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

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365C, SA-365C1, SA-365C2, and SA-366G1 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting portions of the main gearbox (MGB) for the presence of sealing compound and corrosion. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the main MGB casing lower area between the two servo-control anchoring fitting attachment ribs. An investigation determined that the corrosion was associated with sealing compound on the lower part of the fitting/casing attachment. The actions in this AD are intended to detect corrosion on the MGB casing, which could lead to a crack, failure of the MGB, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) TAE 125-02-99 and TAE 125-02-114 reciprocating engines. This AD requires inspection of the oil filler plug vent hole at the next scheduled maintenance or within 110 flight hours after the effective date of this AD. If chips are found to be blocking the vent hole, additional corrective action is required before next flight. This AD was prompted by an in-flight shutdown of an airplane equipped with a TAE 125-02-99 engine. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine in-flight shutdown or power loss, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (BHTI) Model 205A, 205A-1, and 205B helicopters with certain starter/generator power cable assemblies (power cable assemblies). This AD requires replacing the power cable assemblies and their associated parts, and performing continuity readings. This AD was prompted by the determination that the power cable assembly connector (connector) can deteriorate, causing a short in the connector that may lead to a fire in the starter/generator, smoke in the cockpit that reduces visibility, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of chafing on the bottom panel of the center cabin. This AD requires a general visual inspection to determine if certain fasteners are installed, and related investigative and corrective actions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any chafing on the bottom panel of the center cabin, which could affect the structural integrity of the affected wing-to-fuselage connection.

The FAA is correcting a final rule published on September 7, 2012 (77 FR 55108). In that rule, the FAA amended its regulations to the requirements for siting explosives under a license to operate a launch site. The rule increases flexibility for launch site operators in site planning for the storage and handling of energetic liquids and explosives. The FAA inadvertently did not correctly identify the Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board. This document corrects the error.

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 notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of the 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 are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-202, -203, -223, -243, -302, -323, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-313 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that a specific batch of cargo doors might have deviations in quality related to door structure, such as irregular bore holes, improper application of sealant and paint, or uncleanliness. This AD requires inspecting to identify the part and serial numbers of the forward and aft cargo doors, and replacing the affected cargo doors. We are issuing this AD to prevent the degraded structural capability of the cargo door, a primary structure, from leading to failure of the door, which could lead to a breach through the door or the door detaching from the airplane, resulting in potential rapid decompression.

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the crown area of the fuselage skin, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD adds repetitive inspections for cracking using different inspection methods and inspecting additional areas, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD also requires additional repairs to previously repaired areas and repetitive inspections for loose fasteners and replacement if necessary in certain previously repaired areas. This AD also reduces certain compliance times and extends certain other compliance times. This AD was prompted by additional reports of cracking at the horizontal chem-mill steps away from the lap joints over the entire crown area, and vertical chem-mill cracks adjacent to the butt joints. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin, which could cause the fuselage skin to fracture and fail, and result in rapid decompression of the airplane.