Federal Aviation Administration May 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the Tenth RTCA Special Committee 231 meeting.

The DOT is withdrawing a previously published Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would have replaced the Orders limiting scheduled operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) with longer-term limits on scheduled and unscheduled operations at JFK, EWR, and LGA, and requested comment on options to establish a secondary market for the purchase, sale, lease, or trade of slots at these airports, as well as procedures that would codify the review of slot transactions arising from the secondary market for public interest and anti-competitive effects.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracking in the fuselage frame. This AD requires inspections for cracking in the fuselage frame, left and right sides, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fuselage frame fatigue cracking. Such cracking could result in loss of structural integrity and the inability to sustain loading conditions.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-16- 07, which applies to certain Boeing Model 737-500 series airplanes. AD 2012-16-07 currently requires inspections of the fuselage skin at the chem-milled steps, and repair if necessary. Since we issued AD 2012-16- 07, an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicates that the fuselage skin is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD), and we have received reports of cracks at the chem-milled steps in the fuselage skin. This proposed AD would add new fuselage skin inspections for cracking, inspections to detect missing or loose fasteners and any disbonding or cracking of bonded doublers, permanent repairs of time- limited repairs, related investigative and corrective actions if necessary, and skin panel replacement. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking on the aft lower lobe fuselage skins, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that on some airplanes, during the paint removal process for repainting the airplane, the basic corrosion protection (anodizing and primer) coating was sanded down to bare metal on the aluminum skin panels and the bare metal might not have been treated correctly for corrosion prevention. This proposed AD would require an inspection of structural components of the airplane for any damaged protective coating; inspections of those areas for pitting corrosion, if necessary; a thickness measurement to determine if there is reduced skin thickness, if necessary; and repair, if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct damaged protective coatings. This condition could result in pitting corrosion damage; and reduced metal thickness, which could result in reduced static and fatigue strength of the airplane's structural parts.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-400 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) which indicates that the aft fuselage skin is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD) and reports of aft fuselage skin cracking. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the aft fuselage skin, inspections to detect missing or loose fasteners and any disbonding or cracking of bonded doublers, permanent repairs of time- limited repairs, related investigative and corrective actions if necessary, and skin panel replacement. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the aft fuselage skin along the longitudinal edges of the bonded skin doubler, which could result in possible rapid decompression and reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-19- 04, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, - 700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. AD 2013-19-04 currently requires repetitive detailed and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the skin around the eight fasteners common to the ends of the station (STA) 540 bulkhead chords between stringers S-22 and S- 23, left and right sides; related investigative actions and corrective actions, if necessary; and provides an optional terminating modification. Since we issued AD 2013-19-04, we have received reports of additional cracks that are larger and initiated sooner than previously predicted. This proposed AD would reduce the inspection threshold and repetitive inspection intervals. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the fuselage skin around the eight fasteners securing the STA 540 bulkhead chords. Such cracking can result in rapid decompression of the cabin.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATRGIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 and Model ATR72-212A airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and certain overhead stowage compartment fittings; removing certain fittings from the overhead stowage compartments and measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and the overhead stowage compartment hooks, if necessary; and re-installing or repairing, as applicable, the Type III Emergency Exit doors. The NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that interference occurred between a Type III Emergency Exit door and the surrounding passenger cabin furnishing during a production check. This action revises the NPRM by adding new proposed requirements for modifying the overhead stowage compartments. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to prevent interference between a Type III Emergency Exit door and the overhead stowage compartment fitting installed on the rail; which could result in obstructed opening of a Type III Emergency Exit door during an emergency evacuation. 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.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is requesting public comment on the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority's (SARAA) request to change 7.18 acres of airport property from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use. The acreage in question is subject to the Provisions of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, and the Surplus Property Act of 1944 as amended. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 47151(d), 47153(c), and 47107(h), this notice is required to be published in the Federal Register 30 days before waiving the condition that such land be used for aeronautical purposes. The purpose of the release request is to enable SARAA to generate revenue from this property by taking action including, but not limited to, entering into a long-term lease agreement with UPS for the purpose of constructing and operating a mobile distribution facility.

The FAA announces the submission deadline of May 19, 2016, for winter 2016 flight schedules at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in accordance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Worldwide Slot Guidelines (WSG) and FAA airport level designations. The deadline coincides with the schedule submission deadline for the IATA Slot Conference for the winter 2016 scheduling season.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of the 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.

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 Airbus Model A318-112 airplanes, A319-111, -112, -115, -132, and -133 airplanes, A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes, and A321-211, - 212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a quality control review on the final assembly line, which determined that aluminum alloy with inadequate heat treatment had been delivered and used on several structural parts. This proposed AD would require a one-time eddy current conductivity measurement of certain cabin, cargo compartment, and frame structural parts to determine if aluminum alloy with inadequate heat treatment was used, and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and replace structural parts made of aluminum alloy with inadequate heat treatment. This condition could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Rosemount Aerospace Model 851AK pitot probes that were repaired by CSI Aerospace, Inc. that are installed on airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that certain pitot probes are indicating the wrong airspeed during flight in icing conditions. This proposed AD would require inspecting the airplane to determine the number of affected pitot probes installed and replacing the affected pitot probes. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

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 indicating that certain wing side-of-body stringer fittings have been installed with faying surface mismatch beyond the allowed machining tolerance. This proposed AD would require inspection of certain stringer fittings for faying surface mismatch common to the side-of-body rib chord, replacement if necessary, and replacement of the clearance fit fasteners common to the side-of-body fittings and upper side-of-body rib chord with tapered sleeve bolts. We are proposing this AD to prevent an unacceptable reduction of the fatigue life in the upper side-of-body rib chord. Associated fatigue cracks can reduce the structural capability to a point where it cannot sustain limit load, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC (C-26B), and SA227-TT airplanes. We received reports of failed elevator control rod ends due to corrosion and lack of lubrication. This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections and lubrication of the elevator control rod ends and bearings with replacement as necessary. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

This action establishes Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Beach Airport, Beach, ND, to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by the Susquehanna Regional Airport Authority for Harrisburg International Airport under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47501 et seq. (Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act) and 14 CFR part 150 are in compliance with applicable requirements.

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 for a new information collection. The information collected is used to collect, process and report Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) airborne and ground based observations by the public of drone behavior that they consider suspicious or illegal.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Helicopter Textron (Bell) Model 430 helicopters. This proposed AD would require establishing a life limit for a certain main rotor hub attachment bolt (bolt) and removing from service each bolt that has met or exceeded its life limit. This proposed AD is prompted by a documentation error that omitted the life limit of a certain part- numbered bolt from the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual. The proposed actions are intended to establish a life limit for a certain part-numbered bolt to prevent failure of a bolt, failure of a main rotor hub, and subsequent loss of control of a helicopter.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-10F airplanes, Model DC-10- 15 airplanes, Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes, Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes, Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes, and Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer and multiple reports of fuel pump housing electrical connector failures related to ingress of airplane fluids. This proposed AD would require replacement of the fuel pump housing electrical connector or replacement of the fuel pump housing; repetitive inspections for proper operation and corrective actions if necessary; and revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new airworthiness limitations. This proposed AD would also require, for certain airplanes, a general visual inspection of the protective cap and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the fuel pump housing electrical connector, which could result in a potential ignition source in a fuel tank and consequent fire or explosion.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by two in-service incidents of a loss of all air data information in the flight deck. This proposed AD would require a revision of the airplane flight manual (AFM) emergency procedures section to provide procedures to guide the crew on how to stabilize the airplane airspeed and attitude for continued safe flight when a loss of all air data information has occurred in the flight deck. We are proposing this AD to prevent loss of control when a loss of all air data information has occurred in the flight deck.

This notice concerns two petitions for waiver submitted to the FAA by Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX): A petition to waive the requirement that a waiver request be submitted at least 60 days before the effective date of the waiver unless good cause for later submission is shown in the petition; and a petition to waive the requirements that exclude persons in waterborne vessels from the collective risk criteria and limit the probability of impact on waterborne vessels to 1 x 10-5.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracking found at the left-side and right-side upper frames, at a certain area. This AD requires repetitive medium frequency eddy current (MFEC) inspections for cracking of the left-side and right-side upper frames, and repair (including open hole high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of fastener holes) if necessary. This AD also provides an optional preventive modification, which terminates the repetitive inspections at the modified location. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the upper frame, which can grow in size and result in a severed frame, leading to rapid decompression and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.