Department of Transportation January 14, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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 MARAD-2008-0002 at https:// www.regulations.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 August 2006, NHTSA published a final rule specifying uniform requirements for the accuracy, collection, storage, survivability, and retrievability of onboard motor vehicle crash event data in passenger cars and other light vehicles voluntarily equipped with event data recorders (EDRs). The final rule was intended to standardize the data collected through EDRs so that it could be put to the most effective future use. This document responds to several petitions for reconsideration of the August 2006 rule. After carefully considering the issues raised, the agency is granting some aspects of the petitions, and denying some aspects. This document amends the final rule accordingly.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 727-200 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require deactivation of auxiliary fuel tank systems installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA1350NM. This proposed AD results from fuel tank system reviews conducted by the manufacturer that identified potential unsafe conditions for which the manufacturer has not provided corrective actions. We are proposing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to supersede two existing airworthiness directives (ADs). One existing AD applies to certain Airbus Model A310 series airplanes and requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the flap transmission shafts, and replacing the transmission shafts if necessary. That existing AD also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The other existing AD applies to all Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes and requires a one- time inspection of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA), corrective actions if necessary, and follow-on repetitive tasks. This proposed AD would require revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new limitations and maintenance tasks for aging systems maintenance. This proposed AD results from the manufacturer's determination that life limitations and maintenance tasks are necessary in order to ensure continued operational safety of the affected airplanes. We are proposing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of these airplanes due to the failure of system components.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 757 airplanes. This proposed AD would require an inspection to determine the manufacturer and manufacture date of the oxygen masks in the passenger service units and the lavatory and attendant box assemblies, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD results from a report that several passenger masks with broken in-line flow indicators were found following a mask deployment. We are proposing this AD to prevent the in-line flow indicators of the passenger oxygen masks from fracturing and separating, which could inhibit oxygen flow to the masks and consequently result in exposure of the passengers and cabin attendants to hypoxia following a depressurization event.

This final rule amends regulations which govern the provision of charter service by recipients of Federal funds from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Pursuant to the direction contained in the Joint Explanatory Statement of the Committee of Conference, for section 3023(d), ``Condition on Charter Bus Transportation Service'' of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) of 2005, FTA established a committee to develop, through negotiated rulemaking procedures, recommendations for improving the regulation regarding unauthorized competition from recipients of Federal financial assistance. This final rule clarifies the existing requirements, sets out a new definition of ``charter service,'' allows for electronic registration of private charter providers, which replaces the old ``willing and able'' process, includes a new provision allowing private charter operators to request a cease and desist order, and establishes more detailed complaint, hearing, and appeal procedures.