Federal Aviation Administration 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD), which would have applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-700, -800, and -900ER series airplanes. The NPRM would have required repetitive inspections to detect cracking in the crown skin panel assembly. The NPRM would also have provided optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Since the NPRM was issued, all affected airplanes worldwide have had applicable terminating actions accomplished, and one airplane was mistakenly included in the applicability. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of interior emergency lights remaining ``ON'' following routine operational checks of the emergency light system. We are proposing this AD to require changing the wiring gauge for the affected emergency lights power supplies wiring to prevent overheating in the wires. Overheating can damage the wire insulation, causing a fire.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Model EMB-135BJ, -135ER, - 135KE, -135KL, and -135LR airplanes; and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of main airspeed indication discrepancies during flight; these discrepancies resulted from ice blockages in certain pitot total pressure lines. This proposed AD would require an inspection for tube misalignment of the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assembly lines, and corrective actions if necessary; installation or replacement (as applicable) of a tube ribbon heater on the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assembly lines; and revision of the airplane flight manual (AFM) to provide certain procedures and airspeed tables for the flightcrew. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct water accumulating and freezing in the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 total pressure lines, which could result in erroneous main airspeed indications and consequent reduced ability of the flightcrew to maintain safe flight and landing of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-223F, -223, -321, -322, and -323 airplanes. The proposed AD was prompted by fatigue load analysis that determined the need for certain reduced inspection intervals and updated torque values of the forward mount pylon bolts. This proposed AD would require repetitive torque checks to determine if there are any loose or broken forward engine mount bolts, and, if necessary, replacement of all four forward engine mount bolts and associated nuts, inspection of the forward mount assembly, and repair. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct loose or broken bolts, which could lead to engine detachment in flight, and damage to 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 an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the fuselage skin is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would require modification of the lap joint, including related investigative actions and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also would require repetitive post-modification inspections for cracking of the skin at critical fastener rows, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks at the lap joint skin that could link up and result in rapid decompression and loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of damaged vapor seals, block seals, and heat shield seals on the outboard pylons between the engine strut and aft fairing. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for heat damage of the vapor seals between the engine strut and aft fairing, and replacement of the seals with new seals if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct heat damage to the vapor seals between the engine strut and aft fairing. Such damage could allow flammable fluid leakage into the aft fairing, which could result in an uncontrolled fire in the engine strut.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of the ARAC.

The FAA announces its determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by the Akron-Canton Airport Authority for Akron-Canton Airport under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47501 et. Seq. (formerly the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, hereinafter referred to as ``the Act'') and 14 CFR part 150 (hereinafter referred to as ``Part 150'') are in compliance with applicable requirements. The FAA also announces that it is reviewing a proposed noise compatibility program that was submitted for Akron-Canton Airport under Part 150 in conjunction with the noise exposure map, and that this program will be approved or disapproved on or before January 18, 2017.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of two cases where the main landing gear (MLG) failed to fully extend; it was determined that interference between the MLG door and the MLG fairing seal prevented the MLG door from opening fully. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections of the MLG fairing, fairing seal, door, and adjacent structures; and replacement or repair of affected parts and fasteners, or removal of the door, if necessary. This proposed AD would also require installation of a safety guide in the MLG fairing and an increase of the spacing between the MLG door and the fairing, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct interference between the MLG door and the MLG fairing seal. Such interference could result in a MLG failing to fully extend, which could cause an unsafe asymmetric landing configuration.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an incident involving a landing in which the pilots needed to input corrections due to airplane yaw and roll to the right; the main landing gear (MLG) aft trunnion pin was later found to be fractured. This AD requires identification and replacement of certain MLG aft trunnion pins. We are issuing this AD to prevent a fractured MLG aft trunnion pin, which could result in collapse of the MLG and consequent loss of control of the airplane during landing.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the aft pressure bulkhead web to pressure chord joint is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the aft pressure bulkhead web at fasteners common to the bulkhead web and pressure chord, around the entire circumference of the pressure chord, for any crack, and repair of cracks. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the aft pressure bulkhead web. Such cracking could result in the loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-07-24 for all Textron Aviation, Inc. Models 310 through 310R, E310H, E310J, T310P through T310R, 310J-1, 320 through 320F, 320-1, 335, 340, 340A, 401 through 401B, 402 through 402C, 411, 411A, 414, 414A, and 421 through 421C airplanes (type certificates 3A10, 3A25, and A7CE previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company). AD 2016-07-24 required replacement and repetitive inspections of the hardware securing the elevator trim tab push-pull rod. This AD retains the actions for AD 2016-07-24 but revises the repetitive inspection intervals and allows for a longer bolt for the attachment of the elevator trim tab actuator rod end to the push-pull tube connection and/or for the elevator trim tab horn end to the push-pull tube connection. This AD was prompted by comments indicating difficulties with bolt installation and requesting a revision to repetitive inspection intervals to coincide with established inspection intervals. We are issuing this AD to prevent jamming of the elevator trim tab in a position outside the normal limits of travel due to the loss of the attachment hardware connecting the elevator trim tab actuator to the elevator trim tab push-pull rod, which could result in loss of control.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Program Management Committee.

This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs) for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

This rule amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

This action establishes Class E en route domestic airspace in the Dupree, SD, area. Controlled airspace is necessary 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 IFR operations within the National Airspace System. This action also removes the Federal airways exclusionary language from the regulatory text.

This action proposes to modify Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Kirk Field, Paragould, AR. Decommissioning of the non-directional radio beacons (NDB), cancellation of NDB approaches, and implementation of area navigation (RNAV) procedures have made this action necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Silver Springs Airport, Silver Springs, NV. The FAA found establishment of airspace necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) at the airport.

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 a previously approved information collection. Information is collected to determine program compliance or non-compliance of regulated aviation employers, oversight planning, to determine who must provide annual Management Information System testing information, and to communicate with entities subject to the program regulations.

This action proposes special conditions for the Pilatus Aircraft, Ltd., Model PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes. This airplane as modified by Finnoff Aviation will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the installation of a rechargeable lithium battery. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed 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 are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2006-18-14 for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Tay 650-15 and Tay 651-54 turbofan engines. AD 2006-18-14 required calculating and re- establishing the cyclic life of stage 1 high-pressure turbine (HPT) disks, part number (P/N) JR32013 and P/N JR33838, and stage 1 low- pressure turbine (LPT) disk, P/N JR32318A. In addition, this AD requires re-calculating the cyclic life, and would impose a reduced cyclic life of stage 1 HPT disk, P/N JR32013. This AD was prompted by RRD review of the cyclic life limit of parts affected by AD 2006-18-14 and the RRD conclusion that the stage 1 HPT disk, P/N JR32013, requires further cyclic life limit reduction. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of stage 1 HPT disks, P/N JR32013 and P/N JR33838, and stage 1 LPT disk, P/N JR32318A, uncontained disk release and damage to 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. The information collected is used to evaluate the qualifications of applicants for a variety of positions within the FAA.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to rule and invites public comment on the application for a release of approximately 1.10 acres of airport property at the Redding Municipal Airport (RDD), Redding, California from all conditions contained in the Surplus Property Deed and Grant Assurances because the parcel of land is not needed for airport purposes. The land requested to be released is separated from the airport by Airport Road and located outside the airport fence at the southwest corner of the airport property. The release will allow the City of Redding to sell the property at its fair market value, thereby benefiting the Airport and serving the interest of civil aviation. The proposed use will be compatible with the airport and will not interfere with the airport or its operation.

These special conditions are issued for the Bombardier Inc. (Bombardier) Model BD-700-2A12 and BD-700-2A13 airplanes. These airplanes will have novel or unusual design features, specifically, digital systems architecture composed of several connected data networks that will have the capability to allow connectivity of the passenger-service computer systems to the airplane critical systems and data networks. 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 is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of EUROCAE WG-96/RTCA SC-236 Joint Plenary #1 Standards for Wireless Avionics Intra-Communication System (WAIC) within 4200-4400 MHz. Please inform adrian.cioranu@eurocae.net of your intention to attend the meeting. Please inform also peter.anders@airbus.com, the host of the meeting. Find information direction & maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ rkHxCEfN1sL2.