81 FR 48693 - Fuel Tank Vent Fire Protection; Correction
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 143 (July 26, 2016)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 143 (July 26, 2016)
| Page Range | 48693-48694 | |
| FR Document | 2016-17590 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 143 (Tuesday, July 26, 2016)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 48693-48694] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-17590] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Parts 25, 121, and 129 [Docket No.: FAA-2014-0500; Amdt. Nos. 25-143, 121-375, and 129-52] RIN 2120-AK30 Fuel Tank Vent Fire Protection; Correction AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; correction. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The FAA is correcting a final rule published in the Federal Register on June 24, 2016 (81 FR 41200). In that final rule, the FAA amended certain airworthiness regulations for transport category airplanes to require fuel tank designs that prevent a fuel tank explosion caused by the propagation of flames, from external fires, through the fuel tank vents. The final rule requires a delay of two minutes and thirty seconds between exposure of external fuel tank vents to ignition sources and explosions caused by propagation of flames into the fuel tank, thus increasing the time available for passenger evacuation and emergency response. The amendments apply to applications for new type certificates and certain applications for amended or supplemental type certificates. The amendments also require certain airplanes produced in the future and operated by air carriers to meet the new standards. However, in that document, the amendment numbers for the final rules were incorrect, and an airplane model number in a footnote was incorrect. This document now posts the correct amendment numbers and airplane model number in the footnote. DATES: This correction is effective on July 26, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical questions concerning this action, contact Mike Dostert, Propulsion and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANM-112, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, Federal Aviation Administration, 1601 Lind Ave. SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2132; facsimile (425) 227 1149; email Mike.Dostert@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On June 24, 2016, the FAA published a final rule titled, ``Fuel Tank Vent Fire Protection'' in the Federal Register (81 FR 41200). The intent of that rule is to prevent fuel tank explosions caused by ignition from external ignition sources of fuel vapor either contained in vapor spaces \1\ or exiting from vapor spaces through the fuel tank vent outlets. Potential external ignition sources include, but are not limited to, ground handling equipment, fuel fires that result from refueling spills, or ground fires that follow a survivable crash landing in which the fuel tank and the vent system remain intact. Means to prevent or delay the propagation of flame \2\ from external sources into the fuel tank through the fuel tank vent system \3\ would also prevent or delay fuel tank explosions following certain accidents. These means include flame arrestors or fuel tank inerting. This prevention or delay would provide additional time for the safe evacuation of passengers from the airplane and for emergency personnel to provide assistance. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ A vapor space is any portion of the airplane fuel tanks and the fuel tank vent system that, if such tanks and system held any fuel, could contain fuel vapor. \2\ Flame propagation is the spread of a flame in a combustible environment outward from the point at which the combustion started. \3\ A fuel tank vent system is a system that ventilates fuel vapor from the airplane fuel tanks to the atmosphere. A fuel tank vent system ensures that the air and fuel pressure within the fuel tank stay within structural limits required by Sec. 25.975(a). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The rule applies to applications for new type certificates and applications for amended or supplemental type certificates on significant product-level change projects in which title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 25.975, ``Fuel tank vents and carburetor vapor vents,'' is applicable to a changed area. Additionally, a new operating requirement in both 14 CFR part 121, ``Operating Requirements: Domestic, Flag, and Supplemental Operations,'' and 14 CFR part 129, ``Operations: Foreign Air Carriers and Foreign Operators of U.S.-Registered Aircraft Engaged in Common Carriage,'' applies to airplanes that are issued an original airworthiness certificate after a specified date. However, the rule published with incorrect amendment numbers, ``25- 142, 21-376, and 129-53.'' Amendment number 25-142 is the same amendment number as the rule titled ``Harmonization of Airworthiness Standards--Fire Extinguishers and Class B and F Cargo Compartments,'' which published in the Federal Register on February 16, 2016 (81 FR 7698). Amendment numbers 21-376 and 129-53 are incorrect designations. The correct amendment numbers for this rule are ``25-143, 121-375, and 129-52.'' [[Page 48694]] In the same publication on page 41203 in footnote number 14, the Lockheed airplane model number referenced is ``328.'' The correct number should be ``382.'' Correction In FR Doc. 2016-14454, beginning on page 41200 in the Federal Register of June 24, 2016, make the following corrections: Correction 1. On page 41200, in the second column, correct the 4th header paragraph to read as follows: ``[Docket No.: FAA-2014-0500; Amdt. Nos. 25-143, 121-375, and 129- 52].'' 2. On page 41203, in the second column, correct the text of footnote number 14 to read as follows: ``The previously approved Lockheed 382 and Embraer flame arrestors would not have met the 2 minute and 30 second requirement.'' Issued under authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 106(f) and 44701(a) in Washington, DC, on July 19, 2016. Lirio Liu, Director, Office of Rulemaking. [FR Doc. 2016-17590 Filed 7-25-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 143 / Tuesday, July 26, 2016 / Rules and Regulations 48693
advance filing does not violate this DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION The intent of that rule is to prevent
subpart or the principles of ethical fuel tank explosions caused by ignition
conduct contained in § 2635.101(b). Federal Aviation Administration from external ignition sources of fuel
vapor either contained in vapor spaces 1
Example 1 to paragraph (c): An employee
14 CFR Parts 25, 121, and 129 or exiting from vapor spaces through the
of the Federal Labor Relations Authority who
[Docket No.: FAA–2014–0500; Amdt. Nos. fuel tank vent outlets. Potential external
is a public filer began negotiating for future
25–143, 121–375, and 129–52] ignition sources include, but are not
employment with a law firm. At the time he
limited to, ground handling equipment,
began negotiating for future employment RIN 2120–AK30
with the law firm, he was not participating
fuel fires that result from refueling
personally and substantially in a particular
spills, or ground fires that follow a
Fuel Tank Vent Fire Protection; survivable crash landing in which the
matter that, to his knowledge, had a direct Correction
and predictable effect on the financial
fuel tank and the vent system remain
interest of the law firm. Although the AGENCY: Federal Aviation intact. Means to prevent or delay the
employee was not required to file a recusal Administration (FAA), DOT. propagation of flame 2 from external
statement because he did not have a conflict ACTION: Final rule; correction. sources into the fuel tank through the
of interest or appearance of a conflict of fuel tank vent system 3 would also
interest with the law firm identified in the
SUMMARY: The FAA is correcting a final prevent or delay fuel tank explosions
notification statement, the Office of rule published in the Federal Register following certain accidents. These
Government Ethics encourages the employee on June 24, 2016 (81 FR 41200). In that means include flame arrestors or fuel
to submit a notification of recusal at the same final rule, the FAA amended certain tank inerting. This prevention or delay
time that he files the notification statement airworthiness regulations for transport would provide additional time for the
regarding the negotiations for future category airplanes to require fuel tank safe evacuation of passengers from the
employment in order to ensure that the designs that prevent a fuel tank airplane and for emergency personnel to
requirement of paragraph (b) of this section explosion caused by the propagation of provide assistance.
is satisfied if a conflict of interest or an flames, from external fires, through the The rule applies to applications for
appearance of a conflict of interest later fuel tank vents. The final rule requires new type certificates and applications
arises. The agency ethics official should a delay of two minutes and thirty for amended or supplemental type
counsel the employee on applicable seconds between exposure of external certificates on significant product-level
requirements but is under no obligation to fuel tank vents to ignition sources and change projects in which title 14, Code
notify the employee’s supervisor that the explosions caused by propagation of of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 25.975,
employee is negotiating for employment. flames into the fuel tank, thus ‘‘Fuel tank vents and carburetor vapor
Example 2 to paragraph (c): An employee increasing the time available for vents,’’ is applicable to a changed area.
of the General Services Administration is passenger evacuation and emergency Additionally, a new operating
contacted by a prospective employer response. The amendments apply to requirement in both 14 CFR part 121,
regarding scheduling an interview for the applications for new type certificates ‘‘Operating Requirements: Domestic,
following week to begin discussing the and certain applications for amended or Flag, and Supplemental Operations,’’
possibility of future employment. The supplemental type certificates. The and 14 CFR part 129, ‘‘Operations:
employee discusses the matter with the amendments also require certain Foreign Air Carriers and Foreign
ethics official and chooses to file a airplanes produced in the future and Operators of U.S.-Registered Aircraft
notification and recusal statement prior to operated by air carriers to meet the new Engaged in Common Carriage,’’ applies
the interview. The notification and recusal standards. to airplanes that are issued an original
statement contain the identity of the However, in that document, the airworthiness certificate after a specified
prospective employer and an estimated date amendment numbers for the final rules date.
of when the interview will occur. The were incorrect, and an airplane model However, the rule published with
employee has complied with the notification number in a footnote was incorrect. This incorrect amendment numbers, ‘‘25–
requirement of section 17 of the STOCK Act. document now posts the correct 142, 21–376, and 129–53.’’ Amendment
amendment numbers and airplane number 25–142 is the same amendment
(d) Agreement of future employment model number in the footnote. number as the rule titled
or compensation for the purposes of ‘‘Harmonization of Airworthiness
DATES: This correction is effective on
§ 2635.607 means any arrangement Standards—Fire Extinguishers and Class
July 26, 2016.
concerning employment that will B and F Cargo Compartments,’’ which
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For published in the Federal Register on
commence after the termination of
technical questions concerning this February 16, 2016 (81 FR 7698).
Government service. The term also
action, contact Mike Dostert, Propulsion Amendment numbers 21–376 and 129–
means any arrangement to compensate and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANM–
in exchange for services that will 53 are incorrect designations. The
112, Transport Airplane Directorate, correct amendment numbers for this
commence after the termination of Aircraft Certification Service, Federal
Government service. The term includes, rule are ‘‘25–143, 121–375, and 129–
Aviation Administration, 1601 Lind 52.’’
among other things, an arrangement to Ave. SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
compensate for teaching, speaking, or telephone (425) 227–2132; facsimile 1 A vapor space is any portion of the airplane fuel
writing that will commence after the (425) 227 1149; email Mike.Dostert@ tanks and the fuel tank vent system that, if such
termination of Government service. faa.gov. tanks and system held any fuel, could contain fuel
vapor.
[FR Doc. 2016–17553 Filed 7–25–16; 8:45 am]
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 2 Flame propagation is the spread of a flame in
BILLING CODE 6345–03–P a combustible environment outward from the point
Background at which the combustion started.
3 A fuel tank vent system is a system that
On June 24, 2016, the FAA published
ventilates fuel vapor from the airplane fuel tanks to
a final rule titled, ‘‘Fuel Tank Vent Fire the atmosphere. A fuel tank vent system ensures
Protection’’ in the Federal Register (81 that the air and fuel pressure within the fuel tank
FR 41200). stay within structural limits required by § 25.975(a).
VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:45 Jul 25, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\26JYR1.SGM 26JYR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_48836/page/1.svg)
![48694 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 143 / Tuesday, July 26, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
In the same publication on page (NAS) Efficient Streamline Services be retained as a part of the MON. The
41203 in footnote number 14, the Initiative. Additionally, this policy FAA also sought recommendations from
Lockheed airplane model number addresses the regulatory processes the aviation industry stakeholders through
referenced is ‘‘328.’’ The correct number FAA plans to follow to discontinue the RTCA Tactical Operations
should be ‘‘382.’’ VORs. Committee (TOC). With this collective
DATES: Effective July 26, 2016. input, the FAA developed the criteria to
Correction
determine which VORs would be
In FR Doc. 2016–14454, beginning on FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
candidates for retention. VORs not
page 41200 in the Federal Register of Leonixa Salcedo, VOR MON Program
meeting these criteria were considered
June 24, 2016, make the following Manager, AJM–324, Navigation
as discontinuance candidates.
corrections: Programs, Federal Aviation
The following criteria were used by
Administration, 800 Independence
Correction the FAA to determine which VORs
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591;
would be retained as a part of the MON:
1. On page 41200, in the second email: vormon@faa.gov; telephone: (844)
4VORMON (844–486–7666). — Retain VORs to perform Instrument
column, correct the 4th header Landing System (ILS), Localizer
paragraph to read as follows: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
(LOC), or VOR approaches supporting
‘‘[Docket No.: FAA–2014–0500; Amdt.
Background MON airports at suitable destinations
Nos. 25–143, 121–375, and 129–52].’’
2. On page 41203, in the second On December 15, 2011 the FAA within 100 NM of any location within
column, correct the text of footnote published in the Federal Register a the CONUS. Selected approaches
number 14 to read as follows: notice of proposed policy and request would not require Automatic
‘‘The previously approved Lockheed for comments (76 FR 77939) on the Direction Finder (ADF), Distance
382 and Embraer flame arrestors would FAA’s proposed strategy for gradually Measuring Equipment (DME), Radar,
not have met the 2 minute and 30 reducing the current VOR network to a or GPS.
second requirement.’’ Minimum Operational Network (MON) — Retain VORs to support international
as the NAS transitions to performance- oceanic arrival routes.
Issued under authority provided by 49 — Retain VORs to provide coverage at
U.S.C. 106(f) and 44701(a) in Washington, based navigation (PBN) as part of the
Next Generation Air Transportation and above 5,000 ft AGL.
DC, on July 19, 2016. — Retain most VORs in the Western
Lirio Liu, System (NextGen). The FAA announced
that, as part of a NAS Efficient U.S. Mountainous Area (WUSMA),
Director, Office of Rulemaking. specifically those anchoring Victor
Streamlined Services Initiative, the
[FR Doc. 2016–17590 Filed 7–25–16; 8:45 am]
number of conventional NAVAIDs airways through high elevation
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
would be reduced while more efficient terrain.
— Retain VORs required for military
Area Navigation (RNAV) routes and
use.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION procedures are implemented throughout
— VORs outside of the CONUS were not
the NAS. The FAA noted its intention
considered for discontinuance under
Federal Aviation Administration to convene a working group to assist in
the VOR MON Implementation
developing a candidate list of VORs for
Program.
14 CFR Parts 91, 121, 125, 129, and 135 discontinuance using relevant
operational, safety, cost, and economic The following considerations were
[Docket No. FAA–2011–1082] criteria. Interested parties were invited used to supplement the VOR MON
to participate in the review of this criteria above:
Provision of Navigation Services for
the Next Generation Air Transportation policy and planning effort by submitting — Only FAA owned/operated VORs
System (NextGen) Transition to written comments on the proposal. were considered for discontinuance.
The FAA reviewed all 330 comments — Co-located DME and Tactical Air
Performance-Based Navigation (PBN)
received and on August 21, 2012, Navigation (TACAN) systems will
(Plan for Establishing a VOR Minimum
published in the Federal Register the generally be retained when the VOR
Operational Network)
disposition of the comments on the service is terminated.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation notice of proposed policy (77 FR 50420). — Co-located communication services
Administration (FAA), DOT. In considering and disposing of the relocated or reconfigured to continue
ACTION: Final policy statement. comments, the FAA noted that it would transmitting their services.
develop an initial VOR MON Plan
SUMMARY: This action sets forth the Very Working Group
which would be made publicly
High Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional available. The FAA renewed its Using the established criteria, the
Range (VOR) Minimum Operational intention to convene a working group FAA convened an internal working
Network (MON) policy as proposed in that would assist in developing group to develop a candidate list of
the Proposed Provision of Navigation objective criteria which would be VORs using the VOR MON criteria
Services for the Next Generation Air applied consistently nationally and relevant to operational, safety, cost, and
Transportation System (NextGen) regionally to help identify those VOR economic considerations. The group
Transition to Performance-Based facilities that would remain operational. developed the VOR MON service by
Navigation (PBN) notice of proposed first selecting MON airports that met the
policy published on December 15, 2011 Criteria for Assessing VOR criteria listed above. Airports with ILS
(76 FR 77939). This document provides Discontinuance approaches that met the criteria were
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES
the discontinuance selection criteria After the FAA published the selected in preference to VOR
and candidate list of VOR Navigational disposition of comments, stakeholders, approaches. If two airports in close
Aids (NAVAIDs) targeted for industry, and military services provided proximity had suitable approaches, then
discontinuance as part of the VOR MON further inputs to the FAA for the airport whose ILS or VOR approach
Implementation Program and United consideration in developing the criteria required the FAA to retain the fewest
States (U.S.) National Airspace System used to select VORs that would need to number of VORs (i.e., to identify initial,
VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:45 Jul 25, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\26JYR1.SGM 26JYR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_48836/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2018-02-08 08:01:00
Document Modified: 2018-02-08 08:01:00
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule; correction. | |
| Dates | This correction is effective on July 26, 2016. | |
| Contact | For technical questions concerning this action, contact Mike Dostert, Propulsion and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANM-112, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, Federal Aviation Administration, 1601 Lind Ave. SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2132; facsimile (425) 227 1149; email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 48693 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AK30 | |
| CFR Citation | 14
CFR
121 14 CFR 129 14 CFR 25 |
2024 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR