Federal Aviation Administration 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the Noise Exposure Maps submitted by the City of New Smyrna Beach for New Smyrna Beach Municipal 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 proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of land at Fort Smith Regional Airport under the provisions of Title 49, U.S.C. Section 47153(c).

This action revises Class E airspace at Monterey Peninsula Airport, Monterey, CA. The FAA is taking this action in response to a request from the National Aeronautical Charting Office (NACO) to better clarify the legal description of controlled airspace designated as an extension to Class C surface area.

This action will amend Class E airspace at Bozeman, MT, to accommodate aircraft using a new VHF Omni-Directional Radio Range (VOR) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) at Gallatin Field Airport. This will improve the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series turbofan engines. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSI) or fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI) for cracks in the anti-vortex tube (AVT) shelf slots on the 10th stage disk of the high- pressure compressor (HPC) drum rotor disk assembly. This proposed AD results from 47 reports received since 2007 of HPC 10th stage disks found cracked in the AVT shelf slots during shop visit inspections. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the HPC 10th stage disk, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.

The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a new information collection. The FAA/AST will collect lessons learned from members of the commercial space industry in order to carry out the safety responsibilities in 49 U.S.C Chapter 701 Section 70103(c).

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: An A330 experienced an uncommanded engine 1 in flight spool down, which occurred while applying fuel gravity feed procedure, in response to low pressure indications from all fuel boost pumps, in both left and right wings. The investigations revealed that the wing tank pressure switches P/N (part number) HTE69000-1 had frozen due to water accumulated in their external part, causing spurious low pressure indications. As per procedure, the main pumps are then switched off, increasing the level of unavailable fuel. This, in combination with very low fuel quantities or another independent trapped fuel failure scenarios, can lead to fuel starvation on the affected engine(s). The proposed AD would require actions that are

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 757 airplanes, Model 767 airplanes, and Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for damage of the electrical terminal at the left and right flightdeck window 1, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also allows for replacing the flightdeck window 1 with a new improved flightdeck window equipped with different electrical connections, which terminates the repetitive inspections for that flightdeck window 1. This AD results from several reports of electrical arcs at the terminal blocks of the electrically heated flightdeck window 1. We are issuing this AD to prevent smoke and fire in the cockpit, which could lead to loss of visibility, and injuries to or incapacitation of the flightcrew.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for McCauley Propeller Systems model 4HFR34C653/L106FA propellers. This AD requires a onetime fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) and eddy current inspection (ECI) of the propeller hub for cracks. This AD results from reports of 10 hubs found cracked during propeller overhaul. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the propeller hub, which could cause blade separation, damage to the airplane, and loss of control of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of certain overwing intercostal webs, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from reports of cracks in overwing intercostal webs. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could grow and result in a severed intercostal. If an intercostal is severed, cracks could develop in the adjacent frame structure and skin, resulting in a rapid loss of cabin pressure.

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 superseding an existing 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 222: Inmarsat Aeronautical Mobile Satellite (Route) Services.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by the City of Modesto under the provisions of Title I of the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, as amended, (Pub. L. 96-193) (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). On January 9, 2009, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by the City of Modesto under Part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747- 100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. The existing AD requires repetitive inspections and torque checks of the hanger fittings and strut forward bulkhead of the forward engine mount and adjacent support structure, and visual inspections of the internal angle and external bulkhead chord and detailed inspection of internal angles, and corrective actions if necessary. The existing AD also provides for an optional inspection. This proposed AD would also require additional inspections of airplanes that have hi-lok bolts and collars at all of the Group B fastener locations, except fastener 13, and related investigative and corrective actions. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the internal angle and corrective actions, if necessary. This proposed AD also would require, for certain airplanes, replacing the fasteners, which terminates certain repetitive inspections. This proposed AD results from the reports of undertorqued or loose fasteners, a cracked bulkhead chord, and a fractured back-up angle. We are proposing this AD to prevent loose fasteners and/or damaged or cracked hanger fittings, back-up angles, and bulkhead of the forward engine mount, which could lead to failure of the hanger fitting and bulkhead and consequent separation of the engine from the airplane.

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI) Low Skid Landing Gear Forward Crosstube (crosstube) installed on the specified helicopters. This action requires replacing certain AAI serial-numbered crosstubes installed on these model helicopters. This amendment is prompted by the discovery of a defect in the raw material used in manufacturing certain crosstubes. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of a crosstube and subsequent collapse of the landing gear.

A final rule, published in the Federal Register April 1, 2010, establishing low altitude area navigation (RNAV) route T-284 for the Houston, TX, terminal area, is being withdrawn. As a result of Houston Area Air Traffic System (HAATS) Project, Phase 3C, program actions, the route is pending redesign and will be resubmitted for rulemaking at a future date.

This action will establish Class E airspace at Bryce Canyon, UT, to accommodate aircraft using a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) at Bryce Canyon Airport. This will improve the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action establishes VOR Federal Airway V-625 between the Nogales, AZ, VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) and the ULAPI, AZ, intersection. Specifically, the FAA is taking this action to establish a coordination point to facilitate border crossing flights between Mexico and the United States.

The FAA is considering revising its broad prohibition on pro rata reimbursement for the cost of owning, operating and maintaining a company aircraft when used for routine personal travel by senior company officials and employees under certain conditions.

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.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD would require inspections for scribe lines in the fuselage skin at skin lap joints and butt joints, the skin at certain external approved repairs, the skin around external features such as antennas, and the skin at decals and fairings; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from reports of scribe lines found at skin lap joints and butt joints, around external repairs and antennas, and at locations where external decals had been cut. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct scribe lines, which can develop into fatigue cracks in the skin and cause rapid 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: In June 2000, prompted by a crack found at the top of the NLG [nose landing gear] oleo, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd issued Inspection Service Bulletin (SB) 32-158. This SB was classified mandatory by the UK [United Kingdom] Civil Aviation Authority under AD number 002-06-2000, requiring repetitive non- destructive testing (NDT) inspections for cracking on the upper end of the NLG oleo. The AD also provided an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections, by embodiment of Messier-Dowty SB.146-32- 150. As part of a recent accident investigation, the examination of a fractured NLG main fitting showed that Messier-Dowty [M-D] SB.146-32- 150 had not been accomplished, although the records indicated that it had been. BAE Systems has determined that more NLG units could be similarly affected. These NLG units have been overhauled at Messier Services in Sterling, Virginia, in the United States. This condition, if not corrected, could result in NLG failure. Subsequently, investigation and analysis by M-D has identified the need for a reduction of the inspection threshold and the repetitive inspection interval for the affected NLG units and has replaced M-D SB 146-32-149 with M-D SB 146-32-174. The unsafe condition is cracking of the NLG, which could adversely affect the airplane's safe landing. The proposed

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KDC-10), DC-10- 40, and DC-10-40F airplanes. This proposed AD would require installing a support bracket and coupler on the left and right wing-to-fuselage transition, and metallic overbraid on the left and right leading edge wire assembly. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer, as well as reports that the fuel quantity system was affected by lightning-induced transients. We are proposing this AD to prevent lightning-induced transients to the fuel quantity indication system, which could cause voltage levels to go beyond original design levels between fuel tank probes and structure, and become a potential ignition source at the fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Government/Industry Air Traffic Management Advisory Committee (ATMAC).