Federal Aviation Administration 2017 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

These special conditions are issued for the Embraer S.A. (Embraer) Model ERJ 190-300 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport-category airplanes. This design feature is a new control architecture and a full digital flight-control system, both of which provide flight-envelope protections. 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.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. Model A109S helicopters. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of a cabin liner detaching from the helicopter and hitting the main rotor (M/R) blades during flight. This proposed AD would require adding limitations to the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). The proposed actions are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to adopt 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 proposed AD was prompted by reports of inadequate clearance between the thermal protection system (TPS) insulation blankets and the electronic engine control (EEC) wiring, which resulted in damaged wires. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the EEC wire bundles and clips, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This final rule provides the 2017 inflation adjustment to civil penalty amounts that may be imposed for violations of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and the Hazardous Materials Regulations, as required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. It also finalizes the catch-up inflation adjustment interim final rule required by the same Act.

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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-1159B airplanes. This AD was prompted by a review of airplane maintenance records, which revealed that incorrect rudder assemblies were installed on certain airplanes. This AD requires certain inspections, and replacement or modification of the rudder assembly if necessary. 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 reinstate a previously approved information collection. FAA regulations prescribe certification standards for pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors. The information collected is used to determine compliance with applicant eligibility.

These special conditions are issued for the Bombardier Inc. (Bombardier) Models BD-700-2A12 and BD-700-2A13 airplanes. These airplanes will have novel or unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport-category airplanes. These design features are electrical and electronic systems that perform critical functions, the loss of which could be catastrophic to the airplane. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. 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.

This action amends Class E airspace at Monongahela, PA, as the Allegheny VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range (VOR) has been decommissioned, requiring airspace reconfiguration at Rostraver Airport. This action enhances the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Fayetteville, TN, as the Kelso Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) has been decommissioned, requiring airspace reconfiguration at Fayetteville Municipal 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.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace designated as an extension to Class D airspace at Morgantown, WV, by removing Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) part-time status at Morgantown Municipal Airport Walter L. Bill Hart Field, and would amend the airport's geographic coordinates. The geographic coordinates of the airport in Class D airspace, Class E surface area airspace and Class E 700 foot airspace also would be adjusted. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Laurel, MS, as the Tallahala Non-Directional Radio Beacon (NDB) has been decommissioned, requiring airspace reconfiguration at Hesler-Noble 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.

This action proposes to remove Class E airspace designated as an extension at Fort Eustis, VA, as the Felker Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) has been decommissioned, and the approaches cancelled at Felker Army Airfield, (AAF). This action also would update the geographic coordinates of the airport under Class D airspace.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the engine mount bushings. This AD was prompted by reports of delaminated and worn bushings. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the renewal of the RTCA Charter (FAA Order 1110.77W) for 6 months, effective April 1, 2017. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is authorized to establish the RTCA advisory committee in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The current charter agreement requires that the RTCA manage various Federal subcommittees on behalf of the agency. The objective of the advisory committee is to seek resolution of issues and challenges involving air transportation concepts, requirements, operational capabilities, the associated use of technology, and related considerations to aeronautical operations that affect the future of the Air Traffic Management System and the integration of new technologies.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-24-17 for General Electric Company (GE) GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B turbofan engines with certain high-pressure compressor (HPC) rotor stage 2-5 spools installed. AD 2013-24-17 required removing these spools from service at times determined by a drawdown plan. This AD retains the same requirements as AD 2013-24-17. This AD also adds additional part number (P/N) HPC spools to the applicability. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking on these additional spools. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

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

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. The information collected is used by the FAA to register and renew aircraft or hold an aircraft in trust. The information required to register and approve ownership of an aircraft is required by any person wishing to register an aircraft. Information is also required for aircraft owners to renew their registration.

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. The ``Aging Aircraft Program (Widespread Fatigue Damage)'' final rule amended FAA regulation pertaining to certification and operation of transport category airplanes to preclude widespread fatigue damage in those airplanes.

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. On February 21, 2014, the FAA published a final rule entitled, ``Helicopter Air Start Printed Page 58673Ambulance, Commercial Helicopter, and part 91 Helicopter Operations'', to address helicopter air ambulance operations and all commercial helicopter operations conducted under part 135. The FAA also established new weather minimums for helicopters operating under part 91 in Class G airspace.

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. The FAA Aviation Research and Development Grants Program establishes uniform policies and procedures for the award and administration of research grants to colleges, universities, not for profit organizations, and profit organizations for security research. The collection of data is required from prospective grantees in order to adhere to applicable statues and OMB circulars.

The FAA is publishing this notice of a pending action required by statute. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017 requires the FAA to release the City of St. Marys, Georgia, from all restrictions, conditions, and limitations on the use, encumbrance, conveyance, and closure of the St. Marys Airport. On March 6, 2017, the City of St. Marys provided written notice to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of its intent to permanently close the St. Marys Airport (4J6), in St. Marys, Georgia on July 14, 2017. The City of St. Marys provided this notice to the FAA in excess of 30 days before the permanent closure. The FAA hereby publishes the City of St. Marys' notice of permanent closure of the St. Marys Airport.

This action proposes to modify Class E airspace extending up to 700 feet above the surface at West Plains Regional Airport, West Plains, MO, to accommodate new standard instrument approach procedures for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action is necessary due to the decommissioning of the Hutton (HUW) Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR), and cancellation of VOR approach, and would enhance the safety and management of IFR operations at the airport. The airport's name also would be updated.

The FAA is considering a request from the Madison County Executive Airport Authority to waive the requirement that 3.19 acres of airport property located at the Huntsville Executive Airport Tom Sharp, Jr. Field in Huntsville, Alabama, be used for aeronautical purposes.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; and 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). This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in main landing gear (MLG) leg components. This AD requires detailed visual inspections of these MLG leg components and replacement of the MLG leg if cracked components are found. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.