Federal Aviation Administration 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes equipped with Rolls-Royce Model RB211-Trent 800 engines. This AD was prompted by reports of thrust reverser (T/R) events related to thermal damage of the T/R inner wall. Depending on the airplane configuration, this AD requires a records review and applicable repetitive inspections, replacements, and installations of the T/R inner wall; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires installation of serviceable T/R halves, which would terminate the repetitive actions. This AD also requires revising the inspection or maintenance program by incorporating new airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a degraded T/R inner wall panel. A degraded T/R inner wall panel could lead to failure of the T/R and adjacent components and their consequent separation from the airplane, 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.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the Tenth RTCA Special Committee 228 meeting.

This action amends Class E airspace at Little Rock Air Force Base (AFB), Little Rock, AR. Airspace reconfiguration is necessary due to closure of the air traffic control tower and associated approaches at Dennis F. Cantrell Field, Conway, AR. Dennis F. Cantrell Field is being removed from the airspace designation and legal description as it is no longer needed to describe the boundaries of Little Rock AFB. This action is necessary to ensure continued safety within the National Airspace System (NAS). Additionally, the geographic coordinates for Little Rock AFB and Saline County Airport, Benton, AR, are being adjusted.

This action clarifies the FAA's policy regarding storage of non-aeronautical items in airport facilities designated for aeronautical use. Under Federal law, airport operators that have accepted federal grants and/or those that have obligations contained in property deeds for property transferred under various Federal laws such as the Surplus Property Act generally may use airport property only for aviation-related purposes unless otherwise approved by the FAA. In some cases, airports have allowed non-aeronautical storage or uses in some hangars intended for aeronautical use, which the FAA has found to interfere with or entirely displace aeronautical use of the hangar. At the same time, the FAA recognizes that storage of some items in a hangar that is otherwise used for aircraft storage will have no effect on the aeronautical utility of the hangar. This action also amends the definition of aeronautical use to include construction of amateur-built aircraft and provides additional guidance on permissible non- aeronautical use of a hangar.''

This document announces an extension of the comment period for the above-referenced NPRM, which proposed the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes; Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. That NPRM invited comments concerning the proposed requirement to modify the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) to prevent development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to electrical fault conditions. This extension of the comment period is necessary to provide all interested persons an opportunity to present their views on the proposed requirements of that NPRM.

This document announces an extension of the comment period for the above-referenced NPRM, which proposed the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. That NPRM invited comments concerning the proposed requirement to modify the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) to prevent development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to electrical fault conditions. This extension of the comment period is necessary to provide all interested persons an opportunity to present their views on the proposed requirements of that NPRM.

This document announces an extension of the comment period for the above-referenced NPRM, which proposed the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. That NPRM invited comments concerning the proposed requirement to modify the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) to prevent development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to electrical fault conditions. This extension of the comment period is necessary to provide all interested persons an opportunity to present their views on the proposed requirements of that NPRM.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318 series airplanes; A319 series airplanes; A320-211, - 212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that certain structural repair manual (SRM) inspection requirements for the fuselage skin repairs are insufficient to detect cracks. This AD requires 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 issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to rule and invites public comment on the application for a land-use change for approximately 31.1 acres of airport property at Sacramento International Airport (SMF), Sacramento. The land use change will allow airport land to be released from the aeronautical use provisions of the Grant Assurances that require it to serve an airport purposes since the land is not needed for aeronautical uses. The reuse of the land for solar energy generating arrays represents a compatible land use that will not interfere with the airport or its operations. The solar generated electricity will benefit the airport by producing a market return on the land while reducing electrical costs. Cost savings will equal or exceed the fair market rental value of the land occupied by the solar farms. These benefits will serve the interest of civil aviation and contribute to the self-sustainability of the airport.

This final rule replaces the existing process by which the Federal Aviation Administration (Agency or FAA) approves portable oxygen concentrators (POC) for use on board aircraft in air carrier operations, commercial operations, and certain other operations using large aircraft. The FAA currently assesses each POC make and model on a case-by-case basis and if the FAA determines that a particular POC is safe for use on board an aircraft, the FAA conducts rulemaking to identify the specific POC model in an FAA regulation. This final rule replaces the current process and allows passengers to use a POC on board an aircraft if the POC satisfies certain acceptance criteria and bears a label indicating conformance with the acceptance criteria. The labeling requirement only affects POCs intended for use on board aircraft that were not previously approved for use on aircraft by the FAA. Additionally, this rulemaking will eliminate redundant operational requirements and paperwork requirements related to the physician's statement. As a result, this rulemaking will reduce burdens for POC manufacturers, passengers who use POCs while traveling, and affected aircraft operators. This final rule also makes conforming amendments to the Department of Transportation's (Department or DOT) rule implementing the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) to require carriers to accept all POC models that meet FAA acceptance criteria as detailed in this rule.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-09-07 for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2016- 09-07 required replacing certain pitot probes on the captain, first officer, and standby sides. This new AD retains those requirements, but with a revised compliance time. Since we issued AD 2016-09-07, we received additional reports of airspeed indication discrepancies during flight at high altitudes in inclement weather. We are issuing this AD to prevent airspeed indication discrepancies caused by accumulation of ice crystals during inclement weather, which, depending on the prevailing altitude, could lead to reduced controllability of the airplane.

This action updates the using agency information for restricted areas R-6602A, R-6602B, and R-6602C, Fort Pickett, VA. This is an administrative change to reflect the current organization tasked with using agency responsibilities for the restricted areas. It does not affect the boundaries, designated altitudes, time of designation or activities conducted within the restricted areas.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model MD-90-30 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of stick shaker activation at airspeeds that were above the stall protection system's stick shaker schedule. This proposed AD would require installing angle-of-attack (AOA) sensor external case heaters and AOA sensors, changing wires, and doing a functional test and applicable corrective actions. We are proposing this AD to correct water intrusion and subsequent ice formation between the AOA sensor vane and face plate, which could cause the vane to become immobilized. If the vane becomes immobilized, the stall protection system could become unreliable or non-functional, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-17-10, for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes. AD 2011-17-10 required inspecting for a by-pass wire between the housing of each in-tank fuel quantity indication (FQI) cable plug and the cable shield, and corrective actions if necessary. AD 2011-17- 10 also required revising the airplane maintenance program. This new AD removes certain airplanes from the applicability. This new AD applies only to Model F.28 Mark 1000 airplanes and also requires revising the airplane maintenance or inspection program by incorporating the instructions in revised service information. This AD was prompted by the issuance of revised service information to update the critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs) that address potential ignition sources inside fuel tanks. We are issuing this AD to prevent potential ignition sources inside the 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 PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Models PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E 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 incorrect installation instructions of the torlon plates in the airplane maintenance manual resulting in the incorrect installation of the torlon plates in the forward wing-to-fuselage attachment. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are superseding 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 required 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 wing rear spar is higher than initially determined. This new AD adds airplanes to the applicability, reduces the compliance times and repetitive intervals for the inspections, and changes the inspection procedures. This AD was prompted by a determination that the risk of cracking in the wing rear spar is higher than initially determined. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the rear spar of the wing, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

This action modifies the Lansing, MI, Class C airspace at the Capital Region International Airport, formerly the Lansing Capital City Airport, by removing a cutout from the surface area that was put in place to accommodate operations at an airport that is now permanently closed. This action also updates the Capital Region International Airport name and geographic coordinates to reflect the current information in the FAA's aeronautical database. The FAA is taking this action to ensure the safe and efficient operations at Capital Region International Airport.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2000-20-12 for EVEKTOR, spol. s.r.o. Models L 13 SEH VIVAT and L 13 SDM VIVAT gliders (type certificate previously held by AEROTECHNIK s.r.o.). 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 insufficient material strength of the tail- fuselage attachment fitting. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA hereby provides notice of intent to release certain airport properties of approximately 16.88 acres at St. Petersburg- Clearwater International (PIE), St. Petersburg, FL from the conditions, reservations, and restrictions as contained in a Quitclaim Deed agreement between the FAA and the Pinellas County, dated 11 March 1941. The release of property will allow Pinellas County to dispose of the property for Florida Department of Transportation roadway right of way project.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Lakota, ND. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures developed at Lakota Municipal Airport, for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-03- 01, for all Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. AD 2015-03-01 currently requires installing additional attaching hardware on the left and right fan cowl access panels and the nacelle attaching structures. Since we issued AD 2015- 03-01, there have been updates to the weight and balance data needed to calculate the center of gravity for affected airplanes. This proposed AD would require weight and balance data to be included in the Weight and Balance Manual and applicable logbooks for airplanes modified per Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-71-034, Revision B, dated August 1, 2014. The proposed AD would also require the weight and balance data to be used in order to calculate the center of gravity for affected airplanes. We are proposing this AD to prevent damage to the fuselage and flight control surfaces from dislodged engine fan cowl panels, and prevent incorrect weight and balance calculations. Incorrect weight and balance calculations may shift the center of gravity beyond approved design parameters and affect in-flight control, which could endanger passengers and crew.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by the need for more restrictive airworthiness limitations. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate certain maintenance requirement tasks, thresholds, and intervals. We are issuing this AD to reduce the potential for significant failure conditions and consequent loss of controllability of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 787 airplanes. This AD was prompted by the disclosure that the inner diameters of some batches of landing gear pins were not shot peened in accordance with design specifications, and need to be replaced. This AD requires inspection for improperly manufactured landing gear pins, and replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct insufficient shot peening that could lead to stress corrosion cracking and failure of the landing gear pin, and cause landing gear collapse and inability to control the airplane at high speeds on the ground.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for EVEKTOR, spol. s.r.o. Models L 13 SEH VIVAT and L 13 SDM VIVAT gliders (type certificate previously held by AEROTECHNIK s.r.o.). 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 lack of distinct color marking of the elevator drive. 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 certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, and Model A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an under-torqued forward engine mount bolt. This AD requires a one-time torque check of the forward and aft engine mount bolts and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improperly torqued engine mount bolts, which could lead to detachment of the engine from the airplane during flight and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to persons on the ground.