Federal Aviation Administration November 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Zodiac Aerotechnics (formerly Intertechnique Aircraft Systems) flightcrew oxygen mask regulators as installed on, but not limited to, various transport and small airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that improper maintenance on oxygen mask regulators was found. This AD requires the identification and replacement of all potentially affected units. This AD also requires installation of a placard and revision of the airplane flight manual to include an operational procedure for use in case of depressurization. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct affected oxygen mask regulators, which could lead to inadequate protection to the affected flightcrew against hypoxia. Hypoxia can start from a headache and drowsiness and lead eventually to unconsciousness with severe consequence in terms of airplane controllability.

This action extends the comment period for an NPRM published on October 2, 2015. In that document, the FAA proposes to amend the regulations governing the curriculum and operations of FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools. These amendments would modernize and reorganize the required curriculum subjects in the appendices of the current regulations. They would also remove the course content items currently located in the appendices and require that they be placed in each school's operations specifications so they could more easily be amended when necessary. The amendments are needed because the existing curriculums are outdated, do not meet current industry needs, and can be changed only through notice and comment rulemaking. These amendments would ensure that aviation maintenance technician students receive up-to-date foundational training to meet the demanding and consistently changing needs of the aviation industry. This extension is a result of a joint request from Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC), Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Airlines for America (A4A), Aviation Suppliers Association (ASA), Helicopter Association International (HAI), Modification And Replacement Parts Association (MARPA), National Air Carrier Association (NACA), National Air Transport Association (NATA), Regional Airline Association, STEM Education Coalition (STEM), and University Aviation Association (UAA) (collectively, the ``Petitioners'').

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 95-18-08, for all Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes. AD 95-18-08 currently requires repetitive inspections to detect cracks in the bottom skin of the wing in the area of the cut out for the pylon rear attachment fitting, and repair if necessary. Since we issued AD 95-18-08, we received a report that updated fatigue and damage tolerance analyses and a fleet survey found that certain inspection thresholds and intervals must be reduced to allow more timely findings of cracking. This proposed AD would, for certain airplanes, reduce the compliance times for the inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct such fatigue-related cracking, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the wing.

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 water leakage from the potable water system due to improperly installed waterline couplings, and water leaking into the electronics equipment (EE) bays from above the floor in the main cabin, resulting in water on the equipment in the EE bays. This proposed AD would require replacing the potable waterline couplings above the forward and aft EE bays with new, improved couplings. This proposed AD would also require sealing the main cabin floor areas above the aft EE bay, installing drip shields and foam blocks, and rerouting the wire bundles near the drip shields above the equipment in the aft EE bay. We are proposing this AD to prevent a water leak from an improperly installed potable water system coupling, or main cabin water source, which could cause the equipment in the EE bays to become wet, resulting in an electrical short and potential loss of system functions essential for safe flight.

Pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 5 U.S.C. App. 2), notice is hereby given of a teleconference of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC). The Teleconference will take place on Thursday, December 10, 2015, starting at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and will last approximately one hour. The agenda and call-in number will be posted at least one week in advance at https://www.faa.gov/go/ast. The proposed agenda for this teleconference is to review findings and recommendations on FAA AST possible engagement with European Space Agency to foster U. S. commercial participation in the refinement and attainment of the lunar village concept. Interested members of the public may submit relevant written statements for the COMSTAC members to consider under the advisory process. Statements may concern the issues and agenda items mentioned above and/or additional issues that may be relevant for the U.S. commercial space transportation industry. Interested parties wishing to submit written statements should contact Larry Scott, COMSTAC Designated Federal Officer, (the Contact Person listed below) in writing (mail or email) by December 3, 2015, so that the information can be made available to COMSTAC members for their review and consideration before the December 10 teleconference. Written statements should be supplied in the following formats: One hard copy with original signature and/or one electronic copy via email. An agenda will be posted on the FAA Web site at www.faa.gov/go/ast. Individuals who plan to participate and need special assistance should inform the Contact Persons listed below in advance of the meeting.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the Thirty-Seventh RTCA Special Committee 224 meeting.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the Forty-Second RTCA Special Committee 206 meeting.

This document announces the criteria, application procedures, and schedule to be applied by the Secretary of Transportation in designating or redesignating, and funding capital development for up to 15 current joint-use or former military airports seeking first time designation or redesignation to participate in the MAP.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 99-16-01, for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). AD 99-16-01 currently requires repetitive inspections of certain bolt holes where parts of the main landing gear (MLG) are attached to the wing rear spar, and repair if necessary. Since we issued AD-99-16-01, we have determined that the risk of cracking in the rear spar is higher than initially determined. This proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability, reduce the compliance times and repetitive intervals for the inspections, and change the inspection procedures. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the rear spar of the wing, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that certain center and outboard stowage bin modules were incorrectly installed. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the center and outboard stowage bin modules for missing parts, quick release pins that are not fully engaged, and parts that are installed in incorrect locations; and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct incorrectly installed center and outboard stowage bin modules that might not remain intact during an emergency landing, resulting in injuries to occupants and interference with airplane evacuation.

This amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas.

This action removes Class E surface area airspace designated as an extension to Class C airspace at Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport, Burbank, CA. After reviewing the airspace, the FAA found no standard instrument approach procedures requiring Class E surface area airspace designated as an extension to the Class C airspace. This action enhances the safety and airspace management within the National Airspace System.

This action establishes Class E Airspace at Placida, FL, to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) serving Coral Creek Airport. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B turbofan engine models. This AD was prompted by reports of GEnx-1B engine oil loss. This AD requires removal and replacement of the non-conforming ball valve in the oil filler cap. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine oil, which could lead to failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the main fitting of the nose landing gear (NLG) and a determination that a new safe-life limitation for affected NLG main fittings has not been mandated. This proposed AD would require replacing affected NLG main fittings that have exceeded the safe-life limitation with a new or serviceable fitting. We are proposing this AD to prevent collapse of the NLG, which if not corrected, could lead to degradation of direction control on the ground or an un-commanded turn to the left, and a consequent loss of control of the airplane on the ground, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and all Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of blockage of Angle of Attack (AOA) probes during climb, leading to activation of the Alpha Protection (Alpha Prot) while the Mach number increased. This activation could cause a continuous nose-down pitch rate that cannot be stopped with backward sidestick input, even in the full backward position. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require replacing certain AOA sensors (probes) with certain new AOA sensors. For certain other airplanes, this proposed AD would also require inspections and functional heat testing of certain AOA sensors for discrepancies, and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent erroneous AOA information and Alpha Prot activation due to blocked AOA probes, which could result in a continuous nose-down command and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2002-07-08 for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 airplanes. AD 2002-07-08 required repetitive inspections for cracking of the lower skin at the lower row of fasteners in the lap joints of the fuselage; repair of any cracking found; modification of the fuselage lap joints at certain locations, which terminated the repetitive inspections of the modified areas; and replacement of a certain preventive modification with an improved modification. This new AD adds repetitive inspections for cracking at certain window corner fastener holes, a preventive modification, and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by the FAA's determination that certain modifications of the fuselage lap joints do not provide an adequate level of safety, and the subsequent discovery of cracks in additional fastener locations in the window belt skin panels, adjacent stringers, and window frames in locations outside the previous inspection area. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage lap joints and window belt skin panels, which could result in reduced structural integrity and sudden decompression of the airplane.

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. To obtain type certification of a rotorcraft, an applicant must show that the rotorcraft complies with specific certification requirements. To show compliance, the applicant must submit substantiating data.

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 FAA Acquisition Management System establishes policies and internal procedures for FAA acquisition. The information collection is necessary to solicit, award, and administer contracts for supplies, equipment, services, facilities, and real property to fulfill FAA's mission.

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. 14 CFR part 121 prescribes the requirements governing air carrier operations. The information collected is used to determine air operators' compliance with the minimum safety standards and the applicants' eligibility for air operations certification.

These special conditions are issued for the Boeing Model 787-9 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport-category airplanes. This design feature is airbags mounted to structure to prevent serious injury. 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 supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2015-04- 03 that applies to certain Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, and 772B-60 turbofan engines. AD 2015-04-03 requires inspection of the sealing sleeve on the high-pressure/intermediate-pressure (HP/ IP) turbine support internal oil feed tube and removal of those sealing sleeves affected by AD 2015-04-03. This proposed AD would require removal of either the affected sealing sleeve only or both the affected sealing sleeve and the oil feed tube. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the HP/IP turbine support internal oil feed tube, which could lead to uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD 2014-20-13 for certain Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL 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 fatigue cracks on the fin forward pickup plates, which could cause it to fail. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of skin disbonding on a composite side shell panel of a rudder. This AD requires an inspection to determine if any rudder composite side shell panel has been repaired, a thermography inspection of each rudder that has received this repair, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct skin disbonding on the rudder, which could affect the structural integrity of the rudder, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.

The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that published in the Federal Register. That AD applies to certain Schempp- Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Models Duo Discus and Duo Discus T gliders. The Model Duo Discus gliders were incorrectly referenced as powered sailplanes in the Applicability section. This document corrects that error and refers to both models as just gliders as in previous ADs. In all other respects, the original document remains the same; however we are publishing the entire rule in the Federal Register.