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

This action proposes to revise Class E airspace at Eagle, CO. Additional controlled airspace is necessary for the safety of aircraft executing the new Instrument Landing System or Localizer Distance Measuring Equipment (ILS or LOC.DME) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) and Flight Management System (FMS) SIAP at Eagle County Regional Airport.

On July 31, 2001, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Great Lakes Region, published in the Federal Register a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and hold a Public Scoping Meeting at Dayton International Airport (Volume 66, Number 135, FR 36821-36822). The EIS and Public Scoping Meeting were to address proposed runway shifts and extensions to runways 6R/24L and 18/ 36 at the airport. Three public scoping meetings were held on August 14, 15, and 16, 2001. Additional workshops to discuss purpose and need were held on June 4 and 5, 2002. On March 20, 2006 the FAA received notification from the Dayton International Airport that it wished to cancel the EIS. As such, the FAA is hereby canceling the EIS process. Point of Contact: Mr. Brad Davidson, Environmental Protection Specialist, FAA Great Lakes Region, Detroit Airports District Office, 11677 South Wayne Road, Suite 107, Romulus, MI 48174 (734) 229-2900.

This action modifies the boundaries of the Restricted Area R- 3002 range complex at Fort Benning, GA. The U.S. Army requested these modifications as a result of a land exchange agreement between Fort Benning and the City of Columbus, GA. In addition, a portion of the southwest section of R-3002, within the existing restricted airspace, is redesignated as a separate restricted area, R-3002G, to better accommodate instrument approach procedures at Lawson Army Air Field (AAF). The internal boundaries between restricted area subdivisions are also realigned slightly to permit more efficient scheduling and utilization of the range complex. Finally, the names of the controlling agency and using agency for the restricted areas are changed to reflect their current titles.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300-600, A310-200, and A310-300 series airplanes. This AD requires modifying the forward outflow valve of the pressure regulation subsystem. This AD results from a report of accidents resulting in injuries occurring on in-service airplanes when crewmembers forcibly initiated opening of passenger/crew doors against residual pressure, causing the doors to rapidly open. In these accidents, the buildup of residual pressure in the cabin was caused by the blockage of the outflow valve by an insulation blanket. We are issuing this AD to prevent an insulation blanket or other debris from being ingested into and jamming the forward outflow valve of the pressure regulation subsystem, which could lead to the inability to control cabin pressurization and adversely affect continued safe flight of the airplane.

Pursuant to section 5305(h) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Acting Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, is establishing an advisory committee to advise the Secretary on carrying out the Department of Transportation's Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Program. The purpose of this notice is to invite interested parties to submit comments on the issues to be discussed, and submit the names of organizations and participants to be considered for representation on the committee.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Honeywell COM units and transponders, installed on but not limited to certain transport category airplanes. This proposed AD would require a revision to the Normal Procedures section of the Airplane Flight Manual to advise the flightcrew to check the status of the transponder after changing the air traffic control (ATC) code. This proposed AD would also require replacing certain identification plate(s) with new plate(s), testing certain COM units or transponders as applicable, and corrective action if necessary. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require replacing the transponders of certain COM units with new or modified transponders. For certain other airplanes, this proposed AD would require installing a modification into certain transponders. This proposed AD results from the transponder erroneously going into standby mode if the flightcrew takes longer than five seconds when using the rotary knob of the radio management unit to change the ATC code. We are proposing this AD to prevent the transponder of the COM unit from going into standby mode, which could increase the workload on the flightcrew and result in improper functioning of the traffic alert and collision avoidance system.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposes improvements to its Motor Carrier Safety Status (SafeStat) Measurement System algorithm. The SafeStat system analyzes current and historical safety performance and compliance information to rank the relative safety fitness of commercial motor carriers. SafeStat enables FMCSA to quantify and monitor trends in the safety status of individual motor carriers. FMCSA focuses compliance review and roadside inspection resources on carriers posing the greatest potential safety risk. The proposed improvements are intended to make the algorithm more effective in identifying motor carriers posing a high crash risk.

This notice clarifies the effective date set forth in the notice of availability and request for comments for the Guidance on New Starts Policies and Procedures published on January 19, 2006, in the Federal Register. The Proposed Guidance on New Starts Policies and Procedures did not become effective on April 30, 2006, as stated in the January 19, 2006 notice. FTA will publish an additional notice in the Federal Register before new requirements are to become effective.

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model SA-365 N1, AS-365 N2, N3, SA 366 G1, and EC-155B and B1 helicopters. This action requires a one-time inspection for end play in the pitch control rod assembly double bearing (bearing) using the tail rotor (T/R) hub control plate, and before further flight, replacing the bearing if end play is present. This amendment is prompted by one incident in which a pilot lost T/R pitch control of a helicopter while landing. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect damage to the bearing, resulting in end play and prevent loss of T/R pitch control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 767 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking in the skin, the bulkhead outer chord, and the strap of the bulkhead outer chord at station (STA) 1725.5; and repair if necessary. This AD also provides for repairs, which are optional for airplanes on which no cracking is found, that terminate certain inspections. This AD results from reports of cracking in the skin panel common to stringer 7R and aft of the STA 1725.5 butt splice, and in the strap of the bulkhead outer chord at STA 1725.5. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the skin, the bulkhead outer chord, or the strap of the bulkhead outer chord in this area, which could progress into surrounding areas and result in reduced structural integrity of the support structure for the vertical or horizontal stabilizer and subsequent loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dassault Model Falcon 900EX airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the number 2 engine left- and right-hand forward mounts for missing rivets, and installing rivets if necessary. This AD results from reports of two missing rivets in the front section of the central engine mast discovered on airplanes in service and in production. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct missing rivets in the front section of the central engine mast, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the central engine mast, possible separation of the engine from the airplane during flight, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes; and A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes. This AD requires operators to revise the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new information. This information includes, for all affected airplanes, decreased life limit values for certain components; and for Model A330- 200 and -300 series airplanes, new inspections, compliance times, and new repetitive intervals to detect fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or corrosion in certain structures. This AD results from a revision to subsection 9-1 of the Airbus A330 and A340 Maintenance Planning Documents (MPD) for Life limits/Monitored parts, and subsection 9-2 of the Airbus A330 MPD for Airworthiness Limitations Items. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking, damage, or corrosion, which could result in reduced structural integrity of these airplanes.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection abstracted below has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The nature of the information collection is described as well as its expected burden. The Federal Register notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on February 8, 2006. No comments were received.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005-17- 19, which applies to certain Cirrus Design Corporation (CDC) Models SR20 and SR22 airplanes. AD 2005-17-19 currently requires you to measure and adjust the crew seat break-over bolts and to replace the crew seat recline locks on both crew seats. Since we issued AD 2005-17- 19, CDC developed new crew seat break-over pins to replace the old crew seat break-over bolts. Consequently, this proposed AD would retain the action from AD 2005-17-19 of replacing the crew seat recline locks on both seats and would add the action of replacing the crew seat break- over bolts with the new crew seat break-over pins on both seats. We are proposing this AD to prevent the crew seats from folding forward during emergency landing dynamic loads with consequent occupant injury.

This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-76A, B, and C helicopters. The AD would require inspecting all installed HR Textron main rotor servo actuators (servo actuators) for a high rate of leakage and also inspecting for contaminated hydraulic fluid. The AD would also require reducing the time-in-service (TIS) interval for overhauling the servo actuators. This proposal is prompted by a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Safety Recommendation written in response to an accident involving a Model S-76 helicopter in which the performance of an HR Textron servo actuator was questioned as a result of piston head seal leakage and piston head plasma spray flaking. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect a high rate of leaking from a servo actuator and contamination of the hydraulic fluid, which could lead to degraded ability to maneuver the cyclic and collective controls and could result in subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

This document proposes to revise an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters. That AD currently requires inspecting the main gearbox (MGB) base plate for a crack and replacing the MGB if a crack is found. This action would increase the time intervals for inspecting the MGB base plate. This action would also include minor editorial changes throughout the AD. This proposal is prompted by crack growth tests that indicate that the inspection intervals can be increased without affecting safety. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect a crack in an MGB base plate and prevent failure of one of the MGB attachment points to the frame, which could result in severe vibration and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

PHMSA was recently notified of the manufacture, marking, and sale of certain high pressure DOT exemption cylinders that were not tested in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. These cylinders were manufactured and/or distributed by Luxfer, Inc. (Luxfer), Riverside, CA. Luxfer and its independent inspection agency, Arrowhead Industrial Services, Inc. (Arrowhead), reported to PHMSA that 6,325 high pressure cylinders manufactured to the DOT CFFC and FRP-1 standards as authorized in DOT-E 10915, DOT-E 9634, and DOT-E 9894, had been shipped from Luxfer without undergoing the required autofrettage and hydrostatic tests. In a joint effort, Luxfer and Arrowhead have retrieved 2,581 of the untested cylinders. The model numbers and serial numbers of the remaining 3,744 cylinders are listed in this notice. Only cylinders with the listed serial numbers listed are affected. A person with a listed cylinder should discontinue use of the cylinder and return it to Arrowhead at the address below so the autofrettage and hydrostatic test can be completed before its next use. Shippers and compressed gas filling facilities are advised that these cylinders do not meet the requirements of the Hazardous Materials Regulations and may not be offered for transportation or transported until the required testing is completed.

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 2006-24617 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.

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 2006-24618 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.

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 2006-24620 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.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) this notice announces that the Information Collection Request, abstracted below, is being forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget for extension of currently approved reporting requirements. Earlier, a Federal Register Notice with a 60- day comment period was published on February 3, 2006 (71 FR 5905). The agency did not receive any comments to its previous notice.

This action updates the regulations governing the enforcement of commercial vehicle size and weight to incorporate provisions enacted in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU); the Energy Policy Act of 2005; and, the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act of 2006. This action would further add various definitions; correct obsolete references, definitions, and footnotes; eliminate redundant provisions; amend numerical route changes to the National Highway designations; and incorporate statutorily mandated weight and length limit provisions.

This notice announces actions taken by the FHWA and other Federal agencies that are final within the meaning of 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). The actions relate to various proposed highway projects in the State of South Carolina. Those actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the projects.