Department of Transportation 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This AD requires replacing brackets that hold the P5 panel to the airplane structure, the standby compass bracket assembly, the generator drive and standby power module, and the air conditioning module. This AD also requires, among other actions, inspecting for wire length and for damage of the connectors and the wire bundles, and doing applicable corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from an electrical burning smell in the flight compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent wire bundles from contacting the overhead dripshield panel and modules in the P5 overhead panel, which could result in electrical arcing and shorting of the electrical connector and consequent loss of several critical systems essential for safe flight.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 airplanes and Model A310 airplanes and for certain Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the wing and center fuel tanks to determine if certain P-clips are installed and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD also would require an inspection of electrical bonding points of certain equipment in the center fuel tank for the presence of a blue coat and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also would require installation of new bonding leads and electrical bonding points on certain equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks, as necessary. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to ensure continuous electrical bonding protection of equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks and to prevent damage to wiring in the wing and center fuel tanks, due to failed P- clips used for retaining the wiring and pipes, which could result in a possible fuel ignition source in the fuel tanks.

The FAA is revising an earlier NPRM for an airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A300 B2, A300 B4, and A300-600 series airplanes. The original NPRM would have superseded two existing ADs. One AD currently requires an inspection for cracks of the lower outboard flange of gantry No. 4 in the main landing gear (MLG) bay area, and repair if necessary. The other AD currently requires, among other actions, repetitive inspections of the gantry lower flanges, and repair if necessary. The original NPRM proposed to require new repetitive inspections for cracks in the lower flange of certain gantries, and repair if necessary, which ends the existing inspection requirements. The original NPRM also provided for optional terminating actions for the new repetitive inspections. This new action revises the original NPRM by including additional airplanes that were excluded from the applicability. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to detect and correct fatigue cracks in the lower flanges of gantries 1 through 5 inclusive in the MLG bay area, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas transport category airplanes. This proposed AD would require fabrication and installation of a wire harness guard in the right wheel well of the main landing gear (MLG), and related investigative and corrective actions as necessary. For certain airplanes, the proposed AD also would require replacement of the electrical connectors of the auxiliary hydraulic pumps with improved electrical connectors and related investigative and corrective actions. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent damage to the wire support bracket and wiring of the auxiliary hydraulic pump and, for certain airplanes, water intrusion through the electrical connectors of the auxiliary hydraulic pump. These conditions could lead to a potential ignition source in the right wheel well of the MLG around the fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas transport category airplanes. This AD requires an inspection to determine the part number of the upper and lower stop pad support fittings of all the lower cargo doors, repetitive inspections of all early configuration stop pad support fittings, and corrective action if necessary. This AD also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from a report of cracks found in the area of the upper and lower stop pad support fittings of the cargo door pan on numerous airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the cargo door pan, which could result in the inability to fully pressurize an airplane, possible pressure loss, or possible rapid decompression of the airplane.

The FAA is superseding two existing airworthiness directives (ADs); one AD is applicable to all Boeing Model 747 airplanes and the other AD is applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes. The first AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the upper skin of the horizontal stabilizer center section and the rear spar upper chord, and repair if necessary. The other AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the upper skin of the outboard and center sections of the horizontal stabilizer and the rear spar structure, hinge fittings, terminal fittings, and splice plates; and repair if necessary. This new AD adds, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections for cracking of the outboard and center sections of the horizontal stabilizer and repair if necessary. For certain other airplanes, this new AD adds a detailed inspection to determine the type of fasteners, related investigative actions, and repair if necessary. This new AD also revises the compliance times for certain inspections and adds alternative inspections for cracking of the upper skin of the center section and rear spar upper chord. This AD results from reports of cracking in the outboard and center section of the aft upper skin of the horizontal stabilizer, the rear spar chord, rear spar web, terminal fittings, and splice plates; and a report of fractured and cracked steel fasteners. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct this cracking, which could lead to reduced structural capability of the outboard and center sections of the horizontal stabilizer and could result in loss of control of the airplane.

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 2006-24794 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 accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Maritime Administration's (MARAD's) intention to request extension of approval for three years of a currently approved information collection.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-1000S sailplanes. This proposed AD would require you to modify the elevator control at the stabilizer assembly, replace a placard on the fin, and incorporate changes in the FAA- approved sailplane flight manual. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. We are proposing this AD to prevent the rigging of the horizontal stabilizer without properly connecting the elevator, which, if not prevented, could lead to an inoperative elevator.

This document amends NHTSA's regulation on civil penalties by increasing the maximum civil penalties for violations of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, as amended (Vehicle Safety Act). This action is taken pursuant to the Federal Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, which requires NHTSA to review and, as warranted, adjust penalties based on inflation at least every four years. In addition, this document codifies amendments to the penalty provisions of the Vehicle Safety Act by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity ActA Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) and makes a technical correction to the text of the agency's penalty regulation.

This final rule updates information in the FAA's regulations on certain civil monetary penalties authorized for violations of statutes and regulations we enforce in accordance with legislation enacted since the last update. The rule also includes references to additional and revised statutes and regulations. In addition, the rule makes inflation-based adjustments to civil penalties where indicated. Finally, it makes a technical correction to conform regulatory language on the inflation adjustment process to the provisions of the applicable statute.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A310-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the flap transmission shafts, and replacing the transmission shafts if necessary. This AD also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from reports of longitudinal cracks due to stress corrosion in the transmission shafts between the power control unit (PCU) and the torque limiters of the flap transmission system. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the flap transmission shaft, which could compromise shaft structural integrity and lead to a disabled flap transmission shaft and reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model BD-100-1A10 airplanes. This AD requires an inspection for signs of arcing or heat damage of the electrical connections of the terminal blocks, ground studs, and the end of the wires and surrounding insulation for the windshield and side window anti-ice systems; and repairing any arced or damaged electrical connection. This AD also requires re-torquing electrical connections of the terminal blocks and ground studs for the windshield and side window anti-ice systems. This AD results from an in-service incident involving smoke and odor in the cockpit. We are issuing this AD to prevent loose electrical connections that could arc and overheat, and cause wiring damage of the windshield and side window anti-ice systems. Such wiring damage could result in smoke and/or fire in the flight compartment.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) hereby announces that it is seeking renewal of the following currently approved information collection activities. Before submitting these information collection requirements for clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified below.

This notice announces the availability of, and requests comments on draft Order 8040.2, Airworthiness Directive Process for Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information. The draft order describes new policy and procedures for developing and issuing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness directives (AD) on imported products where the State of Design Authority issued mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI). The process will allow for a timelier issuance of ADs.

In a final rule of August 17, 2005, we updated our standard regulating motor vehicle controls, telltales and indicators. The standard specifies requirements for the location, identification, and illumination of these items. The rule extended the standard's telltale and indicator requirements to vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 4,536 kg (10,000 pounds) and greater, updated the standard's requirements for multi-function controls and multi-task displays to make the requirements appropriate for advanced systems, and reorganized the standard to make it easier to read. In a document published on January 24, 2006, the effective date and compliance date for requirements applicable to vehicles under 4,536 kg (10,000 pounds) GVWR were extended to September 1, 2006. In response to the August 17, 2005 final rule, we received four petitions for reconsideration, from three organizations. This final rule responds to those petitions.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the lubrication passage and link assembly joint in the inboard and outboard flaps of the trailing edge for discrepancies, and corrective action if necessary. This new AD requires new inspections for cracking or severe wear of the bearings of the link assembly, inspections of any link assembly not previously inspected for damage, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also ends the existing repetitive inspections for certain airplanes, and extends the repetitive interval for the existing repetitive inspections and the compliance time for the corrective action on certain other airplanes. This AD also provides an optional terminating action. This AD results from additional reports indicating fractured bearings of the link assembly joint in the inboard and outboard flaps of the trailing edge. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the bearings in the link assembly joint, which could result in separation of the inboard or outboard flap and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

FMCSA announces its decision to grant Volvo Trucks North America, Inc's. (Volvo), application for an exemption from the Agency's requirement for drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). Volvo requested an exemption for 11 Swedish engineers and technicians who will test drive CMVs in the United States (U.S.) for Volvo. All of the individuals hold a valid Swedish CDL and have been trained to drive CMVs in Sweden. The individuals normally work at Volvo in Sweden where their duties involve developing, designing, and testing engines for CMVs that will be manufactured, assembled, sold, or primarily used in the U.S. FMCSA believes the terms and conditions of the exemption will ensure that the level of safety for the drivers is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety that would be achieved by complying with the Federal regulations. The exemption will preempt inconsistent State requirements applicable to interstate commerce.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describes the nature of the information collections and their expected burden. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period was published on February 27, 2006 (71 FR 9859).