Monday January 9, 2011
Final Rules
- Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 Helicopters. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–1036; Directorate
Identifier 2010–SW–088–AD; Amendment 39–16819; AD 2011–20–08]. Final rule. This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Agusta model helicopters. This action requires inspecting certain modules and related connectors for corrosion. If there is corrosion on the connectors, this AD requires cleaning the connectors before further flight. If there is corrosion on a module, before further flight, this AD requires replacing the module with an airworthy module. This AD also requires modifying the Number 2 Modular Avionic Unit (MAU) ventilation duct. This amendment is prompted by some in-flight emergencies due to internal corrosion of the MAU circuit card assemblies. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect corrosion of certain modules to prevent the display of misleading data to the flight crew, disengagement of the flight director modes of the autopilot or other alert system, increased workload of the flight crew, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: Effective November 21, 2011. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of November 21, 2011. Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before January 3, 2012. - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), Model 205A–1, 205B, 210, and 212 Helicopters. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–1182; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–010–AD; Amendment 39–16853; AD 2011–23–02]. Final rules. This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 205B and 212 helicopters with certain main rotor blade (blade) assemblies installed. That AD currently requires washing the upper and lower surfaces of each blade and visually inspecting the grip plates, doublers, and the remaining upper and lower surfaces of the blades in the area between blade stations 24.5 to 40 for an edge void, corrosion, or a crack. This amendment
retains the requirements of that AD for the affected part-numbered blades but
increases the scope and frequency of the inspections and expands the applicability to include the Model 205A–1 and 210 helicopters, additional
blade part numbers, and all helicopter serial numbers for the affected
helicopter models. This amendment also requires applying a light coat of
preservative oil (C–125) to all surfaces of the blade in addition to the inspection areas as required in the existing AD. This amendment is prompted by an additional report of a fatigue crack on a blade installed on a Model 212 helicopter. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect an edge void, corrosion, or a crack on a blade, and to prevent loss of a blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: Effective November 21, 2011. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of November 21, 2011. We must receive comments on this AD by January 3, 2012. - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–0031; Directorate Identifier 2010–NM–135–AD; Amendment 39–16860; AD 2011–23–09]. Final rule. We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bombardier, Inc. Model CL–600–2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702), CL–600–2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), and CL–600–2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. This 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 describes the unsafe condition as: There have been two reported cases of
failure of the MLG [main landing gear] piston axle, P/N [part number] 49203–3 or 49203–5, resulting from fretting between the inboard axle sleeve and axle thrust face, damage to the protective coating and consequent stress corrosion. In both cases, the MLG did not collapse. * * * * * The unsafe condition is failure of the MLG, which could adversely affect the airplane’s safe landing. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective December 9, 2011. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 9, 2011. - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model MBB– BK 117 C–2 Helicopters. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–1075; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–011–AD; Amendment 39–16836; AD 2011–21–13]. Final rule. This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for ECD Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 helicopters. This action requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) by inserting certain temporary pages into the Emergency and Performance Data sections of the RFM to alert the operators to monitor the power display when a generator is deactivated and provides appropriate actions. This amendment is prompted by reports of too high a current flow when one generator is deactivated. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of the remaining generator when one generator is
deactivated, loss of electrical power, loss of systems necessary for flight safety, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: Effective November 21, 2011. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of November 21, 2011. Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before January 3, 2012. - Airworthiness Directives; Sicma Aero Seat Passenger Seat Assemblies, Installed on, But Not Limited to, ATR–GIE Avions de Transport Re´gional Airplanes. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–1163; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM– 022–AD; Amendment 39–16857; AD 2011–23–06]. Final rule. We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sicma Aero Seat Model 9401, 9402, 9404,
9405, 9406, 9407, 9408, and 9409 series passenger seat assemblies, installed on,
but not limited to, ATR–GIE Avions de Transport Re´gional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. This 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 describes the unsafe condition as: Several occurrences of cracked central and lateral spreaders on passenger seats models 9401 and 9402 * * *. This condition, if not corrected, can lead to further cracking of the seat spreaders, causing injury to passengers or crew members during heavy turbulence in flight or in the event of an emergency landing. * * * * * This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: This AD becomes effective November 21, 2011. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of November 21, 2011. We must receive comments on this AD by December 19, 2011.
Proposed Rules
- Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 777–200 and –300 Series Airplanes. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–1165; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–002–AD]. Proposed rule. We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing certain single-tabbed bonding brackets in the airplane empennage with twotabbed bonding brackets. This proposed AD would also require, for certain airplanes, installing new bonding jumpers, and measuring the resistance of the modified installation to verify resistance is within specified limits. This proposed AD was prompted by
reports of two failures of the singletabbed bracket on the rudder. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the bonding jumper bracket, which could result in loss of lightning protection ground path, which could lead to increased lightning-induced currents and subsequent damage to composite structures, hydraulic tubes, and actuator control electronics. In the event of a lightning strike, loss of lightning ground protection could result in the loss of control of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 19, 2011. - Airworthiness Directives; DASSAULT AVIATION Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900 Airplanes. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–1164; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–084–AD]. Proposed rule. We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all DASSAULT AVIATION Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900 airplanes. 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 describes the unsafe condition as: Several Mystere-Falcon 900 aeroplanes
experienced fuel leakage from a defective fuel high-level sensor located in the wing front spar. Investigations revealed that the leakage was due to a defective fuel quantity sensor * * *. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to an internal fuel leakage with significant fuel vapours, which could result in a fire hazard. * * * * * The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 19, 2011.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Final Rules
- Airworthiness Directives; Socata Airplanes. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–1139; Directorate Identifier 2011–CE–021–AD; Amendment 39–16911; AD 2011–27–09].Final rule. We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Socata Model TBM 700 airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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 installation of the wrong (switched) aileron control cables in the wing. This unsafe condition could lead to restricted movement of the aileron, resulting in reduced control of the
airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective February 15, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD as of February 15, 2012. - Airworthiness Directives; Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–1155; Directorate Identifier 2011–CE–032–AD; Amendment 39–16913; AD 2012–01–02]. Final rule. We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Discus 2cT gliders. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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 small cracks which have been found on engine pylons in the area of the lower engine support that have not been detected during the standard
daily inspection. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to an
engine pylon failure resulting in loss of control of the glider. We are issuing this
AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective February 15, 2012. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the AD
as of February 15, 2012. - Airworthiness Directives; Various Aircraft Equipped With Rotax Aircraft Engines 912 A Series Engine. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0001; Directorate
Identifier 2011–CE–041–AD; Amendment 39–16912; AD 2012–01–01]. Final rule. We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various aircraft equipped with Rotax Aircraft Engines 912 A series engine. This AD results from 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 a deviation in the
manufacturing process of certain part number 888164 crankshafts that may cause cracks on the surface of the crankshaft on the power take off side, which could lead to failure of the crankshaft support bearing and possibly result in an in-flight engine shutdown and forced landing. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective January 26, 2012. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of January 26, 2012. We must receive comments on this AD by February 27, 2012. - Authorization To Use Lower Than Standard Takeoff, Approach and Landing Minimums at Military and Foreign Airports. 14 CFR Part 135 [Docket No.: FAA–2012–0007; Amdt. No. 135–126]. Final rule. This rulemaking would allow
qualified operators to conduct lower than standard instrument flight rules (IFR) airport operations at military airports or outside the United States when authorized to do so by their operations specifications. This action is necessary because the current regulatory section limits certain operators to a takeoff minimum visibility of 1 mile, and a landing minimum visibility of 1⁄2 mile when conducting IFR operations at those airports, even when the operator has demonstrated the ability to safely conduct operations in lower visibility. The intended effect of this final rule is to bring the identified regulatory section
into alignment with other sections of the regulations that currently permit lower
than standard IFR operations at domestic civilian, foreign, and military airports when authorized to do so. DATES: Effective: February 27, 2012. Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before February 10, 2012. - Harmonization of Airworthiness Standards for Transport Category Airplanes—Landing Gear Retracting Mechanisms and Pilot Compartment View. 14 CFR Part 25 [Docket No. FAA–2010–1193; Amdt. No. 25–136]. Final rule. The Federal Aviation Administration amends the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes on landing gear retracting mechanisms and the pilot compartment view. For the landing gear retracting mechanism, this rulemaking
adopts the 1-g stall speed as a reference stall speed instead of the minimum speed obtained in a stalling maneuver and adds an additional requirement to keep the landing gear and doors in the correct retracted position in flight. For the pilot compartment view, this rulemaking revises the requirements for pilot compartment view in precipitation conditions. This action eliminates regulatory differences between the airworthiness standards of the U.S. and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), without affecting current industry design practices. DATES: Effective March 12, 2012. - Special Conditions: The Boeing Company, Model 767–300; Seats With Inflatable Lapbelts. 14 CFR Part 25 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0009; Special Conditions No. 25–454–SC]. These special conditions are issued for the Boeing Model 767–300
series airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature
associated with seats with inflatable lapbelts. 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. DATES: The effective date of these special conditions is January 5, 2012. We must receive your comments by February 27, 2012.
Proposed Rules
- Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters. 14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2011–1453; Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–46–AD]. Proposed rule. We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109, A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109K2, A109E, A109S, and A119 helicopters. This proposed AD is prompted by a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI AD states that a Model A109E helicopter has experienced a failure of the tail rotor pitch control link assembly caused by a production defect. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of a tail rotor pitch control link and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 12, 2012. - Proposed Establishment of Restricted Areas R–5402, R–5403A, R–5403B, R–
5403C, R–5403D, R–5403E, R–5403F; Devils Lake, ND. 14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2011–0117; Airspace Docket No. 09–AGL–31]. Proposed rule. This action extends the comment period for an NPRM that was published on November 28, 2011. In that document, the FAA proposed to establish restricted area airspace within the Devils Lake East Military Operations Area (MOA), overlying Camp Grafton Range, in the vicinity of Devils Lake, ND. This extension is a result of a request from the North Dakota Aviation Council (NDAC), representing eight member groups including the Airport Association of North Dakota, North Dakota Business Aviation Association, North Dakota Pilots Association, North Dakota Professional Aviation Mechanics Association, and North Dakota Flying Farmers, to extend the comment period to the proposal.
DATES: The comment period for the NPRM published on November 28, 2011
(76 FR 72869), scheduled to close on January 12, 2012, is extended until February 12, 2012.
Notices
- Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs). Notice. This notice announces the
FAA’s intent to cancel TSO–C91a, Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
Equipment. The effect of the cancelled TSO will result in no new TSO–C91a
design or production approvals. However, cancellation will not affect production according to an existing TSO authorization (TSOA). Articles produced under an existing TSOA can still be installed according to existing airworthiness approvals and applications for new airworthiness approvals will still be processed. This
action does not impact operation of TSO–C91a ELTs, and these ELTs will continue to satisfy the 14 Code of Federal Regulation (14 CFR) § 91.207 ELT equipage requirement. DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 10, 2012. - Notice of Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Approvals and Disapprovals. Notice. The FAA publishes a monthly notice, as appropriate, of PFC approvals and disapprovals under the provisions of the Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 (Title IX of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990) (Pub. L. 101–508) and Part 158 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 158). This notice is published pursuant to paragraph d of § 158.29.
- Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received. This notice contains a
summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR.
The purpose of this notice is to improve the public’s awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA’s regulatory activities. 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. DATE: Comments on this petition must identify the petition docket number and must be received on or before January 31, 2012.
