Department of Transportation January 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain EMBRAER Model EMB-120, -120ER, -120FC, -120QC, and -120RT airplanes. This AD requires installing a rivet and washer in the hole of the upper frame of the auxiliary power unit (APU) firewall. This AD results from a report indicating that, during production, a pinhole was left open at the upper frame of the APU firewall. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the APU compartment is isolated from the rest of the airplane in the event of an APU fire.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-1A11 (CL-600), CL-600-2A12 (CL-601), and CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601-3R, & CL-604) airplanes. This AD requires modifying the rudder balance spring assembly by installing a new adjustable balance spring, and rigging the assembly to suit the rudder of each airplane. This AD results from production inspections that showed that the spring assembly that controls rudder balance may not have the correct pre-load on some airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded yaw movements and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A310-203, -204, and -222 airplanes, and Model A310-300 series airplanes. This AD requires a one-time rototest inspection for cracking of the frame foot and adjacent frames and skin in the area surrounding the frame foot run-outs from fuselage frames (FR) 43 through FR 46, and repair if necessary. This AD also requires modification of certain fastener holes. This AD results from a structural evaluation of Model A310 airplanes for widespread fatigue damage of the frame foot run-outs from FR 43 through FR 46. The evaluation revealed that, on in-service airplanes, undetected cracking in this area can lead to the rupture of the frame foot and subsequent cracking of the adjacent frames and fuselage skin. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the frame foot run-outs, which could lead to rupture of the frame foot and cracking in adjacent frames and skin, and result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.

This notice announces the availability of the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA's) Guidance on New Starts Policies and Procedures and requests your comments on it. The guidance explains proposed changes to the New Starts program that will become effective April 30, 2006 and longer-term changes to the New Starts program that FTA plans to be the subject of rulemaking in the future. FTA requests comments on both aspects of the guidance, which is available in DOT's electronic docket and on FTA's Web site.

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 2006-23614 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 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Aerospatiale Model ATR42 airplanes and Model ATR72 airplanes. This proposed AD would require installing protective ramps on trim panel 110VU; and inspecting the protective guard of the standby pitch trim switch to determine if it is missing, damaged, or ineffective, and doing the corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD results from a finding that the protective guard of the standby pitch trim switch, which is installed on the center pedestal, could be damaged or missing. We are proposing this AD to prevent inadvertent activation of the standby pitch trim, which could result in pitch trim runaway and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

This document confirms the effective date of the direct final rule which revises Class E airspace at Kennett, MO.

This action corrects an error in the effective date and the legal description listed in a final rule published in the Federal Register on December 5, 2005, Docket No. FAA-2005-20417, Airspace Docket No. 05-ANM-06.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, Model A340-200 and - 300 series airplanes, and Model A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual by incorporating new procedures to follow in the event of a fuel leak. This AD results from a determination that, once a fuel leak is detected, fuel management procedures are a critical factor in limiting the consequences of the leak. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew, in the event of a fuel leak, is advised of appropriate procedures to follow, such as isolating the fuel tanks, stopping any fuel transfers, and landing as soon as possible. Failure to follow these procedures could result in excessive fuel loss that could cause the engines to shut down during flight.

The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Turbomeca S.A. Arrius Models 2B, 2B1, and 2F turboshaft engines. That AD currently requires replacing the right injector half manifold, left injector half manifold, and privilege injector pipe. This AD requires the same actions, but relaxes the compliance time for the repetitive replacements on Arrius 2F engines. This AD results from Turbomeca relaxing the repetitive replacement interval for Arrius 2F engine fuel nozzles based on review of returned fuel nozzles to Turbomeca. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine flameout during rapid deceleration, or the inability to maintain the 2.5 minutes one engine inoperative (OEI) rating, and to prevent air path cracks due to blockage of the fuel injection manifolds.

FMCSA invites public comment on its intent to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to renew two information collections entitled, ``The Annual Report of Class I and Class II Motor Carriers of Property (Form M)'' and ``The Quarterly Report of Class I Motor Carriers of Property (Form QFR).'' These information collections are necessary to ensure that motor carriers comply with FMCSA's financial and operating statistics (F&OS) program requirements. This notice is required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

The Board grants an exemption, under 49 U.S.C. 10502, from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10902 for Iowa Interstate Railroad, Ltd. (IAIS), a Class II carrier, to sublease from CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT), and operate a line of railroad totaling approximately 31.9 miles. The rail line, presently leased and operated by CSXT extends from milepost BIF 95, in Utica, IL, to milepost BIF 126.9, in Henry, IL.

The required information will be used to determine if applicant proposals for conducting commercial space launches can be accomplished in a safe manner according to regulations and license orders issued by the Office of the Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation. Respondents are applying for licenses to authorized licensed launch activities.

FMCSA adopts as final and without change its interim regulations which implement section 4140 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The regulations specify that: A driver who passed FMCSA- approved knowledge and skills tests for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) school bus endorsement before September 30, 2002, has met the requirements for a school bus endorsement; the compliance date for States to administer knowledge and skills tests to all school bus drivers is extended to September 30, 2006; and the expiration date for allowing States to waive the driving skills test is also extended to September 30, 2006.

The National Parks Overflights Act mandates that the recommendations provide for ``substantial restoration of the natural quiet and experience of the park and protection of public health and safety from adverse effects associated with aircraft overflight.'' The FAA will use the information to monitor compliance with the regulations. These respondents are Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) air tour operators. A notice for public comment was published in the Federal Register on 9/6/2005, vol. 70, 171, pages 53039-53040.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by the town of Addison 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 September 22, 2004, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by the town of Addison under part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements. On December 22, 2005, the FAA approved the Addison Airport noise compatibility program. Most of the recommendations of the program were approved.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Raytheon airplanes identified above. That AD currently requires a visual inspection to determine whether adequate clearance exists between the fan venturi motor casing and the adjacent equipment, and adjustments, if necessary; and a visual inspection to detect signs of overheating, degradation of insulating materials, and ingestion of debris into the motor, and replacement of discrepant parts with serviceable parts. This new AD instead requires that operators replace the fan venturi with a new or modified part. This AD results from reports that the fan venturi overheated and produced smoke while the airplane was on the ground. We are issuing this AD to prevent heat and fire damage to equipment adjacent to the fan venturi, which could result in smoke in the cabin and/or burning equipment.

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 2005-23377 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.

PHMSA is issuing this advisory bulletin to pipeline operators to reinforce the need for safe excavation practices and recommend that pipeline operators integrate the Operator Qualification regulations into their marking, trenching, and backfilling operations to prevent excavation damage mishaps.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive replacement of the angle of attack (AOA) sensors with new or overhauled AOA sensors. This AD also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive replacements. This AD results from reports of several false stall warnings associated with stick-shaker activation, occurring during take-off. We are issuing this AD to prevent false stall warnings associated with stick-shaker activation, which could result in increased pilot workload as the pilot tries to determine the cause of the stall warning and possible reduction in the pilot's ability to control the airplane.

The FMCSA, Office of Research and Analysis (R&A), will host a forum on FMCSA Safety and Security Accomplishments, in conjunction with the Transportation Research Board's (TRB) 85th Annual Meeting. The forum is designed to provide insight on safety and security research, technology and analysis accomplishments that support FMCSA's mission to reduce the number and severity of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes and fatalities and enhance efficiency of CMV operations. The forum topics will include a conference report on the 2005 International Conference on Fatigue Management in Transportation Operations; updated FMCSA activities in the hazardous materials area; and accomplishments to date on medical qualifications, driver health and medical reporting initiatives. Panelists will also cover the latest results of the Large Truck Crash Causation Study; a report on public input on FMCSA's notice requesting information on its Wireless Inspection Program; results of the field operational test on Lane Departure Warning Systems and Deployment of On-Board Safety Systems; and what progress has been made on improving Data Quality. A portion of the forum will be set aside for attendees to dialogue with FMCSA subject-matter experts through an open question and answer session.

This action establishes Restricted Area 2507E (R-2507E), Chocolate Mountains, CA, as part of a U.S Marine Corps (USMC) training initiative. The USMC requested the establishment of this airspace to support its Close Air Support Mission (CAS) within the Chocolate Mountains Range. The new restricted airspace will be used to conduct realistic aircrew training and to maintain the level of proficiency in modern tactics that is required for combat readiness.