Federal Aviation Administration 2017 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA has determined that the minimum random drug and alcohol testing percentage rates for the period January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018, will remain at 25 percent of safety- sensitive employees for random drug testing and 10 percent of safety- sensitive employees for random alcohol testing.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-01- 11, which applies to certain Airbus Model A320-211, -212, and -231 airplanes. AD 2016-01-11 requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the radius of the front spar vertical stringers and the horizontal floor beam on frame 36, repetitive inspections for cracking of the fastener holes of the front spar vertical stringers on frame 36, and repair if necessary. Since we issued AD 2016-01-11, we received a report that, during a center fuselage certification full scale fatigue test, cracks were found on the front vertical stringer at a certain frame. This proposed AD would add new thresholds and intervals for the repetitive inspections; would require, for certain airplanes, a modification of the center wing box area; and would expand the applicability. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Notice is being given that the FAA is considering a request from the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA), to change the current land use from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use of a 22.1-acre parcel of land. The parcel is located in the northern quadrant of the airport adjacent, but separate from the airside area. The Airport Layout Plan was updated with a Pen and Ink Change to designate the parcel for non-aeronautical use. The airport will obtain fair market value for the lease of the land. The income derived from this lease will be placed in the airport's operation and maintenance funds for the facility.

Notice is being given that the FAA is considering a request from the Northern Maine Regional Airport, for a land swap with the Presque Isle Industrial Council. The on-airport land, currently in use as non-aeronautical development, is to be swapped with four parcels of land along the northern ramp area of airport and land within the northern approach. The land swap will further enhance the protection of the northern approach area while also providing developable land for aeronautical uses.

This action corrects a final rule published in the Federal Register of November 1, 2017 that modifies Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Stevens Point Municipal Airport, Stevens Point, WI, to accommodate new standard instrument approach procedures for instrument flight rules operations at the airport. The FAA identified that the latitude coordinate was incorrect.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2014-24-08 for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535E4-37, RB211-535E4-B-37, and RB211- 535E4-C-37 turbofan engines with certain low-pressure (LP) fuel filter- to-high-pressure (HP) fuel pump tube assemblies, or HP fuel pump-to- fuel flow governor (FFG) or FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill return tube assemblies and flanged adaptor, installed. AD 2014-24-08 required replacing certain LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube assemblies. This AD retains the requirement in AD 2014-24-08 to remove the LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube, adds new compliance thresholds, and requires installation of new HP fuel pump-to-FFG and FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill return tube assemblies and flanged adaptor. This AD was prompted by fuel leaks that have occurred at the flanged joints of the HP fuel pump-to-FFG tube assembly and FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill return tube assembly. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Manley Hot Springs Airport, Manley Hot Springs, AK to accommodate the development of area navigation (RNAV) instrument flight rules (IFR) operations under standard instrument approach and departure procedures at the airport, and for the safety and management of IFR operations within the National Airspace System.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-22-08, which applied to all Airbus Model A318 and A319 series airplanes; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. AD 2014-22-08 required revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new or revised airworthiness limitation requirements. This new AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new or revised airworthiness limitation requirements, and removes airplanes from the applicability. This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive maintenance instructions and airworthiness limitations are necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318 and A319 series airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, - 214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, - 211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of a vertical strut penetrating through the cabin floor during an emergency water landing and on airframe ground contact at certain speeds/accelerations. This AD requires modification of the fuselage structure at a certain frame. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to amend Class E surface airspace and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Massena, NY, as the Massena collocated VHF omnidirectional range tactical air navigation system (VORTAC) has been decommissioned, requiring airspace reconfiguration at Massena International-Richards Field Airport. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also would update the geographic coordinates of the airport.

We propose special conditions for the BHTI Model 525 helicopter. This helicopter will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with fly-by-wire flight control system (FBW FCS) functions that affect the pilot awareness of the flight control modes while operating the helicopter. 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.

This action proposes to modify Class E airspace designated as an extension, and modify Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Joslin Field-Magic Valley Regional Airport, Twin Falls, ID. Also, the part-time Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) status would be removed from Class E airspace designated as an extension. Additionally, an editorial change would be made to the Class D airspace, Class E surface airspace, and Class E extension airspace legal descriptions replacing ``Airport/Facility Directory'' with the term ``Chart Supplement.'' Also, this proposal would remove the words ``Twin Falls'' from the airport name in the airspace designations for Class D and E airspace noted in this proposal. A biennial review found these changes are necessary to accommodate airspace redesign for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations within the National Airspace System.

This action corrects a final rule published in the Federal Register of October 11, 2017, that establishes Class E airspace and amends Class D and E airspace at Molokai Airport, Kaunakakai, HI. The airspace description for the airport in Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface contained the following wording in error: ``That airspace extending upward from the surface . . .'' It is removed and replaced by ``That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface . . . .''

On September 29, 2017, the FAA signed its Adoption/Record of Decision (ROD) for its aeronautical actionthe modification and establishment of Military Operation Areas (MOAs), Air Traffic Controlled Assigned Airspace (AATCAs) and Warning Areas for the Oregon Military Training Airspace. The Adoption/ROD identifies the aeronautical action and states the FAA decision to modify existing airspace and establish new airspace to support the Oregon Air National Guard's F-15 training operations. In accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, paragraphs 9-2, Adoption of Other Agencies' National Environmental Policy Act Documents, and 7400.2L, paragraph 32-2-3, the FAA has conducted an independent review and evaluation of the Air National Guard, National Guard Bureau and U.S. Air Force's Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the proposed Establishment and Modification of Military Operation Areas (MOAs) and Warning Area. Based on its independent review, the FAA has determined that the EIS and its supporting documentation, as incorporated by reference, adequately assess and disclose the environmental impacts of the FAA's proposed aeronautical action and that the adoption of the FEIS by the FAA is authorized. Accordingly, the FAA adopts the FEIS, Appendices and all information identified therein, incorporated by reference and made publicly available. Further, the FAA's September 29, 2017 Adoption/ Record of Decision (ROD) is based on its adoption of the FEIS and the FEIS' identification, analysis and conclusions regarding resources, and environmental effects of the ANG/NGB's Proposed Action.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD requires contacting the FAA to obtain instructions for addressing the unsafe condition on these products, and doing the actions specified in those instructions. This AD was prompted by a report of sparks and an electrical smell on the flight deck of a Model F28 Mark 0070 airplane. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF, and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking found at a certain fuselage frame inner chord. This AD requires repetitive inspections for any cracking of a certain fuselage frame inner chord; identification of the material of a certain fuselage frame inner chord for certain airplanes; and applicable corrective actions. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319 series airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the lower rib foot angle of the center wing box did not match with the bottom skin panel inner surface. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the external bottom skin in certain areas on the left and right wings, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Embraer S.A. Models EMB-500 and EMB-505 airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated 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 improperly tied castle nuts on the aileron, rudder, and elevator trim tab (or autotab) attachment bolts. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

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.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-20-11, which applied to 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); and Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. AD 2016-20-11 required repetitive inspections of the external area of the aft cargo door sill beam for cracking, repetitive inspections for fatigue cracking of the cargo door sill beam, lock fitting, and torsion box plate, and repair if necessary. This new AD retains the inspections for cracking, and repair if necessary; and requires reinforcement of the aft cargo door sill beam area. This AD was prompted by the development of a reinforcement modification of the aft cargo door sill beam area, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

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 purpose of this research is to conduct a nation-wide survey to update the scientific evidence of the relationship between aircraft noise exposure and its effects on communities around airports.

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 reinstate a previously approved information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on August 31, 2017. In that the notice the collection was mistitled: ``Laser Operations in the Navigable Airspace (Advisory Circular (AC), Outdoor Laser Operations.'' We received no comments. In order for the FAA to ensure safety it proposes to collect information from potential outdoor laser operators. The FAA will review the proposed laser activity against air traffic operations and verify that the laser operation will not interfere with air traffic operations.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; all Model A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of false traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) resolution advisories. This proposed AD would require modifying the software in the TCAS computer processor or replacing the TCAS computer with a new TCAS computer. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-76A, S-76B, S-76C, and S-76D helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the main rotor (M/R) servo pushrod (pushrod) assembly and applying slippage marks. This AD was prompted by an accident of a Sikorsky Model S-76C helicopter caused by a failed pushrod assembly. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

We are removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-01-06, which applied to certain Airbus Model A319-115, A319-132, A320-214, A320-232, A321-211, A321-213, and A321-231 airplanes. AD 2017-01-06 required inspection and replacement of certain tie rod assemblies installed on the hinged fairing assembly of the main landing gear (MLG). We issued AD 2017-01-06 to detect and correct the absence of cadmium plating on the rod end threads of the tie rod assemblies. Since we issued AD 2017- 01-06, we have determined that although cadmium plating might be absent, the rod end threads of the tie rod assemblies can withstand the expected environmental conditions, therefore the unsafe condition, as initially determined, does not exist.