Department of Transportation 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are proposing to amend the definition of ``designated seating position'' in the Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSSs), and to establish a new procedure for determining the number of designated seating positions on bench and split bench seats. This document also proposes to apply that procedure to all types of vehicles, regardless of weight, and eliminate the existing exclusion for temporary or folding jump seats. The proposed rule would also revise test procedures for seat belt anchorage requirements so that they are suitable for side-facing, temporary or folding jump seats. NHTSA's goal in proposing these amendments is to improve the objectivity of the ``designated seating position'' definition and thereby facilitate efforts of the agency to ensure that the number of designated seating positions and occupant restraint systems in a vehicle is representative of real world occupancy. The proposed rule would also revise the general incorporation by reference provision for the FMVSSs by providing a centralized index of all matters therein incorporated by reference.

The FAA adopts an airworthiness directive to supersede AD 93- 24-14 applicable to all The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) PA-34 series airplanes. This AD results from many service difficulty reports related to the collapse of the nose landing gear (NLG). Consequently, this AD retains the actions required in AD 93-24-14, requires you to inspect the NLG and components of the NLG using new procedures for rigging the nose gear installation, and requires you to replace unserviceable parts. We are issuing this AD to detect, correct, and prevent failure in certain components of the NLG, lack of cleanliness of the NLG due to inadequate maintenance, or lack of lubricant in the NLG or NLG components. This failure of the NLG could lead to loss of control of the airplane during take-off, landing, or taxiing operations.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co KG Models HO-V343 and HO-V343K propellers. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive visual inspections of propeller blades for blade shake and blade nut preload. That AD also requires initial and repetitive eddy current inspections of blade hubs for damage and cracks. This AD requires an ultrasonic inspection of the propeller hub and an eddy current inspection of the propeller hub if any cracks are discovered during ultrasonic inspection. Additionally, this AD requires sending a hub inspection report to the manufacturer. This AD also requires replacement of the propeller if any signs of blade shake, cracks, or other damage to the propeller hub outside serviceable limits are detected during the inspections. This AD results from the discovery of a propeller blade separation due to a possible hub failure. We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller hub failure and blade separation due to an unknown root cause, leading to damage and possible loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes. This AD requires the overhaul of certain auxiliary components installed on the main landing gear (MLG) and nose landing gear (NLG). This AD is prompted by manufacturer determination that overhaul limits need to be imposed for certain auxiliary components of the MLG and NLG. Components that exceed the established overhaul limits could fail due to fatigue, wear, and age. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the MLG or NLG, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to flightcrew and passengers.

The Federal Aviation Administration published a document in the Federal Register on June 3, 2005, concerning Technical Standard Order (TSO) C-122a, Equipment That Prevent Blocked Channels Used in Two-Way Radio Communications Due to Simultaneous Transmissions. The document contains an incorrect Internet address for the retrieval of the TSO.

The Federal Aviation Administration published a document in the Federal Register on June 3, 2005, concerning Technical Standard Order (TSO) C-128a, Equipment That Prevent Blocked Channels Used in Two-way Radio Communications Due to Unintentional Transmissions. The document contains an incorrect Internet address for the retrieval of the TSO.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Honeywell International Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal Inc. and Garrett Turbine Engine Co.) TFE731-2 and -3 series turbofan engines with certain part numbers (P/Ns) and serial numbers (SNs) of low pressure (LP) 1st and 2nd stage turbine rotor discs initially installed. This AD requires replacement of those LP 1st and 2nd stage turbine rotor discs. This AD results from a report of an uncontained failure of an LP 2nd stage turbine rotor disc that resulted in an in-flight engine shutdown. We are issuing this AD to prevent LP turbine rotor disk separation, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet series 700 & 701) series airplanes, and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet series 900) series airplanes. This AD requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions of Continued Airworthiness by incorporating new repetitive inspections and an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections, and repairing any crack. This AD is prompted by reports of hydraulic pressure loss in either the number 1 or number 2 hydraulic system due to breakage or leakage of hydraulic lines in the aft equipment bay and reports of cracks on the aft pressure bulkhead web around these feed-through holes. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of hydraulic pressure, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, and to detect and correct cracks on the aft pressure bulkhead web, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the aft pressure bulkhead.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97- 24-09, which applies to Burkhart Grob Model G 103 C Twin III SL sailplanes. AD 97-24-09 currently requires repetitively inspecting the propeller bearing and upper pulley wheel for increased play and, if increased play is found, modifying the propeller bearing and pulley wheel. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent loss of the sailplane propeller caused by increased play in the current design propeller bearing and upper pulley wheel. This could result in loss of control of the sailplane.

The FTA, in cooperation with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) and the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC), and supported by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate alternatives that provide improved commuter and airport access connecting Lower Manhattan with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Jamaica Station in Queens and with JFK International Airport. The project sponsors, MTA, PANYNJ, LMDC and NYCEDC, are undertaking a New Starts Alternatives Analysis (AA) concurrently with the EIS. The FTA is the lead federal agency under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The EIS will be prepared in accordance with NEPA and the regulations implementing NEPA set forth in 23 CFR part 771 and 40 CFR parts 1500-1508. As co-sponsors of the proposed project, MTA, PANYNJ, LMDC and NYCEDC will ensure that the EIS and the environmental review process will also satisfy the requirements of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). The EIS will evaluate one or more Build Alternatives, a No Action Alternative, and a Transportation System Management (TSM) Alternative. The scoping process for the EIS will include an analysis and screening of all feasible rail and non-rail based transportation alternatives that will improve travel in the corridor between the Lower Manhattan, Jamaica and JFK Airport travel hubs. The project sponsors may designate a ``locally preferred alternative'' either prior to the preparation of the Draft EIS if a clear choice emerges from the screening analysis, or following public circulation of the Draft EIS. Scoping will be accomplished through meetings and correspondence with interested persons, organizations, and Federal, State, regional, and local agencies. FTA, MTA, PANYNJ, and LMDC, supported by NYCEDC, seek public and interagency input on the scope of the EIS for this project including the alternatives to be considered and the environmental and community impacts to be evaluated.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 208 and 208B airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to install a pilot assist handle, Cessna part number SK208-146-2, for all affected airplanes, install deicing boots on landing gear struts and cargo pod on certain Cessna Models 208 and 208B airplanes, and make changes to the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) and FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), and to the POH and AFM Supplement S1 for all affected airplanes. This proposed AD results from reports of several accidents and of problematic events involving the affected airplanes during operations in icing conditions, including nine events in the 2004-2005 icing season, and ground icing conditions. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent ice adhering to critical surfaces. Ice adhering to critical surfaces could result in a reduction in airplane performance with the consequences that the airplane cannot perform a safe takeoff, climb, or maintain altitude.

This notice announces a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed advisory circular that provides a standard compliance checklist for Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 23 Type Certificate, Amended Type Certificate, and Supplemental Type Certificate projects. This checklist shows the typical methods of compliance with the regulations and provides a cross-reference to other related guidance material. The checklists created using the information in this AC complement the guidance in the Guides for Certification of Part 23 Airplanes (ACs 23-8B, 23-16A, 23-17B, and 23-19) and other more project specific guidance. This checklist is a starting place when applying for certification. This AC describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, of compliance with 14 CFR part 23. The material in this AC is neither mandatory nor regulatory in nature and does not constitute a regulation.

This action establishes Class E-2 airspace at Bar Harbor, ME. Controlled airspace extending upward from the surface is needed to contain aircraft operating under Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations into Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, Bar Harbor, ME.

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

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 189/EUROCAE Working Group 53: Air Traffic Services (ATS) Safety and Interoperability Requirements.

In accordance with the procedures governing the application for, and the processing of, exemptions from the Department of Transportation's Hazardous Material Regulations (49 CFR part 107, subpart B), notice is hereby given that the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety has received the application described herein. This notice is abbreviated to expedite docketing and public notice. Because the sections affected, modes of transportation, and the nature of application have been shown in earlier Federal Register publications, they are not repeated here. Request of modifications of exemptions (e.g. to provide for additional hazardous materials, packaging design changes, additional mode of transportation, etc.) are described in footnotes to the application number. Application numbers with the suffix ``M'' denote a modification request. There applications have been separated from the new application for exemption to facilitate processing.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection Requirements (ICRs) abstracted below have been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICRs describe the nature of the information collections and their expected burdens. The Federal Register notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collections of information was published on April 12, 2005 (70 FR 19142).

This document contains technical amendments to Part 571, Federal motor vehicle safety standards; Part 575, Consumer information; Part 577, Defect and noncompliance notification; and Part 582, Insurance cost information regulation. Specifically, we are updating the telephone number that should be used to reach NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline, and adding our web address. This amendment updates the pertinent contact information without making any substantive changes to our regulations.

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 approval and comment. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and it's expected cost and burden. On January 12, 2005, FMCSA published a Federal Register notice (70 FR 2210) with a 60-day comment period to solicit the public's views on the information collection noted below. FMCSA received three comments expressing concerns about the substance abuse professional (SAP) services that are available to applicants, the need to augment the information required of new applicants on the Form OP-1, and the desire to obtain administrative reforms to eliminate unnecessary paperwork burdens. These comments were submitted to the appropriate FMCSA program managers for consideration and action.

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 approval and comment. 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 January 12, 2005 (70 FR 2209). Two comments were received.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Avcraft Dornier Model 328-100 and -300 airplanes. This AD requires a pressure test and detailed inspection of each fuselage drain line to determine if there is a blockage, and related investigative/ corrective actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by a report of leakage at one of the drain lines in the fuselage. We are issuing this AD to prevent blockage within the drain lines, causing fluids to collect. These fluids may freeze and expand, damaging the drain lines, and allowing fuel to leak into the cabin and fuel vapors to come into contact with ignition sources, which could result in consequent fire in the cabin.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) Model 390 airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to replace the rudder pedal arm assemblies used in the rudder control system with parts of improved design. This proposed AD results from reports of cracks found on the rudder pedal arm assemblies. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent failure of the rudder pedal arm assemblies caused by fatigue cracks. This failure could lead to loss of rudder control, loss of nose gear steering, and loss of toe brakes on the side on which the failure occurs.