Federal Aviation Administration March 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318-112, and -121; A319-111, -112, -115, -132, and -133; A320-214, -232, and -233; and A321-211, -212, -213, and -231 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that some nuts installed on the wing, including on primary structural elements, were found cracked. This proposed AD would require inspecting to determine if certain nuts are installed or cracked, and replacing the affected nuts if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct missing and cracked nuts, which could result in the structural integrity of the airplane wings being impaired.

This action removes twenty-two Domestic, Alaskan, and Hawaiian compulsory reporting points previously removed from service and taken out of the FAA aeronautical database. The FAA is removing these Part 71 outdated compulsory reporting points since they are no longer valid, to be consistent with the FAA's aeronautical database. This will avoid confusion and eliminate safety issues with existing fixes using the same fix name elsewhere within the National Airspace System (NAS).

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company Model 560XL airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of jammed or stiff rudder control due to water freezing on the rudder bias cables and pulleys of the stinger. This AD requires modification of the drain installation of the tailcone stinger on the aft canted bulkhead, inspections for drain holes in the forward and aft frames, and modification of the drain holes. We are issuing this AD to prevent ice accumulation on the cables and pulleys of the stinger, which could result in jamming of the rudder and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT9D series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires revisions to the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the manufacturer's Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) to include required enhanced inspection of selected critical life-limited parts at each piece-part opportunity. This new AD requires additional revisions to the JT9D series engines ALS sections of the manufacturer's ICA. This AD was prompted by the need to require enhanced inspection of selected critical life-limited parts of JT9D series engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent critical life-limited rotating engine part failure, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. That NPRM proposed to require inspections for cracking and corrosion under the number 3 very high frequency (VHF) antenna, and corrective actions if necessary; and, for certain airplanes, replacing bonded skin panels with solid skin panels if not previously accomplished. That NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks in the skin and surrounding structure under the number 3 VHF antenna on the lower external surface of the airplane at buttock line 0.0, aft of the main landing gear wheel well. This action revises that NPRM by adding an optional preventive modification, which would terminate the inspection requirements for certain airplanes; changing certain repairs; and adding inspections. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to detect and correct cracks and corrosion of the skin and surrounding structure under the number 3 VHF antenna, which could result in separation of the antenna from the airplane, and rapid depressurization of the airplane. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the original NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of unsuccessful slide deployments during scheduled deployment tests, and failed functional tests of the release travel of the slide release mechanism. This proposed AD would require inspecting the off-wing slide release cables on the left- and right- hand sides to determine whether a certain part number is installed, and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent non- availability of left- or right-hand off-wing exit slides that could impair emergency evacuation of the passengers and flightcrew, and could result in personal injuries.

This action amends Class E airspace at Sheridan County Airport, Sheridan, WY. Decommissioning of the Sheridan Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN) has made this action necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

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 will be holding a public meeting on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, on the Notice of Proposed Policy Clarification Regarding the Registration of Aircraft to U.S. Citizen Trustees in Situations Involving Non-U.S. Citizen Trustors and Beneficiaries. During the meeting, the FAA will be seeking further views from the public with respect to the use of owner trusts to register aircraft for the benefit of beneficiaries that are neither U.S. citizens nor resident aliens. The comment period for the policy clarification notice is extended until July 6, 2012.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, 42 United States Code Sec. 4321-4347 (as amended), Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) NEPA implementing regulations (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Parts 1500-1508), and FAA Order 1050.1E, Change 1, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comments on the Draft EA for the Launch and Reentry of SpaceShipTwo Reusable Suborbital Rockets at the Mojave Air and Space Port. The Draft EA was prepared to analyze the potential environmental impacts of issuing experimental permits and/or launch licenses to operate SpaceShipTwo Reusable Suborbital Rockets and WhiteKnightTwo carrier aircraft at the Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, California. Under the Proposed Action, the FAA would issue experimental permits and/or launch licenses to multiple operators for the operation of SpaceShipTwo and WhiteKnightTwo at the Mojave Air and Space Port. Both WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo would be piloted during operations. The Mojave Air and Space Port comprises an area of approximately 3,000 acres in Kern County, California, and is east of the unincorporated town of Mojave. The Draft EA addresses the potential environmental impacts of implementing the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative of not issuing an experimental permit and/or launch license for the operation of SpaceShipTwo and WhiteKnightTwo at the Mojave Air and Space Port. The FAA has posted the Draft EA on the FAA/AST Web site at https:// www.faa.gov/about/officeorg/headquartersoffices/ast/environme ntal/ review/permits/. A paper copy of the Draft EA may be reviewed for comment during regular business hours at the following locations:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Burl A. Rogers (type certificate previously held by William Brad Mitchell and Aeronca, Inc.) Models 15AC and S15AC airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of intergranular exfoliation and corrosion of the upper and/or lower wing main spar cap angles found on the affected airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the upper and lower main wing spar cap angles for cracks and/or corrosion and installing inspection access panels. This AD also requires replacing the wing spar cap angles if moderate or severe corrosion is found and applying corrosion inhibitor. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA publishes a monthly notice, as appropriate, of PFC approvals and disapprovals under the provisions of the Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 (Title IX of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990) (Pub. L. 101-508) and Part 158 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 158). This notice is published pursuant to paragraph d of Sec. 158.29.

Projects funded under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) must meet the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 50101, Buy American Preferences. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering issuing waivers to foreign manufacturers of alternative fuel vans. This notice requests information from manufacturers of alternative fuel vans meeting Vehicle 1 Category requirements established in the Voluntary Airport Low Emission Program (VALE) to determine whether a waiver to the Buy American Preferences should be issued.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for SOCATA Model TBM 700 airplanes. 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 installation of an incorrect part number during overhaul of the nose landing gear. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA intends to identify six test ranges/sites to integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS). This pilot project is in direct response to a Congressional mandate. The FAA believes that designation of such UAS test sites will assist in the effort to safely and efficiently integrate UAS into the NAS and solicits feedback on this issue. This feedback will be utilized to help develop UAS test site requirements, designation standards, and oversight activity.

This notice solicits Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 grant proposals to continue the development of a Commercial Space Transportation infrastructure system that supports the National Space Policy and Congressional intent. Begun in 2010, the program supports the Commercial Space Transportation industry by identification, prioritization, and funding for Commercial Space Transportation infrastructure projects. This program has been previously referred to as the Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program. The FAA/AST intends to continue funding the Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants Program for FY 2012. However, funding has not been determined at this time. In order for the FAA/AST to swiftly execute grant awards within FY 2012, should funding be available, the FAA/AST is requesting grant applications at this time. The FAA/AST intends to receive, process, and evaluate the applications in a timely manner, and in accordance with the notional schedule listed below, so should there be available funding, the recipients will already be selected and the awards can be made within FY 2012. There remains the possibility that no funds will be available in FY 2012 for the Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants Program. If no funds are available, no grant applications submitted in response to this Notice will be approved and funded. This Notice will be the only solicitation made for FY 2012 projects and proposals. The FAA/AST will review and evaluate all applications for a grant received by the deadline, pursuant to 51 U.S.C. Chapter 511. The FAA/AST may make one or more grant awards based upon its evaluations of the submissions. All grants awarded under the Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants Program are discretionary awards. Projects to be funded under the Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants Program must carry out commercial space transportation infrastructure development, as defined in 51 U.S.C. 51101.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by the City of Battle Creek, Michigan, under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47501 et seq. (formerly the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, hereinafter referred to as ``the Act'') and 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 150 (hereinafter referred to as ``Part 150''). On November 1, 2011, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by the City of Battle Creek, Michigan, under Part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements. On February 16, 2012, the FAA approved the W.K. Kellogg Airport noise compatibility program. All of the recommendations of the program were approved. No program elements relating to new or revised flight procedures for noise abatement were proposed by the airport operator.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Eurocopter France Model AS350 helicopters. This proposed AD is prompted by an in-flight fire caused by ignition of hydraulic fluid leaking from a damaged forward (pitch) servo-control hydraulic hose. The proposed actions are intended to prevent the forward servo-control hydraulic hoses from becoming damaged and leaking hydraulic fluid that could ignite in flight, which can result in loss of main rotor control, power loss, structural damage, propagation of fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for a certain Spectrolab Nightsun XP Searchlight Assembly (searchlight) installed on, but not limited to, Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and Model AW139 helicopters, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters, and Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) Model EC135 and Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require, before further flight, inserting information into the Normal Procedures section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM), a daily check of the searchlight, and at a specified time interval or if you find certain conditions, modifying any affected searchlight gimbal assembly. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of a searchlight vibrating and an investigation that revealed that the gimbal azimuth top nut was loose. A loose nut, if not detected and corrected, could result in a gap between the rubber edging of the top shroud and the gimbal frame, leading to degredation of pointing accuracy and stability performance of the searchlight, and excessive vibration. If the nut were to entirely disengage, the searchlight could disconnect partially or totally from the helicopter, resulting in damage to the helicopter and injury to persons on the ground.

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.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a crack found on the left-hand sidewall well on the nose landing gear (NLG). This proposed AD would require performing a repetitive high frequency eddy current inspection of the stiffeners on the left-hand sidewall on the NLG gear bay for cracks, and repair or replace the sidewall if necessary. Replacing the sidewall with a certain sidewall part number constitutes a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct failure of the sidewall, which could result in consequent in-flight rapid decompression of the cabin and injury to the passengers.

This action amends Class E Airspace in the Springfield, TN area. Aydelotte Airport has been abandoned and controlled airspace is no longer needed. Airspace reconfiguration is necessary for the continued safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations within the Springfield, TN airspace area. This action also makes a minor adjustment to the geographic coordinates of the Springfield Robertson County Airport.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company 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 AD requires inspections for scribe lines in affected lap and butt splices, wing-to-body fairing locations, and external repair and cutout reinforcement areas; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of scribe lines found at lap joints and butt joints, around external doublers and antennas, and at locations where external decals had been cut. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct scribe lines, which can develop into fatigue cracks in the skin and cause sudden decompression of the airplane.