Department of Transportation August 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Model A300 B4-600 and A300 B4-600R series airplanes, and all Model A300 F4-605R airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect cracks of certain attachment holes, installation of new fasteners, follow-on inspections or repair if necessary, and modification of the angle fittings of fuselage frame FR47. This proposed AD would revise certain inspection thresholds and intervals. This proposed AD would also add inspections to detect cracks of additional attachment holes. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of cracks found before the inspection thresholds in the existing AD and cracks found in nearby areas not inspected by the existing AD. We are proposing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the forward fitting of fuselage frame FR47, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the frame.

FMCSA invites comments, suggestions and creative ideas on new operational concepts that will improve commercial vehicle safety inspections through more thorough performance-based inspections. Commercial vehicle roadside safety inspections represent one of the most effective tools for monitoring and regulating the condition of the in-use commercial vehicle fleet, as well as for auditing and enforcing driver and operational-related safety practices, including hours of service, proper driver credentialing, and other safety aspects of commercial vehicle equipment and operations. New technologies such as advanced sensor and on-board diagnostics as well as wireless communications offer the potential for dramatically improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the roadside commercial vehicle safety inspection process. This Request for Information directly supports the Agency's top priority initiativeComprehensive Safety Analysis 2010, or CSA-2010which is a top-to-bottom review of how FMCSA can best develop and manage programs that are most effective in improving motor carrier safety.

The FAA is requesting public comment on the City of Beverly, Massachusetts' request to change 10.3 acres of vacant land located in the approach to Runway 34 to industrial use. The land will be sold to an abutter for expansion of a manufacturing building. The land was acquired under FAAP 9-19-026-D603. The disposition of proceeds from the disposal of airport property will be in accordance with FAA's Policy and Procedures Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, published in the Federal Register on February 16, 1999.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is giving notice that a portion of the airport property will be exchanged with the Southern Illinois University. A portion of the property to be exchanged (.0254 acre) was originally acquired in fee on July 20, 1948, with partial Federal funding. The remaining property (.7266 acre was acquired by Southern Illinois Airport Authority (SIAA) on August 16, 2001, in a previous exchange with the Southern Illinois University (SIU). This release will be an even exchange of land (.752+/-acre) between SIAA and SIU. The Exhibit `A' Property Line Map (Exhibit 1) and the Airport Layout Plan (Exhibit 2) depicts the exchange. The University proposes to construct four (4) buildings which will result in the new Transportation Education Center at the airport. The sponsor anticipates greater future opportunities for the airport due to the reputation of the University and its renowned programs. It has been determined that one of the buildings will cause a line-of-site obstruction with the Air Traffic Control Tower if it is built in its proposed location. In order to eliminate the conflict, an even exchange of the property and a different construction location has been proposed. In accordance with section 47107(h) of title 49, United States Code, this notice is required to be published in the Federal Register 30 days before modifying the land-use assurance that requires that property to be used for an aeronautical purpose.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Maritime Administration's (MARAD's) intention to request extension of approval for three years of a currently approved information collection.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Gulfstream Model G-IV and GV series airplanes, and certain GIV-X and GV-SP series airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection to determine if a certain floor heater pad system is installed, and deactivation of the subject floor heater pad system if it is installed. This AD results from an incident of short-circuiting of the floor heater pads, in which no circuit breakers tripped in response to the short-circuiting. We are issuing this AD to prevent short-circuiting of the floor heater pad system, which could result in a fire in the airplane cabin.

The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) (also identified as Fairchild Republic Company and Fairchild Heli Porter) Model PC-6 airplanes. This AD requires you to repetitively inspect the stabilizer-trim attachment and structural components for cracks, corrosion, and discrepancies and replace any defective part with a new part. This AD also requires you to replace all Fairchild connecting pieces, part number (P/N) 6232.0026.XX, with a Pilatus connecting piece and requires you to replace fittings without an index after the P/N with an improved part. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct defective stabilizer-trim attachments and surrounding structural components, which could result in failure of the stabilizer-trim attachment. This failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane.

The Department of Transportation is directing all interested persons to show cause why it should not issue an order finding Eos Airlines, Inc., fit, willing, and able, and awarding it a certificate of public convenience and necessity to engage in foreign scheduled passenger air transportation of persons, property and mail.

This notice announces the availability and request for comments of draft Advisory Circular (AC), No. 33.87, Calibration Test, Endurance Test and Teardown Inspection for Turbine Engine Certification (Sec. Sec. 33.85/87/93).

This document responds to petitions for reconsideration of an April 19, 2002 final rule amending Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 217, ``Bus emergency exits and window retention and release.'' That final rule amended the standard to reduce the likelihood that wheelchair securement anchorages will be installed in locations that permit wheelchairs to be secured where they block access to emergency exit doors. Petitioners requested reconsideration of the final rule's use of transverse vertical and horizontal planes to define the area around the side and rear emergency exit doors where wheelchair anchorages may not be located. This request is granted. Petitioners also asked NHTSA to reconsider the ``DO NOT BLOCK'' warning label. This request is denied. This final rule applies to new school buses equipped with wheelchair securement anchorages. Nothing in this final rule requires school buses to be so equipped.

By Order 2005-7-15, served on July 20, 2005, the Department tentatively concluded that Executive Jet Management, Inc. is fit, willing, and able to provide scheduled passenger operations as a commuter air carrier under 49 U.S.C. 41738, and should be issued commuter air carrier authority, subject to conditions. At that time, we directed interested parties to file objections no later than 14 days after the service date of the order (i.e., August 3, 2005). Subsequently, the Department published a Notice in the Federal Register on July 21, 2005, inadvertently directing all interested parties wishing to file objections to do so by August 29, 2005. In order to correct this administrative error, while, at the same time, providing interested parties with a suitable period of time to file comments, we find it appropriate to direct persons wishing to file objections to our tentative decision to so by August 15, 2005.

This amendment establishes, amends, suspends, or revokes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and/or Weather Takeoff Minimums for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, addition of new obstacles, or changes in air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issues this advisory bulletin to owners and operators of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines and liquefied natural gas facilities. The purpose of this advisory is to help operators ensure that controllers are not assigned to shift duties while fatigued, to advise pipeline operators on considerations which could cause a reduction of mental alertness or decision making ability, and to encourage safe management practices. This advisory also responds to the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) Safety Recommendation P-98-30, which urges PHMSA to establish industry guidelines for pipeline controller work schedules to reduce the likelihood of accidents attributable to controller fatigue.

This notice requests public participation in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval process regarding the renewal of an existing PHMSA/Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) collection of information for Operator Qualification of Pipeline Personnel. PHMSA is requesting OMB approval for renewal of this information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and 5 CFR part 1320. The public is invited to submit comments over the next 60 days on ways to minimize the burden associated with collection of information related to the pipeline safety reports of abandoned underwater pipelines

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) described below is being forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for extension of currently approved collections. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. The Federal Register notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on December 17, 2004 (69 FR 75602-75603).

This document makes a correction to Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-14-02. That AD applies to Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison Engine Company, Allison Gas Turbine Division, and Detroit Diesel Allison) models 250-C28, -C28B, and -C28C turboshaft engines with certain serial number (SN) third-stage turbine wheels, part number (P/N) 6899383. We published AD 2004-14-02 in the Federal Register on July 9, 2004 (69 FR 41389). The SUMMARY and the SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION paragraphs each have a sentence that is not clear. This document corrects these two sentences. In all other respects, the original document remains the same.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all McDonnell Douglas airplanes identified above. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the aft attach fitting assembly of the spoiler link to determine the part number, and further investigative action and replacement of the assembly with a new or serviceable assembly, if necessary. This proposed AD results from a determination that the holes of certain aft attach fitting assemblies of the spoiler link were not cold-worked during production. We are proposing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the aft attach fitting of the spoiler link and consequent failure of the fitting. Failure of the fitting could result in an asymmetrical lift condition and consequent reduced controllability 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 abstracted below has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The nature of the information collection is described as well as its expected burden. The Federal Register notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on May 5, 2005, and comments were due by July 5, 2005. One comment was received by MARAD opposing and objecting to any waivers of any kind being extended due to terrorist concerns. While MARAD appreciates public input regarding the small vessel waiver program, this notice is concerned only with the information collection under review. MARAD is required to and requested comments specifically about whether this information collection is necessary for proper performance of the functions of the agency and will have practical utility, accuracy of the burden estimates, ways to minimize this burden, and ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. Because this comment does not address this information collection, MARAD will not address the respondent's comments in this action.

In accordance with the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5117(C), PHMSA is publishing the following list of exemption applications that have been in process for 180 days or more. The reason(s) for delay and the expected completion date for action on each application is provided in association with each identified application.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 200/EUROCAE Working Group 60: Modular Avionics.

This action proposes special conditions for a Boeing Model 747-400 airplane modified by Lufthansa Technik AG. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the installation of large non-structural glass items in the cabin area of an executive interior occupied by passengers and crew. The proposed installation of these items in a passenger compartment, which can be occupied during taxi, takeoff, and landing, is a novel or unusual design feature with respect to the material used. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed 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.