Federal Aviation Administration 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of airport land from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use at the Southern Illinois Airport in Carbondale, Illinois. The proposal consists of a total of 4.34 acres, Parcel 1F (3.77 acres) and Parcel 2F (0.57 acres), located on the southwest part of the airport. This notice announces that the FAA is considering the release of the subject airport property at Southern Illinois Airport, from all federal land covenants. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in disposal of the subject airport property nor a determination that all measures covered by the program are eligible for grant-in-aid funding from the FAA. In accordance with section 47107(h) of Title 49, United States Code, this notice is required to be published in the Federal Register 30 days before modifying the land-use assurance that requires the property to be used for an aeronautical purpose.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model G58 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by notification from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation that certain affected aircraft were produced with the incorrect gauge wiring installed. This proposed AD would require replacement of the incorrect gauge wiring with the correct wiring required by type design and the aircraft's circuit protection. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model C90GTi (King Air) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of incorrect gauge wires used in certain wiring bundles for the cockpit electrical power for backlighting and instrument panel components. This proposed AD would require replacing incorrect gauge wires in certain electrical power wiring bundles, inspecting associated wiring bundles and components for heat damage, and taking all necessary corrective actions. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on May 18, 2012, 77 FR 29748. The collection of this information is necessary to ensure safety of flight by ensuring complete and adequate training, testing, checking, and experience is obtained and maintained by those who conduct flight simulation training.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee.

We propose to rescind an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires an inspection to determine if certain motor operated valve actuators for the fuel tanks are installed, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We issued that AD to prevent an ignition source inside the fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. Since we issued that AD, we have received new data indicating that the existing AD addresses that safety concern, but also introduces a different unsafe condition.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that various pushrods had been manufactured with tubes having the incorrect heat treatment. This AD requires replacing the affected pushrod assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of rudder control, reduced directional control of the airplane on the ground, or a jammed nose landing gear (NLG) door that could prevent the NLG from retracting or extending.

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Model 747-100B SUD, 747-300, 747-400, and 747-400D series airplanes; and Model 747-200B series airplanes having a stretched upper deck. The existing AD currently requires repetitively inspecting for cracking or discrepancies of the fasteners in the tension ties, shear webs, and frames at body stations 1120 through 1220; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. That AD requires modifying the frame-to-tension-tie joints at body stations 1120 through 1220 (including related investigative actions and corrective actions if necessary), which provides a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. That AD also requires new repetitive inspections after the modification, corrective actions if necessary, and additional modification requirements at a specified time after the first modification. That AD also removed certain airplanes from the applicability. That AD was prompted by reports of cracked and severed tension ties, broken fasteners, and cracks in the frame, shear web, and shear ties adjacent to tension ties for the upper deck. This AD revises the existing AD by adding repetitive open hole high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking in the forward and aft tension tie channels, and repair if necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires a one-time angle inspection to determine if the angle is installed correctly, and re-installation if necessary; and a one-time open hole HFEC inspection at the fastener locations where the tension tie previously attached to the frame prior to certain modifications, and repair if necessary. This AD also, for the Stage 2 inspections, reduces the initial compliance times for those inspections. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the tension ties, shear webs, and frames of the upper deck, which could result in rapid decompression and reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

We are revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to include a procedure intended to address the unsafe condition, an inspection of the firewall connector for signs of arcing if an integrated drive generator (IDG) (or generator (GEN)) was shut down in-flight automatically or using the AFM procedure, and corrective action if necessary; and provides an optional terminating action for certain AFM revision and inspections. This AD was prompted by the potential for an inadvertent error by flightcrew to use the IDG switch instead of the GEN switch when doing the AFM display unit failure procedure required by the existing AD. This AD retains the actions required by the existing AD and clarifies certain terminology. We are issuing this AD to prevent transient loss of certain systems, which could result in the reduced ability of the flightcrew to cope with adverse flight conditions.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-400D series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight multi-power system loss of the 1, 2, and 3 alternating current electrical power systems located in the main equipment center (MEC). This AD requires installing aluminum gutter reinforcing brackets to the forward and aft drip shield gutters of the MEC; and adding a reinforcing fiberglass overcoat to the top surface of the MEC drip shield, including an inspection for cracking and holes in the MEC drip shield, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also provides for an option to install an MEC drip shield drain system, which, if accomplished, would extend the compliance time for adding the reinforcing fiberglass overcoat to the top surface of the MEC drip shield. We are issuing this AD to prevent water penetration into the MEC, which could result in the loss of flight critical systems.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) certain Airbus Model A310-203, -221, and -222 airplanes. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer re-classifying slat extension eccentric bolts as principal structural elements with replacement due at or before their calculated fatigue lives. This AD replaces certain slat extension eccentric bolts with new bolts. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking, which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to 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; and certain Model 757-200, -200PF, and -300 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires replacing the control switches of the forward, aft, and nose cargo doors for certain airplanes, and replacing the control switches of cargo doors 1 and 2 for certain airplanes. Since we issued that AD, we have determined that additional airplanes are affected by the identified unsafe condition. This proposed AD would continue to require replacing the control switches of the forward, aft, and nose cargo doors of Model 747 airplanes; and the control switches of cargo doors 1 and 2 of Model 757 airplanes; this proposed AD also adds airplanes to the applicability and revises the initial compliance times. We are proposing this AD to prevent injuries to persons and damage to the airplane and equipment.

This action amends Class E airspace at Sweetwater, TX. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Avenger Field Airport. The airport's geographic coordinates are adjusted and the airport name changed. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, - 300, and -300ER series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the elevator actuator fittings. Since we issued that AD, the manufacturer has developed a modification that was approved as an optional terminating action to the currently required repetitive inspections. We have been advised that the modification procedures include certain incorrect torque values. This proposed AD would require, for previously modified airplanes, repetitive inspections for movement of the fittings or fastener heads, and eventual replacement of certain bolts (including related investigative and corrective actions if necessary). For all airplanes, this replacement, with corrected torque values, would terminate the requirements of the AD. This proposed AD would also remove certain airplanes from the applicability. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct a cracked actuator fitting or incorrectly installed bolts to the actuator fitting, which could lead to the elevator becoming detached and unrestrained, and a consequent unacceptable flutter condition and loss of control of the airplane.

This action proposes to amend Class E Airspace at Lincoln, ME, as the Lincoln Non-Directional Radio Beacon (NDB) has been decommissioned and new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures have been developed at Lincoln Regional Airport. This action would enhance the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Anthony, KS. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) at Anthony Municipal Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for SIAPs at the airport.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (type certificate previously held by The New Piper Aircraft Inc.) PA-28, PA-32, PA-34, and PA-44 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of control cable assembly failures that may lead to failure of the horizontal stabilator control system and could result in loss of pitch control. This proposed AD would require inspections of the stabilator control system and replacement of parts as necessary. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

This notice of policy announces Alaskan fuel hauling as a restricted category special purpose operation under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.25(b)(7), for aircraft type-certificated under 14 CFR 21.25(a)(1), for operations within the State of Alaska, to provide bulk fuel to isolated individuals or locations in the State of Alaska.

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 The Boeing Company Model MD-90-30 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks found in Stringer 11 at the outboard flap, inboard drive hinge at Station Xrs=164.000. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracks in Stringer 11, and a splice repair if necessary; and repetitive post-repair inspections, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in the wing structure not supporting the limit load condition, which could lead to loss of the structural integrity of the wing.

This action proposes to modify the Philadelphia, PA, Class B airspace area to ensure the containment of large turbine-powered aircraft within Class B airspace, reduce controller workload, and reduce the potential for midair collision in the Philadelphia terminal area.

This action establishes Class E Airspace at Quakertown, PA, to accommodate the new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Quakertown Airport. This action enhances the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations within the National Airspace System.

This action amends the Class E airspace area at Bar Harbor, ME, as the Surry Non-Directional Radio Beacon (NDB) has been decommissioned and new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures have been developed at Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport. This action enhances the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations within the National Airspace System. This action also makes a minor adjustment to the geographic coordinates of the airport.

This action amends Class E Airspace in the Montgomery, AL area, by recognizing the name change of Prattville-Grouby Field Airport, formerly called Autauga Airport, and adjusts the geographic coordinates. This action does not change the boundaries or operating requirements of the airspace.

Pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 5 U.S.C. App. 2), notice is hereby given of three teleconferences of the Systems Working Group of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC). The teleconferences will take place on: Tuesday August 14, 2012, Tuesday September 18, 2012, and Tuesday October 23, 2012. All teleconferences will begin at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time and will last approximately one hour. Individuals who plan to participate should contact Susan Lender, Designated Federal Officer (DFO), (the Contact Person listed below) by phone or email for the teleconference call in number. The purpose of these three teleconferences is to assist the FAA early in its development of regulations to protect occupants of commercial suborbital and orbital spacecraft. Although the FAA has not yet targeted a date for proposing regulations to protect the health and safety of crew and space flight participants, the FAA believes that the development of sound and appropriate regulations for human space flight can only be achieved with a deliberate, multi-year effort. Moreover, the FAA believes that early industry input into this regulatory effort before any formal proposal by the FAA is critical. Thus, the FAA would like to engage with COMSTAC on a periodic basis, approximately once per month, on specific topics. The topics for the first three teleconferences are as follows: (1) What Level of Safety Should FAA Target? We will discuss whether the FAA should regulate to one or multiple levels of space flight safety, what level or levels of safety the FAA should attempt to achieve, and whether the level or levels of safety should be quantified. We will also discuss what level of care, short of a fatality, the FAA should be concerned with. (2) What Should FAA Oversight Look Like? Aircraft-like certification is not feasible at this time, due to current technology and the FAA's statutory mandate only to pursue minimal regulations that take into consideration the evolving standards of safety in the commercial space flight industry. 51 U.S.C. 50905(c)(3). We will discuss what a licensing process should look like in terms of FAA oversight, whether such oversight could or should be called a ``certification,'' and for how long informed consent should remain in effect. (3) What Types of Requirements and Associated Guidance Material Should FAA Develop? In general, the FAA favors space transportation regulations that are performance or process based. We will discuss the level of empirical or analytical data necessary to justify any performance-based human space flight regulation, the possible use of Advisory Circulars to add clarity to regulations, and what place government and industry standards should have in FAA licensing. Interested members of the public may submit relevant written statements for the COMSTAC working group members to consider under the advisory process. Statements may concern the issues and agenda items mentioned above or additional issues that may be relevant for the U.S. commercial space transportation industry. Interested parties wishing to submit written statements should contact Susan Lender, DFO, (the Contact Person listed below) in writing (mail or email) by August 7, 2012, for the August 14 teleconference, September 11, 2012, for the September 18 teleconference, and October 16, 2012, for the October 23 teleconference. This way the information can be made available to COMSTAC members for their review and consideration before each teleconference. Written statements should be supplied in the following formats: one hard copy with original signature or one electronic copy via email. The FAA may schedule up to 10 more teleconferences in the coming months to allow the U.S. commercial space transportation industry to share views with the FAA on a number of specific topics related to commercial human space flight safety. An agenda will be posted on the FAA Web site at https://www.faa.gov/ go/ast. Individuals who plan to participate and need special assistance should inform the Contact Person listed below in advance of the meeting.