Federal Aviation Administration 2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of rejected take-offs after transient engine N1 shaft speed exceedance. This AD requires replacing certain hydro-mechanical units (HMUs) with serviceable HMUs before reaching a reduced life limit, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also limits the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-21- 11, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and - 153N airplanes; and Model A320 and A321 series airplanes. AD 2020-21-11 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2020-21-11 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional 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.

These special conditions are issued for Airbus SAS (Airbus) Model A380-800 series airplanes. These airplanes 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 associated with the installation of a digital system that contains a wireless and hardwired network with hosted application functionality that allows access, from sources internal to the airplane, to the airplane's internal electronic components. 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.

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 a report from the supplier of a manufacturing quality escape in which some sensing elements were manufactured with insufficient salt fill. This could result in an inability to detect hot bleed air leaks. This proposed AD would require, depending on airplane serial number, reviewing the airplane maintenance records for affected bleed leak detection system sensing elements, testing the sensing elements, replacing those that fail, and witness marking those that pass, as specified in a Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. 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 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-1159A, G-1159B and all G-IV, and GIV-X airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the ground spoiler actuator installation allows improper hydraulic line connections that could result in unintended asymmetrical spoiler deployment. This proposed AD would require incorporating corrective actions that physically prevent improper connection of the hydraulic lines to the ground spoiler actuator. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

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.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that an interference was detected between the installed nut and the foot radius of frame (FR) 96, between stringer 6 and stringer 7, on the right-hand side. This proposed AD would require removing the affected fasteners and inspecting the affected area for damage, and applicable corrective actions 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 amending its regulations to require airmen hold a valid second-class medical certificate when exercising the privileges of a commercial pilot certificate in a balloon for compensation or hire except when conducting flight training in a balloon. In addition, the FAA makes miscellaneous amendments related to medical certification requirements for special medical flight tests and a minor change to the BasicMed regulations.

The FAA is adding a new load condition to the design standards for transport category airplanes. The new load condition requires such airplanes to be designed to withstand the loads caused by rapid reversals of the rudder pedals, and applies to transport category airplanes that have a powered rudder control surface or surfaces. This rule is necessary because accident and incident data show that pilots sometimes make rudder reversals during flight, even though such reversals are unnecessary and discouraged by flightcrew training programs. The current design standards do not require the airplane structure to withstand the loads that may result from such reversals. If the loads on the airplane exceed those for which it is designed, the airplane structure may fail, resulting in catastrophic loss of control of the airplane. This final rule aims to prevent structural failure of the rudder and vertical stabilizer that may result from these rudder reversals.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Duo Discus and Duo Discus T gliders. This proposed AD results from 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 identifies the unsafe condition as the airbrake becoming blocked or jammed in an extended position during high airspeed due to an incorrect adjustment on the airbrake system. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the airbrake system and corrective action as necessary. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action amends the Evansville Regional Airport, IN, Class C airspace description to update the airport reference point (ARP) geographic coordinates for the Evansville Regional Airport and the Skylane Airport to match the FAA's National Airspace System Resource (NASR) database information. Additionally, this action makes technical amendments to the airspace description header information by changing the title of the airspace area and adding the Pocket City, IN (PXV), VHF Omnidirectional Range and Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigational aid. Finally this action amends the airspace description by correcting the Airport/Facility Directory reference. This action does not change the boundaries, altitudes, or operating requirements of the Class C airspace area.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Textron Inc., Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters and various restricted category helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found on the main transmission support case. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the main transmission housing assembly for cracks, pitting, and corrosion and depending on the results, corrective action. 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 Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the discovery of a potential fouling condition between the rotating swashplate outer ring and the non-rotating collective lever. This AD requires inspecting the collective control system rigging and depending on the results, rigging the collective and cyclic control systems, as specified in a Transport Canada emergency AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also requires reporting certain information. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters with a certain part-numbered main rotor (M/R) blade installed under Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR02684LA. This AD was prompted by delamination of M/R blades. This AD requires a repetitive inspection for delamination, and depending on the results, removing the M/R blade from service and reporting certain information. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2021-26- 08, which applied to certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. AD 2021-26-08 required removing certain nuts from service; installing newly designed nuts; applying a specific torque, and a torque stripe to each newly installed nut; after the installation of each newly designed nut, inspecting the torque; and depending on the inspection results, either applying a torque stripe, or performing further inspections and removing certain parts from service. AD 2021- 26-08 also prohibited installing any affected nut on any tail rotor drive shaft (TRDS) disc pack (Thomas) coupling. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-26-08, the FAA determined certain torque values and part numbers (P/Ns) need to be revised. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked or missing nuts installed on the TRDS Thomas couplings and the need to revise certain torque values and P/Ns in AD 2021-26-08. This AD requires removing certain nuts from service; installing newly designed nuts; applying torque and a torque stripe; and additional corrective actions if necessary. This AD also prohibits installing any affected nut on any TRDS Thomas coupling, as specified in a Transport Canada 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 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) PT6E-67XP model turboprop engines with serial number HP0194 and earlier. This proposed AD was prompted by multiple reports of engines failing to achieve required power (torque) during high power applications due to internal leaks in the bleed-off valves (BOVs). This proposed AD would require replacement of the compressor BOV assembly, replacement of the BOV orifice feed air tube assembly, and installation of a redesigned P3 probe snorkel, as specified in a Transport Canada 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 A300 B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, and B4-203 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that internal system pollution can occur, most likely due to corroded unions in the pressurization lines, with an associated risk of contamination of the check valves. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections (functional checks) of the pressurization of the hydraulic system reservoirs, and corrective actions if necessary, 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.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-06-02, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, and -112 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. AD 2022-06-02 requires new repetitive inspections of the 80 view unit (80VU) rack lower lateral fittings, lower central support, upper fittings, central post, and shelves attachments for discrepancies, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a determination that the compliances times must be revised to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2022-06-02 with revised compliance times, 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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-21-20, which applies to certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 900EX airplanes. AD 2020-21-20 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-21-20, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2020-21-20 and would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, 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 has determined that the minimum random drug and alcohol testing percentage rates for the period January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, will remain at 25 percent of safety- sensitive employees for random drug testing and 10 percent of safety- sensitive employees for random alcohol testing.

This action proposes special conditions for the the Airbus Model A321neo XLR airplanes. These airplanes 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 an electronic flight-control system that provides flight-envelope protections. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed 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.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of the cockpit doors failing to open after ditching with inflated floats on certain helicopters equipped with an emergency flotation system (EFS). This AD requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter, installing placards, and depending on your model helicopter, modification of the jettisoning system, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action modifies the Class D and E surface areas, the Class E airspace area designated as an extension to a Class D or E surface area, and the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, MT. Additionally, this action makes several administrative amendments to update the airport's legal descriptions. These actions support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) and visual flight rules (VFR) operations at the airport.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the path for the grounding wire of the engine fire shut off valve (FSOV) is routed through the wing trailing edge, which is not the shortest path available. This AD requires modifying the wiring between the inboard fixed leading edge in the wing and in the forward cargo compartment on the left- and right-hand sides, 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 MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model 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 AD was prompted by reports that the landing gear age of certain airplanes was higher than expected for gear overhaul, which could increase the risk of corrosion. This AD requires verifying the calendar age of the nose landing gear (NLG) and main landing gear (MLG) by way of component maintenance documents, and performing corrective actions if necessary. This AD also prohibits installing certain components. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.