Federal Aviation Administration 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the renewal of the RTCA Charter (FAA Order 1110.77V) for two years, effective April 1, 2015. The administrator is the sponsor of the committee. The FAA and seven other government agencies use RTCA as a federal advisory committee. On January 2, 1976, the FAA, the major government user of RTCA products, assumed sponsorship on behalf of all government agencies. RTCA brings together representatives of the government and industry to form special committees and steering committees to provide advice and recommendations on key operational and technological issues that impact the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) implementation and the Air Traffic Management System. The Secretary of Transportation has determined that that information and use of committee are necessary in the public interest in connection with the performance of duties imposed on the FAA by law.

These special conditions are issued for the Cessna Model 680A 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 hydrophobic windshield coatings in lieu of windshield wipers. 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 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.

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 Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on December 22, 2014 (79 FR 76435). Reporting and recordkeeping are required any time a certificated air carrier has exceeded a maximum daily flight time limit or a maximum daily Flight Duty Period (FDP) limit. It is also required for the voluntary development of a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS), and for fatigue training.

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 Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on December 4, 2014. 14 CFR part 21 prescribes certification standards for aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers appliances and parts. The information collected is used to determine compliance and applicant eligibility. The respondents are aircraft parts designers, manufacturers, and aircraft owners.

These special conditions are issued for the Honda Aircraft Company HA-420 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the use of an electronic engine control system instead of a traditional mechanical control system. 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 Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a main landing gear (MLG) parking brake becoming dislodged from its mounting bracket due to an improperly installed quick release pin of the hand pump lever. This proposed AD would require removing the hand pump lever of the parking brake from the right-hand side nacelle. We are proposing this AD to prevent an unsecured lever from migrating from its stowed position, fouling against the MLG, and subsequently puncturing the nacelle structure, which could adversely affect the safe landing of the airplane.

In accordance with Section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (``NEPA''), the Council on Environmental Quality's (``CEQ'') regulations implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and other applicable authorities, including FAA Order 1050.1E, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, paragraph 518h, and FAA Order JO 7400.2K, ``Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters,'' paragraph 32-2-3, the FAA has conducted an independent review and evaluation of the Air Force's Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the proposed expansion of airspace for the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC), dated November 28, 2014. As a cooperating agency with responsibility for approving special use airspace under 49 U.S.C. 40103(b)(3)(A), the FAA provided subject matter expertise and closely coordinated with the Air Force during the environmental review process, including preparation of the Draft EIS and the FEIS. Based on its independent review and evaluation, the FAA has determined the FEIS, including its supporting documentation, as incorporated by reference, adequately assesses and discloses the environmental impacts of the proposed expansion of airspace for PRTC, and that adoption of the FEIS by the FAA is authorized under 40 CFR 1506.3, Adoption. Accordingly, the FAA adopts the FEIS, and takes full responsibility for the scope and content that addresses the proposed expansion of airspace for PRTC.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-13- 04, for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2013-13-04 currently requires installing a power interruption protection circuit for the landing gear control interface unit (LGCIU). Since we issued AD 2013-13-04, we have determined that additional work is necessary to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. This proposed AD would require a new modification of any previously modified LGCIU. This proposed AD would also require revising the maintenance or inspection program to reduce a certain functional check interval. This proposed AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to prevent untimely unlocking and/or retraction of the nose landing gear (NLG), which, while on the ground, could result in injury to ground personnel and damage to the airplane.

We propose to adopt 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 proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks at certain frames of the forward cargo door. This proposed AD would require a detailed inspection for cracking of certain forward cargo doors, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking at certain frames, which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the forward cargo door.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-16- 08, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747SR series airplanes. AD 2007-16-08 currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the station 800 frame assembly, and repair if necessary. Since we issued AD 2007-16-08, we have received additional reports of cracks found at the forward and aft inner chord strap and angles on the station 800 frame on the left-side and right- side main entry doors. This proposed AD would expand the inspection area. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracks that could extend and fully sever the frame, which could result in development of skin cracks that could lead to rapid depressurization of the airplane.

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2014-05- 06 for certain Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) (now Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH) Model EC135 and MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters to correct an error. AD 2014-05-06 currently requires inspecting the flight-control bearings repetitively, replacing any loose bearing with an airworthy flight-control bearing, and installing bushings and washers. This proposed AD would require the same actions. This proposed AD results from the discovery of an error in the compliance time for AD 2014-05-06. These proposed actions are intended to prevent the affected control lever from shifting, contacting the helicopter structure, and reducing control of the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 4101 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of the failure, due to overheat, of a bracket on which the earth post (EP) for the generator and propeller de-ice systems is located. This AD requires an inspection of the affected EPs and attachment structure for damage, an inspection of the earth cables of the generator and propeller de-ice system for signs of overheating and arcing damage, a torque check of the affected EP stiff nuts, an electrical high current bonding check of the bracket, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct an overheat failure of the EPs for the generator and propeller de-ice system, and possible degradation of the wing front spar cap and/or web, which could affect the structural integrity of the wing.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the swashplate assembly rotating star to determine whether a ferrule was installed. If a ferrule exists, this proposed AD would require inspecting the rotating star for a crack and removing any cracked rotating star. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that reconditioning the rotating swashplate per a certain repair procedure could result in the rotating star cracking. The proposed actions are intended to detect a crack in the rotating star and prevent failure of the rotating star and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-08- 23, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, and MD-11F airplanes. AD 2013-08-23 currently requires adding design features to detect electrical faults and to detect a pump running in an empty fuel tank. Since we issued AD 2013-08-23, we have determined that it is necessary to clarify the requirements for the design features and to remove a terminating action for certain inspections. This proposed AD would clarify certain requirements and remove a terminating action. This proposed AD would also provide an optional method of compliance for the proposed actions. We are proposing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 and A310 series airplanes, and certain 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). This AD was prompted by a review of certain repairs, which revealed that the structural integrity of the airplane could be negatively affected if those repairs are not re-worked. This AD requires an inspection to identify certain repairs, and corrective action if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct certain repairs on the floor cross beams flange. If those repairs are not reworked, the structural integrity of the airplane could be negatively affected.

This action prohibits fixed-wing special visual flight rules operations at Washington-Dulles International Airport. This action is necessary to support aviation safety and the efficient use of the navigable airspace by managing operations in the busy and complex airspace around the airport.

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 Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of inadvertent deployment of a single outboard spoiler during flight. This proposed AD would require replacement of the power control units (PCUs) for the outboard spoilers with upgraded PCUs. We are proposing this AD to prevent leakage of the piston head seal and piston rod seals of the outboard spoiler PCUs, which could result in inadvertent spoiler deployment and reduced controllability of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking at certain fastener locations in the window corners of the window belt area. This proposed AD would require repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for fatigue cracking in certain fastener locations in the window corners of the window belt area, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also provide an optional preventive modification that would terminate the repetitive inspections at the modified location. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking around fastener locations that could cause multiple window corner skin cracks, which could result in rapid decompression and loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a disconnect between the elevator lever and control rod. This proposed AD would require replacement of left and right fixed control rods and lever assemblies of the elevator control system. We are proposing this AD to prevent a disconnect between the elevator lever and control rod, which could lead to un-commanded elevator movement of the associated control surface, a large difference between the position of the left and the right elevator control surface, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane and degradation of the structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the nineteenth meeting of the RTCA Special Committee 222, AMS(R)S. Per RTCA PMC changes to the SC-222 Terms of Reference, this meeting will be a joint meeting with Eurocae WG-82. The SC-222 purpose will be to develop a joint work plan toward the revised Terms of Reference, and harmonize differences in deliverable items and schedule with WG-82.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-23-15 for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2014- 23-15 required revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new, more restrictive airworthiness limitations. This new AD retains the requirement to revise the maintenance or inspection program and removes a conflicting requirement. This AD was prompted by a determination that certain limitations required by AD 2014-23-15 conflict with limitations required by another AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, and possible failure of certain life limited parts, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

This action modifies Class E airspace at the Coaldale VHF Omni-Directional Radio Range Tactical Air Navigation Aid (VORTAC), Coaldale, NV, to facilitate vectoring of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft under control of Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). This action also corrects the Title of this rulemaking by classifying this action as an amendment of versus establishment of Class E airspace, as reflected in the NRPM. This action enhances the safety and management of IFR operations within the National Airspace System (NAS).

This action proposes to amend Class E Airspace at Dyersburg, TN as the Dyersburg VORTAC has been decommissioned, requiring airspace redesign at Dyersburg Regional Airport, formerly Dyersburg Municipal Airport. This action would enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also would update the geographic coordinates of airport.