Federal Aviation Administration 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Duo Discus T gliders. 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 the instructions provided to inspect the propeller hub and blades are insufficient for detecting cracks and/or other damage, and other operating instructions provided by the flight and maintenance manual are incorrect and insufficient. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This AD requires either removal or inspection of the Honeywell fixed emergency locator transmitter (ELT), and corrective action if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report of a fire involving a Honeywell fixed ELT. We are issuing this AD to prevent a fire in the aft crown of the airplane, or to detect and correct discrepancies within the ELT that could cause such a fire.

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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Hartzell Propeller, Inc. propeller models HC-(1,D)2(X,V,MV)20-7, HC- (1,D)2(X,V,MV)20-8, and HC-(1,D)3(X,V,MV)20-8. This AD was prompted by failures of the propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm and resulting engine oil leak. This AD requires replacement of the propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm. We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm rupture, loss of engine oil, damage to the engine, and loss of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Turbomeca S.A. Arrius 2B1, 2B1A, 2B2, and 2K1 turboshaft engines. This proposed AD was prompted by in-flight shutdowns caused by interrupted fuel supply at the hydro-mechanical metering unit (HMU). This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive inspections of the HMU high pressure pump drive gear shaft splines, cleaning and inspections of the sleeve assembly splines, and replacement of the HMU if it fails inspection. We are proposing this AD to prevent in-flight shutdown and damage to the engine.

The FAA is correcting a final rule published on July 15, 2013 (78 FR 42324). In that rule, which became effective on July 15, 2013, the date of publication, the FAA amended its regulations to create new certification and qualification requirements for pilots in air carrier operations. This document corrects errors in the regulatory text of that document.

This notice announces the availability of additional draft Airman Certification Standards (ACS) documents developed by the ATSTWG for the authorized instructor certificate, the private pilot certificate and the instrument rating. These documents are available for public review, download, and comment.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires revising the maintenance program by incorporating certain airworthiness limitations that require new life limits on certain main landing gear (MLG) components. Since we issued that AD, we have determined that reduced safe life limits on certain nose landing gear (NLG) fittings are necessary. Analysis of these fittings showed the presence of forging indications in the flash line, which might reduce the life limits of these fittings.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of land at Sioux Gateway Airport/Col. Bud Day Field, Sioux City, Iowa, under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47107(h)(2).

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Model S-76A, B, and C helicopters. The existing AD currently requires inspecting the main rotor lower bifilar arm assembly (bifilar arm assembly) for a crack, and if there is a crack, replacing the bifilar arm assembly. The AD also requires a one-time test for the correct torque on the lug nuts, and if necessary, conducting torque stabilization tests. Since we issued that AD, Sikorsky has developed a terminating procedure for the inspections required by the existing AD. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of that AD, and would require replacing the main rotor hub (MRH) pilot with a different part- numbered MRH pilot, which would be terminating action for the requirements of the AD. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of a bifilar lug, damage to the main rotor control system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the swashplates for corrosion or a crack, and making the appropriate repairs or replacement of parts. This proposed AD is prompted by the discovery of corrosion on the swashplates when the main rotor hub (MRH) assemblies were reconditioned. The proposed actions are intended to detect corrosion or a crack in the swashplates, which could lead to failure of the swashplate and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters with a jettisonable sliding door (door) installed. This proposed AD would require inspecting the lock release assembly and the middle and upper lever locking bolts of each door, replacing any damaged parts with airworthy parts, and ensuring the door is correctly installed. This proposed AD is prompted by the uncommanded detaching of a door from an MBB-BK 117 C-2 fuselage. The proposed actions are intended to prevent the in-flight loss of the door, which could damage the helicopter and injure persons on the ground.

This action amends Class E airspace for the Tri-Cities, TN area, by correcting the regulatory text of the Class E surface airspace at Tri-Cities Regional Airport, Tri-Cities, TN. Exclusionary language was omitted in the final rule published in the Federal Register of February 5, 2013, This action is necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations in the Tri- Cities area.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Program Management Committee.

The FAA is issuing a CANCELLATION to the notice submitted on July 9th to the public of a meeting of RTCA Program Management Committee.

This action modifies the Las Vegas, NV, Class B airspace area to ensure the containment of large turbine-powered aircraft within Class B airspace, reduce air traffic controller workload, and reduce the potential for midair collision in the Las Vegas, NV, terminal area.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 747 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive detailed inspections to detect cracking in certain fuselage upper deck tension ties, repair or modification of any cracked tension ties, and repetitive inspections of repaired and modified tension ties and repair or modification if necessary. The existing AD also provides for optional terminating action for the repetitive detailed inspections of tension ties that have not been repaired or modified. This proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder indicating that the upper deck tension ties of the fuselage are subject to widespread fatigue damage. This proposed AD would retain the repetitive inspections, mandate the previously optional terminating modification, and add, for tension ties that have not been repaired or modified, repetitive inspections that must be done concurrently with the existing repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to prevent widespread fatigue damage of certain fuselage upper deck tension ties, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2011-13-08 for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. AD 2011-13- 08 required a free-play check for excessive free-play of the shaft swaged bearing installed in the tailstock end of each elevator power control unit (PCU), and replacing any PCU on which the bearing exceeds allowable limits with a serviceable PCU. This new AD adds airplanes to the applicability from that of AD 2011-13-08. This AD was prompted by a determination that additional airplanes are affected by the identified unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct excessive free-play of the swaged bearings, which could lead to excessive airframe vibrations and difficulties in pitch control, and consequent loss of controllability of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the elevator rear spar stiffener assembly. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the elevator rear spar stiffener assembly, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the elevator rear spar stiffener assembly, which could adversely affect elevator structural stiffness, which could lead to elevator vibration and possible interference with the tab control rod. These conditions could result in flutter and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of spanwise cracks and corrosion in the wing center box upper skin and rear spar upper chord between left buttock line (LBL) 70.50 and right buttock line (RBL) 70.50 at body station (STA) 870. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the wing center box for cracking around certain fastener rows on the rear spar upper chord horizontal flange; for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections for cracking of the rear spar upper chord radius; for certain other airplanes, repetitive inspections for damage, cracking, and corrosion of the pressure seal; and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking and corrosion of the upper skin and rear spar upper chord of the wing center box, which could result in loss of the airplane wing and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72-101, - 201, -102, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of airplane incidents and accidents that have occurred because of low-level fuel tank situations and fuel starvation that resulted in engine flameouts. This proposed AD would require installing a fuel quantity indicator (FQI) equipped with a locking adaptor on the electrical connector. We are proposing this AD to prevent an engine flame-out, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

The National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as required by the National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 2000, established the National Parks Overflights Advisory Group (NPOAG) in March 2001. The NPOAG was formed to provide continuing advice and counsel with respect to commercial air tour operations over and near national parks. This notice informs the public of two vacancies on the NPOAG [now the NPOAG Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC)] for members representing commercial air tour operators (one vacancy) and environmental concerns (one vacancy) and invites interested persons to apply to fill the vacancies.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD is intended to complete certain mandated programs intended to support the airplane reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that support the established structural maintenance program. This proposed AD would require an inspection for cracks in the main wheel well pressure floor and a preventive modification or permanent repair, as applicable. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracking in the main wheel well pressure floor, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane, and decompression of the cabin.

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2011-27- 51 that applies to certain Beechcraft Corporation Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D airplanes. AD 2011-27-51 currently requires inspecting the elevator bob-weight and attaching linkage for correct installation and for damage or deformation to the weight and/or weight bracket with corrective action as necessary. Since we issued AD 2011-27-51, a secondary elevator bob-weight stop bolt has been designed. This proposed AD would require installation of the secondary elevator bob- weight stop bolt. The elevator bob-weight (stabilizer weight) traveling past its stop bolt may allow the attaching linkage to move over-center and lead to reduced nose down elevator control, which could result in loss of control. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain the Boeing Company Model 777-200 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of smoke or flames in the passenger cabin of various transport category airplanes, related to the wiring for the passenger cabin in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, cabin lighting, and passenger seats. This proposed AD would require, for certain airplanes, doing an inspection of the electrical power control panel for a certain part number, and corrective action if necessary; and for certain other airplanes, installing a new electrical power control panel, and making changes to the wiring and certain electrical load management system (ELMS) panels. We are proposing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew is able to turn off electrical power to the IFE systems and other non-essential electrical systems through a switch in the flight compartment in the event of smoke or flames. In the event of smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or passenger cabin, the flightcrew's inability to turn off electrical power to the IFE system and other non-essential electrical systems could result in the inability to control smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or passenger cabin during a non-normal or emergency situation, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.