FAA to conduct launches of the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles with commercial payloads. SpaceX also is required to obtain a reentry license from the FAA for the reentry of the Dragon capsule. The FAA is using the EA to support its environmental determination for a launch license for SpaceX to launch Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 vehicles at CCAFS and a reentry license for the Dragon capsule. From its independent review and consideration, the FAA has determined that the Proposed Action addressed in this FONSI, to issue a launch or reentry license for Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicle activities, is substantially the same as the actions analyzed in the Falcon Launch Vehicle Program EA and that FAA's comments and suggestions have been satisfied (see 1506.3(c) and FAA Order 1050.1E, 518h). The FAA formally adopts the EA and hereby incorporates the analysis to support future decisions on license applications. After reviewing and analyzing currently available data and information on existing conditions, project impacts, and measures to mitigate those impacts, the FAA has determined that its action is not a Federal action that would significantly affect the quality of the human environment within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Therefore, the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required and the FAA is issuing this FONSI. The FAA made this determination in accordance with all applicable environmental laws. For a Copy of the EA or FONSI Contact: Questions or comments should be directed to Mr. Daniel Czelusniak; FAA Environmental Specialist; Federal Aviation Administration; 800 Independence Ave., SW.; AST-I00, Suite 331; Washington, DC 20591; (202) 267-5924.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the Noise Exposure Maps submitted by Okaloosa County for Destin-Ft. Walton Beach 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 Destin-Ft. Walton Beach under Part 150 in conjunction with the Noise Exposure Map, and that this program will be approved or disapproved on or before July 13, 2009.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by City of Modesto, California for Modesto City-County 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 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:

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:

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 215, Aeronautical Mobile Satellite (Route) Services, Next Generation Satellite Services and Equipment.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Lycoming Engines IO, (L)IO, TIO, (L)TIO, AEIO, AIO, IGO, IVO, and HIO series reciprocating engines, TCM TSIO-360-RB reciprocating engines, and Superior Air Parts, Inc. IO-360 series reciprocating engines with certain Precision Airmotive LLC RSA-5 and RSA-10 series fuel injection servos. That AD currently requires inspecting servo plugs for looseness and damage on fuel injection servos that have a servo plug gasket, part number (P/N) 365533, installed, and if loose, inspecting the servo regulator cover threads for damage, inspecting the gasket for damage, reinstalling acceptable parts, and torquing the servo plug to a new, higher torque to maintain the proper clamp-up force between the plug and cover. This AD requires the same inspections, except if the plug is found loose, servo plug gasket, P/N 365533, must be replaced with a new, improved gasket, P/N 2577258. This AD also requires replacement by December 31, 2009, of servo plug gaskets, P/N 365533, manufactured and made available on or after August 22, 2006, as mandatory terminating action to the repetitive inspections required by this AD. This AD also prohibits the installation of any servo plug gasket, P/N 365533. This AD also clarifies the TCM engine model applicability, and adds Bendix RSA-5 and RSA-10 series fuel injection servos to the applicability. This AD results from Precision Airmotive LLC introducing the installation of a new improved servo plug gasket, P/N 2577258, to the affected Precision Airmotive LLC RSA-5 and RSA-10 series, and Bendix RSA-5 and RSA-10 series, fuel injection servos. We are issuing this AD to prevent a lean running engine, which could result in a substantial loss of engine power and subsequent loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900 series airplanes. This AD requires a one-time general visual inspection of frames between body station (BS) 360 and BS 907 to determine if certain support brackets of the air conditioning (A/C) outlet extrusions are installed; medium- and high-frequency eddy current inspections for cracking of the frames around the attachment holes of the subject brackets; and repair if necessary. This AD also requires installing new, improved fittings for all support brackets of the A/C outlet extrusions between BS 360 and BS 907. This AD results from numerous reports of multiple cracks in the frames around the attachment holes of certain support brackets of the A/C outlet extrusions. We are issuing this AD to prevent frame cracking, which, if not corrected, could lead to a severed frame that, combined with cracking of the skin lap splice above stringer 10, could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.

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.

Currently, during passenger boarding and deplaning, all flight attendants are required to be on board the airplane. This rulemaking would allow one required flight attendant to deplane during passenger boarding, and conduct safety-related duties, as long as certain conditions are met. In addition, this rulemaking would allow a reduction of flight attendants remaining on board the airplane during passenger deplaning, as long as certain conditions are met. The FAA has determined that these revisions to current regulations can be made as a result of recent safety enhancements to airplane equipment and procedures. These changes have mitigated the risks to passengers during ground operations that previously required all flight attendants on board the airplane during passenger boarding and deplaning.

This action proposes to amend the altitude floor of the South Florida Low Offshore Airspace Area, located off the east coast of the United States (U.S.). This action would lower the floor of the area from 2,700 feet above mean sea level (MSL) to 1,300 feet MSL. The change would provide additional altitudes for air traffic control to vector aircraft on arrival to various east coast airports, ensuring the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace within the National Airspace System.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for McCauley Propeller Systems propeller models B5JFR36C1101/114GCA-0, C5JFR36C1102/L114GCA-0, B5JFR36C1103/114HCA-0, and C5JFR36C1104/L114HCA-0. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI) and eddy current inspections (ECI) of propeller blades for cracks, and if any crack indications are found, removing the blade from service. That AD also mandates a life limit for the blades. This proposed AD would require the same inspections, add a visual inspection, and would further reduce the propeller blade life limit. This proposed AD would also require removing blades with more than 10,000 operating hours time-since-new (TSN), before further flight. This proposed AD would also require removal from service of all the propeller blades and the propeller hub if one or more propeller blades have been found cracked on a propeller assembly. This proposed AD would also require removing from service all C-5963 split retainers. This proposed AD results from 8 reports of propeller blades found cracked since May of 2006. We are proposing this AD to detect cracks in the propeller blade that could cause failure and separation of the propeller blade and loss of control of the airplane.

This notice contains summaries of two petitions seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. 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 summaries is intended to affect the legal status of the petitions or their final dispositions.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 211, Nickel-Cadmium, Lead Acid and Rechargeable Lithium Batteries.

This action amends Special Federal Aviation Regulation 106 (SFAR 106), Use of Certain Portable Oxygen Concentrator Devices On Board Aircraft, to allow for the use of the Delphi Medical Systems' RS- 00400 and Invacare Corporation's XPO2 portable oxygen concentrator (POC) devices on board aircraft, provided certain conditions in the SFAR are met. SFAR 106 was previously amended to add three additional POC devices to the original SFAR. Today's action is necessary to allow all POC devices deemed acceptable by the FAA to be available for use in air commerce to the traveling public in need of oxygen therapy. With this Final Rule, there will be a total of seven different POC devices the FAA finds acceptable for use on board aircraft, and passengers will be able to carry these devices on board the aircraft and use them with the approval of the aircraft operator.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. 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.

This action proposes to amend the boundaries of the Atlantic High and San Juan Low Offshore Airspace Areas located off the east coast of the United States. The implementation of the West Atlantic Route System Plus (WATRS Plus) project modified the boundaries of the Miami Control Area (CTA)/Flight Identification Region (FIR), the San Juan CTA/FIR, and the New York Oceanic CTA/FIR. This action proposes to modify the Atlantic High and San Juan Low Offshore Airspace Area boundaries to coincide with the CTA/FIR changes.