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

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and - 500 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the downstop assemblies on the main tracks of the No. 2, 3, 4, and No. 5 slats and the inboard track of the No. 1 and 6 slats to verify if any parts are missing, damaged, or in the wrong order; other specified actions; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued that AD, the manufacturer has developed a modification, which, when installed, would terminate the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would add an inspection of the slat can interior for foreign object debris (FOD), and removal of any FOD found; modification of the slat track hardware; an inspection for FOD and for damage to the interior surface of the slat cans; and related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent loose or missing parts in the main slat track downstop assemblies, which could puncture the slat track housing and result in a fuel leak and consequent fire.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that erroneous height indication by one radio altimeter with engaged flare and retard mode, in case of go-around, might lead to a temporary loss of airplane longitudinal control. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew applies the appropriate operational procedures in the event of an erroneous indication of the radio altimeter, which could result in temporary loss of airplane longitudinal control.

The FAA proposes to rule and invite public comment on the release of land at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport under the provisions of Section 125 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21), now 49 U.S.C. 47107(h)(2).

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) to supersede an existing AD for certain The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the wiring and surrounding Teflon sleeves of the fuel tank boost pumps and override/jettison pumps; replacement of the sleeves with new sleeves, for certain airplanes; and repair or replacement of the wiring and sleeves with new parts, as necessary. The first SNPRM proposed to reduce the initial compliance time and repetitive inspection interval in the existing AD. The first SNPRM also proposed to mandate a terminating action for the repetitive inspections, to eliminate wire damage. In addition, the first SNPRM proposed to remove certain airplanes from the applicability of the existing AD. The first SNPRM was prompted by fleet information indicating that the repetitive inspection interval in the existing AD is too long, because excessive chafing of the sleeving continues to occur much earlier than expected between scheduled inspections. This action revises the first SNPRM by also proposing to require revising the maintenance program to incorporate changes to the airworthiness limitations section. We are proposing this second SNPRM to detect and correct chafing of the fuel pump wire insulation and consequent exposure of the electrical conductor, which could result in electrical arcing between the wires and conduit and consequent fire or explosion of the fuel tank. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the first SNPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

This action amends Class E airspace at Hot Springs, SD. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Hot Springs Municipal Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport. Geographic coordinates of the airport are also updated.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, - 900 and -900ER series airplanes. That NPRM proposed to require inspecting for a serial number that starts with the letters ``SAIC'' on the left- and right-side horizontal stabilizer identification plate; a detailed inspection for correct bolt protrusion and chamfer of the termination fitting bolts of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar, if necessary; inspecting to determine if certain bolts are installed, if necessary; and doing related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. That NPRM was prompted by reports of incorrectly installed bolts common to the rear spar termination fitting on the horizontal stabilizer. This action revises that NPRM by adding airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to prevent loss of structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer attachment and loss of control of the airplane. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H airplanes. That NPRM proposed to supersede an existing AD that currently requires an inspection of the engine oil pressure switch and, if applicable, replacement with an improved engine oil pressure switch. Since we issued the existing AD, we have received new reports of internal failure of the improved engine oil pressure switch, which could result in complete loss of engine oil with consequent partial or complete loss of engine power or fire. The NPRM proposed to increase the applicability of the AD and place a life- limit of 3,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) on the engine oil pressure switch, requiring replacement when the engine oil pressure switch reaches its life limit. This action revises that NPRM by changing the applicable serial numbers ranges. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

This action amends Class E airspace at Sault Ste Marie, ON. Changes to controlled airspace are necessary to coincide with the Canadian control zone over Sault Ste Marie Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. That NPRM proposed to require performing repetitive operational tests of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, and other related testing if necessary. That NPRM was prompted by reports of two in-service occurrences on Model 737-400 airplanes of total loss of boost pump pressure of the fuel feed system, followed by loss of fuel system suction feed capability on one engine, and in-flight shutdown of the engine. This action revises that NPRM by proposing to revise the maintenance program to incorporate a revision to the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the maintenance planning data (MPD) document. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to detect and correct failure of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, which, in the event of total loss of the fuel boost pumps, could result in dual engine flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the airplane. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the previous 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 certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-400F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the outboard flange of the longeron extension fittings, which attach to the wing-to- body fairing support frame. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the longeron extension fittings for cracking, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the longeron extension fittings, which can become large and adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.

This action amends the description of the Tampa International Airport, FL, Class B airspace area by changing the references for defining the centerpoint of the airspace from the ``airport surveillance radar (ASR) antenna'' to ``Point of Origin.'' In addition, the description is edited throughout to improve clarity. These changes are editorial only and do not alter the current charted boundaries or altitudes or the ATC procedures for the Tampa Class B airspace area.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A310-204, -222, -304, -322, and -324 airplanes. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer re-classifying slat extension eccentric bolts as principle structural elements (PSE) with replacement due at or before newly calculated fatigue life limits. This AD requires replacing slat extension eccentric bolts and associated washers with new slat extension eccentric bolts and washers. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking, which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Slingsby Sailplanes Ltd. Models Dart T.51, Dart T.51/17, and Dart T.51/ 17R sailplanes equipped with aluminum alloy spar booms 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 an incident of glue joint failure on a starboard wing caused by water entering the area of the airbrake box that resulted in delamination and corrosion in the area of the aluminum alloy spar booms and the wing attach fittings. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to establish Class E Airspace at Boca Grande, FL, to accommodate a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) special Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) serving Boca Grande Heliport. This action would enhance the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations within the National Airspace System.

This action proposes to establish Class E Airspace at Pine Island, FL, to accommodate a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) special Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) serving Pine Island Heliport. This action would enhance the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations within the National Airspace System.

This action proposes to establish Class E Airspace at Sanibel, FL, to accommodate a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) special Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) serving Sanibel Island Heliport. This action would enhance the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations within the National Airspace System.

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Turbomeca S.A. Makila 1A2 turboshaft engines. That AD currently requires replacement of certain serial number (S/N) N2 sensor harnesses. This AD requires replacement of the same S/N harnesses, and requires replacement of additional S/N N2 sensor harnesses. This AD was prompted by corrosion detected in affected N2 sensor harnesses. We are issuing this AD to prevent inadvertent activation of the 65% N1 back up mode, resulting in N2 speed fluctuation, significant power loss, and emergency landing of the helicopter.

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 two teleconferences of the Systems Working Group of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC).

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam srl Model P2006T airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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 multiple cracks found on the outboard aileron hinge support of a P2006T airplane during an inspection. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Model H-36, HK 36 R, HK 36 TS, and HK 36 TTS airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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 unsuitable self-locking nut on the bell crank of the elevator push rod that can cause failure of the elevator, resulting in loss of control. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318-112, A319-111, A319-112, A319-115, A319-132, and A319-133 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that a fastener, which connects the cargo door keel beam foot to the circumferential butt-strap and the section 13-14 lower shell panel, was not installed on airplanes during production. This proposed AD would require inspecting forward fuselage frame 24, stringer 39, right hand, to determine if the fastener is missing; measuring the hole dimensions of the five holes surrounding the missing fastener if necessary; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct the missing fastener, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

This action proposes to amend Class D Airspace at El Monte Airport, El Monte, CA. This action, initiated by the biennial review of the El Monte Airspace Area, would amend the Class D Airspace to accommodate departures and arrivals, while enhancing the safety and management of aircraft arriving and departing under Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at El Monte Airport.

These special conditions are issued for the Embraer S.A. Model EMB-550 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with pitch and roll limiting functions, specifically an electronic flight control system which contains fly-by-wire control laws, including envelope protections. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

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.

This action proposes to modify Class E airspace at Bend, OR to accommodate aircraft departing and arriving under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) at Bend Municipal Airport. This action would enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations. The geographic coordinates of the airport would also be updated.