Federal Aviation Administration 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 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. This AD also requires, for certain airplanes, an update of the hydraulic monitoring system to include additional redundancy. 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 Brantly Helicopters Industries U.S.A. Co., Ltd., Model 305 helicopters and Brantly International, Inc., Model B-2, B-2A, and B-2B helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a crack in the tail rotor (T/R) hub. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the T/R hub and depending on the results, removing the T/R hub from service. 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 Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109E, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of main landing gear (MLG) wheel assembly failure. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of each affected MLG strut assembly and, depending on the findings, replacement of an affected MLG strut assembly with a serviceable assembly, or application of corrosion preventive compound, 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.

This action proposes to amend VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V-6, V-10, V-30, V-100, and V-233 in the vicinity of Litchfield, MI. The air traffic service (ATS) route modifications are necessary due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Litchfield, MI, VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigational aid (NAVAID). The Litchfield VOR/DME NAVAID provides navigational guidance for portions of the affected VOR Federal airways listed above and is planned to be decommissioned as part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

The FAA, in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS), has initiated development of Air Tour Management Plans (ATMPs) for Mount Rainier National Park, Death Valley National Park, Everglades National Park, and Olympic National Park (collectively referred to as the Parks) pursuant to the National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 2000 and its implementing regulations. This notice announces the public availability of the proposed ATMPs for comment and public meetings for each of the Parks. The purpose of these meetings is to review the proposed ATMPs and further ATMP development with the public. The proposed ATMPs provide acceptable and effective measures to mitigate or prevent the significant adverse impacts, if any, of commercial air tour operations upon the natural and cultural resources, visitor experiences, and tribal lands. In accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the FAA and the NPS are also seeking public comment on the potential of the proposed ATMPs to cause adverse effects to historic properties.

This action revokes one Alaskan VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway V-482 in the state of Alaska. The removal is required due to tree encroachment on the Johnstone Point VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) that renders the airway unusable.

This action amends Class E surface area and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, Bar Harbor, ME. This action would also update the geographic coordinates of the airport to coincide with the FAA's database. In addition, this action also establishes Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for Bar Harbor Heliport, Bar Harbor, ME. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area.

The FAA is publishing and requesting comments on this IRFA for the previously published notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Project Identifier AD-2020-01314-P, applicable to Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation 54H model propellers with a 54H60 model propeller hub installed. That NPRM proposed to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-12-07, which applies to certain Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (Hamilton Sundstrand) 54H model propellers.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL 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 chafing damage in the port wing skin caused by the fuel system finger filters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the wing internal skin for chafing and taking any necessary corrective actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Models G-IV and GIV-X airplanes. The NPRM was prompted by reports of disbonding and surface cracking of the composite aft pressure bulkhead. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the forward and aft surfaces of the pressure bulkhead composite panels for damage and repairing any damage found. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has determined that there is not an unsafe condition. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a broken adjustable device that is part of the pilot and co-pilot yaw pedal assemblies. This proposed AD would require modification of the pilot and co-pilot yaw pedal assemblies, 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 all Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, -300 and -900 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that during the frame of flight test clearance process, a detailed analysis of air data reference (ADR) failure scenarios led to the identification that compliance requirements for loads and handling qualities throughout the flight envelope could be impaired in case of dispatch with one ADR inoperative (master minimum equipment list (MMEL) item 34-10-01) during the maximum interval allowed by the current MMEL. This proposed AD would require revising the operator's existing FAA-approved minimum equipment list (MEL) for the air data/inertial reference system, 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.

Notice is being given that the FAA is considering a proposal from the City of Colorado Springs Airport Director of Aviation to change a portion of the airport from aeronautical use to non- aeronautical use at Colorado Springs Airport, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The proposal involves a parcel of airport property on the Northeast side of the airfield.

This action establishes area navigation (RNAV) routes T-322, T-392, T-403, and T-405 in the central United States. The new RNAV routes expand the availability of RNAV coverage in support of transitioning the National Airspace System (NAS) from ground-based to satellite-based navigation. Additionally, a portion of the new RNAV routes provide enroute structure where VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway segments were removed due to the decommissioning of Sioux City, IA; Park Rapids, MN; and Huron, SD, VORs, in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

The FAA is correcting a final rule published on December 11, 2020. In that final rule, which became effective on the date of publication, the FAA removed the regulations codifying the Special Rule for Model Aircraft as a result of a change in applicable law. The FAA inadvertently listed an incorrect amendment number for the final rule. This document corrects that error.

This action amends Area Navigation (RNAV) route Q-29 in the northeastern United States in support of the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route Project (NEC ACR) for improved efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) while reducing the dependency on ground based navigational systems.

This action modifies three existing high altitude area navigation (RNAV) routes (Q-routes), and establishes one new Q-route, in support of the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route (NEC ACR) Project. This action improves the efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) by expanding the availability of RNAV routing and reducing the dependency on ground-based navigational systems.

This action amends VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V-9, V-63, V-100, V-158, and V-171; amends Area Navigation (RNAV) route T-325; and removes VOR Federal airway V-127 in the vicinity of Rockford, IL. The air traffic service (ATS) route modifications are necessary due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Rockford, IL, VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/ DME) navigational aid (NAVAID). Except for RNAV route T-325, the Rockford VOR/DME NAVAID provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected routes listed above. The Rockford VOR is being decommissioned as part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various restricted category helicopters, originally manufactured by Bell Textron Inc. (Bell). This AD was prompted by multiple events involving failure of the tail boom attach structure including the bolts. This AD requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter to incorporate pre-flight checks; removing paint and sealant, and cleaning; repetitive inspections of structural components that attach the tail boom to the fuselage; and depending on the outcome of the inspections, repairing or replacing components, or re-bonding the structure. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action establishes Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface of the earth at El Capitan Lodge, Craig, AK. This action accommodates a new area navigation (RNAV) procedure and ensures the safety and management of instrument flight rule (IFR) operations within the National Airspace System.

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 February 26, 2021. The collection involves the submission of FAA Form 8710-4 for the certification process of rotorcraft external-load operators. The information to be collected is necessary to evaluate the applicants' qualifications for certification.

This action amends the Class D and Class E airspace and revokes Class E airspace at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, Cape Girardeau, MO. The FAA is making this action as the result of an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the Marion very high frequency (VHF) omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. The name of the localizer is also updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area.

This action proposes to amend the Class E airspace at Galesburg Municipal Airport, Galesburg, IL. The FAA is proposing this action as the result of airspace reviews caused by the decommissioning of the Galesburg very high frequency (VHF) omnidirectional range (VOR) as part of the VOR Minimal Operational Network (MON) Program.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a Model AW169 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of in-flight pilot collective stick oscillation. This proposed AD would require a one-time measurement of the friction of the pilot collective stick assembly to verify that it is within the allowable range and, depending on findings, making an adjustment to restore the acceptable level of friction, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now 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 withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVII-G500 airplanes. The NPRM was prompted by a report of a fuel quantity disparity between the overhead panel touch screens and the touch screen controllers. The NPRM proposed to require incorporating operating limitations into the airplane flight manual (AFM) until the fuel quantity management system (FQMS) software is updated. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has determined that there is not an unsafe condition because all affected airplanes have updated software. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.