Department of Transportation October 19, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In accordance 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 approval. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on April 29, 2005 [FR Vol. 70, No. 82, pages 22388 and 22389]. No comments were received.

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 collections and their expected burden. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period was published on May 11, 2005 [70 FR 24860]. This is a request for a new collection.

This document grants in full the petition of Mitsubishi Motors R&D of America (Mitsubishi), for an exemption in accordance with Sec. 543.9(c)(2) of 49 CFR Part 543, Exemption from the Theft Prevention Standard, for the Mitsubishi Endeavor vehicle line beginning with model year (MY) 2006. This petition is granted because the agency has determined that the antitheft device to be placed on the Endeavor vehicle line as standard equipment is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with the parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard. Mitsubishi requested confidential treatment for the information and attachments it submitted in support of its petition. The agency will consider the petitioner's request for confidential treatment and will respond by separate letter.

This notice publishes the FMCSA's receipt of applications from three individuals for an exemption from the diabetes mellitus prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. If granted, the exemptions will enable these individuals to qualify as drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the requirement prescribed in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3).

The FAA proposes to supersede three existing airworthiness directives (ADs) that apply to certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes. The existing ADs currently require repetitive inspections of the body station (BS) 2598 bulkhead, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD would add a requirement to modify the bulkhead, including a one-time inspection and corrective action if necessary, which would terminate certain repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would also require a post-modification inspection of the modified area. This proposed AD results from new reports of cracking in all three areas that require inspection in accordance with the existing ADs. We are proposing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the BS 2598 bulkhead structure, which could result in inability of the structure to carry horizontal stabilizer flight loads, and reduced controllability of the airplane.

As authorized by section 5508 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), the U.S. DOT/FHWA is interested in working with eligible State and local governments and one or more private sector partners to build upon the Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure Program (ITIP) that began under the provisions of section 5117(b)(3) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). The SAFETEA-LU provides for the extension and further expansion of the ITIP program under the Transportation Technology Innovation and Demonstration Program (TTID), a new 2-part program that would advance the deployment of an operational intelligent transportation infrastructure system, through measurement of various transportation system parameters, to simultaneously aid in local transportation planning and analysis activities, while also supporting national monitoring of traffic congestion levels. The purpose of this program is threefold: Addressing national, local, and commercial data needs through enhancement of surveillance and data management capabilities in major metropolitan areas. This involves integration of data from existing surveillance infrastructure, and strategic deployment of supplemental surveillance infrastructure to support the provision of both real-time and archived roadway system performance data. At the national level, the goal is to develop an ability to measure the operating performance of the roadway system across the nation. Made available locally, such roadway system performance data can be used to assist in local system planning, evaluation, and management activities. The same data that is useful to the public transportation agencies also has value for commercial traveler information purposes. To achieve these objectives, the U.S. DOT/FHWA is seeking expressions of consent from eligible State and/or local transportation agencies/organizations interested in forming a public-private partnership, with a private partner that has either been pre-selected, or that will be selected, by the U.S. DOT/FHWA, to participate in the TTID program.

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 Board is commencing an investigation into the practices of the National Classification Committee (NCC), which administers the motor carrier classification system for its motor carrier members pursuant to an agreement approved by the Board under 49 U.S.C. 13703. The purpose of this investigation is to develop a more thorough record regarding charges of abuse of market power by NCC, in its practices generally, and particularly with its action changing the classification of lighting products and fixtures in 2004.