Department of Transportation October 25, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Model 500, 501, 550, S550, 551, and 560 airplanes. The original NPRM would have required revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to prohibit use of the wing fuel boost pumps for defueling under certain conditions; installing a placard; doing other specified investigative and corrective actions as necessary; and modifying the boost pumps. The original NPRM also would have required the subsequent removal of the AFM revision and placard. The original NPRM resulted from a report of a chafed electrical wiring harness, which was arcing inside the fuel tank. This action revises the original NPRM by identifying certain service information not identified in the original NPRM. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to prevent potential fuel vapor ignition in a fuel tank, which could result in explosion and loss of the airplane.

As authorized by Public Law 105-383 and Public Law 107-295, 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 complete application is given in DOT docket 2005-22783 at https:// dms.dot.gov. Interested parties may comment on the effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. If MARAD determines, in accordance with Public Law 105-383 and MARAD's regulations at 46 CFR part 388 (68 FR 23084; April 30, 2003), that the issuance of the waiver will have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.-vessel builder or a business that uses U.S.-flag vessels in that business, a waiver will not be granted. Comments should refer to the docket number of this notice and the vessel name in order for MARAD to properly consider the comments. Comments should also state the commenter's interest in the waiver application, and address the waiver criteria given in Sec. 388.4 of MARAD's regulations at 46 CFR part 388.

The Federal Transit Administration and the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham are conducting an alternatives analysis and preparing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for transit improvements in the Downtown Birmingham/University of Alabama Birmingham Activity Centers. The FTA is the lead federal agency and the DEIS will be prepared in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the applicable regulations for implementing NEPA, as set forth in 23 CFR part 771 and 40 CFR parts 1500-1508, as well as applicable laws and regulations including section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966, the Clean Air Act, and Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice. The project will consider the following alternatives: (1) A No- Build Alternative consisting of improvements included in the Birmingham MPO 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan; (2) Transportation System Management (TSM) Alternative that includes all reasonable cost- effective transit service improvements in the study area short of the major investment in a New starts project; (3) Build Alternative: Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project using rubber tired vehicles operating either in mixed traffic or along an exclusive right-of-way; and (4) Build Alternative: Streetcar using light rail technology operating along tracks embedded in the pavement operating in either mixed traffic or along an exclusive right-of-way. The type, location, and need for ancillary facilities such as maintenance facilities will also be considered for each alternative. In addition, alternatives that are identified during the scoping process will be evaluated in the AA. Scoping will be accomplished through correspondence and discussions with interested persons; organizations; and Federal, State, and local agencies; and through public and agency meetings. Depending on the outcome of the scoping process and the analysis of a range of transit alternatives in the DEIS, a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) will be selected and addressed in the Final EIS (FEIS). The FEIS will address the potential impacts of the selected investment strategy and a No- Build Alternative.

Under current regulations governing integrity management of gas transmission lines, if an operator uses direct assessment to evaluate corrosion risks, it must carry out the direct assessment according to PHMSA standards. In response to a statutory directive, this Final Rule prescribes similar standards operators must meet when they use direct assessment on certain other onshore gas, hazardous liquid, and carbon dioxide pipelines. PHMSA believes broader application of direct assessment standards will enhance public confidence in the use of direct assessment to assure pipeline safety.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Deering, AK to provide adequate controlled airspace to contain aircraft executing four new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs). This rule results in new Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) and 1,200 ft. above the surface at Deering, AK.

This action proposes to establish new Class E airspace at New Stuyahok, AK. Two new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) are being published for the New Stuyahok Airport. There is no existing Class E airspace to contain aircraft executing the new instrument procedures at New Stuyahok, AK. Adoption of this proposal would result in the establishment of Class E airspace upward from 700 feet (ft.) above the surface at New Stuyahok, AK.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the application to impose a PFC at MCI for use at MCI and MKC under the provisions of the 49 U.S.C. 40117 and Part 158 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 158).

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) (formerly Allison Engine Company) 501- D22A, 501-D22C, and 501-D22G turboprop engines. This AD requires a onetime inspection for proper metal hardness of certain 1st stage, 2nd stage, 3rd stage, and 4th stage turbine wheels. This AD results from a report of a turbine wheel found to be over dimensional limits, caused by improper metal hardness. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained turbine wheel failure, leading to damage of the airplane and total loss of engine power.