Department of Transportation 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice announces a service disruption to DOT's Docket Management System (DMS), which contains the public dockets for all DOT agencies (except for the Surface Transportation Board), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the United States Coast Guard (USCG). (Subsequent references to ``DOT'' in this document also apply to TSA and USCG.) Effective September 30, 2007, DOT's DMS will be replaced by the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS), a government-wide, electronic docket management system. Please note that in preparation for migration, effective Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 5 p.m. DMS will no longer accept electronic comments/submissions. DMS will accept, as well as process, faxed and other paper documents up until 12 noon on Friday, September 28, 2007. If falling due during this transition, due dates for filings in rulemakings and adjudications will be delayed until October 1, 2007, unless otherwise advised by the originating office. On October 1, 2007 FDMS will begin accepting DOT- related electronic submission. At that time, it will display all open DOT dockets. Between October 1 and October 31, the remaining DOT dockets still will be accessible in DMS. By October 31, the full migration of all dockets currently in DMS is expected to be completed. The change in systems will not change any requirements in DOT regulations.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of any petition or its final disposition.

This notice announces a public meeting of the FAA's Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) to discuss transport airplane and engine (TAE) issues.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCSA announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request (ICR) described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval and invites public comment. The FMCSA requests approval to revise and renew an ICR entitled, ``Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program'' (MCSAP). The information required consists of grant application preparation, quarterly reports and electronic data documenting the results of driver/vehicle inspections performed by the States.

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 Utah. Those actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the projects.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections and torque checks of the hanger fittings and strut forward bulkhead of the forward engine mount and adjacent support structure, and corrective actions if necessary. The existing AD also currently requires a terminating action for the repetitive inspections and checks. This new AD requires, among other actions, new repetitive inspections in the existing area and new areas. This new AD also provides for an optional inspection and no longer allows the existing fastener replacement to terminate repetitive inspections. This AD results from new reports of under-torqued or loose fasteners, a cracked bulkhead chord, and a fractured back-up angle after operators accomplished the terminating action required by the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct loose fasteners and/or damaged or cracked hanger fittings, back-up angles, and bulkhead of the forward engine mount, which could lead to failure of the hanger fitting and bulkhead and consequent separation of the engine from the airplane.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F and MD-10- 30F airplanes, Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes, and Model 717-200 airplanes. That AD currently requires a revision to the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) to prohibit use of the flight management system (FMS) profile (PROF) mode for descent and/or approach operations unless certain conditions are met. This new AD requires, for certain Model 717-200 airplanes, upgrading the versatile integrated avionics (VIA) digital computer with new system software, which would end the need for the AFM revision. This AD results from a report of two violations of the selected flight control panel (FCP) altitude during FMS PROF descents. We are issuing this AD to prevent, under certain conditions during the FMS PROF descent, the uncommanded descent of an airplane below the selected level-off altitude, which could result in an unacceptable reduction in the separation between the airplane and nearby air traffic or terrain.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes. That AD requires a one-time inspection for discrepancies of the potable water and drain lines in the cargo compartments, and corrective action if necessary. This new AD requires that the inspection be repetitively performed using new service information, until terminating action is done. This AD also removes certain airplanes from the applicability. This AD results from a report of a fire in the aft cargo compartment started by a potable water line heater tape. We are issuing this AD to prevent overheating of the heater tape on potable water fill and drain lines, which could ignite accumulated debris or contaminants on or near the potable water fill and drain lines, resulting in a fire in the airplane.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes and certain Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F airplanes. This AD requires rerouting system 3 hydraulic piping, installing new pipe assemblies and unions, and installing redesigned support brackets for the system 3 hydraulic piping. This AD results from a report of damage to the hydraulic system that occurred when pieces of a ruptured tire from the left main landing gear penetrated the wing trailing edge access panel during takeoff. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage to the system 3 hydraulic piping, which could result in loss of the hydraulic system.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) provided by the aviation authority of France to identify and correct an unsafe condition on SICMA Aero Seat 50XXX Passenger Seats. The MCAI states the following:

The FAA hereby provides notice of intent to release certain airport properties 74.273 acres at the Opa Locka Executive Airport, Opa Locka, FL from the conditions, reservations, and restrictions as contained in a Quitclaim Deed agrement between the FAA and Miami-Dade County, dated November 16, 1961. The release of property will allow Miami-Dade County to dispose of the property for other than aeronautical purposes. The property is located in Opa-locka, Miami-Dade County, Florida. The parcels are currently designated as non- aeronautical use. The properties will be disposed of for the purpose of municipal uses. The airport will benefit from these releases through the development of infrastructure serving the airport. Further, the airport will no longer incure the costs associated with maintaining these lands. Documents reflecting the Sponsor's request are available, by appointment only, for inspection at the Opa Locka Executive Airport Manager's Office, and the FAA Airports District Office.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will prepare a Revised Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Silicon Valley Rapid Transit Project (SVRT Project), a 16.1-mile extension of the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) system from the planned BART Warm Springs Station in Fremont through Milpitas and San Jose to Santa Clara, California. The Revised EIS will be prepared in accordance with regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as well as the provisions of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. The purpose of this Notice of Intent (NOI) is to inform interested parties of the plan to prepare a Revised EIS, to invite agency and public participation in the EIS process, and to announce public scoping meetings.

This action amends instructions to aviation maintenance providers regarding submittal of FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration, for either major repair or major alteration; or for extended-range fuel tanks installed within the passenger compartment or a baggage compartment. This change clarifies the mailing instructions when submitting Form 337 to the FAA. The intent of this action is to amend the regulation to ensure mailing requirements are clear and accurate.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Boeing Model 767 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive measurements of the rudder and elevator freeplay, repetitive lubrications of rudder and elevator components, and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would instead require revised repetitive measurements of the rudder freeplay and the elevator freeplay for each of the power control actuators (PCAs) that move the rudder and elevator, corrective and related investigative actions if necessary, and repetitive lubrications of the rudder and elevator components. For some airplanes, this proposed AD would also require related concurrent actions. This proposed AD results from reports of freeplay-induced vibration of the rudder and the elevator. The potential for vibration of the control surface should be avoided because the point of transition from vibration to divergent flutter is unknown. We are proposing this AD to prevent excessive vibration of the airframe during flight, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the left side and right side frame and reinforcement angles at fuselage station (FS) 640 between stringer 9 and stringer 12, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from reports that cracks have been discovered on the frame and reinforcement angles at FS 640. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the frame, which could lead to failure of the fuselage structure and possible loss of the airplane.

As required under section 1604(b)(6) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), this proposed rule specifies the interoperability requirements for automated toll collection systems for the facilities that are tolled under any of the tolling programs contained in section 1604 of SAFETEA-LU. Specifically, this notice proposes to require facilities operating with authority under section 1604 of SAFETEA-LU to use electronic toll collection systems and for these systems to address their interoperability with other toll facilities. Although a nationwide interoperability standard has not yet been established, this proposed rule seeks to accelerate progress toward achieving nationwide interoperability by requiring these facilities to upgrade their electronic toll collection systems to the national standards whenever adopted. This document also provides notice of public meetings on this proposed regulation.

The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) requires the Federal Transit Administration (FTA or the Agency) to make certain changes to the Buy America requirements. This Final Rule creates a new publication process for public interest waivers to provide an opportunity for public comment; clarifies Buy America requirements with respect to microprocessor waivers; issues new provisions to permit post-award waivers; clarifies the definition of ``end products'' with regards to components, subcomponents, and major systems, and provides a representative list of end products; clarifies the requirements for final assembly of rolling stock and provides representative examples of rolling stock components; expands FTA's list of communications, train control, and traction power equipment; and updates debarment and suspension provisions to bring them into conformity with statutory amendments made by SAFETEA-LU.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of the airport from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the release of 621.46 acres of vacant airport property for the proposed development of warehouses, training centers, and associated access roads as a component of Sovereign Deed's National Response Center. The land consists of 7 parcels. Parcel 1 was acquired under grant 9-20-048-C905. Parcels 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 were dedicated as airport property prior to 1946 and have no federal funding involvement. Parcel 7 was acquired under grants 9-2- 048-C905 and 8-26-0076-01. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to lease the property. The land is not needed for aeronautical use. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the lease of the subject airport property nor a determination of eligibility for grant-in-aid funding from the FAA. The disposition of proceeds from the lease of the airport property will be in accordance with FAA's Policy and Procedures Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, published in the Federal Register on February 16, 1999. In accordance with section 47107(h) of title 49, United States Code, this notice is required to be published in the Federal Register 30 days before modifying the land-use assurance that requires the property to be used for an aeronautical purpose.

The FAA withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -300, -400, and -400D series airplanes; and Model 747SR series airplanes. The proposed AD would have required repetitive inspections of the forward corner reveal of the number 3 main entry doors (MEDs) for cracking, and corrective actions if necessary. Since the proposed AD was issued, we have received comments for the NPRM and new data showing other issues related to the unsafe condition. The data include reports that additional airplanes are affected by the identified unsafe condition; and that a ``sharp edge'' detail may be present on certain one-piece machined 6061 aluminum reveals, which could lead to fatigue cracking. We have determined from these data that the corrective actions proposed by the NPRM are inadequate for addressing the identified unsafe condition. We are considering requiring other rulemaking, which provides corrective actions for the identified unsafe condition. Accordingly, the proposed AD is withdrawn.