May 22, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the animal drug regulations to reflect approval of a new animal drug application (NADA) filed by Pfizer, Inc. The NADA provides for the veterinary prescription use of a solution of cefovecin sodium in cats and dogs by subcutaneous injection for the treatment of skin infections.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747- 200B, 747-200C, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747SR series airplanes. For certain airplanes, the original NPRM would have required a material type inspection to determine if the lower forward corner reveal of the number 3 main entry doors (MEDs) is a casting. If the reveals are castings, the original NPRM would have required repetitive inspections of the reveals for cracking, and corrective action if necessary. If the reveals are not castings, the original NPRM would have required a detailed inspection of the reveals for a sharp edge and repetitive inspections of the reveals for cracking, and corrective action if necessary. For certain other airplanes, the original NPRM would have required only a detailed inspection of the reveals for a sharp edge and repetitive inspections of the reveals for cracking, and corrective action if necessary. For certain other airplanes, the original NPRM would have required repetitive inspections of the reveals for cracking only, and corrective action if necessary. The original NPRM resulted from reports of cracking and/or a sharp edge in the lower forward corner reveal of the number 3 MEDs. This action revises the original NPRM by reducing the compliance times for doing certain inspections and allowing a certain replacement as an optional action for the material type inspection for certain airplanes. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the lower forward corner reveal of the number 3 MEDs, which could lead to the door escape slide departing the airplane when the door is opened and the slide is deployed, and consequent injuries to passengers and crew using the door escape slide during an emergency evacuation.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all AvCraft Dornier Model 328-100 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires modifying the electrical wiring of the fuel pumps; installing insulation at the hand flow control and shut-off valves, and other components of the environmental control system; and installing markings at fuel wiring harnesses. The existing AD also requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new inspections of the fuel tank system. This proposed AD would replace the flight-hour-based threshold for conducting certain initial inspections, with an 8-year threshold. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern Railroad Drawbridge, across the Illinois Waterway, Mile 290.1, at Lockport, Illinois. The deviation is necessary for the bridge to remain closed-to-navigation unless 1 hour advance notice is given. This deviation allows the bridge owner time to perform necessary repairs to the bridge.

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Amtrak Bridge, mile 3.0, across the Thames River at New London, Connecticut. While this temporary deviation is in effect, the bridge may remain in the closed position for sixteen days and operate on a temporary operating schedule for ten days.

The Coast Guard is withdrawing its notice of proposed rulemaking concerning the proposed change to the regulations that govern the operation of the Centerville Turnpike (SR 170) Bridge, at AIWW mile 15.2, across the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal in Chesapeake, Virginia. The requested change would have allowed the bridge to open on signal every hour on the half hour from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., year round. The withdrawal is based on further investigation indicating that this change would not improve the schedule for both roadway and waterway users.

The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) are issuing proposed regulations revising the National Security Personnel System (NSPS), a human resources management system for DoD, as originally authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 and amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. The proposed regulation governs compensation, classification and performance management under NSPS. NSPS aligns DoD's human resources management system with the Department's critical mission requirements and protects the civil service rights of its employees.

This document amends the procedures and policies governing the administration of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. It serves to modify the time limit on a recommendation for concept approval for projects submitted to the Commission under the Old Georgetown Act and the Shipstead-Luce Act in order to address more consistently the requirements and procedures of the District of Columbia government.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its regulations governing the representation of claimants for veterans benefits in order to implement provisions of the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006, and to reorganize and clarify existing regulations. As amended, the regulations establish the procedures and rules necessary for VA to facilitate the paid representation of claimants by accredited agents and attorneys after a Notice of Disagreement has been filed with respect to a case. The purpose of these regulations is to fulfill Congress' direction that agents and attorneys may be paid for services rendered after a Notice of Disagreement is filed with respect to a decision by an agency of original jurisdiction while ensuring that claimants for veterans benefits have responsible, qualified representation.