Department of Transportation February 12, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On November 26, 2008, FRA published the final rule in this docket that established procedures to enable railroad carriers to challenge rail routing decisions made by FRA's Associate Administrator for Safety. The final rule was published with an immediate effective date. Under applicable federal statutes, this document did not qualify for an immediate effective date.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce (RR) RB211-535E4 series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive inspections of the outer combustion case for cracks and possible removal. This proposed AD would require the same inspections, but would require using RR Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) RB.211-72-7775, Revision 3, dated April 9, 1999. This proposed AD results from RR issuing a revision to the MSB. We are proposing this AD to prevent an uncontained outer combustion case burst, which could result in damage to the airplane.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-12- 16, which applies to certain M7 Aerospace LP SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. AD 2008-12-16 currently requires you to inspect wires and tube assemblies for chafing, arcing, or insufficient clearance between components. If chafing, arcing, or insufficient clearance between components is found, AD 2008-12-16 requires you to clear, repair, and/ or replace all chafed wires, components, and tube assemblies. AD 2008- 12-16 also requires you to cover the four-gauge wires leaving the battery box with firesleeving and secure them with a clamp. Since we issued AD 2008-12-16, M7 Aerospace LP has notified us that Model SA227- BC (C-26A) was inadvertently left out of the Applicability section of the AD and they updated some of the service information due to parts availability. Operators have also identified issues with model applicability that needed clarification. Consequently, this proposed AD would retain the actions of AD 2008-12-16, add Model SA227-BC (C-26A) to the Applicability section, and regroup the models for clarification. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct chafing of electrical wires, components, and tube assemblies. This condition could result in arcing of exposed wires with consequent burning of a hole in a hydraulic line or the bleed air line. This failure could lead to a hydraulic fluid leak and a possible fire in the engine nacelle compartment.

This notice advises interested persons that the FAA is participating in a panel session on civil supersonic aircraft research. The session will include presentations on current research programs and a question and answer session for attendees. The FAA is seeking to raise public awareness of the continuing technological advances in supersonic aircraft technology aimed at reducing the intensity of sonic boom.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 147: Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems Airborne Equipment.

This action proposes to establish twenty three Area Navigation (RNAV) routes, and revise fourteen RNAV routes, in the State of Alaska. Additionally, this action proposes to remove four existing routes that are no longer required. Q & T-routes are Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes, based on RNAV, for use by aircraft having instrument flight rules (IFR)-approved Global Positioning System (GPS)/Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance safety and to improve the efficient use of the navigable airspace in Alaska.

This action proposes to modify Class E Airspace at Nantucket, MA. The development of new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and the evaluation of current procedures are requiring the establishment of Class E Surface airspace designated as an extension to Class D airspace. This action would encompass the SIAPs and enhance the safety and airspace management around the Nantucket Memorial Airport, MA.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 37 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.