Department of Transportation March 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) to revise AD 2006-08-08, which applies to certain Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT-400, AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, and AT-402B airplanes. AD 2006-08-08 currently requires you to repetitively eddy current inspect the wing lower spar cap in order to reach the safe life and, for certain Models AT-402A and AT-402B airplanes and those that incorporate or have incorporated Marburger Enterprises, Inc. (Marburger) winglets, lowers the safe life for the wing lower spar cap. Since we issued AD 2006-08-08, we have received information to update inspection intervals for the Models AT-401B, AT-402A, and AT-402B airplanes based on a revised damage tolerance analysis. Consequently, this AD would not only retain the actions of AD 2006-08-08, but would reduce the number of repetitive inspections for all affected Model AT- 401B airplanes and certain Models AT-402A and AT-402B airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracks from occurring in the wing lower spar cap before the originally established safe life is reached. Fatigue cracks in the wing lower spar cap, if not detected and corrected, could result in wing separation and loss of control of the airplane.

This notice is to advise interested persons that PHMSA will conduct a public meeting in preparation for the 35th session of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UNSCOE TDG) to be held June 22-26, 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland. During this meeting, PHMSA is also soliciting comments relative to potential new work items which may be considered for inclusion in its international agenda, and comments relative to a potential future rulemaking action regarding the use and applicability of international standards.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 airplanes. This AD requires modifying the wire installation of the auxiliary hydraulic pump in the right wheel well of the main landing gear (MLG). This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent a tire burst when the MLG is in the retracted position from causing damage to the wire assembly of the auxiliary hydraulic pump and subsequent electrical arcing, creating the potential of an ignition source to the center wing tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

This notice announces the availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Section 4(f) Evaluation for the Blue Water Bridge Plaza Study (BWB). This action is pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., as amended and the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508). The FEIS discusses the recommended alternative to improve the United States inspection Facility at the Blue Water Bridge Plaza and the I-94/I-69 corridor in St. Clair County, Michigan; describes the environmental impacts of the proposed project

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes. This AD requires modifying the auxiliary hydraulic power system (including doing all applicable related investigative and corrective actions). This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer, as well as reports of shorted wires in the right wheel well and evidence of arcing on the power cables of the auxiliary hydraulic pump. We are issuing this AD to prevent shorted wires or electrical arcing at the auxiliary hydraulic pump, which could result in a fire in the wheel well; and to reduce the potential of an ignition source adjacent to the fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a Federal Register notice of an application by Swift Transportation Corporation (Swift Transportation) for an exemption from the requirement annually to report certain financial information (49 CFR 369.1). Swift Transportation stated that disclosing this information would cause competitive harm. The Agency received one comment to the public docket. The Agency has considered the comment and grants Swift Transportation's request for exemption.

This action will establish Class E airspace at Death Valley, CA. Controlled airspace is necessary to facilitate vectoring of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) traffic from en route airspace to Las Vegas, NV. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of IFR aircraft operations near Las Vegas, NV. This action also makes a minor change to the geographic coordinates of the airspace.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of the RTCA Program Management Committee.

The FAA is correcting a notice of a meeting that was published on March 20, 2009 (72 FR 11987; FR Doc. E9-6176]. In that notice the FAA advised the public of a meeting of the RTCA Government/Industry Air Traffic Management Advisory Committee. Inadvertently the notice was published with an incorrect meeting date of March 16, 2009. The correct date of the RTCA Government/Industry Air Traffic Management Advisory Committee meeting is May 27, 2009.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above that would supersede an existing AD. 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:

On June 9, 2008, FRA published an NPRM in the Federal Register proposing to amend the eligibility and application form and content criteria of the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Finance (RRIF) Program. For the reasons stated below, FRA has decided to withdraw the NPRM.

By Federal Register notices (See 73 FR 61447; October 16, 2008 and 73 FR 77102, December 18, 2008) the National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) invited interested persons to apply to fill a vacant position on the National Parks Overflights Advisory Group (NPOAG) Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC). This notice invited interested persons to apply to fill the vacancy representing Native American tribal concerns due to the incumbent member's completion of a three-year term appointment on April 2, 2009. This notice informs the public of the person selected to fill the vacancy on the NPOAG ARC.

As authorized by 46 U.S.C. 12121, 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-2009-0026 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 46 U.S.C. 12121 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

As authorized by 46 U.S.C. 12121, 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-2009-0025 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 46 U.S.C. 12121 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

As authorized by 46 U.S.C. 12121, 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-2009-0027 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 46 U.S.C. 12121 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

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Hamilton Sundstrand Propellers model 568F propellers with certain part number (P/N) and serial number (SN) blades. This AD requires removing affected propeller blades from service for rework. This AD results from reports of blades with corrosion pits in the tulip area of the blades. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks from developing in the tulip area of the blade, which could result in separation of the blade and loss of airplane control.

Before a Federal agency can collect certain information from the public, it must receive approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Under procedures established by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, before seeking OMB approval, Federal agencies must solicit public comment on proposed collections of information, including extensions and reinstatement of previously approved collections.

The FAA is announcing the availability of the Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) for the Final EA, Section 4(f) Evaluation, and Notice of ANILCA Section 810 Evaluation for Barter Island Airport Improvement Project, Kaktovik, AK. The FONSI/ ROD provides final agency determinations and approvals for the proposed development.

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:

This final rule revises an incorrect cross-reference in the regulations regarding operations in controlled airspace designated for an airport. The current regulations cross-reference a particular paragraph that no longer exists. This final rule updates the cross- reference so that the reader will be able to find the appropriate weather minimum limitations on visual flight rules for aircraft in controlled airspace near airports.

Recent new pipeline construction inspections by PHMSA have identified issues regarding procedures and inspection of pipeline coating, welding, and general pipeline construction practices. Many of the issues required immediate response from operators to avoid impacting long term pipeline integrity before the pipeline was put into service. PHMSA is leading a workshop cosponsored by the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and the Canadian National Energy Board (NEB), on new pipeline construction in established rights-of-way to allow stakeholders of the pipeline safety community to learn about and discuss these construction issues and current practices used to resolve issues and ensure pipeline safety.

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 is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2 and CF6-80E1 series turbofan engines with high-pressure compressor rotor (HPCR) spool shaft stage 14 disks, part number (P/N) 1703M49G02, 1703M49G03, or 1509M71G10 installed. This AD requires a one-time eddy current inspection (ECI) of the HPCR spool shaft stage 14 disk web for crack indications, and removing from service any parts with web cracks. This AD results from reports of 12 HPCR spool shaft stage 14 disks with web cracks discovered to date. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks from propagating to an uncontained failure of the disk and damage to the airplane.