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

In accordance with the procedures governing the application for, and the processing of, special permits 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 special permits (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. These applications have been separated from the new application for special permits to facilitate processing.

The Maritime Administration is establishing regulations governing administrative determinations of availability of coastwise- qualified launch barges to be used in the transportation and launching of offshore oil drilling or production platform jackets in specified projects. This rulemaking implements provisions of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004, which, among other things, requires the Secretary of Transportation (acting through the Maritime Administrator) to adopt procedures to determine if coastwise-qualified vessels are available for platform jacket transport and launching, and, if not, to allow the use of non-coastwise qualified foreign built vessels. The notice of proposed rulemaking for this action was published in the Federal Register on August 15, 2005 (70 FR 47771) with comments due by October 14, 2005. The opening comment period was extended on October 19, 2005 (70 FR 60770) and closed on December 13, 2005. The Maritime Administration is hereby giving notice that we received and have granted a request by a commenting party to open a reply comment period for this rulemaking. Reply comments are responses to comments that were filed during the previous comment periods for this rulemaking.

This action amends commercial space transportation regulations by adding procedures for obtaining a safety approval for a safety element. Also, this action adds procedures for including a safety approval in a license application. Once the FAA issues a safety approval, the holder could offer the approved safety element to prospective launch and reentry operators for use within a defined and proven envelope. Those operators would not need added FAA approval of that portion of their license application. The decision to apply for a safety approval is voluntary. The intent of this action is to facilitate the launch and reentry license application and approval processes.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is making available a ROD and a Written Evaluation of the FEIS in response to FAA procedure changes that have rendered the previously approved third runway unable to accomplish the purpose and need of triple-independent approach operations, thereby minimizing any capacity enhancement that the runway was intended to accomplish. Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charlotte, North Carolina, has therefore proposed acceptance of another alternative located 600 feet west of the previously approved runway location that was fully analyzed in the EIS as Alternative 5 and that meets the current FAA Airport Design Standards. Point of Contact: Mr. Scott Seritt, Manager, Airports District Office, Southern Region Federal Aviation Administration, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337-2747, (404) 305-7151.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Hartzell Propeller Inc. models ( )HC-( )( )Y( )-( )( )( ) compact series, constant speed or feathering propellers with Hartzell manufactured ``Y'' shank aluminum blades. That AD currently requires initial blade inspections, with no repetitive inspections; rework of all ``Y'' shank aluminum blades including cold rolling of the blade shank retention radius, blade replacement and modification of pitch change mechanisms for certain propeller models; and changing the airplane operating limitations with specific models of propellers installed. This proposed AD would require the same actions but would clarify certain areas of the compliance and would update a certain service bulletin (SB) reference to the most recent SB. This proposed AD results from operators requesting clarification of certain portions of AD 2002-09-08. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the propeller blade from fatigue cracks in the blade shank radius, which can result in damage to the airplane and loss of airplane control.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an airworthiness authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

This final rule will revise the Class E airspace at Eagle, CO. Additional controlled airspace is necessary for the safety of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft executing a new Instrument Landing System or Localizer Distance Measuring Equipment (ILS or LOC DME) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) at Eagle County Regional Airport.

This proposal would revise Class E airspace at Gillette, WY. Additional Class E airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) at Gillette-Campbell County Airport. This change is proposed to improve the safety of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft executing the new RNAV GPS SIAP at Gillette-Campbell County Airport, Gillette, WY.

This proposal would revise Class E airspace at Saratoga, WY. Additional controlled airspace is necessary for the safety of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft executing the new Area Navigation (RNAV), Global Positioning System (GPS) approach procedure at Saratoga/Shively Field, Saratoga, WY.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Glasflugel Models H 301 ``Libelle,'' H 301B ``Libelle,'' Standard ``Libelle,'' and Standard Libelle-201B sailplanes. This proposed AD would require you to replace the rudder actuator arm (manufactured according to drawing No. 301-45-10) with an improved design rudder actuator arm (manufactured following drawing No. 301-45-13). This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct damage to the rudder actuator arm, which could result in failure of the rudder actuator arm. This failure could result in reduced or loss of rudder control.

The FAA publishes a monthly notice, as appropriate, of PFC approvals and disapprovals under the provisions of the Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 (title IX of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990) (Pub. L. 101-508) and part 158 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 158). This notice is published pursuant to paragraph (d) of Sec. 158.29.

The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a current information collection. This action responds to the Wendell H. Ford Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century by requiring that all persons who remove any life-limited aircraft part have a method to prevent the installation of that part after it has reached its life limit.

This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, part 71 (14 CFR 71) by modifying the Class E airspace area at West Plains Municipal Airport. The establishment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP) to Runways (RWY) 18 and 36 requires the modification of the Class E airspace area beginning at 700 feet above ground level (AGL). In addition, this action corrects the airport reference point (ARP). This airspace area and the legal description are modified to conform to the criteria in FAA Orders.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD), and the U.S. Coast Guard announce that we have received an application amendment for the licensing of the Main Pass Energy Hub (MPEH) natural gas deepwater port, and that the application amendment contains the required information to continue processing the application. This notice summarizes the applicant's plans and the procedures that will be followed in considering this application amendment. The Coast Guard, in coordination with MARAD, will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) as part of the environmental review of this license application amendment. Publication of this notice also begins a public comment period on the application amendment and on the procedures and process to be followed in completing the review. The application amendment describes the change in project regassification technology from the ``open-loop'' vaporization system originally proposed for Main Pass Energy Hub to a ``closed-loop'' LNG vaporization system. The proposed closed-loop vaporization system is a submerged combustion vaporization system with selective catalytic reduction (SCV/SCR). The proposed facility would be constructed in the Gulf of Mexico in Main Pass Lease Block 299 (MP 299), approximately 16 miles southeast of Venice, Louisiana. A Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statement were published on the original application on June 17, 2005 and March 14, 2006, respectively.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an airworthiness authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address an unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

This rule transfers and redesignates certain motor carrier reporting regulations currently found in 49 CFR Chapter XI to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in 49 CFR Chapter III. On August 17, 2004, the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) transferred responsibility for the Motor Carrier Financial and Operating Statistics Program from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, now a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, to FMCSA. Today's action transfers the applicable regulations to chapter III of title 49 CFR, establishes a new part 369 within that title, and makes conforming technical amendments to the redesignated regulations.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an airworthiness authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address an unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Lockheed Model L-1011 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require a one-time detailed inspection of the C112 harness clamp assembly for proper installation, a one-time detailed inspection of the C112 and C162 harness assemblies for damage, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from a report of electrical arcing of the essential bus feeder cables behind hinged circuit breaker panel CB3 P-K. We are proposing this AD to prevent arcing of essential bus feeder cables due to improper installation of the harness C112 clamp assembly, which could result in loss of electrical systems and smoke and/or fire behind the CB3 P-K hinged circuit breaker panel in the flight compartment.

The FAA proposes to revise an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, and AT-503A airplanes, which proposes to supersede AD 2002-26-05. AD 2002-26-05 lowers the safe life for the wing lower spar caps for Models AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, and AT-503A airplanes and those that incorporate or have incorporated Marburger Enterprises, Inc. (Marburger) winglets. AD 2002-26-05 also requires you to eddy-current inspect the wing lower spar caps immediately before modifying to correct any crack in a bolt hole before it extends to the modified center section of the wing and report the results of the inspection to the FAA if cracks are found. AD 2002-11-05 R1 currently requires similar action on Model AT-501 airplanes. Since issuing the earlier NPRM, we determined that Model AT-501 airplanes should be added to the Applicability section of this proposed AD and that this proposed AD should also supersede AD 2002-11-05 R1. We have revised the alternative method of compliance (AMOC) to include inspection procedures for airplanes that have or have had Marburger winglets installed. We have also updated the safe life of the replacement and new production spar cap based on additional data we have received from the manufacturer. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the earlier NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these additional actions.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT-502, AT-502A, AT- 502B, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to repetitively visually inspect the rudder and vertical fin hinge attaching structure for loose fasteners, any cracks in the rudder or vertical fin skins, spars, hinges or brackets, or corrosion. The AD would also require you to replace any damaged parts found as a result of the inspection and install an external doubler at the upper rudder hinge. Installation of the external doubler at the upper rudder hinge is terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements. This proposed AD results from two reports (one Model AT-602 airplane and one Model AT-802A airplane) of in-flight rudder separation from the vertical fin at the upper attach hinge area, and other reports of Models AT-502B, AT-602, and AT-802/802A airplanes with loose hinges, skin cracks, or signs of repairs to the affected area. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct loose fasteners; any cracks in the rudder or vertical fin skins, spars, hinges or brackets, or corrosion of the rudder and vertical fin hinge attaching structure. Hinge failure adversely affects ability to control yaw and has led to the rudder folding over in flight. This condition could allow the rudder to contact the elevator and affect ability to control pitch with consequent loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes. This AD requires installing a clamp, bonding jumper assembly, and attaching hardware to the refueling manifold in the right wing refueling station area. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent arcing on the in-tank side of the fueling valve during a lightning strike, which could result in an ignition source that could ignite fuel vapor and cause a fuel tank explosion.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, and 747SR series airplanes. This AD requires doing repetitive inspections of engine struts 1 through 4, as applicable, for heat discoloration, cracking, buckling, or wrinkling. This AD also requires doing a conductivity test to detect the extent of the heat damage and an inspection to detect cracking of the heat-discolored, buckled, or wrinkled area; and repair; if necessary. This AD results from reports of heat damage and cracking of the skin and internal structure adjacent to and aft of the precooler exhaust vent on several engine struts. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking, buckling, wrinkling, or heat damage of the skin and internal structure of the engine struts, which could result in extensive damage to the engine struts and consequent possible separation of an engine from the airplane during flight.

PHMSA requests comments on the economic impact of its regulations on small entities. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act and as published in DOT's Semi-Annual Regulatory Agenda, we are analyzing the Hazardous Materials Regulations applicable to specifications for non-bulk packagings and training and planning grants. We are also analyzing the Pipeline Safety Regulations applicable to oil pipeline response plans and the hazardous liquid reporting requirements. The purpose of these analyses is to identify requirements that may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. We also request comments on ways to make these regulations easier to read and understand.