Federal Aviation Administration 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of land at the Ottumwa Regional Airport, Ottumwa, Iowa, under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47107(h)(2).

We are superseding emergency airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-14-51 for General Electric Company (GE) GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B turbofan engines with affected transfer gearbox assembly (TGB) radial gearshafts installed. AD 2013-14-51 was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B turbofan engines. AD 2013-14-51 prohibited operation of an airplane if more than one installed engine has an affected TGB radial gearshaft. This AD contains the same prohibition as AD 2013-14-51 and also prohibits operation of any airplane 60 days after the effective date of this new AD if any installed engine has an affected TGB radial gearshaft. This new AD also revises the applicability by adding GE90- 76B, GE90-77B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, GE90-94B, and GE90-113B turbofan engine models and adds a mandatory terminating action. This new AD was prompted by reports of three failures of TGB radial gearshafts which resulted in in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs). We are issuing this new AD to prevent failure of the TGB radial gearshaft, which could result in IFSD of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2012-14-04 for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes. AD 2012-14-04 required replacing certain parking brake accumulators. This new AD retains this requirement. This new AD also requires installing restraint devices around the parking brake accumulator end caps. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of a parking brake accumulator screw cap or end cap resulting in loss of the number 2 hydraulic system and damage to airplane structures, which could adversely affect the controllability of the airplane.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2000-06-13 R1, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-200, -200C, -300, and -400 series airplanes. AD 2000-06-13 R1 required repetitively inspecting for cracking of the corners of the door frame and the cross beams of the aft cargo door, and corrective actions if necessary. AD 2000-06-13 R1 also required modifying the aft cargo door, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This new AD adds airplanes to the applicability, adds inspections and related investigative and corrective actions, revises certain inspection types, and reduces a certain compliance time for modifying the doors. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the forward and aft corner frames of the aft cargo door and in the lower cross beam. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the corners of the door frame and the cross beams of the aft cargo door, which could result in rapid depressurization of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc. (previously Utah State University); Firefly Aviation Helicopter Services (previously Erickson Air-Crane Co.); California Department of Forestry; Garlick Helicopters, Inc.; Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC (previously Western International Aviation, Inc.); International Helicopters, Inc.; Precision Helicopters, LLC; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; San Joaquin Helicopters (previously Hawkins and Powers Aviation, Inc.); S.M.&T. Aircraft (previously US Helicopters, Inc., UNC Helicopter, Inc., Southern Aero Corporation, and Wilco Aviation); Smith Helicopters; Southern Helicopter, Inc.; Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc. (previously Jamie R. Hill and Southwest Florida Aviation); Tamarack Helicopters, Inc. (previously Ranger Helicopter Services, Inc.); US Helicopter, Inc. (previously UNC Helicopter, Inc.); West Coast Fabrication; and Williams Helicopter Corporation (previously Scott Paper Co.) Model HH-1K, TH-1F, TH-1L, UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-1E, UH-1F, UH-1H, UH-1L, and UH-1P Helicopters; and Southwest Florida Aviation Model UH- 1B (SW204 and SW204HP) and UH-1H (SW205) Helicopters. This AD requires creating a component history card or equivalent record for each main rotor grip (grip); determining and recording the total hours time-in- service (TIS) for each grip; visually inspecting the upper and lower tangs of the grip for a crack; inspecting the grip buffer pads for delamination and if delamination is present, inspecting the grip surface for corrosion or other damage; inspecting the grip for a crack using ultrasonic (UT) and fluorescent penetrant inspection methods; and establishing a retirement life for certain grips. This AD was prompted by three in-flight failures of grips installed on Bell Helicopter Textron (Bell) Model 212 helicopters, which resulted from cracks originating in the lower main rotor blade bolt lug. The actions are intended to prevent failure of the grip, separation of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Washington, KS. Decommissioning of the Morrison non-directional beacon (NDB) at Washington County Memorial Airport has made reconfiguration necessary for standard instrument approach procedures and for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. Geographic coordinates would also be updated.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Wadena, MN. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) at Wadena 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. Geographical coordinates would also be updated.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, and AS350D1 helicopters. This proposed AD would require measuring the distance between the end of the main rotor collective pitch lever (collective) locking stud (locking stud) and the locking strip and repairing the locking stud if the clearance is insufficient. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that insufficient distance between the locking stud and the locking strip may cause the collective to become inadvertently locked in the low pitch (low) position. The proposed actions are intended to prevent the collective from becoming inadvertently locked in the low position and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH TAE 125-01 reciprocating engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of engine power loss due to engine coolant contaminating the engine clutch. The design of the engine allows the crankcase assembly opening to be susceptible to contamination from external sources. This proposed AD would require applying sealant to close the engine clutch housing (crankcase assembly) opening. We are proposing this AD to prevent in-flight engine power loss, which could result in loss of control of, and damage to, the airplane.

As, new technology facilitates the introduction of area navigation (RNAV) instrument approach procedures over the past decade, the number of procedures available in the National Airspace System has nearly doubled. The complexity and cost to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of maintaining the existing ground based navigational infrastructure while expanding the new RNAV capability is not sustainable. The FAA is considering the cancellation of certain Non-directional Beacon (NDB) and Very High Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional Radio Range (VOR) instrument approach procedures (IAP) at airports that have multiple instrument approach procedures. The FAA proposes specific criteria to guide the identification and selection of appropriate NDB and VOR instrument approach procedures that can be considered for cancellation. The VOR IAPs associated with this cancellation initiative would be selected from the criteria outlined below. This Notice is not a part of the FAA's VOR minimum operating network (MON) initiative.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of fasteners missing on an airplane undergoing a passenger-to-freighter conversion. This proposed AD would require doing a general visual inspection of the station 1920 splice clip for correct fastener installation, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct missing or incorrect fasteners, which can lead to cracking and loss of load carrying capacity, resulting in a possible decompression event.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. That NPRM proposed to require 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, and to remove airplanes from the applicability. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to detect and correct failure of the engine fuel suction feed capability of the fuel system, which 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.

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.

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.

This action proposes special conditions for the Eclipse EA500 airplane. This airplane as modified by Innovative Solutions and Support (IS&S) will have a novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with the autothrottle system (ATS). The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed 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.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a design review, which revealed that under certain failure conditions of the maximum level (Max Level) sensor wiring, a short circuit may develop that causes a hot spot on the wiring conduit, or puncturing of the wiring conduit wall in the center wing fuel tank. This proposed AD would require installing fuses in the Max Level sensor wiring; and revising the airplane maintenance program by incorporating critical design configuration control limitations. We are proposing this AD to prevent an ignition source in the center wing fuel tank vapor space, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a cracked pick- up bracket of the forward outboard pylon of the number 1 engine due to stress corrosion. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections and, depending on findings, repair of the pylon pick-up brackets. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the pick-up bracket, which could result in the engine pylon separating from the wing, with consequent damage to the airplane and reduced controllability.

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 for a new information collection. The collection involves an assessment of the number of ferry flights typically conducted by on-demand air carriers and the costs associated with those flights. The information to be collected will be used to conduct a benefit cost analysis in connection with rulemaking as required by Congress.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes. That supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) proposed to require revising the maintenance program to incorporate a revision to the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the maintenance planning data (MPD) document. That SNPRM 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 SNPRM by adding Model 777F series airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD 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 this action imposes an additional burden over that proposed in the previous SNPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on this proposed change.

This action amends Class E airspace at Gustavus Airport, Gustavus, AK. Decommissioning of the Gustavus 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 also adjusts the geographic coordinates of the airport.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain CFM International, S. A. (CFM) model CFM56-5 and CFM56-5B series turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by corrosion of the delta-P valve in the hydro-mechanical unit (HMU) fuel control caused by exposure to type TS-1 fuel. This AD requires cleaning, inspection, and repair of affected HMUs. We are issuing this AD to prevent seizure of the HMU, leading to failure of one or more engines and damage to the airplane.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at the Rome VHF Omni-Directional Radio Range/ Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid, Rome, OR, to facilitate vectoring of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft under control of Salt Lake City, Oakland and Seattle Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs). The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations within the National Airspace System.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at St. George Municipal Airport, St. George, UT, by removing the operating hours established by a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) due to the airport changing from a part time to a full time facility. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at St. George Municipal Airport, St. George, UT.