Safety Rules and Regs

AD 2008-10-51; Docket No. FAA-2008-0544; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-099-AD Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-NM-099-AD is sent to all owners and operators of all Dornier Model 328-100 and -300 airplanes. Background: The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for...

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AD 2008-10-51; Docket No. FAA-2008-0544; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-099-AD Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-NM-099-AD is sent to all owners and operators of all Dornier Model 328-100 and -300 airplanes. Background: The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all Dornier Model 328-100 and -300 airplanes. The EASA advises that, during a routine inspection, cracks were found in the lower wing panel of the rear trailing edge (inboard and outboard of flap lever arm 1 (rib 5)) on a Model 328-100 airplane. Subsequent inspection of the other Model 328-100 airplanes in the same fleet revealed several more airplanes with cracks at the same location. The cause of the cracking is unknown. This condition, if not corrected, could result in structural failure of the affected wing panel, possible separation of the wing from the airplane, and consequent loss of control of the airplane. Explanation of Relevant Service Information: 328 Support Services GmbH has issued Dornier Alert Service Bulletins ASB-328J-57-015 (for Model 328-300 airplanes), and ASB-328-57-037 (for Model 328-100 airplanes), both Revision 1, both dated May 8, 2008. The service bulletins describe procedures for detailed visual and eddy current inspections of both the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) lower wing panel of the rear trailing edge (inboard and outboard of flap lever arm 1 (rib 3 and rib 5)) for cracks. The EASA mandated the service bulletins and issued EASA airworthiness directive 2008-0087-E, dated May 8, 2008, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Europe.

Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-61A, S-61D, S-61E, and S-61V Helicopters Final rule. SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) model helicopters that requires installing an electric chip detector on each engine and an on-board chip detector annunciation system. The AD also requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to add procedures for crew response to the illumination of an on-board chip detector warning light. This AD also requires testing the engine chip detector system at specified intervals. This amendment is prompted by reports of Number 5 engine bearing failures. Failure of the bearing resulted in erratic movement of the high-speed, engine-to-transmission shaft (shaft), an oil leak, an in-flight fire, and an emergency landing. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect an impending bearing failure, which if undetected and not addressed by appropriate crew action may result in an oil leak, a severed shaft housing, an uncontained in-flight fire, and a subsequent emergency landing.

Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Mystere-Falcon 50 Airplanes Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. 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: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued following the discovery of a risk of chafing between an electrical feeder bundle and a bus bar under the circuit breaker panel. Most of the time, this possible chafing would be dormant and would lead to an uneventful loss of segregation within the different electrical system components. However, missing segregation combined with additional electrical failures may impair flight safety.

Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 Helicopters Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: This document supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2001-24-07 R1 and adopts AD 2007-26-52, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires inspections for swelling, deformation, bonding separation, or a crack on each main rotor blade (MRB) with a certain tip cap installed, and if any of these conditions are found that exceed the prescribed limits, replacing the MRB before further flight. This amendment is prompted by a report of the in-flight loss of part of a tip cap. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent an increase in vibration of the MRB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL Airplanes Correction In rule document E8-7167 beginning on page 19967 in the issue of Monday, April 14, 2008 make the following correction: On page 19968, in US dollars 39.13(f), in the second line, ''service May 19, 2008'' should read ''service after May 19, 2008''.

Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Model FU-24 Airplanes SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. 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.

Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. AT-400, AT-500, AT-600, and AT-800 Series Airplanes Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) to supersede AD 2007-13-17, which applies to certain Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes. AD 2007-13-17 currently requires you to repetitively inspect the engine mount for any cracks, repair or replace any cracked engine mount, and report any cracks found to the FAA. Since we issued AD 2007-13-17, Air Tractor has learned of a Model AT-502B with a crack located where the lower engine mount tube is welded to the engine mount ring. In addition, Air Tractor has developed gussets that, when installed according to their service letter, terminate the repetitive inspection requirement. Consequently, this AD would retain the inspection actions of AD 2007-13-17 for Model AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes, including thecompliance times and effective dates; establish new inspection actions for the AT-400 and AT-500 series airplanes; incorporate a mandatory terminating action for all airplanes; and terminate the reporting requirement of AD 2007- 13-17. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the engine mount, which could result in failure of the engine mount. Such failure could lead to separation of the engine from the airplane.

Integration of Operations Control Centers into Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Operations AC No: 120-96 This advisory circular (AC) provides recommendations to assist helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operators with the development, implementation and integration of an Operations Control Center (OCC) and enhanced operational control procedures.

Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Jetstream) Model 4101 Airplanes SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. 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: Resulting from the assessment of fuel tank wiring installations required by SFAR 88 (Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88) and equivalent JAA/EASA (Joint Aviation Authorities/European Aviation Safety Agency) policy, BAE Systems identified two features in the Jetstream 4100 where the need for design changes was apparent. ***Insufficient or defective bonding in the fuel tank area, if not corrected, could lead to ignition of fuel vapours and subsequent fuel tank explosion.

Removal of Regulations Allowing for Polished Frost on Wings of Airplanes Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: The FAA is proposing to remove provisions in its regulations that allow for operations with "polished frost" (i.e., frost polished to make it smooth) on the wings of airplanes operated under parts 125, 135, and certain airplanes operated under part 91. The rule would increase safety by not allowing operations with polished frost, which the FAA has determined increases the risk of unsafe flight.

Modification of Class E Airspace; Roanoke, VA SUMMARY: This action proposes to modify Class E Airspace at Roanoke, VA. Additional airspace is necessary to allow for a lower vectoring altitude known as the Minimum Vectoring Altitude (MVA) for vectoring of both Visual Flight Rule (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) aircraft for spacing within 20 miles of Roanoke, VA. This action would enhance the safety and airspace management around the Roanoke Regional/Woodrum Field Airport.

Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-135 Airplanes; and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, - 145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP Airplanes Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain EMBRAER Model EMB-135 airplanes; and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, - 145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes. The existing AD currently requires performing repetitive inspections for cracks, ruptures, or bends in certain components of the elevator control system; replacing discrepant components; and, for certain airplanes, installing a new spring cartridge and implementing new logic for the electromechanical gust lock system. The existing AD also requires eventual modification of the elevator gust lock system to replace the mechanical system with an electromechanical system, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This AD reduces the compliance time for doing the modification. This AD results from additional reports of failure of the mechanical gust lock system to protect the elevator control surfaces and components from high wind gusts. We are issuing this AD to prevent discrepancies in the elevator control system, which could result in reduced control of the elevator and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Flight Simulation Training Device Initial and Continuing Qualification and Use Final rule. SUMMARY: This action amends the Qualification Performance Standards (QPS) for flight simulation training devices (FSTD) to provide greater harmonization with international standards for simulation. In addition, the rule adds a new level of simulation for helicopter flight training devices (FTD) and establishes FSTD Directive 1, which requires all existing FSTD airport models that are beyond the number of airport models required for qualification to meet specified requirements. The intended effect of this rule is to ensure that the flight training and testing environment is accurate and realistic. Except for the requirements of FSTD Directive 1, these technical requirements do not apply to simulators qualified before May 30, 2008. This rule results in minimal to no cost increases for manufacturers and sponsors.

Crewmember and Dispatcher Training Programs Final rule; technical amendment. SUMMARY: The FAA is issuing this technical amendment to reserve subparts BB and CC in 14 CFR part 121. The FAA is engaged in rulemaking and anticipates codifying the new regulations in part 121 subparts BB and CC. The FAA is engaged in rulemaking to revise regulations for crewmember and dispatcher training programs in domestic, flag, and supplemental operations. The FAA anticipates codifying the revised training regulations for crewmembers in subpart BB of part 121 and regulations for dispatchers in subpart CC of part 121. The FAA is issuing this technical amendment to reserve subparts BB and CC in 14 CFR part 121 to ensure that these subparts will be available for this future rulemaking.

Airworthiness Directives; EADS SOCATA Model TBM 700 Airplanes Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. 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 rupture of the alternator and vapour cycle cooling system pulley drive assembly has reportedly been found. Such a failure could lead to the loss of the alternator and vapor cycle cooling systems and could also cause mechanical damage inside the powerplant compartment. This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.