Federal Aviation Administration 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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 an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the fuselage skin repairs are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would require an inspection to determine whether any fuselage external skin (doubler) repairs have been accomplished, an inspection for cracking of certain repaired external fuselage skin areas in the fuselage, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes, equipped with Rolls-Royce Model RB211-Trent 800 engines. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposed to require repetitive inspections of the thrust reverser (T/R) structure and sealant, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The NPRM was prompted by reports of T/R events related to thermal damage of the T/R inner wall. This action revises the NPRM by proposing to add different repetitive inspections requirements for T/R halves with a thermal protective system installed. This action also revises the NPRM by proposing to require installation of serviceable T/R halves, which would terminate the repetitive inspections in this SNPRM. This SNPRM also proposes to revise the inspection or maintenance program by incorporating new airworthiness limitations. We are proposing this SNPRM to detect and correct a degraded T/R inner wall panel, which could lead to failure of the T/R and adjacent components and their consequent separation from the airplane, and which could result in a rejected takeoff (RTO) and cause asymmetric thrust and consequent loss of control of the airplane during reverse thrust operation. If a T/R inner wall overheats, separated components could cause structural damage to the airplane, damage to other airplanes, or possible injury to people on the ground. 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.

This action makes a correction to the NPRM published in the Federal Register of August 27, 2015, proposing to establish Class E en route domestic airspace in the International Falls, MN area. Exclusionary reference to Canadian airspace was omitted from the regulatory text.

This action amends Class E Airspace at Mackall Army Airfield (AAF), NC, bringing current the regulatory text under the airspace designation for Mackall AAF, NC, by replacing the acronym ``NCB'' with ``NDB''. This is an administrative change to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2014-07- 04R1 for certain Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. AD 2014-07-04R1 currently requires repetitive inspections in the upper deck area for incorrectly installed clamps and chafing between the electrical wires and the hydraulic lines and replacing any unairworthy wires or hydraulic lines. Since we issued AD 2014-07-04R1, the manufacturer has developed an alteration that corrects the unsafe condition described in AD 2014-07-04R1. This proposed AD would require altering the wiring system in the upper deck area. These proposed actions are intended to prevent a fire in an area of the helicopter without extinguishing capability and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-20- 01, for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601- 3R, and CL-604 Variants) airplanes. AD 2014-20-01 currently requires repetitive inspections for any fuel leak in the right-hand landing lights compartment, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. AD 2014-20-01 also provides for an optional replacement of the connector of the fuel boost pump canister of the auxiliary power unit (APU), which terminates the repetitive inspections. Since we issued AD 2014-20-01, we have determined that a terminating action for the repetitive inspections is necessary. This proposed AD would retain the repetitive inspections for any fuel leak in the right-hand landing lights compartment and the related investigative and corrective actions, and would require replacing the connector of the fuel boost pump canister of the APU. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fuel leaks in the right-hand landing lights compartment, which, in combination with the heat generated by the taxi lights and landing lights on the ground reaching the auto-ignition temperature of the fuel, could result in ignition of any fuel or fumes present in the right-hand landing lights compartment.

This action amends the name and geographic coordinates of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport at Burbank, CA. The Burbank-Glendale- Pasadena Airport has been renamed Bob Hope Airport and geographic coordinates are updated to reflect recent surveys of the airport.

This action establishes Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Blake Field Airport, Delta CO, to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures developed for the airport. This action enhances the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action establishes Class E airspace at the Newberry VHF Omni-Directional Radio Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME), Newberry, MI, to facilitate vectoring of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft under control of Minneapolis Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). This action enhances the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations within the National Airspace System (NAS). A minor change in the regulatory text is made to align the new Class E airspace with Minneapolis ARTCC's airspace.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the Research, Engineering and Development Advisory Committee meeting.

These special conditions are issued for the Honda Aircraft Company, Model HA-420 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the installation of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. 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.

The FAA hereby provides notice of intent to release approximately 0.21 acres at the Palm Beach International Airport, West Palm Beach, FL from the conditions, reservations, and restrictions as contained in a Quitclaim Deed agreement between the FAA and the County of Palm Beach, dated March 22, 1961. The release of property will allow the County of Palm Beach to dispose of the property for other than aeronautical purposes. The property is located along Florida Mango and Belvedere Road. The parcels are currently designated as non- aeronautical use. The property will be released of its federal obligations to grant an easement for right-of-way and stormwater retention. The fair market value of the right-of-way parcel and stormwater retention parcel has been determined to be $83,860 and $74,320, respectively. Documents reflecting the Sponsor's request are available, by appointment only, for inspection at the Palm Beach County Department of Airports at Palm Beach International Airport and the FAA Airports District Office.

This notice announces the FAA's intent to designate Silvercraft S.co.p.a. (Silvercraft) Type Certificate (TC) H2EU, issued in the normal category, as abandoned. The FAA has been unable to locate Silvercraft, the TC holder, concerning the continued airworthiness of the aircraft certificated under its TC. The Federal Aviation Regulations (regulations) require that TC holders report certain failures, malfunctions, and defects to the FAA. The regulations also require, upon request, that TC holders submit design changes to the FAA that are necessary to correct any unsafe condition in their products. The FAA is responsible for surveillance of Silvercraft's ability to perform continued operational safety management and oversight of the helicopter on its TC. This action is intended to ensure that Silvercraft Model SH-4 helicopters are under a TC that has active continued operational safety management and oversight by a TC holder that can be subject to periodic safety audits by the FAA.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the sixth Special Committee 229 meeting.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-19-04, for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2011-19-04 required repetitive inspections for cracking of the left- hand and right-hand inboard and outboard elevator servo-control rod eye-ends, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD requires an inspection to determine if certain elevator servo-control parts are installed, and replacement if necessary. This AD was prompted by a determination that certain elevator servo-control parts that do not conform to the approved type design have been installed and may have the potential of cracks in the rod eye-end. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct rod eye-end cracking, which could result in uncontrolled elevator surface and consequent reduced control of the airplane.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The NPRM proposed to supersede Airworthiness Directives (AD) 2011-13-11 and AD 2013-16-09. AD 2011-13-11 currently requires an amendment of the airplane flight manual (AFM), repetitive checks of specific centralized fault display system (CFDS) messages, an inspection of the opening sequence of the main landing gear (MLG) door actuator for discrepancies if certain messages are found, and corrective actions if necessary. AD 2013-16-09 currently requires an inspection to determine airplane configuration and part numbers of the landing gear control interface unit and MLG door actuators; and, for affected airplanes, repetitive inspections of the opening sequence of the MLG door actuator, and replacement of the MLG door actuator if necessary; and provides optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The NPRM was prompted by a determination that the interval of the MLG door opening sequence inspection must be reduced. The NPRM proposed to reduce the interval of the MLG door opening sequence inspection, and also to replace or modify certain MLG door actuators. This action revises the NPRM by adding a flushing procedure to be performed when installing a new MLG door actuator. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to detect and correct deterioration of the damping ring and associated retaining ring of the MLG door actuator, which can sufficiently increase the friction inside the actuator to restrict opening of the MLG door by gravity, during operation of the landing gear alternate (free-fall) extension system. This condition could prevent the full extension and/or down-locking of the MLG, possibly resulting in MLG collapse during landing and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants. 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.

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 meeting of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC). The meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Wednesday, October 21, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the National Transportation Safety Board Conference Center, 429 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20594. This will be the 61st meeting of the COMSTAC. The proposed schedule for the COMSTAC working group meetings on October 20 is below:

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) that proposed to supersede AD 2006-22-15 for all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747- 200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. AD 2006-22-15 requires repetitive inspections for cracking of certain panel webs and stiffeners of the nose wheel well (NWW), and corrective actions if necessary; and replacement of certain panels with new panels, which terminates the repetitive inspections. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposed to reduce a compliance time and add certain inspections and applicable repair. The NPRM was prompted by reports of fatigue cracking in the panel webs and stiffeners of the NWW found prior to the inspection threshold of AD 2006-22-15. This action revises the NPRM by specifying a repetitive inspection interval for a certain NWW area inspection. We are proposing this SNPRM to prevent fatigue cracking of the NWW side and top panels, which could result in a NWW depressurization event severe enough to reduce the structural integrity of the fuselage. 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 Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a design review conducted by Fokker Services B.V. that indicated no controlled bonding provisions were present on many critical locations outside the fuel tank or connected to the fuel tank wall. This proposed AD would require installing the additional bonding provisions, and revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating fuel airworthiness limitation items and critical design configuration control limitations. We are proposing this AD to prevent an ignition source in the fuel tank vapor space, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

This action corrects an error in a final rule published in the Federal Register of August 31, 2015, by amending the geographic coordinates of Tracy Municipal Airport, Tracy, CA, in Class E airspace. This does not affect the boundaries or operating requirements of the airspace.

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 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, the FAA invites public comments about our intention to request OMB approval to revise an existing information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on June 22, 2015. The information collected is used to determine if applicants are medically qualified to perform the duties associated with the class of airman medical certificate sought. The FAA intends to revise the information it is collecting via FAA form 8500-8, in part, to respond to recommendations made in an April 2014 General Services Administration report entitled ``FAA Should Improve Usability of its Online Application System and Clarity of the Pilot's Medical Form.'' This change will have a negligible effect on the estimated time to complete form 8500-8.

In preparation for the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Dangerous Goods Panel (DGP) meeting to be held October 19-October 30, 2015, in Montreal, Canada, the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Office of Hazardous Materials Safety and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) Office of Hazardous Materials Safety announce a public meeting.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of latently failed fuel shutoff valves discovered during fuel filter replacement. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to include new airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct latent failures of the fuel shutoff valve to the engine and auxiliary power unit (APU), which could result in the inability to shut off fuel to the engine and APU and, in case of certain fires, an uncontrollable fire that could lead to structural failure.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of latently failed fuel shutoff valves discovered during fuel filter replacement. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to include new airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct latent failures of the fuel shutoff valve to the engine, which could result in the inability to shut off fuel to the engine and, in case of certain engine fires, an uncontrollable fire that could lead to wing failure.