Department of Transportation 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

As authorized by Pub. L. 105-383 and Pub. L. 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 2005-21642 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 Pub. L. 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.

As authorized by Pub. L. 105-383 and Pub. L. 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 2005-21640 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 Pub. L. 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 FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the initial meeting of RTCA Special Committee 206/Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) Data Link. The FAA is holding this meeting to provide interested individuals an opportunity to participate.

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC 155B, SA-365N and N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters. That AD currently requires inspecting the hydraulic brake hose (hose) for crazing, pinching, distortion, or leaks at the torque link hinge and replacing the hose, if necessary. That AD also requires inspecting the hose and the emergency flotation gear pipe to ensure adequate clearance, and adjusting the landing gear leg, if necessary. This amendment requires the same actions as the existing AD and adds another model helicopter to the applicability. This amendment is prompted by notification by the manufacturer and the European Authority that another affected model helicopter, the Model EC155B1, may have the same unsafe condition and should be added to the existing AD. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of a hose, resulting in failure of hydraulic pressure to the brakes on the affected landing gear wheel, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter during a run-on landing.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes. This AD requires replacing existing dual anti-skid control manifolds (DACM) with new, improved or reworked and reidentified DACMs; inspecting the inlet filters and other components of the DACMs for damage; replacing any damaged DACM components with new or serviceable components; and flushing/cleaning the braking system prior to replacing the inlet filters. This AD is prompted by reports of multiple incidents of blown tires on landing while using maximum autobrake. We are issuing this AD to prevent metallic fibers from the first stage filter of the servo valves inside the DACM from becoming lodged in the first stage nozzle of the servo valve, which could lead to tire failure during high speed/high energy braking and possible subsequent runway departure.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-400, -400D, -400F; 767-200, -300, -300F; and 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires installing a jumper wire between the wiring of the fire extinguisher switch and the fuel shutoff switch for each engine, and other specified actions. This AD is prompted by a certain combination of conditions, which could cause the fuel spar shutoff valves to remain partially open. We are issuing this AD to prevent a latent open circuit that could leave the fuel spar shutoff valve in a partially open position when the engine fire switch is activated, which could result in fuel from the engine feeding an uncontrolled fire in the engine or the strut.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all AvCraft Dornier Model 328-100 airplanes. This AD 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. This AD also requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new inspections of the fuel tank system. This AD is prompted by the results of fuel system reviews conducted by the airplane manufacturer. We are issuing 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 Board has approved the third quarter 2005 rail cost adjustment factor (RCAF) and cost index filed by the Association of American Railroads. The third quarter 2005 RCAF (Unadjusted) is 1.136. The third quarter 2005 RCAF (Adjusted) is 0.552. The third quarter 2005 RCAF-5 is 0.528.

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This action requires replacing a certain part-numbered tail gear box output housing that has 600 or more hours time-in-service (TIS) with an airworthy part. Also, this AD revises the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual by reducing the life limit of the tail gear box output housing. This amendment is prompted by the premature failure of the tail gear box output housing during fatigue testing by the manufacturer. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent fatigue failure of the tail gear box output housing, loss of tail rotor drive, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and 5 CFR 1320.5(b), this notice announces that new information collections requirements (ICRs) listed below have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). These new ICRs pertain to 49 CFR Parts 224, 229, and 238. Additionally, FRA hereby announces that other ICRs listed below have been re-approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). These ICRs pertain to Parts 220, and 244. The OMB approval numbers, titles, and expiration dates are included herein under supplementary information.

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.

This notice proposes to create a Class E surface area at Storm Lake, IA. It also proposes to modify the Class E5 airspace at Storm Lake, IA.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by the city of Georgetown under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. (the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, hereinafter referred to as ``the Act'') and 14 CFR Part 150. These findings are made in recognition of the description of Federal and nonfederal responsibilities in Senate Report No. 96-52 (1980). On January 26, 2004, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by the city of Georgetown under Part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements. On May 27, 2005, the FAA approved the Georgetown Municipal Airport noise compatibility program. Most of the recommendations of the program were approved.

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 sale of the airport property. The proposal consists of a parcel of land totaling approximately 5.76 acres. Current use and present condition is vacant grassland. The parcel is hilly and partially wooded. The land was acquired under FAA Project No. 9-20-072-6001. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to dispose of the property. The proposal concerns selling the land to the Michigan Department of Transportation to provide a right-of-way for the proposed Interstate-96 interchange with 36th Street. The project will improve traffic flow to areas along the northern boundary of the airport. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the disposal of the subject airport property nor a determination of eligibility for grant- in-aid funding from the FAA. The disposition of proceeds from the disposal 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.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of land at Snohomish County Airport/Paine Field under the provisions of Section 125 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21).

This action establishes a low altitude area navigation (RNAV) route T-270 in Alaska to support the Alaskan Capstone Program. The FAA is taking this action to enhance safety and improve the efficient use of the navigable airspace in Alaska.

These special conditions are issued to Duncan Aviation Inc., 15745 S Airport Rd Battle Creek, MI 49015, for a Supplemental Type Certificate for the Raytheon 300 King Air. This airplane will have novel and unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisaged in the applicable airworthiness standards. These novel and unusual design features include the installation of an electronic flight instrument system (EFIS). The EFIS consists of the Universal Avionics, Inc. EFI-890R system for which the applicable regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate airworthiness standards for the protection of these systems from the effects of high intensity radiated fields (HIRF). The installation includes three EFI- 890R Flat Panel Displays (two Primary Flight Displays Pilot/Copilot and one Navigational Displays Pilot), and supporting equipment. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to the airworthiness standards applicable to these airplanes.

The Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) seeks public comments on two petitions for rulemaking filed by Arkema, Inc. The petitions request changes to the gas pipeline safety regulations to increase the design factor for new polyamide11 (PA-11) pipe and to allow use of PA-11 pipe for systems operating at up to 200 pounds per square inch gauge pressure (psig). These requested changes will allow the use of PA-11 pipe in gas pipelines in place of metal pipe.

This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A330 and A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. That action would have required a one- time inspection of each emergency evacuation slide raft installed on Type ``A'' exit doors equipped with regulator valves having a certain part number to determine if a discrepant regulator valve is installed on the pressure bottle that inflates the slide/raft, and an interim modification of any discrepant valve if necessary. That action also would have required eventual modification of all affected regulator valves, which would have terminated the requirements of the proposed AD. This new action revises the original NPRM by requiring part number identification and a new modification for affected airplanes, removing the one-time inspection and interim modification, and removing certain airplanes from the applicability. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of an emergency evacuation slide raft to deploy and inflate during an emergency situation, which could impede an evacuation and result in injury to passengers or crewmembers. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all EMBRAER Model EMB-135 and -145 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the electrical connectors of the electric fuel pumps to detect discrepancies, application of anti-corrosion spray, replacement of all fuel pumps with improved fuel pumps, repetitive inspections after all six fuel pumps are replaced, and applicable corrective actions. This new AD retains those requirements but revises the initial compliance time for an inspection for certain airplanes. This new AD is prompted by the need to correct a compliance time in the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent an ignition source in the fuel tank or adjacent dry bay, which could result in fire or explosion.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas transport category airplanes. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the torque tube assembly for the rudder pedal for cracking; an inspection of the torque tube assembly to determine the thickness of the torque tube wall, if necessary; and replacing the rudder torque tube with a new or serviceable rudder torque tube, if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of a broken rudder pedal torque tube. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of a rudder pedal torque tube, which could result in loss of rudder control and nose wheel steering controlled by the rudder pedal, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.