Federal Aviation Administration 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Park Service (NPS), in accordance with the National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 2000, announce the next meeting of the National Parks Overflights Advisory Group (NPOAG) Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC). This notification provides the date, location, and agenda for the meeting. Date and Location: The NPOAG ARC will meet on July 22-23, 2014. The meeting will take place in the Windsor Room of the Fort Collins Marriott located at 350 East Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525. The meeting will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on July 22, 2014 and from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on July 23, 2014. This NPOAG meeting will be open to the public.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in coordination with the National Weather Service (NWS), will transition seven (7) Area Forecasts (FAs), currently used as flight planning and pilot weather briefing aids, to digital and graphical alternatives. A joint-agency working group has concluded that these digital and graphical alternatives better-meet the needs of today's aviation users. Guidance with respect to the proper use of these alternatives is forthcoming.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB412 and AB412EP helicopters with a certain rotor brake pinion installed. This AD requires inspecting the rotor brake pinion for a crack, and replacing it if there is a crack. This AD is prompted by a report of a rotor brake pinion failure. These actions are intended to detect a crack on the rotor brake pinion and prevent failure of the rotor brake pinion, which could lead to detachment of parts inside the transmission and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-01-04 for BHTI Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, and 212 helicopters. AD 2003-01-04 required inspecting the main rotor grip (grip) and reporting certain inspection results to the FAA. AD 2003-01-04 also required performing additional inspections, repair, or replacement depending on whether a crack or delamination was found, and determining and recording the hours time-in-service (TIS) and the engine start/stop cycles for each grip on a component history card or equivalent record. This new AD requires the same actions as AD 2003-01-04 but adds a retirement life to certain grips and expands the applicability to include the Model 210 helicopter and additional part-numbered grips. This AD was prompted by the discovery of additional cracked grips. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of a grip, separation of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-11-10 for Przedsiebiorstwo Doswiadczalno-Produkcyjne Szybownictwa ``PZL-Bielsko'' Model SZD-50-3 ``Puchacz'' sailplanes. 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 fatigue damage of the welded joint between the airbrake torque tube and the airbrake control system lever located inside the fuselage. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA publishes a monthly notice, as appropriate, of PFC approvals and disapprovals under the provisions of the Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 (Title IX of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990) (Pub. L. No. 101-508) and Part 158 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 158). This notice is published pursuant to paragraph d of Sec. 158.29.

These special conditions are issued for the Bombardier Aerospace Models BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes. These airplanes have 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 establishes Class E airspace at Crandon, WI. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Crandon/Steve Conway Municipal Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.

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 respondents supply information through the AC 8050-135 to the FAA Civil Aviation Registry's Aircraft Registration Branch in order to obtain an authorization code for access to the International Registry.

These special conditions are issued for Airbus Model A350-900 Series airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with a braking system that affects the airplane's pivoting behavior. 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.

These special conditions are issued for Airbus Model A350-900 series airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the in-flight fire and flammability resistance of the composite fuselage. Experience has shown that eliminating fire propagation on the surface of interior and insulating materials enhances survivability since the threats from an in-flight fire (e.g., toxic gas emission and smoke obscuration) are typically by-products of a propagating fire. The Airbus Model A350-900 series airplanes must provide protection against an in-flight fire propagating along the surface of the fuselage. Special conditions are needed to address this design feature. 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.

These special conditions are issued for the Gulfstream Model GVI airplane. This airplane, as modified by Gulfstream, will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with airbag-equipped shoulder belts. 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.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks found in the upper corners of the forward entry door skin cutout. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking in the upper corners of the forward entry door skin cutout, and repair if necessary. Accomplishment of this repair or a preventive modification would terminate the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD also would require repetitive post-modification and post-repair inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the doorway upper corners, which could result in cabin depressurization.

This rule 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 rule 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 special conditions for the Embraer S.A. Model EMB-550 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology and design envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. This design feature is a high incidence protection system that limits the angle of attack at which the airplane can be flown during normal low speed operation. 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.

The FAA will hold a public meeting to discuss its proposal to consider the impact of one engine inoperative procedures during aeronautical studies. This proposal was published in the Federal Register on April 28, 2014. During the meeting, the FAA will explain the proposal and respond to questions seeking clarification of the proposed policy. In addition, the FAA is extending the time period for which the public may submit written comments for an additional 30 days.

We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters (previously Eurocopter France) Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. This AD requires repetitively inspecting certain reinforcement angles of the rear structure to tailboom junction frame (reinforcement angles) for a crack, and repairing any cracked reinforcement angle. This AD is prompted by a report that cracks were found in the reinforcement angles on several AS355 helicopters. These actions are intended to detect a crack in the reinforcement angle, which if not corrected, could result in loss of the tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a non-connection of the constant speed motor/generator (CSM/G) during a final assembly operational test. This AD requires a detailed inspection of the connector wires for connector 1XE-A of the generator control unit (GCU)-CSM/ G for discrepancies (evidence of arcing or overheating damage), and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrect locking of contacts into connector 1XE-A of the GCU-CSM/G, which could result in a loss of contact continuity and lead to the CSM/G not operating, which, in conjunction with an emergency electrical configuration loss of the main electrical system or total engine flameout, could adversely affect the airplane's safe flight.

This action proposes to modify three RNAV Q-routes and establish five Q-routes originating in Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center's (ARTCC) airspace. The routes would promote operational efficiencies for users and provide connectivity to current and proposed RNAV en route and terminal procedures.

By Federal Register notice (See 79 FR 18757, April 3, 2014) the National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) invited interested persons to apply to fill two openings on the National Parks Overflights Advisory Group (NPOAG) Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC). The notice invited interested persons to apply to fill one upcoming and one currently vacant seat, both representing environmental concerns. This notice informs the public of the person selected to fill one of the vacancies, no selection has been made for the other open vacancy representing environmental concerns.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Mineral Point, WI. A Class E surface area is necessary to accommodate increased business aviation and flight instruction activity at Iowa County Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations for SIAPs at the airport. Geographic coordinates of the existing Class E airspace are also updated.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-11-05 for Bell Model 214B, 214B-1, and 214ST helicopters with certain tail rotor hanger bearings (bearing) installed. AD 2013-11-05 required inspecting the bearing to determine whether an incorrectly manufactured seal material is installed on the bearing. This new AD retains the repetitive inspection of the bearings and also requires replacing the defective bearings. This AD was prompted by a report that certain bearings were manufactured with an incorrect seal material that does not meet Bell specifications. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the bearing and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

These special conditions are issued for the Boeing Company Models 737-700, -700C, -800, -900ER, -7, -8, and -9 series airplanes. These airplanes will have novel or unusual design features associated with the architecture and connectivity capabilities of the airplanes' computer systems and networks, which may allow access to or by external computer systems and networks and may result in security vulnerabilities to the airplanes' systems. 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.