Department of Transportation March 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FHWA is issuing this notice of cancellation to advise the public that we are no longer lead Federal Agency for preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed County Road 951 highway project in Lee and Collier Counties, Florida. This is formal cancellation of the notice of intent that was published in the Federal Register on June 27, 2005.

This document publishes the final data on thefts of model year (MY) 2007 passenger motor vehicles that occurred in calendar year (CY) 2007. The final 2007 theft data indicated a decrease in the vehicle theft rate experienced in CY/MY 2007. The final theft rate for MY 2007 passenger vehicles stolen in calendar year 2007 is 1.86 thefts per thousand vehicles, a decrease of ten percent from the rate of 2.08 thefts per thousand in 2006. Publication of these data fulfills NHTSA's statutory obligation to periodically obtain accurate and timely theft data and publish the information for review and comment.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Turbomeca Arriel 1B, 1D, 1D1, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. That AD requires initial and repetitive relative position checks of the gas generator 2nd stage turbine blades on Turbomeca Arriel 1B (that incorporate Turbomeca Modification (mod) TU 148), Arriel 1D, 1D1, and 1S1 turboshaft engines that do not incorporate mod TU 347. That AD also requires initial and repetitive replacements of 2nd stage turbines on Arriel 1B, 1D, and 1D1 engines. This proposed AD would require lowering the repetitive threshold for relative position checks on Arriel 1B engines. This proposed AD would also require lowering the initial and repetitive thresholds for replacement of 2nd stage turbines on Arriel 1B, 1D, and 1D1 engines. This proposed AD results from reports of new cases of failures of 2nd stage turbine blades since we issued AD 2008-07-01. We are proposing this AD to prevent the failure of 2nd stage turbine blades, which could result in an uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown, and a subsequent forced autorotation landing or accident.

This amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas.

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: Due to their position on the airplane, fuel fire shut-off valve actuators P/N [part number] 9409122 are susceptible to freezing, which has an adverse effect on the operation of the valve. Also, due to various causes, the failure rate of [fuel fire shut-off valve] actuator P/N 9409122 is higher than expected. Failure or freezing of the actuator may prevent the flight crew to close the fuel fire shut-off valve in case of an engine fire. Due to their position on the aeroplane, fuel crossfeed valve actuators P/N 9409122 are susceptible to freezing, which has an adverse effect on the operation of the valve. This condition, if not corrected, may generate fuel asymmetry alerts when a valve remains in the open position after being selected closed. It may also prevent the flight crew from correcting a fuel asymmetry when a valve remains in the closed position after being selected open. One event was reported where, due to such problems, the flight crew shut down an engine in-flight and diverted the aircraft. [D]ue to their position on the aircraft, ice may form on actuators P/N 9409122 installed on fuel crossfeed valves and fuel fire shut-off valves. Tests revealed that the ice can prevent the actuator and thus the valve from operating in flight (frozen stuck).

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority (CIRTA), the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (Indianapolis MPO) and Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo) intend to prepare an Alternatives Analysis/Environmental Impact Statement (AA/EIS) relating to proposed high capacity transit improvements in the Northeast Corridor located in the Indiana counties of Marion and Hamilton. The study area is an approximately 23-mile long travel corridor extending from downtown Indianapolis to the northern parts of Noblesville and includes the communities of Carmel and Fishers. Options to be considered include No-Build, Transportation System Management (TSM), Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and Commuter Rail. The AA/EIS will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its implementing regulations. The AA/EIS process provides opportunities for the public to comment on the scope of the EIS, including the project's purpose and need, the alternatives to be considered, and the impacts to be evaluated. The southern terminal of all alternatives will be Union Station or an adjacent transit center in downtown Indianapolis.

Since September 2007, new passenger vehicles have been required to be labeled with safety rating information published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). This information is required to be part of the Monroney (automobile price sticker) label. In July 2008, NHTSA announced a decision to enhance the NCAP ratings program. In this document, the agency is proposing to upgrade its regulation on vehicle labeling of safety rating information to reflect the enhanced NCAP ratings program. NHTSA is proposing, among other things, to include a new overall vehicle score on the Monroney label.

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 certain Model 747-100, 747-200B, 747-300, and 747SR series airplanes. This AD requires installation of a closeout panel and moisture curtains for the main equipment center. This AD results from a report of water contamination in the electrical and electronic units in the main equipment center. We are issuing this AD to prevent the malfunction of one or more electrical and electronic units in the main equipment center, which could adversely affect the airplane's continued safe flight.

The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a current information collection. The date of manufacture and compliance status stamped on a nameplate of each turbojet engine permits rapid determination by FAA inspectors, owners, and operators whether an engine can legally be installed and operated on an aircraft in the United States.

The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a current information collection. Airworthiness directives are regulations issued to require correct corrective action to correct unsafe conditions in aircraft, engines, propellers, and appliances. Reports of inspections are often needed when emergency corrective action is taken to determine if the action was adequate to correct the unsafe condition. The respondents are aircraft owners and operators.

Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC), pursuant to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law No. 92-463, as amended (5 U.S.C., App. 2).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by City of Chandler, for Chandler Municipal Airport under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47501 et seq. (Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act) and 14 CFR part 150 are in compliance with applicable requirements.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 217: Joint with EUROCAE WG-44 Terrain and Airport Mapping Databases.

This notice announces a public meeting of the FAA's Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) to discuss transport airplane and engine (TAE) issues.

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-2010-0018 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-2010-0019 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

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition.

The FAA is replacing Special Federal Aviation Regulation 100-1 (SFAR 100-1), with SFAR 100-2 that continues to allow Flight Standards District Offices (FSDOs) to accept expired flight instructor certificates and inspection authorizations for renewals from U.S. military and civilian personnel (U.S. personnel) who are assigned outside the United States in support of U.S. Armed Forces operations. SFAR 100-2 also continues to allow FSDOs to accept expired airman written test reports for certain practical tests from U.S. personnel who are assigned outside the United States in support of U.S. Armed Forces operations. This action is necessary to avoid penalizing U.S. personnel who are unable to meet the regulatory time limits of their flight instructor certificate, inspection authorization, or airman written test report because they are serving outside the United States in support of U.S. Armed Forces operations. The effect of this action is to give U.S. personnel who are assigned outside the United States in support of U.S. Armed Forces operations extra time to meet certain eligibility requirements in the current rules.

This notice announces actions taken by the FHWA and other Federal agencies that are final within the meaning of 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). The actions relate to a proposed highway project, the interchange of Texas State Loop 1604 (LP 1604) with United States Highway 281 (US 281). Project limits on LP 1604 are from Bitters Road to Redland Road and on US 281 are from LP 1604 to Bitters Road in Bexar County in the State of Texas. Those actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the project.

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 for EMBRAER Model ERJ 170 describes the unsafe condition as: It has been found the occurrence of an engine in-flight shutdown caused by the LPCV [low pressure check valves] failing to close due to excessive wear, which leads to the concern that such fault may be present in both engines of a given aircraft. The MCAI for EMBRAER Model ERJ 190 describes the unsafe condition as: An occurrence of an uncommanded engine in-flight shutdown (IFSD) was reported, which was caused by an ERJ 170 defective LPCV. The valve failed to close due to excessive wear. Despite there were no IFSD related to LPCV failure, some ERJ 190 valves were inspected and presented cracks due to low cycle fatigue. Since this failure mode also might lead to an engine in-flight shutdown and since both engines of the airplane have the same valves, there is a possibility of an occurrence of a dual engine IFSD due to LPCV failure.

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: It has been evidenced by test that the tightening torque settings on the Rolls Royce Trent 500 and Trent 700 forward (FWD) and aft (AFT) engine mount link pin retention bolts have always been higher than the design value. These bolts retain the washers that maintain the engine mount vertical load pins in position. If bolts, as a consequence of the over-torque, fail and move away, it would lead to loss of the vertical load pins, which could result in loss of the primary and/or secondary load path of the forward and/or aft engine mount which could potentially lead to engine separation.