Department of Transportation – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
As authorized by 46 U.S.C. 12121, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below.
As authorized by 46 U.S.C. 12121, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below.
The FAA is correcting the final flightcrew member duty and rest rule published on January 4, 2012. In that rule, the FAA amended its existing flight, duty and rest regulations applicable to certificate holders and their flightcrew members operating certain domestic, flag, and supplemental operations. This document corrects the effective date and several errors in the codified text of the final flightcrew member duty and rest rule.
The MUTCD is incorporated in the FHWA regulations, approved by the FHWA, and recognized as the national standard for traffic control devices used on all streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel. The purpose of this final rule is to revise certain definitions and guidance relating to traffic control devices in Part 1 (General) of the MUTCD. The changes will clarify the definition of Standard statements in the MUTCD and clarify the use of engineering judgment and studies in the application of traffic control devices.
The MUTCD is incorporated in regulations, approved by the FHWA, and recognized as the national standard for traffic control devices used on all streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel. The purpose of this final rule is to revise certain information relating to target compliance dates for traffic control devices. This final rule revises Table I-2 of the MUTCD by eliminating the compliance dates for 46 items (8 that had already expired and 38 that had future compliance dates) and extends and/or revises the dates for 4 items. The target compliance dates for 8 items that are deemed to be of critical safety importance will remain in effect. In addition, this final rule adds a new Option statement exempting existing historic street name signs within a locally identified historic district from the Standards and Guidance of Section 2D.43 regarding street sign color, letter size, and other design features, including retroreflectivity. Consistent with Executive Order 13563, and in particular its emphasis on burden-reduction and on retrospective analysis of existing rules, the changes adopted are intended to reduce the costs and impacts of compliance dates on State and local highway agencies and to streamline and simplify the information. The MUTCD, with these changes incorporated, is being designated as Revision 2 of the 2009 edition of the MUTCD.
FRA amends the regulations implementing a provision of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 that requires certain passenger and freight railroads to install positive train control (PTC) systems. This final rule removes regulatory provisions that require railroads to either conduct further analyses or meet certain risk-based criteria in order to avoid PTC system implementation on track segments that do not transport poison- or toxic-by-inhalation hazardous (PIH) materials traffic and are not used for intercity or commuter rail passenger transportation as of December 31, 2015.
The FAA is removing the provision describing an abbreviated taxi clearance. Previously, air traffic controllers issued abbreviated taxi instructions to aircraft en route to their assigned departure runway, which allowed pilots to cross all runways that intersected the taxi route to their departure runway. The FAA no longer uses these abbreviated taxi clearances and is removing the provision of the regulation that describes this clearance. This action aligns the regulation with current air traffic control practice and responds to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Safety Recommendation Numbers A-00- 67 and -68.
FRA announces the charter renewal of the RSAC, a Federal Advisory Committee that develops railroad safety regulations through a consensus process. This charter renewal will take effect on May 17, 2012, and will expire after 2 years.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) as the federal lead agency, in cooperation with the Metropolitan Council, is issuing this notice of intent (NOI) to advise interested parties that it proposes to prepare a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) for the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project, located in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota (Project). The Project is 10.9 miles long and consists of 23 Central Corridor Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations. The SDEIS will evaluate potential impacts on the loss of business revenue during construction of the Central Corridor LRT Project and will be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), its implementing regulations, and provisions of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
This document proposes to amend appendices to NHTSA regulations on Insurer Reporting Requirements. The appendices list those passenger motor vehicle insurers that are required to file reports on their motor vehicle theft loss experiences. An insurer included in any of these appendices would be required to file three copies of its report for the 2009 calendar year before October 25, 2012. If the passenger motor vehicle insurers remain listed, they must submit reports by each subsequent October 25. We are proposing to add and remove several insurers from relevant appendices.
This action amends Class E airspace at Omaha, NE. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Eppley Airfield. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.
This action amends Class E airspace at Decatur, IL. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Decatur Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport. The geographic coordinates of the airport are also adjusted.
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters, which requires inspecting the tail rotor (T/R) pylon for a loose or missing fastener, a crack, damage, or corrosion and adding an internal doubler to the aft shear deck tunnel assembly. This proposed AD is prompted by the discovery of cracks in T/R pylons. The proposed actions are intended to detect a loose or missing fastener, a crack, damage, or corrosion on the T/R pylon and, if present, to repair the T/R Pylon and install a doubler on the aft shear deck tunnel assembly or to replace the T/R pylon and install the doubler on the aft shear deck tunnel assembly to prevent failure of the T/R pylon or other T/R components, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
This final rule repromulgates in the Code of Federal Regulations a statutory requirement that FMCSA revoke the operating authority registration of a for-hire motor carrier for failure to comply with safety fitness requirements; if the Agency determines that a motor carrier is ``Unfit'' based on its Safety Fitness Determination procedures, the Agency must revoke the carrier's operating authority registration. Unfit motor carriers are prohibited from operating in interstate commerce, and the Secretary of Transportation is required by statute to revoke their operating authority registration. This final rule also repromulgates several technical provisions and makes non-substantive administrative changes. These changes, initially adopted as part of the April 5, 2010, final rule entitled ``Electronic On-Board Recorders for Hours-of-Service Compliance,'' are necessary because, for reasons unrelated to this final rule, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit invalidated the previous rule.
This final rule rescinds the final rule published on April 5, 2010, entitled ``Electronic On-Board Recorders for Hours-of-Service Compliance'' and amended by a September 13, 2010, technical amendment. This action responds to a decision of the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit that vacated the April 2010 final rule.
This action amends Class E Airspace in the Tullahoma, TN area, as the Arnold Air Force Base has been closed and controlled airspace associated with the airport is being removed. Airspace reconfiguration is necessary for the continued safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations within the Tullahoma, TN airspace area. This action also makes a minor adjustment to the geographic coordinates of the Tullahoma Regional Airport/Wm Northern Field.
This action corrects an error in the legal description of a final rule; technical amendment, published in the Federal Register on April 11, 2012 that amends Class D airspace at Cocoa Beach, FL.
This action amends Class D and E airspace at Martin State Airport, Baltimore, MD. The geographic coordinates of the Baltimore VORTAC are being adjusted to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database, which show the correct coordinates. This does not affect the boundaries or operating requirements of the airspace.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of multiple site damage cracks in the radial web lap and tear strap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead at station (STA) 1582 due to fatigue. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead at STA 1582, repair or replacement of any cracked bulkhead, and eventual replacement of the aft pressure bulkhead at STA 1582 with a new bulkhead. Accomplishing the replacement terminates the repetitive inspections required by this AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane and possible damage or interference with the airplane control systems that penetrate the bulkhead, and consequent loss of controllability of the airplane.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319-111, -112, and -132 airplanes; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214 and -232 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -211, -212, and -231 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that corrosion was found on the overwing refueling aperture on the top wing skin, and that for certain airplanes, repairs made using primer coating may prevent proper electrical bonding provision between the overwing refueling cap adaptor and the wing skin. This AD requires performing an electrical bonding test between the gravity fill re-fuel adaptor and the top skin panels on the left-hand and right-hand wings, and if necessary performing a general visual inspection for corrosion of the component interface and adjacent area, and repairing the gravity fuel adaptor if any corrosion is found. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion and improper bonding, which in combination with a lightning strike in this area, could create a source of ignition in a fuel tank, resulting in a fire or explosion, and consequent loss of the airplane.
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and the expected burden. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period was published on November 16, 2011 (76 FR 71122-71123).
The Department of Transportation (the Department or DOT) is issuing an update to Departmental Order 5610.2(a) (Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations). This Order updates the Department's original Environmental Justice Order, which was published April 15, 1997. The Order continues to be a key component of the Department's strategy to promote the principles of environmental justice in all Departmental programs, policies, and activities. DOT Order 5610.2(a) sets forth the DOT policy to consider environmental justice principles in all (DOT) programs, policies, and activities. It describes how the objectives of environmental justice will be integrated into planning and programming, rulemaking, and policy formulation. The Order sets forth steps to prevent disproportionately high and adverse effects to minority or low-income populations through Title VI analyses and environmental justice analyses conducted as part of Federal transportation planning and NEPA provisions. It also describes the specific measures to be taken to address instances of disproportionately high and adverse effects and sets forth relevant definitions. This updated Order reaffirms DOT's commitment to environmental justice and clarifies certain aspects of the original Order, including the definitions of ``minority'' populations in compliance with the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity of October 30, 1997. The revisions clarify the distinction between a Title VI analysis and an environmental justice analysis conducted as part of a NEPA review, and affirm the importance of considering environmental justice principles as part of early planning activities in order to avoid disproportionately high and adverse effects. The updated Order maintains the original Orders general framework and procedures and DOT's commitment to promoting the principles of environmental justice in all DOT programs, policies, and activities. This Order is effective upon its date of issuance.
The FAA assigned the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) a continuing task to provide advice and recommendations to the FAA about implementing a process for prioritizing rulemaking projects. This task addresses, in part, one of the Department of Transportation's Future of Aviation Advisory Committee (FAAC) recommendations. This notice informs the public of a continuing ARAC activity and does not solicit membership for the existing Rulemaking Prioritization Working Group (RPWG).
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. (PRA), the Surface Transportation Board (Board) gives notice that it is requesting from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reinstatement without change of the seven previously approved collections described below. Comments are requested concerning each collection as to (1) whether the particular collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Board, including whether the collection has practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the Board's burden estimates; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, when appropriate.
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 Sec. 158.29.
Through this notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), the Board is proposing a rule establishing that a person receiving rail cars from a rail carrier for loading or unloading who detains the cars beyond the ``free time'' provided in the carrier's governing tariff will generally be responsible for paying demurrage, if that person has actual notice, prior to rail car placement, of the demurrage tariff establishing such liability. The Board also clarifies that it intends to construe U.S. Code provisions titled ``Liability for payment of rates,'' as applying to carriers' line-haul rates, but not to carriers' charges for demurrage.
This amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas.
On December 16, 2011, the FAA published a notice of an interim policy, instructing aircraft owners and operators on how they can limit the FAA's dissemination of their aircraft data via the FAA's ASDI program. The notice indicated that the FAA would later propose specific procedures by which aircraft owners and operators can in the future express their preference on the FAA's release of their aircraft data to the public via ASDI. This document is the FAA's proposal and the FAA's invitation to the public to comment on any aspect of it. Until the FAA publishes a document that sets forth the FAA's final decision on the ASDI blocking process, the FAA will continue to operate under the interim policy that the FAA described in the notice published in December 2011.
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 for full clearance an information collection that has been granted emergency clearance. The commercial air tour operational data provided to the FAA and NPS will be used by the agencies as background information useful in the development of air tour management plans and voluntary agreements for purposes of meeting the mandate of the National Parks Air Tour Management Act (NPATMA) of 2000.
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 information collected on the FAA Form 8120-11 is used by those who wish to report suspected unapproved parts to the FAA for review. The information is used to determine if an unapproved, part investigation is warranted.
The Federal Aviation Administration is requesting public comment on the Dunkirk Airport (DKK), Dunkirk, New York, Notice of Proposed Release from Aeronautical Use of approximately 2.666 +/- acres of airport property, to allow for non-aeronautical development. The 2.666 +/- acres of land are proposed to be transferred to the Town of Sheridan for use as public right-of-way for the relocation of Newell Road. The released lands will be exchanged for the 2.006 acres +/- of the existing Newell Road right-of-way currently owned by the Town of Sheridan. Documents reflecting the Sponsor's request are available, by appointment only, for inspection at the Office of the Chautauqua County Executive and the FAA New York Airport District Office.
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Roundup Airport, Roundup, MT. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Roundup Airport. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport.
This action proposes to modify Class E airspace at Scammon Bay Airport, Scammon Bay, AK. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Scammon Bay Airport. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport.
This action proposes to modify Class E airspace at Unalakleet Airport, Unalakleet, AK, to accommodate aircraft using a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Unalakleet Airport. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) annually publishes one or more notices apportioning funds appropriated by law. In some cases, if less than a full year of funds is available, FTA publishes multiple partial apportionment notices. This notice is the second notice announcing partial apportionment for programs funded with Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 contract authority because the current authorization of FTA's programs provides contract authority for the period October 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109S helicopters, which would require modifying the electrical power distribution system to carry a higher electrical load. This proposed AD is prompted by an electrical failure on an Agusta Model A109E helicopter that resulted from ``inadequate functioning of the 35 amperes (amps) BATT BUS circuit breaker.'' The proposed actions are intended to require modifying the electrical power distribution system to prevent failure of the circuit breaker, loss of electrical power to instruments powered by the ``BATT BUS'' system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. (PRA), the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) gives notice of its intent to seek from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the Waybill Compliance Survey. This information collection, which was previously approved but expired, is described in detail below. Comments are requested concerning (1) the accuracy of the Board's burden estimates; (2) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; (3) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, when appropriate; and (4) whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Board, including whether the collection has practical utility. Submitted comments will be summarized and included in the Board's request for OMB approval.
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, PHMSA invites comments on two information collections that we will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for renewal. The information collections relate to the pipeline integrity management requirements for gas transmission pipeline operators and the response plan requirements for operators of onshore oil pipelines.
The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that a Tier 2 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for proposed highway and light rail improvements in the SR 32 corridor between US 50 and IR 275 in Hamilton and Clermont Counties, Ohio.
The NHTSA announces a meeting of NEMSAC to be held in the Metropolitan Washington, DC area. This notice announces the date, time, and location of the meeting, which will be open to the public. The purpose of NEMSAC is to provide a nationally recognized council of emergency medical services representatives and consumers to provide advice and recommendations regarding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to DOT's NHTSA.
Section 6005 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) established the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Pilot Program, codified at 23 U.S.C. 327. To ensure compliance by each State participating in the Pilot Program, 23 U.S.C. 327(g) mandates semiannual audits during each of the first 2 years of State participation. This final report presents the findings from the sixth FHWA audit of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) under the pilot program.
The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 requires covered U.S. carriers and U.S. airports to submit to the Secretary of Transportation for review and approval tarmac delay contingency plans on or before May 14, 2012. This document provides information on how covered U.S. carriers and airports can submit the required plans to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings (Enforcement Office) through the World Wide Web, and addresses frequently asked questions about the applicability of the statutory provisions.
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 717-200 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by multiple reports of cracks of overwing frames. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the overwing frames, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct such cracking that could sever a frame, which may increase the loading of adjacent frames, and result in damage to the adjacent structure and consequent loss of structural integrity of the airplane.
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; and Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4- 605R, B4-622R, and F4-605R airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking in Gear Rib 5 of the main landing gear (MLG) attachment fittings at the lower flange, and repair if necessary; and provides an optional spot-facing modification around certain fastener holes, which would terminate certain repetitive inspections. This new AD mandates the optional spot-facing modification. This AD was prompted by new cases of cracks discovered during scheduled maintenance checks. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the Gear Rib 5 right-hand and left-hand attachment fitting at the lower flanges of the MLG, which could result in failed bolts penetrating through the rear spar and into a fuel tank, consequent fuel loss, and reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-38, -41, -42, -42A, -61, -64, -66, -66B, - 110, -112, -114, -114A, -121, -135, and -135A series turboprop engines. This AD requires removal from service of certain part manufacturer approval (PMA) replacement Timken Alcor Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (TAATI) first stage sun gears and planet gears installed in the reduction gearbox. This AD was prompted by failures of certain first stage sun gears manufactured by TAATI. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the sun gear and planet gears which will result in an engine in-flight shut down, possible uncontained engine failure, aircraft damage, and serious injuries.
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-243, -243F, -342, and -343 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking of air intake cowls on Rolls- Royce Trent engines, worn and detached attachment links, and fractured thermal anti-ice (TAI) piccolo tubes. This proposed AD would require inspecting piccolo tubes, piccolo tube mount links, the aft side of the forward bulkhead, and outer boundary angles (OBA) for cracks, fractures, and broken links, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent degraded structural integrity of the engine nose cowl and a broken piccolo tube, which could lead to in- flight damage of the engine and reduced thermal anti-ice performance.
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A320-214 and-232 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that medium-head fasteners were installed in lieu of shear-head fasteners on a certain upper panel which manufacturer fatigue and damage tolerance analyses demonstrated could have an affect on panel fatigue life. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of certain fasteners, and repairs if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the airplane.
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that certain seat track bolts were found with severed head bolts due to fatigue. This proposed AD would require replacing titanium seat track bolts with corrosion resistant steel (CRES) bolts, repetitive inspections for cracking of the splice strap and forward seat track holes, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct missing or severed bolt heads, which, if not corrected, could result in the inability of the seat track to carry passenger loads, which could cause the seats to detach from the seat track, resulting in possible injury to passengers during an emergency landing.
