Federal Aviation Administration 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracks found during maintenance inspections on certain lugs of the 10VU rack side fittings in the cockpit. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the lugs on the 10VU rack side fittings, and repair of any cracking. We are proposing this AD to prevent loss of flight-critical information displayed to the flightcrew during a critical phase of flight, such as an approach or takeoff, which could result in loss of airplane control at an altitude insufficient for recovery.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of heavy corrosion and chrome damage on the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right and left main landing gears (MLGs). This proposed AD would require repetitive lubrication of the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right and left MLGs; repetitive inspections of these assemblies for corrosion and chrome damage, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary; and the installation of new or modified trunnion pin assembly components, which would terminate the repetitive lubrication and repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct heavy corrosion and chrome damage on the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right and left MLGs, which could result in cracking of these assemblies and collapse of the MLGs.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a finding that certain barrel nuts installed at the vertical fin may be subject to stress corrosion and cracking. This AD requires either repetitive inspections of vertical fin barrel nuts for corrosion or a magnetic check to identify certain barrel nuts, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corroded and loose barrel nuts that attach the vertical fin to body section 48; this condition could result in reduced structural integrity of the vertical fin attachment joint, loss of the vertical fin, and consequent loss of controllability of the airplane.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, the FAA's exemption process. 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 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, the FAA's exemption process. 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 The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of electrical shorts of the motor stator wiring burning a hole through the housing of the motor of the cabin air compressor (CAC). This proposed AD would require installing modified inboard and outboard CAC modules on the left side and right side cabin air conditioning and temperature control system (CACTCS) packs. We are proposing this AD to prevent an electrical short from burning through the housing of the motor of the CAC, which could result in a fire in the pack bay, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-07-10 for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 (Challenger 300) airplanes. AD 2011-07-10 required revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness; doing detailed visual inspections; removing discrepant material; cleaning the surfaces of the valves, the plug of the sensing port, and the cabin pressure-sensing port plug; securing the insulation; installing a new safety valve, and replacing certain cabin pressure-sensing port plugs. This new AD retains all requirements of AD 2011-07-10, and requires a detailed visual inspection of both safety valves and the surrounding area for foreign material, room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone, contamination, foam on the bulkhead structure, tape or insulation, and loose material; and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight loss of cabin pressurization that was attributed to partial blockage of a safety valve cabin pressure-sensing port in conjunction with a failed safety valve manometric capsule. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct blockage of a safety valve cabin pressure-sensing port, which could result in loss of cabin pressure.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-06-04, for certain Airbus Model A300 B2-1C, B2-203, B2K-3C, B4-103, B4-203, B4-2C airplanes; Model A310 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600R series airplanes. AD 2010-06-04 required repetitive inspections to detect cracks of the pylon side panels (upper section) at rib 8; and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD continues to require repetitive inspections for cracking of the pylons 1 and 2 side panels (upper section) at rib 8 with reduced compliance times, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires repetitive post-repair and post-modification inspections and repair if necessary. This AD also removes certain airplanes having a certain modification from the applicability. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found on pylon side panels at rib 8 and a fleet survey and updated fatigue and damage tolerance analyses. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of pylon side panels (upper section) at rib 8, which could lead to reduced structural integrity of the pylon primary structure, which could cause detachment of the engine from the fuselage.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Danville, AR. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures developed at Danville Municipal Airport, for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-16- 02, for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-1A11 (CL-600) airplanes. AD 2014-16-02 currently requires revising the airplane flight manual to prohibit thrust reverser operation, doing repetitive detailed inspections of both engine thrust reversers for cracks, and modifying the thrust reversers if necessary. The modification of the thrust reversers is also an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Since we issued AD 2014-16-02, we have determined that it is necessary to add a requirement to repair or modify the thrust reversers, which would terminate the requirements of AD 2014-16-02. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks of the translating sleeve at the thrust reverser actuator attachment points, which could result in deployment or dislodgement of an engine thrust reverser in flight and subsequent reduced control of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead webs are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD) on aging Model 777 airplanes that have accumulated at least 38,000 total flight cycles. This AD requires repetitive inspections for any crack in the aft webs of the radial lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead, and, if necessary, corrective actions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the aft webs of the radial lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead; such cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane, decompression of the cabin, and collapse of the floor structure.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2A12 (CL-601) and CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601-3R, and CL-604 Variants) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an aft equipment bay fire due to chafing and subsequent arcing of the integrated drive generator (IDG) power cables. Additionally, we have received several reports of broken support brackets of the hydraulic line. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the IDG power cables for chafing, and for any cracked or broken support bracket of the hydraulic line; and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct broken support brackets of the hydraulic lines, which could result in inadequate clearance between the IDG power cables and hydraulic lines and chafing of the IDG power cables, and consequent high energy arcing and an uncontrolled fire in the aft equipment bay.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GV and GV-SP airplanes. The NPRM proposed to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-22-19, which requires inspecting to determine if fuel boost pumps having a certain part number are installed, replacing the fuel boost pumps having a certain part number, and revising the airplane maintenance or inspection program to include revised instructions for continued airworthiness. The NPRM also proposed to require revising the airplane maintenance program to include a fuel leak check of the fuel boost pumps, using new service information. The NPRM was prompted by reports of two independent types of failure of the fuel boost pump: overheat damage on the internal components and external housing, and fuel leakage. This action revises the NPRM by reducing the compliance time for revising the airplane maintenance program. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to prevent fuel leakage in combination with a capacitor clearance issue, which could result in an uncontrolled fire in the wheel well. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by the discovery of corroded circlips in fuel vent protectors (FVP) having a certain part number. This proposed AD would require an inspection to determine the part number and serial number of the FVP, and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct corroded circlips. Corroded circlips could lead to failure of the circlips and consequent movement of the FVP, resulting in a reduction of the flame protector capability of the FVP cartridge, which could result in damage to the airplane in case of lightning impact or fire on the ground.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes; Model 757 airplanes; and Model 767 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded autopilot engagement events resulting in incorrect stabilizer trim adjustment during takeoff. This proposed AD would require, depending on the model/configuration for Model 747 airplanes, installing an on-ground stabilizer autotrim inhibit system, doing routine functional testing of the automatic stabilizer trim inhibit system and corrective actions if necessary; for Model 757 airplanes and Model 767 airplanes, installing relays and related wiring to open and close the flight control computer (FCC) analog output that controls the stabilizer trim adjustment, doing routine functional testing of the automatic stabilizer trim inhibit system, and corrective actions if necessary; and for Model 767-300, and -300F series airplanes, installing new operational program software (OPS) into the FCCs. We are proposing this AD to prevent stabilizer mistrim, which could result in a high-speed rejected takeoff and runway overrun, or reduced controllability of the airplane after takeoff due to insufficient pitch control.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A340- 200, and A340-300 series airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting certain trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSAs) to determine the number of total flight cycles the THSA has accumulated, and replacing the THSA if necessary. The NPRM was prompted by the results of endurance qualification tests on the THSA, which revealed a partial loss of the no-back brake (NBB) efficiency in specific load conditions. This action revises the NPRM by adding airplanes to the proposed applicability, reducing the proposed compliance times for replacing affected THSAs, and revising the definition of a serviceable THSA. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to detect and correct premature wear of the carbon friction disks on the NBB of the THSA, which could lead to reduced braking efficiency in certain load conditions, and, in conjunction with the inability of the power gear train to keep the ball screw in its last commanded position, could result in uncommanded movements of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane. Since these actions impose an additional burden over those proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

This action updates the using agency information for restricted areas R-2932, R-2933, R-2934 and R-2935; Cape Canaveral, FL. This is an administrative change to reflect the current organization tasked with using agency responsibilities for the restricted areas. It does not affect the boundaries, designated altitudes, time of designation or activities conducted within the restricted areas.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public that a meeting of the Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Procedures Advisory Committee (ATPAC) will be held to review present air traffic control procedures and practices for standardization, revision, clarification, and upgrading of terminology and procedures.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and all Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks at certain frames of the forward cargo door. This AD requires a detailed inspection for cracking of certain forward cargo doors, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking at certain frames, which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the forward cargo door.

This document notifies the public of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB's) approval of the information collection requirement contained in the FAA's interim final rule, Registration and Marking Requirements for Small Unmanned Aircraft, which was published on December 16, 2015.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-09-01 for certain Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Model R2160 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 revise the maintenance program to include the revised airworthiness limitations for the internal wing structure and wing attachment inspections. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action establishes Class E surface area airspace designated as an extension at Whiteman Airport, Los Angeles, CA. The FAA found it necessary to establish the airspace area for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for arriving and departing aircraft at the airport.

The FAA hereby provides notice of intent to release approximately 20.05 acres at the Orlando Executive Airport, Orlando, FL from the conditions, reservations, and restrictions as contained in a Quitclaim Deed agreement between the FAA and the City of Orlando, dated August 9, 1961. The release of property will allow the City of Orlando to dispose of the property for other than aeronautical purposes. The property is located within the Southeast quandrant of the airport. The parcel is currently designated as non-aeronautical use. The property will be released of its federal obligations for municipal purposes. The fair market value of this parcel has been determined to be $3,880,000. Documents reflecting the Sponsor's request are available, by appointment only, for inspection at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at Orlando International Airport and the FAA Airports District Office.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is correcting a final rule published on October 1, 2015. In that rule, the FAA amended its certification procedures and marking requirements for aeronautical products and articles. This action corrects the effective date of the final rule to permit an earlier implementation of the rule's provisions that allow production approval holders to issue authorized release documents for aircraft engines, propellers, and articles. It also permits an earlier implementation date for production certificate holders to manufacture and install interface components, and provides earlier relief from the current requirement that fixed-pitch wooden propellers be marked using an approved fireproof method.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-24- 06 for certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. AD 2012-24-06 requires replacing the stall warning computer (SWC) with a new SWC, which provides an artificial stall warning in icing conditions, and modifying the airplane for the replacement of the SWC. Since we issued AD 2012-24-06, a determination was made that airplanes with certain modifications were excluded from the AD applicability and are affected by the identified unsafe condition and the SWC required by AD 2012-24-06 contained erroneous logic. This proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability, and would add requirements to replace the existing SWCs with new, improved SWCs and modify the airplane for the new replacement of the SWC. We are proposing this AD to prevent natural stall events during operation in icing conditions, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.