Federal Aviation Administration January 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This action amends Class E Airspace at Wilkes-Barre, PA, creating controlled airspace to accommodate new area navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Valley Airport. Airspace reconfiguration is necessary for the continued safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the Wilkes-Barre, PA, area. This action also recognizes the name change of Hanover Township Fire Station 5 Heliport. The BARTY LOM navigation aid is removed, as this navigation aid has been decommissioned.

This action modifies Class E airspace at Savoonga, AK, to accommodate aircraft using Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Savoonga Airport. This action enhances the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport. An editorial change is made by removing reference to Class E surface airspace entered in error.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Omak Airport, Omak, WA. Decommissioning of the Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB) has made this action necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Reno/Tahoe International Airport, Reno, NV. Decommissioning of the Compass Locator at the Instrument Landing System Middle Marker (LMM) and the Middle Marker (MM) has made this action necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also would adjust the geographic coordinates of the airport.

We are superseding four airworthiness directives related to the main rotor yoke (yoke) on the Bell Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, and 212 helicopters, to retain certain inspections and certain life limits, to require an increased inspection frequency for certain yokes, and to expand these inspections and retirement lives to other yokes. This airworthiness directive is prompted by past reports of cracks in the yoke, another recent report of a cracked yoke, and the decision that other yokes, approved based on identicality, need to be subject to the same inspection requirements and retirement lives. The actions are intended to detect a crack in a yoke to prevent failure of the yoke, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

This action proposes to modify low-altitude RNAV route T-266 in the state of Alaska by removing two non-directional beacons (NDB) as the navigation signal source and replacing them with RNAV waypoints. This action would enhance the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS).

This action proposes to establish two new low-altitude RNAV routes in the state of Oregon, designated T-302 and T-304. The routes would replace segments of an existing VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway that will be removed due to the planned decommissioning of the Portland, OR, VOR/DME in 2013. This action would advance the implementation of RNAV and provide continued en route navigation guidance in the affected airspace.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is amending the airworthiness standards for airplane propellers. This action would require a safety analysis to identify a propeller critical part. Manufacturers would identify propeller critical parts, and establish engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance processes for propeller critical parts. These new requirements provide an added margin of safety for the continued airworthiness of propeller critical parts by requiring a system of processes to identify and manage these parts throughout their service life. This rule would eliminate regulatory differences between part 35 and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) propeller critical parts requirements, thereby simplifying airworthiness approvals for exports.

This document withdraws a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would have applied to certain Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172RG, R182, TR182, FR182, 210N, T210N, 210R, T210R, P210N, P210R, and T303 airplanes. The proposed airworthiness directive (AD) would have required you to inspect the aircraft's hydraulic power pack wiring for incorrect installation, and if needed, correct the installation. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has re-evaluated this airworthiness concern and determined that an unsafe condition does not exist that would warrant AD action. This withdrawal does not prevent the FAA from initiating future rulemaking on this subject.

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF, and -200CB series airplanes powered by Rolls-Royce engines. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the shim installation between the drag brace fitting vertical flange and bulkhead, and repair if necessary; for certain airplanes, an inspection for cracking of the four critical fastener holes in the horizontal flange, and repair if necessary; and, for airplanes without conclusive records of previous inspections, performing the existing actions. This new AD reduces the repetitive inspection interval; adds repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the bulkhead, and repair if necessary; allows an extension of the repetitive intervals for certain airplanes by also doing repetitive ultrasonic inspections for cracking of the bulkhead, and repair if necessary; and provides an option for a high frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of the critical fastener holes, and repair if necessary. This action also adds a terminating action for certain repetitive inspections. This AD was prompted by reports of loose fasteners and cracks at the joint common to the aft torque bulkhead and strut-to-diagonal brace fitting, and one report of such damage occurring less than 3,000 flight cycles after the last inspection. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks, loose and broken bolts, and shim migration in the joint between the aft torque bulkhead and the strut-to-diagonal brace fitting, which could result in damage to the strut and consequent separation of the strut and engine from the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 airplanes. 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 cracks in the engine mount fittings caused by stress corrosion. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are superseding an existing 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; and certain Model 757-200, -200PF, and -300 series airplanes. That AD currently requires replacing the control switches of the forward, aft, and nose cargo doors of Model 747 airplanes; and requires replacing the control switches of cargo doors 1 and 2 of Model 757 series airplanes. This new AD adds airplanes to the applicability and revises the initial compliance times for those airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of problems associated with the uncommanded operation of cargo doors. We are issuing this AD to prevent injuries to persons and damage to the airplane and equipment.

This rulemaking amends regulations pertaining to certification of airports to clarify that the applicability of these regulations is based only on passenger seats in passenger-carrying operations as determined by either the regulations or the aircraft type certificate. This final rule also adds a new section that prohibits fraudulent or intentionally false statements concerning an airport operating certificate. Finally, this final rule adopts administrative changes for internal consistency, or to codify existing industry practice. These changes are necessary to clarify the applicability language, and ensure the reliability of records maintained by a certificate holder and reviewed by the FAA. Lastly, this final rule changes the definition of joint-use airport to correspond with statutory authority.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-200B, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F series airplanes, and Model 767 series airplanes, powered by General Electric (GE) CF6-80C2 engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of failure of the electro-mechanical brake flex shaft (short flexshaft) of the thrust reverser actuation system (TRAS). This proposed AD would require replacing the short flexshaft on each engine with a new short flexshaft, testing of the electro-mechanical brake and center drive unit (CDU) cone brake to verify the holding torque, and performing related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent an uncommanded in-flight thrust reverser deployment and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for GROB-WERKE Model G115EG 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 cracks in the elevator trim tab arms on several Grob G 115 airplanes, which could result in failure of the part and consequent loss of control. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The proposed rule would prohibit flightcrew members in operations under part 121 from using a personal wireless communications device or laptop computer for personal use while at their duty station on the flight deck while the aircraft is being operated. This rule, which conforms FAA regulations with recent legislation, is intended to ensure that certain non-essential activities do not contribute to the challenge of task management on the flight deck or a loss of situational awareness due to attention to non-essential tasks.

This action establishes Class D airspace and Class E airspace at Camp Guernsey, WY. The establishment of an air traffic control tower has made this action necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at Camp Guernsey Airport.

This action reopens the comment period for an NPRM that was published on October 26, 2012. In that document, the FAA proposed to modify the Las Vegas, NV, Class B airspace area to ensure the containment of large turbine-powered aircraft within Class B airspace.

The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that published in the Federal Register. That AD applies to Lycoming Engines TSIO-540-AK1A, and Continental Motors, Inc. TSIO-360-MB, TSIO-360-SB, and TSIO-360-RB reciprocating engines, with certain Hartzell Engine Technologies (HET) turbochargers, model TA0411, part number 466642- 0001; 466642-0002; 466642-0006; 466642-9001; 466642-9002; or 466642- 9006, or with certain HET model TA0411 turbochargers overhauled or repaired since August 29, 2012. The Summary paragraph and the Applicability paragraph list an incorrect engine model for Lycoming Engines. This document corrects those errors. In all other respects, the original document remains the same.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) Model BO-105A, BO-105C, BO- 105S, BO-105LS A-1, BO-105LS A-3, EC135 P1, EC135 P2, EC135 P2+, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A- 4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, MBB-BK 117 C-1, and MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters with certain part-numbered cantilever assemblies, cyclic stick locking devices, or cyclic stick holder assemblies installed. This proposed AD would require modifying and identifying the cyclic stick cantilever or lock. This proposed AD is prompted by pilots inadvertently taking off with the cyclic locked. The proposed actions are intended to prevent a pilot taking off with the cyclic in the locked position, which could result in loss of control of the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. This AD requires performing a high gas generator speed (NG) rating vibration check. This AD was prompted by several reports of uncommanded in-flight shutdown on Arriel 1 engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncommanded in- flight shutdown of the engine, which could result in an emergency landing.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG BR700-715A1-30, BR700-715B1-30, and BR700-715C1-30 turbofan engines. This AD requires a one-time removal from service of the high-pressure (HP) compressor stages 1 to 6 rotor disc assembly before exceeding certain thresholds. This AD was prompted by a report of silver chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking of the HP compressor stages 1 to 6 rotor disc assembly, identified during overhaul. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HP compressor stages 1 to 6 rotor disc assembly, which could result in uncontained failure of the engine and damage to the airplane.

This action modifies the Atlanta, GA, Class B airspace area to ensure the containment of large turbine-powered aircraft operating to and from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The FAA is taking this action to enhance safety and reduce the potential for midair collision in the Atlanta, GA, terminal area.

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, notice is hereby given of a teleconference of the Business/Legal Working Group (BLWG) of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC).

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain International Aero Engines AG (IAE), V2525-D5 and V2528-D5 turbofan engines, with a certain number (No.) 4 bearing internal scavenge tube and a certain No. 4 bearing external scavenge tube installed. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an engine under-cowl fire and commanded in-flight shutdown. This proposed AD would require replacement of certain part number (P/N) No. 4 bearing internal scavenge tubes, and alignment checks of certain P/N No. 4 bearing external scavenge tubes. We are proposing this AD to prevent engine fire and damage to the airplane.