Department of Transportation October 1, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FRA issued a Notice of Intent on March 13, 2009 for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) with the California High-Speed Rail (Authority) for the Merced-to-Bakersfield section of the Authority's proposed California High-Speed Train (HST) System in compliance with relevant State and Federal laws, in particular the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In that Notice, alternatives involving the alignments and stations located between Merced and Bakersfield were identified. FRA is issuing this Notice to amend the project environmental process for the Merced to Bakersfield section into two separate project EISs.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes identified above. This AD requires replacing the inboard trailing edge (TE) flap transmission carbon disk no-back brakes with skewed roller no-back brakes at the TE flap transmission, positions 4 and 5. This AD results from reports of the inboard TE flaps blowing back due to the failure of a transmission carbon disk no-back brake. The no-back brake did not hold the TE flaps in the commanded position. We are issuing this AD to prevent a decrease of the aerodynamic controllability of the airplane, which could adversely affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing.

In accordance with the procedures governing the application for, and the processing of, special permits from the Department of Transportation's Hazardous Material Regulations (49 CFR part 107, subpart B), notice is hereby given that the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety has received the application described herein. Each mode of transportation for which a particular special permit is requested is indicated by a number in the ``Nature of Application'' portion of the table below as follows: 1Motor vehicle, 2Rail freight, 3Cargo vessel, 4Cargo aircraft only, 5Passenger-carrying aircraft.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This AD requires performing an operational test of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, and other related testing and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from a report of in-service occurrences of loss of fuel system suction feed capability, followed by total loss of pressure of the fuel feed system. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the engine fuel suction feed capability of the fuel system, which could result in multi-engine flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the airplane.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the Noise Compatibility Program submitted by the Oklaloosa County under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. (the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, hereinafter referred to as ``the Act'') and 14 CFR Part 150. These findings are made in recognition of the description of Federal and nonfederal responsibilities in Senate Report No. 96-52 (1980). On January 14, 2009, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by Okaloosa County under Part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements. On July 7, 209, the FAA approved the Destin-Ft. Walton Beach Airport noise compatibility program. All of the recommendations of the program were approved. No program elements relating to new or revised flight procedures for noise abatement were proposed by the airport operators.

This establishes, amends, suspends, or revokes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding 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.