Department of Transportation 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146-100A and -200A series airplanes. This proposed AD would require inspecting the nose landing gear (NLG) assembly to determine the part number of the NLG main fitting subassembly. For subject NLG main fitting subassemblies, this proposed AD would also require determining the total number of accumulated landings on a subject NLG main fitting subassembly, and eventually replacing the NLG assembly. This proposed AD results from a report indicating that the airplane maintenance manual contains incorrect safe-life limit information for certain NLG assemblies. We are proposing this AD to ensure that affected NLG fitting subassemblies are removed from service before they reach their approved safe-life limit. Operating with an NLG fitting subassembly that is beyond its approved safe-life limit could result in failure of the NLG and consequent loss of directional control on the ground and major structural damage to the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing the Gask-O- Seal in the coupling of the refuel/defuel shut-off valves. This proposed AD results from a report that Gask-O-Seals that did not incorporate an integral restrictor to limit fuel flow rate and fuel pressure during refueling were installed on certain airplanes. We are proposing this AD to prevent a buildup of excessive static charge, which could create an ignition source inside the fuel tank.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections for cracking in the aft web of support rib 6 between certain bottom skin stringers on both wings; high frequency eddy current inspections for cracking of the attachment holes of the fuel pipes, and repair if necessary. This proposed AD would also provide for an optional modification, which would extend a certain inspection threshold. This proposed AD results from a report of significant cracking found in the aft web of support rib 6 on both wings. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracking in the aft web of support rib 6, which could result in overloading of adjacent ribs and the surrounding wing structure and consequent reduced structural integrity of the wing.

This notice advises the public about FMCSA's intention to request Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for a new information collection concerning the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) policies and practices among the 50 States and the District of Columbia (referred to as the 51 jurisdictions). This information is needed to identify where problems exist within the CDL Program and how to address those problems through new or revised safety initiatives. This notice is required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of the airport from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the lease of the airport property. The proposal consists of 1 parcel of land, totaling approximately 3.6 acres. Current use and present condition is undeveloped land compatible with local commercial/industrial zoning classification. The land was acquired under part of the property from the City of Escanaba deeded to Delta County for airport use. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to lease of the property. Subject land may provide good commercial/industrial development opportunities for the community and are well outside airport perimeter fence limits. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the lease of the subject airport property nor a determination of eligibility for grant-in-aid funding from the FAA. The disposition of proceeds from the lease of the airport property will be in accordance FAA's Policy and Procedures Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, published in the Federal Register on February 16, 1999. 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 the property to be used for an aeronautical purpose.

This action amends Class E airspace at Binghamton, NY. The development of multiple area navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) for numerous airports within the Binghamton, NY geographical area with approved Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations and the resulting overlap of designated Class E-5 airspace have made this action necessary. This action consolidates the Class E-5 airspace designations for five airspace and one heliport and results in the rescission of the five Class E-5 descriptions through separate rulemaking action. The area will be depicted on aeronautical charts for pilot reference.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A320-111, -211, -212, and -231 airplanes. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, modifying the cables and access holes to the inner tank fuel pumps; and, for certain other airplanes, inspecting the fuel pump access holes and modifying the access holes, if necessary. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the fuel pump cables, which could result in electrical arcing and possible ignition of fuel vapors and consequent explosion of the fuel tank.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain EMBRAER airplane models as identified above. This AD requires modifying the total air temperature (TAT) sensor heating system. This AD also allows replacing the fully automated digital electronic control (FADEC) assemblies with new or modified assemblies as an additional means of compliance. This AD results from a report indicating that the FADEC unit failed to compensate for ice accretion on the engine fan blades due to a false temperature signal from the TAT sensor to the FADEC. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the TAT sensor, which could result in insufficient thrust to take off or (if coupled with the loss of an engine during takeoff) to abort the takeoff in a safe manner, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

On September 10, 2003, the Research and Special Programs Administrationthe predecessor agency to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to propose an inspection and testing program for early detection of sustained load cracking in certain cylinders manufactured with aluminum alloy 6351-T6. Based on comments received in response to that NPRM, we are proposing to adopt a maximum service life for cylinders manufactured with aluminum alloy 6351-T6 and to prohibit the use of these cylinders after the expiration of their maximum service life.

The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. This AD requires you to determine (maintenance records check and/or inspection) whether certain nose landing gear (NLG), main landing gear (MLG), and MLG shock absorber assemblies with a serial number beginning with ``AM'' are installed, and, if installed, would require you to replace them with ones without the ``AM.'' This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct the NLG, MLG, and MLG shock absorber assemblies that are affected by hydrogen embrittlement, which could result in failure of the landing gear. This failure could lead to nose or main landing gear collapse during operation with consequent loss of airplane control.

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.

FRA hereby gives notice that it has submitted the following information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for emergency processing under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). FRA requests that OMB authorize the collection of information identified below on or before October 31, 2005, for a period of 180 days after the date of issuance of this notice in the Federal Register. A copy of this individual ICR, with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by calling FRA's clearance officers, Robert Brogan (telephone number (202) 493- 6292) or Victor Angelo (telephone number (202) 493-6470; these numbers are not toll-free), or by contacting Mr. Brogan via facsimile at (202) 493-6270 or Mr. Angelo via facsimile at (202) 493-6170, or via e-mail by contacting Mr. Brogan at robert.brogan@fra.dot.gov. or by contacting Mr. Angelo at victor.angelo@fra.dot.gov. Comments and questions about the ICR identified below should be directed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for FRA. Title: FRA Emergency Order No. 24, Notice No. 1.

This notice seeks comments from the public regarding the need for FMCSA to collect information by using three new surveys to assess how household goods (HHGs) carriers and shippers (persons who arrange for the transportation of, or those who move, household goods) are satisfied with current arbitration dispute resolution procedures. The information collection (IC) meets the statutory requirements of the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act of 1995 (ICCTA). This notice is published (pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995) to measure the need for the proposed information collection, to find ways to minimize the burden on household goods shippers and carriers, to find ways to enhance the quality of information collected, and to verify the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (measured in work hours) on household goods shippers and carriers.

The Department of Transportation is directing all interested persons to show cause why it should not issue orders finding Platinum Airlines, Inc. fit, willing, and able, and awarding it certificates of public convenience and necessity to engage in interstate and foreign charter air transportation of persons, property and mail.