Federal Aviation Administration 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require modification of the web of the horizontal stabilizer center section rear spar. For the other airplanes, this proposed AD would require an inspection for cracks in the web, and repair or modification as applicable. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracking at the upper fastener holes in the riveted web in the horizontal stabilizer center section rear spar, which could result in failure of the spar forging and lead to horizontal stabilizer separation and loss of control of the airplane.

We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. This AD requires, before further flight, determining whether a single hydraulic main or tail rotor servo-control is installed on your helicopter. If a certain servo-control is installed, before the further flight, this AD requires replacing that servo-control. This AD was prompted by the discovery of excessive axial play detected on bearings installed on certain single hydraulic main and tail rotor servo-controls (servo-control). The excessive play could cause the distributor slide valve to jam in its sleeve. This condition could result in jamming the hydraulic flight controls, necessitating that the pilot cut off hydraulic power. This action would increase the pilot's workload, resulting in possible loss of helicopter control.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 87-02-07, which applied to all The Boeing Company Model 737-100 and -200 series airplanes. AD 87-02-07 required replacement of certain underwing fuel tank access covers with stronger, fire-resistant covers. This new AD also requires inspecting fuel tank access doors to determine that impact-resistant access doors are installed in the correct locations, inspecting application of stencils and index markers of impact- resistant access doors, doing corrective actions if necessary, revising the maintenance program, and adding airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by reports of standard access doors installed where impact-resistant access doors are required, and reports of impact-resistant doors without stencils. We are issuing this AD to prevent foreign object penetration of the wing tank, which could lead to a fuel leak near ignition sources (engine, hot brakes), consequently leading to a fuel-fed fire.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. This AD requires determining if a certain serial-numbered bevel gear is installed in the tailrotor intermediate gear box (IGB). If such a bevel gear is installed in the IGB, this AD requires recording the bevel gear's reduced life limit in the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual and on the component history card or equivalent IGB record. If the bevel gear's life limit has been reached or exceeded, this AD requires, before further flight, replacing the bevel gear with an airworthy bevel gear. This AD is prompted by the discovery that the tooth foot fillets in certain bevel gears fall below the minimum dimensions required in the design documents to ensure safe functioning of the bevel gear until it reaches its approved life limit. This AD's actions are intended to prevent failure of a bevel gear before it reaches its currently approved life limit, failure of the IGB, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

This action creates new certification and qualification requirements for pilots in air carrier operations. As a result of this action, a second in command (first officer) in domestic, flag, and supplemental operations must now hold an airline transport pilot certificate and an airplane type rating for the aircraft to be flown. An airline transport pilot certificate requires that a pilot be 23 years of age and have 1,500 hours total time as a pilot. Pilots with fewer than 1,500 flight hours may qualify for a restricted privileges airline transport pilot certificate beginning at 21 years of age if they are a military-trained pilot, have a bachelor's degree with an aviation major, or have an associate's degree with an aviation major. The restricted privileges airline transport pilot certificate will also be available to pilots with 1,500 flight hours who are at least 21 years of age. This restricted privileges airline transport pilot certificate allows a pilot to serve as second in command in domestic, flag, and supplemental operations not requiring more than two pilot flightcrew members. This rule also retains the second-class medical certification requirement for a second in command in part 121 operations. Pilots serving as an air carrier pilot in command (captain) must have, in addition to an airline transport pilot certificate, at least 1,000 flight hours in air carrier operations. This rule also adds to the eligibility requirements for an airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane category multiengine class rating or an airline transport pilot certificate obtained concurrently with a type rating. To receive an airline transport pilot certificate with a multiengine class rating a pilot must have 50 hours of multiengine flight experience and must have completed a new FAA-approved Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program. This new training program will include academic coursework and training in a flight simulation training device. These requirements will ensure that a pilot has the proper qualifications, training, and experience before entering an air carrier environment as a pilot flightcrew member.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain serial-numbered Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters with a certain tailboom upper left attachment fitting (fitting). This proposed AD would require inspecting the fitting for a crack and other conditions. This proposed AD is prompted by the manufacturer revising and extending the 100 hour time-in-service (TIS) inspection requirements for the fitting. The proposed actions are intended to detect a crack, loose rivet, corrosion, or any other damage, which could lead to loss of the tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that was published in the Federal Register. The AD applies to all Sikorsky Model S-70, S-70A, and S-70C helicopters, which are restricted category helicopters derived from the military Model UH-60 helicopter. The part number (P/N) for the No. 2 crossfeed breakaway valve listed in the ``Required Actions'' section is incorrect. This document corrects that error. Also, this document contains a response to a comment received after publication of the Final Rule. In all other respects, the original document remains the same.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Colt, AR. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Delta Regional Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Parkston, SD. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Parkston Municipal Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.

The FAA is considering a proposal to change approximately 0.242 acres of airport land consisting of two separate parcels from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use, and to authorize the transfer of these airport properties located at Wittman Regional Airport, to the City of Oshkosh (City) in exchange for 4.764 acres owned by the City. The two parcels of airport land which are currently primarily used as roadway right-of-way and ditches are proposed for non-aeronautical uses. These parcels are no longer needed for aeronautical use. Cul-de- sacs are proposed to be built on each property and the land swapped with the City of Oshkosh in exchange for 4.764 acres of land within two existing public road rights-of-way (portions of West Waukau Avenue and Knapp Street). The lands the airport will receive were vacated by the City of Oshkosh in May 2013 and access will be maintained to adjacent uses by private streets within fenced airport property. A portion of airport property for the proposed West Waukau Avenue cul-de-sac has a portable building used by the Winnebago Sheriff's Department during EAA AirVenture. The building will be shifted 140 feet north to remain on airport property.

These special conditions are issued for the Embraer Model EMB- 550 airplane. This airplane has novel or unusual design features as compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport-category airplanes. These design features include engine size and the potential torque loads imposed by sudden engine stoppage. 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 action amends Class E airspace at Worthington, MN. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Worthington Municipal Airport. This action enhances the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport. Geographic coordinates of the airport are also updated.

This action proposes to modify Class E airspace at Everett, WA, to accommodate aircraft departing and arriving under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) at Snohomish County Airport (Paine Field), WA. A minor adjustment would also be made to the geographic coordinates of the Airport. This action, initiated by the biennial review of the Snohomish County airspace area, would enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at the Wasatch VHF Omni-Directional Radio Range Tactical Air Navigational Aid (VORTAC) navigation aid, Wasatch, UT, to facilitate vectoring of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft under control of Salt Lake City Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations within the National Airspace System.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Elbow Lake, MN. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Elbow Lake MunicipalPride of the Prairie Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 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 a need to incorporate new revisions into the Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual). The limitations were revised to include an emergency fuel control system adjustment test. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Dowty Propellers R408/6-123-F/17 model propellers. That AD currently requires initial applications of sealant between the bus bar assembly and the backplate assembly of certain line-replaceable units, and repetitive applications of sealant on all R408/6-123-F/17 model propellers. This new AD requires the same actions and allows the use of an equivalent sealant as prescribed in revised service information. This AD was prompted by the need to add an optional terminating action to the applications of sealant. We are issuing this AD to prevent an in-flight double generator failure, which could result in reduced control of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-46-310P, PA-46-350P, PA-46R-350T, and PA-46-500TP airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the fuel vent valves to identify if the nitrile parts are installed and modifying and eventually replacing the fuel vent valves if the nitrile parts are installed. This AD was prompted by nitrile fuel vent valves not providing the correct ventilation. If not corrected, this unsafe condition may lead to structural damage of the wings, which could result in loss of control. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Under the provisions of Title 49, U.S.C. 47153(d), notice is being given that the FAA is considering a request from Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority to waive the surplus property requirements for approximately 3.47 acres of airport property located at Brunswick Executive Airport in Brunswick, ME. It has been determined through study and master planning that the subject parcel will not be needed for aeronautical purposes and would better serve the airport if used for aviation compatible, non- aeronautical revenue generation. Full and permanent relief of the surplus property requirements on this specific parcel will allow the airport and its tenant on this parcels to enter into a long-term lease and begin making infrastructure improvements. All revenues through the leasing of the parcel will continue to be subject to the FAAs revenue- use policy and dedicated to the maintenance and operation of the Brunswick Executive Airport.

The FAA announces its determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by Hawaii State Department of Transportation, Airports Division (HDOT-A), for Hilo International Airport under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47501 et. seq (Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act) and 14 CFR part 150 are in compliance with applicable requirements.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Vulcanair S.p.A. (type certificate previously held by Partenavia) Models P 68, P 68B, P 68C, P 68C-TC, P 68 ``OBSERVER,'' P68TC ``OBSERVER,'' and P68 ``OBSERVER 2'' airplanes that would supersede AD 2008-24-11, Amendment 39-15751. 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 cracking and/or corrosion of the wing spar, which could result in structural failure of the wing. 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 various restricted category Model HH-1K, TH-1F, TH-1L, UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-1E, UH- 1F, UH-1H, UH-1L, and UH-1P helicopters with certain main rotor hub inboard strap fittings (fittings) installed. This AD requires a magnetic particle inspection (MPI) of the fittings for a crack, and if there is a crack, replacing the fitting with an airworthy fitting. This AD is prompted by reports of cracked fittings on Bell model helicopters and the determination that these same part-numbered fittings may be installed on various restricted category helicopters. These actions are intended to detect a crack in a fitting, which may lead to failure of a fitting, loss of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

We propose to revise an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The existing AD currently requires inspecting the fuselage frame to detect fatigue cracks which could lead to structural failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Since we issued that AD, Agusta has developed a frame reinforcement modification which supports extending the interval for inspecting the fuselage frame for a fatigue crack. This proposed AD would require inspecting the fuselage frame for a crack, but would reduce the applicability from the existing AD to exclude helicopters modified by the optional frame reinforcement modification. The proposed actions are intended to detect a fatigue crack that could result in failure of the fuselage frame and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

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.