Federal Aviation Administration 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model P2006T airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by 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 a manufacturing defect in the nose landing gear (NLG) piston tube. This proposed AD would require replacing the NLG piston tube. 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 certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD- 500-1A11 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of loose or disconnected powerplant FIREX interconnection hoses. This proposed AD would require replacing certain existing FIREX hose assemblies with a newly designed FIREX hose assembly, as specified in a Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-12-05 for certain CFM International S.A. (CFM) CFM56-5B, CFM56-5C, and CFM56- 7B model turbofan engines with a certain rotating air high-pressure turbine (HPT) front seal. AD 2019-12-05 required replacement of the affected rotating air HPT front seal with a part eligible for installation. This AD was prompted by cracks found in the rotating air HPT front seal. This AD requires replacement of affected rotating air HPT front seals installed on CFM CFM56-5B, CFM56-5C, and CFM56-7B model turbofan engines that have fewer cycles since being reconfigured than the engines affected by AD 2019-12-05. This AD also requires CFM56-5B or CFM56-7B model turbofan engines with a reconfigured rotating air HPT front seal that was previously operated in a CFM56-5C model turbofan engine to follow the removal requirements for the CFM56-5C model turbofan engine. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a possible hard contact between the #2 top high level sensor (HLS) terminal screw head and the #6 outer wing fuel access panel stiffener flange. This proposed AD would require removing and replacing or reworking the #6 outer wing fuel access panel assembly. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, - 113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N airplanes; Model A320 series airplanes; and Model A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, 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 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the frame splice between certain stringers is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would require an inspection of certain fuselage frame splices for existing repairs, repetitive inspections of certain fuselage frame splices for cracking, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action reopens the comment period for the Safety Management System for Certificated Airports SNPRM published July 14, 2016. In the SNPRM, the FAA proposed to amend certain requirements included in the notice of proposed rulemaking published on October 7, 2010. Most notably, the FAA revised the proposed applicability of the rule so that a Safety Management System (SMS) is only required for a certificated airport classified as a small, medium, or large hub airport in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems; serving international air traffic; or having more than 100,000 total annual operations. The FAA also proposed changes that would extend the implementation period from 18 to 24 months; require submission of an implementation plan within 12 months instead of 6 months of the effective date of the final rule; modify the training requirements; ensure consistency among various FAA SMS initiatives, and reduce the implementation burden.

This notice announces the availability of the FAA's Adoption of the Missile Defense Agency's Final Environmental Impact Statement for Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) Operations, Clear Air Force Station, Alaska (CAFS), and Record of Decision for Federal Aviation Administration Actions to Accommodate Testing and Operation of the LRDR at CAFS under the Missile Defense Agency's Modified Operational Concept (``the Adoption/ROD''). The Adoption/ROD documents: (1) The FAA's adoption of the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) Operations, Clear Air Force Station (CAFS), Alaska; and (2) the FAA's decision to establish additional restricted areas to protect aviation from high- intensity radiated fields (HIRF) generated during the LRDR testing and operation, implement temporary flight restrictions (TFR) until the restricted areas are in effect, and make changes to federal airways and instrument flight procedures to accommodate the new restricted areas.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that a number of fairleads that support the engine combustion chamber D1 drain hose showed evidence of heat damage. This proposed AD would require modifying the helicopter by installing a certain engine combustion chamber D1 drain assembly, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). 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 H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal (HG) Model Cabri G2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by the determination that certain parts need life limits and certification maintenance requirement (CMR) tasks. This proposed AD would require establishing life limits and CMR tasks for various parts and removing any parts from service that have reached or exceeded their life limits. Depending on the results of the CMR tasks, this proposed AD would require corrective action. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This document announces a fact-finding informal airspace meeting regarding a plan to amend the Class C Airspace at Chicago Midway International Airport, IL. The purpose of the meeting is to solicit aeronautical comments on the proposal's effects on local aviation operations. All comments received during the meeting, and the subsequent comment period, will be considered prior to the issuance of a notice of proposed rulemaking.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109C, A109K2, A109E, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a crack on the tail rotor (TR) mast. This AD requires an inspection of certain TR sleeve assemblies for discrepancies, an inspection of certain TR shaft assemblies for discrepancies, a repetitive measurement of the position of the bushing of the TR sleeve assembly in relation to the pitch change slider assembly, and corrective actions if necessary, 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.

A final rule was published in the Federal Register on February 23, 2021, amending Class D and E airspace at Smyrna Airport, Smyrna, TN. This action corrects the legal description of the Class D airspace by amending the southeastern bearing from the airport to 139[deg].

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.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a left-hand (LH) side stairway door that inadvertently opened in flight and tore off from its attachment fittings. This AD requires inspecting the locking safety mechanism of the LH side stairway door handle and depending on the results, corrective action. This AD also requires modifying that locking safety mechanism 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 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, - 112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N airplanes; and Models A320 and A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing 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 of a new information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on March 21, 2021.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of damage (burns) on the tail rotor blades (TRBs). This proposed AD would require an inspection of each TRB for the general condition and any evidence of burns and replacement if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain BAL[Oacute]NY KUB[Iacute][Ccaron]EK spol. s r.o. Models BB78Z, BB85Z, BB92Z, and BB130P balloons. This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as failure of the envelope vertical load tape. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports indicating incidents of wires chafing against the inboard upper corner of the observer station circuit breaker panel. This proposed AD would require, depending on airplane configuration, doing a general visual inspection of the right observer station upper main circuit breaker panel and wiring for certain missing parts; doing an inspection of the right observer station upper main circuit breaker panel to determine if a certain bracket part number is installed; doing a general visual inspection of certain wire assemblies for any damage; modifying the observer station upper main circuit breaker panel; and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-800 and -900ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that several of the fittings that provide attachment between the radome and fuselage were cracked to the point of failure on airplanes modified in accordance with a certain supplemental type certificate (STC). This AD requires demodification of the STC installation on the airplane by removing the external equipment installed during the STC modification (including the radome, antenna, and associated structure), installing doubler and fasteners, and system deactivation by pulling and collaring associated circuit breakers if installed. This AD also requires inspecting the external and feed- through doublers, intercostals, skin, and frames in the area around the removed external equipment for cracking, and repair if necessary. 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 GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) H75-200, H80-100, and H80-200 model turboprop engines. This AD was prompted by several reports of engine gas generator speed (Ng) rollbacks occurring below idle on GEAC H75- 200, H80-100, and H80-200 model turboprop engines. This AD requires an inspection of a certain part number (P/N) fuel control unit (FCU) and, if deficiencies are detected, replacement of the FCU with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is 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 Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on March 31, 2021. The collection involves the member of the public that may submit an Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) request to the FAA by using the ADD External website. The information to be collected will be used to support publicly disseminated information to the FAA and/or is necessary because this information supports the Department of Transpiration's strategic goal to promote the public health and safety by working toward eliminating transportation-related deaths and injuries.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal and invites public comment to release a perpetual easement restriction at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA), Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona. The proposal consists of a 16.69- acres perpetual easement, located outside of the airfield, adjacent to the southeast corner of Ellsworth Rd and the State Route 24 extension.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of loss of hydraulic fluid and annunciation of the check fire detect light. This proposed AD would require doing a detailed visual inspection for chafing and proper clearance of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) main landing gear (MLG) primary zone advanced pneumatic detector (APD) sensing lines, the hydraulic tube assemblies, and the surrounding structure, and doing all applicable corrective actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.