Department of Transportation 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, PW4090-3, and PW4098 turbofan engines, with certain front turbine hub part numbers installed. This proposed AD would require a onetime visual inspection of the anti-rotation slots in the front turbine hub, for a machining nonconformance, and its replacement if the inspection failed. This proposed AD results from a report of a crack found in an anti- rotation slot of a front turbine hub, during overhaul shop inspection. The anti-rotation slot geometry was not machined in conformance with the design drawing. We are proposing this AD to prevent uncontained engine failure, damage to the airplane, and injury to passengers.

The FHWA and the FTA are jointly issuing this document which proposes the revision of regulations governing the development of metropolitan transportation plans and programs for urbanized areas, State transportation plans and programs and the regulations for Congestion Management Systems and invites public comment. This proposed revision results from the recent passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) (Pub. L. 109-59, August 10, 2005), which also incorporates changes initiated in its predecessor legislation, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) (Pub. L. 105-178, June 9, 1998) and generally would make the regulations consistent with current statutory requirements. Interested parties are invited to send comments regarding all facets of this proposal.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 airplanes. This proposed AD would require modifying the airplane and the engine/nacelle to install a third line of defense against inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser in flight. This proposed AD would also require two other actions that must be accomplished before or concurrently with the modification: installing a structural change in the fan cowl to avoid interference; and installing a dedicated, shielded electrical circuit. This proposed AD results from a report that the manufacturer has developed a third line of defense against the inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser of A300 airplanes that are equipped with General Electric CF6- 50 series engines (in accordance with FAA guidelines). We are proposing this AD to prevent inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser in flight, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, DHC-8-300, and DHC- 8-400 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require inspecting the left and right control column torque tube assemblies to determine the type of rivets installed and replacing incorrect or indeterminate type rivets with the correct type rivets. This proposed AD results from a report that incorrect rivets having lower than required strength were installed on the control column torque tube during production. We are proposing this AD to prevent shear failure of control column torque tube rivets, which could cause unexpected decoupling of the elevators and large unwanted deflection of the free elevator, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared for a proposed highway project in Stark, Mahoning, and Columbiana Counties, Ohio.

In 1998, FRA issued an Order of Particular Applicability (Order) requiring all trains operating on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between New Haven, Connecticut, and Boston, Massachusetts (NECNorth End) to be equipped to respond to the new Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System (ACSES). In 2002, CSXT Transportation (CSXT) requested, and FRA granted, permission to run its nighttime operations under temporary operating protocols until further notice. In March 2006, both CSXT and the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) requested that FRA rescind the 2002 CSXT nighttime operating protocols because advancements in the ACSES system had made them unnecessary. On May 1, 2006, FRA notified CSXT and Amtrak by letter that it had agreed to rescind the CSXT nighttime protocols as requested. This amendment conforms the Order accordingly.

The FAA is revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. For certain airplanes, the original NPRM would have required repetitive inspections for discrepancies of the tube assemblies and insulation of the metered fire extinguisher system and the bleed air duct couplings of the auxiliary power unit (APU) located in the aft cargo compartment; and corrective actions if necessary. For certain other airplanes, the original NPRM would have required a one-time inspection for sufficient clearance between the fire extinguishing tube and the APU bleed air duct in the aft cargo compartment, and modification if necessary. The original NPRM resulted from one report indicating that an operator found a hole in the discharge tube assembly for the metered fire extinguishing system; and another report indicating that an operator found chafing of the fire extinguishing tube against the APU duct that resulted in a crack in the tube. This action revises the original NPRM by expanding the applicability and adding an inspection for signs of chafing and to verify sufficient clearance between the fire extinguisher system and the bleed air duct couplings of the APU. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to prevent fire extinguishing agent from leaking out of the tube assembly in the aft cargo compartment which, in the event of a fire in the aft cargo compartment, could result in an insufficient concentration of fire extinguishing agent, and consequent inability of the fire extinguishing system to suppress the fire.

PHMSA is closing this rulemaking proceeding, having considered and declined to adopt proposals for further regulating the transportation of flammable liquids in the product piping on cargo tank motor vehicles. On the basis of public comments and additional data and analysis, PHMSA has concluded that further regulation would not produce the level of benefits we originally expected and that the quantifiable benefits of proposed regulatory approaches would not justify the corresponding costs. Although PHMSA is withdrawing its rulemaking proposal, the agency will develop and implement an outreach program to educate the industry, first responder community, and the public about potential risks associated with unprotected product pipelines on these vehicles and will continue to collect data and other information in order to address the issue further if warranted.

The FHWA is issuing this notice to advice the public that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for a multi-land widening of I-26 between NC 225 and I-40 in Asheville in Buncombe and Henderson Counties, North Carolina (TIP Projects I-4400 & I-4700).

This document contains a correction to the final rule (FAA- 2005-23075; 05-ASO-12), which was published in the Federal Register of February 28, 2006, (71 FR 9908), establishing Class E airspace at Nicholasville, KY. This action corrects an error in the geographic coordinates for the Class E5 airspace at Nicholasville, KY.

This action will remove the Class D and E airspace at Roosevelt Roads, PR, and amend the Class E airspace at Isla de Vieques, PR. The Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Ofstie Field, PR, is permanently closed and no longer operational. The closure necessitates the removal of Class D and E airspace. The removal of Class E airspace at Roosevelt Roads, PR, requires the amendment of Class E airspace at Isla de Vieques, PR, since it is included as part of the Roosevelt Roads, PR, Class E airspace.

This action revises Class E airspace at Vandenberg AFB, CA. This airspace change places aircraft in controlled airspace from final descent to runway and protects Category E aircraft while conducting a circling approach to land.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 747-100B, 747-200B, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400F, and 747SP series airplanes. This AD requires doing inspections of the midpivot bolt and midpivot bolt access door of the spring beam of the inboard side of the outboard struts for discrepancies, installing a placard on the midpivot bolt access door, and applicable corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from reports indicating that the midpivot bolt and midpivot bolt access door of the spring beam of the inboard side of the outboard struts were installed in the incorrect position. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the subject midpivot bolts and midpivot bolt access doors are installed in the correct position. If not installed in the correct position, a midpivot bolt could be overloaded and crack or fracture, which could result in the loss of the spring load path and consequent separation of the associated outboard strut and engine from the airplane.

The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A321-111, -112, and -131 airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect fatigue cracking in the area surrounding certain attachment holes of the forward pintle fittings of the main landing gear (MLG) and the actuating cylinder anchorage fittings on the inner rear spar; and repair, if necessary. That AD also provides for optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections, adds inspections of three additional mounting holes, and revises the thresholds for the currently required inspections. We issued that AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking on the inner rear spar of the wings, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. This new AD retains the requirements and revises the applicability of that AD. This AD results from the discovery of a typographical error in the applicability of that AD, which could cause the unsafe condition on an affected airplane to remain uncorrected. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking on the inner rear spar of the wings, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 84-09-05, which applies to certain GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG (previously identified as BURKHART-GROB FLUGZEUGBAU INDUSTRIESTRABE) Model G102 ASTIR CS sailplanes. AD 84-09-05 requires you to install a modified spherical locking bolt and nut in the forward horizontal stabilizer connection to the vertical stabilizer and install new locking pins in the aft connecting plate for the horizontal stabilizer. Since we issued AD 84- 09-05, fatigue cracks were found in the modified spherical locking bolt. Consequently, this proposed AD would require you to replace the modified spherical locking bolt, the retaining pins (collar bolts), and associated hardware; add a life limit on the spherical locking bolt and the retaining pins; and repetitively inspect the front and rear horizontal stabilizer attachment. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracks in the spherical locking bolt, which could result in failure of the horizontal stabilizer connection. This failure could lead to loss of control.

This action withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series airplanes. That action would have required modifying or replacing flight data recorders (FDR) of a certain model. Since the issuance of the NPRM, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received new data that the identified unsafe condition has been corrected on all airplanes that would have been subject to the NPRM. Accordingly, the proposed rule is withdrawn.

This notice requests public participation in the OMB approval process for a new PHMSA information collection related to a final rule requiring pipeline operators to establish public awareness programs. In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that the Information Collection Request (ICR) described below has been forwarded to OMB for an approval of a new collection. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and the expected burden. PHMSA received no comments in response to a request for comment on the information collection during the rulemaking. The final rule was published on May 19, 2005. The purpose of this notice is to allow the public an additional 30 days from the date of this notice to submit comments in the information collection.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming) models 320, 360, and 540 series, ``Parallel Valve'' reciprocating engines, with certain Engine Components Inc. (ECi) cylinder assemblies, part number (P/N) AEL65102 series ``Classic Cast'', installed. That AD currently requires replacing these ECi cylinder assemblies. This AD requires the same actions, but replaces the ``Engine Models'' Table 1 and ``Engines Installed On, But Not Limited To'' Table 2 with corrected tables. Also, this AD corrects the casting part number. This AD results from reports of applicability errors found in AD 2005-26-10. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine power due to cracks in the cylinder assemblies and possible engine failure caused by separation of a cylinder head.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Neptune LNG, L.L.C., Liquefied Natural Gas Deepwater Port license application. The application describes a project that would be located in Federal waters of Massachusetts Bay, in Block 125, approximately 8 miles southeast of Gloucester, MA and 22 miles northeast of Boston, MA. The Coast Guard and MARAD request public comments on the DEIS. Publication of this notice begins a 45 day comment period and provides information on how to participate in the process. As a point of clarification, there is another deepwater port application by Northeast Gateway Energy Bridge, L.L.C. in the same vicinity. These applications are being processed and reviewed independently. The Northeast Gateway Energy Bridge, L.L.C. DEIS was noticed May 19, 2006 and is available on the Docket at USCG- 2005-22219.