Department of Transportation July 26, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission (``Commission'') is conducting a study of the needs and financing of surface transportation as described in sections 1909(b)(5), (6), and (7) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) (Pub. L. 109-59, August 10, 2005). The Commission will conduct field hearings to receive views from interested parties and obtain public input to the study. The purpose of this notice is to request that organizations interested in co-hosting a field hearing submit proposals to the Commission. The hearings will be open to the public.

This document announces the availability of grant funding under FMCSA's FY2006 Research Grants program as specified in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users. The program provides one-time funding for a demonstration project that uses a thermal imaging inspection system that leverages state-of-the-art thermal imagery technology, integrated with signature recognition software, providing the capability to identify, in real time, faults and failures in tires, brakes, and bearings mounted on commercial motor vehicles. The period of performance for this project is 24 months from the date of award.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for McCauley Propeller Systems propeller models B5JFR36C1101/114GCA-0, C5JFR36C1102/L114GCA-0, B5JFR36C1103/114HCA-0, and C5JFR36C1104/ L114HCA-0. This AD requires a onetime fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) and eddy current inspection (ECI) of propeller blades for cracks, and if any crack indications are found, removing the blade from service. This AD results from a report of two propeller blades on the same propeller assembly, found cracked during propeller overhaul. We are issuing this AD to detect cracks in the propeller blade that could cause failure and separation of the propeller blade and loss of control of the airplane.

This amendment revises 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 currently requires inspecting the main gearbox (MGB) base plate for a crack and replacing the MGB if a crack is found. This amendment increases the time intervals for inspecting the MGB base plate and includes minor editorial changes throughout the AD. This amendment is prompted by crack growth tests that indicate that the inspection intervals can be increased without affecting safety. The actions specified by this 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.