Federal Aviation Administration 2018 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by the discovery of inadequate corrosion protection in certain areas of the horizontal stabilizer and the rear fuselage cone structure. This AD requires application of sealant and protective treatment on the affected areas of the horizontal stabilizer and the rear fuselage cone structure and, for certain airplanes, modification of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS) torsion box and re-identification of the elevator. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded motion of the flight control actuator. This AD requires replacing certain rudder and elevator servocontrols with serviceable servocontrols. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model AW169 helicopters. This proposed AD would require replacing the seals, filler wedges, and handles of each emergency exit window. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that a high level of pushing force was required to jettison some windows. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

This action corrects a final rule published in the Federal Register of August 16, 2018, that amended the Chicago Class B and Chicago Class C airspace area descriptions by changing references to the Chicago O'Hare VHF Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) to ``Point of Origin.'' Additionally, the Chicago Class B and Chicago Class C airspace area descriptions were edited to reflect the Chicago Midway International Airport name change to match the current information in the FAA's aeronautical database. The Chicago Class B airspace description listed in the rule is corrected to reflect updated geographic coordinates for the Chicago O'Hare International Airport airport reference point (ARP), updated geographic coordinates for two points in the Area A description, and updated geographic coordinates for one point in the Area F description.

This action amends Class E surface area airspace and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Waimea- Kohala Airport, Kamuela, HI by modifying the boundaries to only that area necessary to contain instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport. The part-time Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) status is removed from Class E surface area airspace, and references to the Kamuela VOR/ DME is removed from associated Class E airspace areas above. Airspace redesign is necessary as the FAA transitions from ground-based to satellite-based navigation for the safety and management of the national airspace system. Also, an editorial change will be made removing the airport name and replacing it with the city in the airspace designators for the above airspace areas.

This action establishes Class E en route airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface to accommodate instrument flight rules (IFR) aircraft under control of the Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), Los Angeles, CA. Establishment of this airspace area would ensure controlled airspace exists in those areas where the Federal airway structure is inadequate. This action also corrects an error in one of the longitude coordinates in the airspace description.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS-365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters with a lower strobe light installed. This AD requires installing a cable mount, inspecting the lower strobe light wiring harness, and re-routing the wiring harness. This AD was prompted by reports of interference between the lower strobe light wiring harness and the helicopter structure. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these helicopters.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, CN- 235-300, and C-295 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that cracks were found on the door mechanism actuator shaft assemblies of the nose landing gear (NLG). This AD requires repetitive inspections of the NLG door mechanism actuator shaft assemblies having certain part numbers, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD would also provide an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections for Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

These amended special conditions are issued for the Boeing Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 series airplanes. This amendment states that the Boeing Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 series airplanes oblique (side-facing) seats may be installed at an angle of 18 to 45 degrees to the airplane centerline and may include a 3-point or airbag restraint system, or both, for occupant restraint and injury protection. This airplane 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 oblique (side- facing) single-occupant seats equipped with airbag devices or 3-point restraints. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Federal Aviation 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 are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Tay 620-15 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by reports of low-pressure compressor (LPC) fan blade retention lug failures. This AD requires reviewing the engine maintenance records and replacing the LPC fan blade with a part eligible for installation if the dry-film lubricant (DFL) treatment limit is exceeded. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Breckinridge County Airport, Hardinsburg, KY, to accommodate new area navigation (RNAV) global positioning system (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures serving the airport. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at this airport.

This action amends Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface at Bloomsburg Municipal Airport, Bloomsburg, PA, due to the decommissioning of the Milton VHF omni- directional range tactical air navigation aid (VORTAC). Airspace reconfiguration is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at this airport. This action also updates the geographic coordinates of this airport.

This action amends Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface at Williamsport Regional Airport, Williamsport, PA. Airspace reconfiguration is necessary due to the decommissioning of Picture Rocks non-directional radio beacon (NDB), and cancellation of the NDB approaches. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at this airport. This action also recognizes the name change to Williamsport Hospital Medical Center Heliport (formerly Williamsport Hospital). The title of this rule is changed to only show that we are amending Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface with this rule. The Class D and remaining Class E airspace areas have been amended in a separate rulemaking.

This action modifies Class D airspace at Appleton International Airport (formerly Outagamie County Airport), Appleton, WI. This action is required due to the decommissioning of the GAMIE locator outer marker (LOM) and collocated outer marker (OM) which provided navigation guidance to the airport. This action enhances the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport. Also, the airport name and geographic coordinates are adjusted to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database. Additionally, this action replaces the outdated term ``Airport/Facility Directory'' with the term ``Chart Supplement'' in the legal description, and removes the city associated with the airport name in the airspace designation.

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 action removes Class E airspace areas designated as an extension to a Class D surface area at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport, Springfield, OH. This action is required as a result of an airspace review, which inadvertently overlooked the removal of the associated Class E airspace extensions when the Class D airspace was removed.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, MBB-BK 117 C-1, and MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the tail rotor (T/R) gearbox housing. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that a crack was found in a T/ R gearbox housing. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350BA helicopters with a Pall Aerospace Corporation inlet barrier filter (IBF) element. This AD requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement to prohibit operating a helicopter with an IBF element in wet weather and replacing the IBF element if wet. This AD is prompted by a forced landing after an engine flameout. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by several reports of cracks in a certain floor beam lower chord at door stop fitting No. 1 of the forward airstair door cutout. This AD requires repetitive inspections for any cracks and applicable on-condition actions. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) BR700-710A2-20 and BR700- 710C4-11 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by reports of deterioration of the intumescent heat resistant paint system on the electronic engine controller (EEC) firebox assembly that was found to be beyond acceptable limits. This AD requires replacement of affected EEC firebox assembly parts with improved parts, which have a more durable paint system. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action modifies two VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways (V-72 and V-429) in the vicinity of Mattoon and Charleston, IL. The FAA is taking this action due to the planned decommissioning of the Mattoon, IL, VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid (NAVAID), which provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected ATS routes. The Mattoon VOR is being decommissioned in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company (GE) GE90-76B, GE90-77B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, and GE90-94B turbofan engines with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) software, version 9.3.2.4 or earlier, installed. This AD requires upgrading the FADEC software to a software version eligible for installation. This AD was prompted by an ice-crystal icing (ICI) event that caused damage to both engines, a single engine stall, and subsequent engine shutdown. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

These amended special conditions are issued for the Boeing Model 747-8 airplane. This amendment states that the Boeing Model 747-8 airplane oblique (side-facing) seats may be installed at an angle of 18 to 45 degrees to the airplane centerline and may include a 3-point or airbag restraint system, or both, for occupant restraint and injury protection. Additionally, this amendment changes paragraphs 4 through 8 of the special conditions section. This airplane 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 oblique (side-facing) single- occupant seats equipped with or without airbag devices or 3-point restraints. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards 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) 2013-02-04 for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 970-84, RB211-Trent 970B-84, RB211-Trent 972-84, RB211-Trent 972B-84, RB211-Trent 977-84, RB211- Trent 977B-84, and RB211-Trent 980-84 turbofan engines. AD 2013-02-04 required on-wing inspections of low-pressure turbine (LPT) disk seal fins and interstage seals when post-flight review indicates Engine Health Monitoring (EHM) vibratory maintenance-alert limits were exceeded in flight. This AD requires additional criteria for the inspection of the stage 2, 3, and 4 LPT disk seal fins and interstage seals and removes the requirement to inspect the stage 5 LPT disk seal fins and interstage seal. This AD was prompted by a Trent 900 engine experiencing increased low-pressure rotor vibration while in flight resulting in an in-flight shutdown (IFSD) and air turnback. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.