Department of Transportation March 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are revising an earlier NPRM for the products listed above. This action revises the earlier NPRM by expanding the scope. 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:

This action will amend Class E airspace at Hollister, CA. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) at Hollister Municipal Airport, Hollister, CA. This will improve the safety of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft executing the new RNAV GPS SIAP at Hollister Municipal Airport, Hollister, CA.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 56 individuals for exemptions from the prohibition against persons with insulin- treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals with ITDM to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.

On November 20, 2007, the Department of Transportation (DOT or Department) published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM), 72 FR 65233 seeking comments on whether the Department should adopt a rule to enhance airline passenger protections in the following ways: Require carriers to adopt contingency plans for lengthy tarmac delays and incorporate them in their contracts of carriage, require carriers to respond to consumer problems, deem operating a chronically delayed flight to be unfair and deceptive, require carriers to publish delay data, require carriers to publish complaint data, require on-time performance reporting for international flights, and require carriers to audit their compliance with their customer service plans. In a section of the ANPRM entitled ``Regulatory Notices'' the Department addressed a number of general regulatory issues as they relate to the ANPRM, including DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, Federalism, the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the Paperwork Reduction Act. In its discussion of Executive Order 13132 (``Federalism''), which sets forth certain requirements for Federal agencies when they are ``taking action that preempts State law,'' the ANPRM concluded that it ``does not propose any regulation that * * * preempts State law.'' Based upon comments DOT has received, and upon its own further review, the Department has determined that this statement has been misconstrued in the overall context of the proposed DOT regulation and its impact upon State law. This notice clarifies the Department's prior statement concerning preemption in this area.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 210, Cabin Systems and Equipment.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 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:

Recent events concerning failures of mechanical couplings and related appurtenances have raised concerns about safety in natural gas distribution systems. This notice updates information provided in Advisory Bulletin ADB-86-02 and advises owners and operators of gas pipelines to consider the potential failure modes for mechanical couplings used for joining and pressure sealing two pipes together. Failures can occur when there is inadequate restraint for the potential stresses on the two pipes, when the couplings are incorrectly installed or supported, or when the coupling components such as elastomers degrade over time. In addition, inadequate leak surveys which fail to identify leaks requiring immediate repair can lead to more serious incidents. This notice urges operators to review their procedures for using mechanical couplings and ensure coupling design, installation procedures, leak survey procedures, and personnel qualifications meet Federal requirements. Operators should work with Federal and State pipeline safety representatives, manufacturers, and industry partners to determine how best to resolve potential issues in their respective state or region. Documented repair or replacement programs may prove beneficial to all stakeholders involved.

In accordance with the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5117( c), PHMSA is publishing the following list of special permit applications that have been in process for 180 days or more. The reason(s) for delay and the expected completion date for action on each application is provided in association with each identified application.

This rule amends Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of changes in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding of new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) to supersede AD 76-23-03 R1, which applies to certain Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Models 17-30, 17-31, 17-30A, and 17-31A airplanes. AD 76-23-03 R1 currently requires you to inspect the muffler and tailpipe assemblies for cracks and inspect the exhaust assembly for freedom of movement at the ball joints. Since we issued AD 76-23-03-R1, we have received additional reports of in-flight exhaust system failures. Consequently, this AD reduces the exhaust system inspection interval; requires a more detailed inspection of the muffler; and requires replacement, reconditioning, or repair of the exhaust system if cracks or defects are found. This AD also requires P-lead rerouting. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the exhaust system, which could result in heat damage to magneto electrical wiring and smoke in the cockpit. This failure could lead to loss of engine power and/or a fire in the engine compartment.

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) 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 adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) 172, 182, and 206 series airplanes. This AD requires you to remove the crew seats, modify the seat base/ back attach brackets, and reinstall the seats of the affected airplanes. This AD results from reports of the seat base/back attach bracket failing where it is welded to the seat base. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the seat base/back attach brackets, which could result in the seats collapsing backwards during flight with consequent loss of control.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to all EMBRAER Model EMB-135BJ, -135ER, -135KE, - 135KL, -135LR, -145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes. That AD currently requires reviewing the airplane maintenance records for recent reports of vibration from the tail section or rudder pedals. The existing AD also currently requires repetitively inspecting the skin, attachment fittings, and control rods of rudder II to detect cracking, loose parts, wear, or damage; and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This new AD requires the existing repetitive inspection to be done with new service information. This new AD also requires replacing the locking tab washers on the control rods of the rudder II and installing springs on the hinge assemblies of the rudder II, which would terminate the repetitive inspection requirements. This AD results from reports of rudder vibration due to wear. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of multiple hinge fittings, which could result in severe vibration, and to prevent failure of the rudder control rods, which could result in jamming of the rudder II; and possible structural failure and reduced controllability of the airplane.

During the NHTSA-led Human Factors Forum on Advanced Vehicle Safety Technologies in early 2007, participants from the automobile industry, government, and academia gathered to discuss the research necessary to ensure that future design and operation of these technologies are developed with an understanding of the driver's ability to use them. Underlying this objective is a requirement to have techniques and metrics to quantify how well drivers can use and benefit from the technologies. Without common, reliable, and safety-related metrics, it is difficult to develop, evaluate, and compare different systems as well as to determine the impact of non-standardized warning interfaces. To address this issue, NHTSA is initiating a program to develop a set of standard metrics and test procedures to assess the Driver- Vehicle Interface (DVI) of Advanced Crash Warning Systems (ACWS). ACWS are technologies to assist drivers who may be unaware of impending collisions by alerting them of potential threats. Examples include forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, and road departure warnings. The DVI is the means by which ACWS communicate with drivers to help them avoid a threat. In order for ACWS to achieve their intended safety benefits, drivers need to be able to quickly understand the ACWS threat information and respond appropriately without confusion. The warning timing, reliability, warning modes, device controls, and displays are examples of the DVI characteristics that can affect the ability of drivers to achieve the intended safety benefits without possible adverse consequences. Crash Warning Interface Metrics (CWIM) are derived from tests of drivers' performance using ACWS, indicating the compatibility of the DVI with drivers' capabilities and needs. This notice invites comments, suggestions, and recommendations from all individuals and organizations that have an interest in the development and use of Crash Warning Interface Metrics. NHTSA requests comments to assist the agency in identifying, evaluating, and selecting CWIM and associated test methods for assessing the role of the DVI in influencing driver performance with ACWS.

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 is correcting a typographical error in an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that was published in the Federal Register on December 10, 2007 (72 FR 69593). The error resulted in a potential for confusion regarding the applicability of the AD. This AD applies to certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD requires inspections of the landing gear (LG) selector valve 40GA and the LG door selector valve 41GA, to identify a possible hydraulic leak. The corrective action includes replacing the LG selector valve 40GA and/or the LG door selector valve 41GA if necessary.

This notice announces the bi-annual meeting of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aeronautical Charting Forum (ACF) to discuss informational content and design of aeronautical charts and related products, as well as instrument flight procedures development policy and design criteria.

This document makes a correction to a current notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which was published in the Federal Register on February 20, 2008 (73 FR 9239), and applies to certain Taylorcraft Models A, B, and F series airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require inspection of the wing strut attach fittings for corrosion or cracks and would require repair or replacement if corrosion or cracks are found. The docket number was incorrectly referenced at ``FAA-2007- 0177'' instead of ``FAA-2008-0177.'' The NPRM is posted in the FAA- 2008-0177 docket section of the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS). This document corrects the docket number and should further reduce the confusion associated with the inadvertent error.