Federal Aviation Administration January 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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 to renew an information collection. The information enables the FAA to evaluate the validity of the user's request for National Airspace (NAS) data from FAA systems and equipment.

In order to provide the public additional time to submit comments on the proposed Policy, the Federal Aviation Administration (``FAA'') is extending the public comment period for thirty days. This action proposes to amend the FAA Policy and Procedures Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue published in the Federal Register at 64 FR 7696 on February 16, 1999 (``Revenue Use Policy'') to clarify FAA's policy on Federal requirements for the use of proceeds from taxes on aviation fuel. Under Federal law, airport operators that have accepted Federal assistance generally may use airport revenues only for airport-related purposes. The revenue use requirements apply to certain state and local government taxes on aviation fuel as well as to revenues received directly by an airport operator. This notice publishes a proposed clarification of FAA's understanding of the Federal requirements for use of revenues derived from taxes on aviation fuel. Briefly, an airport operator or state government submitting an application under the Airport Improvement Program must provide assurance that revenues from state and local government taxes on aviation fuel are used for certain aviation-related purposes. These purposes include airport capital and operating costs, and state aviation programs. In view of the interests of sellers and consumers of aviation fuel, and of state and local government taxing authorities in limits on use of proceeds from taxes touching aviation fuel, this notice solicits public comment on the proposed policy clarification. This notice also solicits comments about whether there are other reasonable interpretations regarding local taxes that are not enumerated here and should be considered by the FAA. Finally, this proposed policy clarification, if finalized, would apply prospectively to use of proceeds from both new taxes and to existing taxes that do not qualify for grandfathering from revenue use requirements.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-10- 53 for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135T1, EC135T2, and EC135T2+ helicopters. AD 2012-10-53 currently requires, before further flight and at specified intervals, checking and inspecting the upper and lower main rotor hub (MRH) shaft flanges for a crack, and inspecting the lower hub-shaft flange bolt attachment areas for a crack. Since we issued AD 2012-10-53, it has been determined that it is safe to increase the visual inspection intervals of the MRH shaft flanges from 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) to 50 hours TIS and remove the inspection of the lower MRH shaft flange bolt attachment areas. This proposed AD would continue to require checking and inspecting the upper and lower MRH shaft flanges for a crack. The proposed actions are intended to detect a crack on the MRH shaft flange, which if not corrected, could result in failure of the MRH and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitive visual and tap test inspections of each main rotor blade (blade) leading edge stainless steel protective strip (strip) for a crack, cut, or blind or open debonding (debonding), and taking approved corrective measures. If there is a crack or if there is debonding that exceeds acceptable limits, this AD would require, before further flight, repairing or replacing the blade with an airworthy part. This proposed AD is prompted by suspected water seepage through a crack in the blade strip resulting in significant debonding. The proposed actions are intended to prevent loss of the blade strip, excessive vibrations induced by blade weight imbalance, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Jetstream Series 3101 and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. 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 inadequate instructions for inspection for corrosion on the rudder upper hinge bracket and certain internal wing and drainage paths. 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 Eurocopter Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, and AS350D1 helicopters. This AD requires 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 AD was 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 actions of this AD are intended to prevent the collective from becoming inadvertently locked in the low position and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the lower and upper front and rear fittings (fittings) that attach the upper fin to the fenestron for a crack and, if there is a crack, removing all four fittings from service. This AD also requires, within a specified time, removing all fittings from service, and the fittings would not be eligible to be installed on any helicopter. This AD was prompted by the loss of an upper fin in flight. The actions of this AD are intended to detect a crack in the fittings to prevent loss of the upper fin and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The FAA assigned the ARAC a new task arising from recommendations of the ARAC Airman Testing Standards and Training Working Group (ATSTWG). The ATSTWG recommended ways to ensure that the FAA's airman testing and training materials better support reduction of fatal general aviation accidents. The FAA and the Aviation Industry jointly seek to improve airman training and testing by establishing an integrated, holistic airman certification system that clearly aligns testing with certification standards, guidance, and reference materials, and maintains that alignment. The new task is to establish an Airman Certification System Working Group (ACSWG) that will provide expert assistance and industry views to the FAA's Flight Standards Service (AFS) on the development, modification, and continued alignment of the major components of the airman certification system. This action item informs the public of the new ARAC's task and solicits membership for the new ACSWG.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of land at the Colonel James Jabara Airport (AAO), Wichita, Kansas, under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47107(h)(2).

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of deed restrictions at Yellowstone Airport under the provisions of Title 49, U.S.C. Section 47125.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directives (ADs) AD 2000-17- 05 and AD 2001-04-09 for all the Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. AD 2000-17-05 required a functional check of the shear rivets in all six elevator power control actuator (PCA) bellcrank assemblies to determine the condition of the shear rivets; and replacement or rework of the bellcrank assemblies, if necessary. AD 2001-04-09 required repetitive testing of the elevator control system to determine if an elevator PCA is rigged incorrectly due to yielded or failed shear rivets in a bellcrank assembly for the elevator PCA, and follow-on actions if necessary. Since we issued ADs 2000-17-05 and 2001-04-09, a terminating modification has been designed. This new AD requires an inspection to determine the part numbers and condition of the bellcrank assemblies; modification or replacement of the PCA bellcrank assembly, if necessary; and a repetitive functional test and mis-rig check, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent continued operation with yielded or failed shear rivets in the elevator PCA bellcrank assemblies, and to prevent certain failures or jams in the elevator system from causing a hardover of the elevator surface, resulting in a significant pitch upset and possible loss of control of the airplane.

This action establishes 14 RNAV Q-routes and modifies 4 Q- routes to enhance the efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) by improving the flow of air traffic in the vicinity of Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC.

This action proposes to modify three Jet Routes (J-45, J-151, and J-233) and a high altitude area navigation (RNAV) route (Q-19). The FAA is proposing this action due to a service restriction of the Des Moines, IA (DSM), VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR)/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) facility that provides navigation guidance for a portion of the ATS routes. This action would enhance the safety and efficient management of aircraft flying within the National Airspace System (NAS).

The FAA assigned ARAC a new task to review existing engine endurance test requirements, assess its suitability for all engines, and consider an alternate endurance test and associated methods of compliance. The current regulations may not adequately address the technological advances found in modern engines, as related to the current engine endurance test. This notice informs the public of the new ARAC activity and solicits membership for the Engine Harmonization Working Group (EHWG).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the updated noise exposure maps submitted by the Greater Rockford Airport Authority for the Chicago Rockford 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.

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 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 propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA26-T, SA26-AT, SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-TT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, and SA227-DC (C-26B) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of jamming of the aileron control cable chain in the pilot and copilot control columns due to inadequate lubrication and maintenance of the chain. This proposed AD would require repetitively replacing and lubricating the aileron chain, sprocket, and bearings in the control columns. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

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.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change 53.55 acres of airport land from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the lease of the land for non- aeronautical purposes at the Barnstable Municipal Airport-Boardman/ Polando Field, Hyannis, Massachusetts. The land would be leased to the Cape and Vineyard Electrical Company (CVEC), Massachusetts, to permit installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays for the collection of energy. The lease will generate additional airport revenue. In accordance with section 47107(h) of Title 49, United States Code the FAA invites public comment on this notice.

This action modifies the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, Class B airspace area to ensure containment of large turbine-powered aircraft flying instrument procedures to and from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) within Class B airspace. The FAA is taking this action to further support its national airspace redesign goal of optimizing terminal and en route airspace areas to enhance safety, improve the flow of air traffic, and reduce the potential for near midair collision in the DFW terminal area.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Model S-70, S-70A, and S-70C helicopters. This AD establishes a new life limit based on a prorated formula for certain identified components (parts) installed on Model S-70, S-70A, and S-70C helicopters after being previously installed on certain military model helicopters. This AD was prompted by the discovery that certain parts have been interchanged between military helicopter models with different life limits and the possibility that these same parts can be interchanged with civilian models with different life limits. The actions are intended to establish a pro-rated in service life limit for each identified part to prevent fatigue failure of a part 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.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for British Aerospace (Operations) Limited Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, and Jetstream Series 3101 airplanes 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 cracking of the forward main landing gear yoke pintle resulting from corrosion pits leading to stress corrosion. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This notice announces a public meeting via teleconference of the FAA's Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) Transport Airplane and Engine (TAE) Subcommittee to discuss TAE issues.