Federal Aviation Administration 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of failure of a wing strut leak test due to a missing bolt on the firewall. This AD requires a one-time leak test of the strut upper spar areas for the left and right wing struts, and corrective action if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is proposing to require the use of an electronic Pilot Records Database (PRD) and implement statutory requirements. The PRD would be used to facilitate the sharing of pilot records among air carriers and other operators in an electronic data system managed by the FAA. Air carriers, specific operators holding out to the public, entities conducting public aircraft operations, air tour operators, fractional ownerships, and corporate flight departments would be required to enter relevant data on individuals employed as pilots into the PRD, and this would be available electronically to those entities. In addition, this proposal identifies all air carriers, fractional ownerships, and some other operators or entities that would be required to access the PRD and evaluate the available data for each pilot candidate prior to making a hiring decision.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440), CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702), CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL- 600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that certain airplanes have outdated magnetic variation (MV) tables inside navigation systems. This proposed AD would require revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to update the Flight Management System (FMS), Inertial Reference System (IRS), and Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) limitations. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action amends the oxygen mask requirement for circumstances in which a single pilot is at the aircraft controls. This action applies to all certificate holders who conduct domestic, flag, and supplemental operations. This action responds to a statutory mandate that requires the FAA to increase the flight level threshold at which the FAA requires use of an oxygen mask by the remaining pilot at the aircraft controls when the other pilot at the controls leaves the control station.

This action proposes to establish restricted area R-5306F at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, NC. R-5306F would extend from flight level (FL) 180 to FL 290. The proposed restricted area would overlie the existing restricted area R-5306A, and the adjacent Core Military Operations Area (MOA). Due to altitude constraints, the existing restricted airspace structure around MCAS Cherry Point cannot fully support the training requirements for current legacy aircraft as well as 4th and 5th generation aircraft such as the F-35. In conjunction with R-5306A, the proposed restricted area would provide realistic training to enable pilots and aircrews to counter evolving threat nation warfare anti-aircraft capabilities.

This action amends area navigation (RNAV) route Q-56 in the vicinity of Atlanta, GA, by re-establishing the route over the KBLER, GA, waypoint, which was recently removed from the route. Subsequent to the recent publication of the rule that removed the KBLER waypoint from Q-56, the FAA has identified safety related issues resulting from the removal of the waypoint and the resultant relocation of the affected route segment. This action amends Q-56 to reflect the route as it was charted prior to the KBLER waypoint being removed, addresses the safety issues created by the removal of the waypoint from the route, and restores the safety and efficiency of the high altitude enroute structure supporting the flow of air traffic in the vicinity of the Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC, Metroplex areas.

This action amends Class D airspace, Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class D surface area, and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Boire Field, Nashua, NH, to accommodate airspace reconfiguration due to the decommissioning of CHERN non-directional beacon, and cancellation of the associated approaches. Controlled airspace 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, as well as Manchester VOR/DME. In addition, this action recognizes the name change of Pepperell Airport (formerly Sports Center Airport). This action also replaces the outdated term Airport/Facility Directory with the term Chart Supplement in the legal descriptions of associated Class D and E airspace of Boire Field. Also, the FAA inadvertently failed to address the purpose of the radius of Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface increasing from 7.0 miles to 7.9 miles. In addition, the Manchester VOR/DME was incorrectly identified as VORTAC. This action corrects these errors.

This action proposes to amend VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V-24, V-97, and V-171 due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Lone Rock, WI (LNR), VOR/ Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid (NAVAID), which provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected air traffic service (ATS) routes. The Lone Rock VOR is being decommissioned as part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

This action proposes to amend one jet route, J-6; three VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways, V-5, V-49, and V-243; and two area navigation (RNAV) routes, Q-68 and T-325. The FAA is proposing this action due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Bowling Green, KY, VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid (NAVAID). The Bowling Green VOR is being decommissioned in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

This action changes the effective date of a final rule published in the Federal Register on February 21, 2020, amending VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V-82 and V-217, and area navigation (RNAV) route T-383 in the vicinity of Baudette, MN. The ATS route amendments were due to the planned decommissioning of the Baudette VOR. The FAA is delaying the effective date to coincide with the expected completion of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT) purchase and flight check of a new Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) facility to support the Instrument Landing System (ILS) or Localizer (LOC) Approach to Runway (RWY) 31 instrument approach procedure, which is affected by the loss of the Baudette VOR, at Warroad International Memorial Airport, MN.

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 Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on January 15, 2020. The FAA uses the information collected to register aircraft or hold an aircraft in trust. The information to register and prove ownership of an aircraft is required from any person wishing to register an aircraft.

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 proposes to amend 9 jet routes, remove 22 jet routes, and remove 1 high altitude area navigation (RNAV) route in the eastern United States. This action is in support of the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route Project to improve the efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) and reduce dependency on ground-based navigational systems.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require performing a test of the main rotor RPM (NR) indicator, and depending on the results, altering the wiring. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of some NR indicators displaying incorrect information. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

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.

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 collection is required to receive the benefit of obtaining an FAA Air Agency Certificate, known as a certificated repair station. The collection involves the applicant entering information onto and submitting the FAA Form 8310-3. Application for Repair Station Certificate/and or Rating to the appropriate FAA field office. Persons requesting to obtain an initial Air Agency Certificate to operate as an FAA certificated repair station or request changes to an existing repair station (air agency) certificate do so by submitting the request through the submission of the FAA Form 8310-3. This form is available to the applicant/respondent via www.faa.gov, email, in person, or by mail. The FAA Form 8310-3, Application for Repair Station Certificate and/or Ratings captures information such as, but not limited to; official name of repair station, location where business is conducted, official mailing address, any doing business as name, changes in ratings, or if initial certification, ratings sought, changes in location or housing and facilities, change in name or ownership, or any other purpose for which the applicant requests, including a request for approval to contract maintenance functions to outside entities. The FAA has identified an inaccuracy in how burden calculations are determined associated with initial repair station certifications and subsequent changes to an existing repair station certificate. The FAA has identified that the information collected through the FAA Form 8310-3 does not capture the entire repair station certification activities or changes to an existing certificate. OMB Control Number 2120-0682 is not only authorizing the Agency to receive information collected on the FAA Form 8310-3, but should also encapsulate the entire calculation burden associated with repair station certification and subsequent changes to an existing certificate. Once burden calculations associated with repair station certification activities are properly assessed, the FAA will publish a new notice to the Federal Register capturing the entire burden calculation for repair station certification and subsequent changes to an existing certificate.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the attachment screws of each main gearbox (MGB) suspension bar rear attachment fitting, and depending on the outcome, applying a sealing compound, performing further inspections, and replacing affected parts. This AD was prompted by reports of an elongated attachment screw and loss of tightening torque of the nut. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A319-131, -132, and -133 airplanes, Model A320-231, - 232, and -233 airplanes, and Model A321-131, -231, and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of rupture of a hydraulic reservoir air pressurization hose on an in-service airplane, leading to air leakage that was undetectable during normal operation, and found during subsequent zonal inspection. This AD requires modifying the airplane by replacing the affected bleed air hoses with a modification of hydraulic pressurization lines, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A319-112, -115, and -132 airplanes; and Model A320-214, -216, -232, and -233 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that a possible interference was identified between 1M and 2M wiring harnesses and the tapping units, and that the interference could adversely affect the lavatory smoke detection system and/or the passenger oxygen system. This AD requires modifying the 1M and 2M harness routing, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE) PW1122G-JM, PW1124G1-JM, PW1124G- JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1127G-JM, PW1133G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, PW1130G-JM, and PW1129G-JM model turbofan engines with a certain low- pressure turbine (LPT) 3rd-stage blade installed. This AD requires initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSI) of the turbine stator intermediate outer rear air seal (turbine piston seal) and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement with a part eligible for installation. This AD was prompted by reports of failure of turbine piston seals leading to fracture of the LPT 3rd-stage blades. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Yabor[atilde] Ind[uacute]stria Aeron[aacute]utica S.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Embraer S.A.) Model ERJ 170 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of erroneous indications of certain engine parameters and reports of ``pitch up'' and ``pitch down'' uncommanded attitudes with autopilot engaged in cruise flight. This AD requires installing updated PRIMUS EPIC LOAD software, as specified in an Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC) Brazilian AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters. This AD requires removing the drain plugs from the fuel tank compartments located under the bottom structure. This AD was prompted by the discovery that a modification to the fuel tank could lead to fuel accumulating in an area containing electrical equipment and subsequent ignition of fuel vapors. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks on continuity fittings at the lower framing of the front windshield on airplanes on which a certain production modification has been embodied. Additional analysis showed that certain certification requirements for damage tolerance and fatigue are not met on airplanes in a certain post-production modification configuration. This proposed AD would require repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the central node windshield area for cracking, and applicable corrective actions if cracking is found, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will be incorporated by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Austro Engine GmbH model E4 and E4P diesel piston engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of considerable wear of the timing chain and failure of fuel injectors on these engines. This proposed AD would require replacement of the timing chain and fuel injectors on the affected Austro Engine GmbH model E4 and E4P diesel piston engines. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

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.