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

This document responds to an application from Mercedes-Benz, U.S.A. LLC (``MBUSA''), on behalf of itself and its parent corporation Daimler AG (``Daimler''), dated December 3, 2007, for the renewal of a temporary exemption from S5.5.10 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108; Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted MBUSA's original petition for a temporary exemption on January 30, 2006. Based on the agency's evaluation, NHTSA is denying the application from MBUSA for the renewal of the temporary exemption.

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt twenty-seven individuals from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

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 CMVs in interstate commerce.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the Dowty Propellers, propeller models listed above. That AD currently requires, for all Dowty Rotol propellers, visual inspections for seizure and for cadmium plating of the blade pitch change operating links and eyebolt fork assemblies. That AD also requires replacement or heat-treatment of the blade pitch change operating links and eyebolt fork assemblies, if necessary. This AD requires the same actions, but only for certain propeller models. This AD results from the FAA determining that AD 70-16-02 does not apply to all propellers, since current Dowty propellers are differently designed. We are issuing this AD supersedure to specify the affected propeller models, and to prevent seizure or embrittlement and cracking of the blade pitch change operating links and eyebolt fork assemblies, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

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:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332L2 helicopters. This AD results from a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI AD states that the AD was issued after the discovery of broken swashplate bearing attaching screw heads. Failure of these screw heads could lead to the loss of the coupling between the non-rotating and the rotating swashplate. This AD is intended to prevent loss of power to the rotating swashplate and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to Model BAe 146 airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate life limits for certain items and inspections to detect fatigue cracking in certain structures. This new AD requires incorporating new and more restrictive life limits for certain items and for certain inspections to detect fatigue cracking in certain structures. This AD also requires revising the airworthiness limitations to include critical design configuration control limitations for the fuel system. This AD results from issuance of a later revision to the airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to ensure that fatigue cracking of certain structural elements is detected and corrected, and to prevent ignition sources in the fuel tanks; fatigue cracking of certain structural elements could adversely affect the structural integrity of these airplanes.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 159: Global Positioning System (GPS).

This notice announces the availability of a Record of Decision by FHWA pursuant to the requirements of the National Environmental Protection Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321, as amended and the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500- 1508). In addition, this Notice announces actions taken by FHWA and other Federal agencies that are final within the meaning of 23 U.S.C. 139(1)(1). These actions relate to proposed improvements to US-31, M- 104, and construction of a new M-231 route in Ottawa County, Michigan. These actions grant approvals for the project.

The FAA is correcting airworthiness directive (AD) 2009-26-09, which published in the Federal Register. That AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF34-1A, -3A, -3A1, -3A2, -3B, and -3B1 turbofan engines. The GE alert service bulletin (ASB) numbers CF34-AL S/B 72 A0212, CF34-AL S/B 72 A0234, and CF34-AL S/B 72 A0235 in the regulatory section are incorrect. This document corrects those ASB numbers. In all other respects, the original document remains the same.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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: Several low pressure turbine (LPT) shafts have been found with cracks originating from the rear cooling air holes. The cracks were found at normal component overhaul, by the standard Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) technique defined in the associated engine manual. The cracks have been found to initiate from corrosion pits. Propagation of a crack from the rear cooling air holes may result in shaft failure and subsequently in an uncontained Low Pressure Turbine failure. For the reasons stated above, this AD requires the inspection of the affected engines' LPT shafts and replacement of the shaft, as necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect cracks, initiated by corrosion pits, originating from the rear cooling air holes, which could result in shaft failure and subsequently in an uncontained failure of the LPT and damage to the airplane.

The FHWA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval for renewal of an existing information collection that is summarized below under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

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-2010-0051 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 FHWA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval for renewal of an existing information collection that is summarized below under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 737-100 and -200 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking and damaged fasteners of certain fuselage frames and stub beams, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would also require repetitive inspections for cracking of the inboard chord fastener hole of the frame at body station 639, stringer S-16, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would also require an inspection to determine the edge margin of the lower chord. For airplanes with a certain short edge margin, this proposed AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking, and corrective actions if necessary; replacing the lower chord terminates the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD requires an eventual preventive modification. For certain airplanes, doing the modification or a repair would terminate the repetitive inspections for the repaired or modified frame only. For airplanes on which the modification or repair is done at certain body stations, this proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of certain frame webs and inner and outer chords, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain other airplanes, this proposed AD requires a modification which includes reinforcing the body frame inner chords, replacing the stub beam upper chords and attach angles, and reinforcing the stub beam web. This proposed AD results from reports of fatigue cracks at certain frame sections, in addition to stub beam cracking, caused by high flight cycle stresses from both pressurization and maneuver load. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of certain fuselage frames and stub beams, and possible severed frames, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the frames. This reduced structural integrity can increase loading in the fuselage skin, which will accelerate skin crack growth and result in rapid decompression of the fuselage.

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: Three events have been reported where insulation material was found to be fouling pulleys in the aileron interconnect circuit in the cabin roof area. Interference between the cable and the insulation bag causes the material to be drawn into the gap between the pulley and the pulley guard. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to restricted aileron movement and consequently, reduced control of the aeroplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 747-400 and 747-400D series airplanes. This proposed AD would require installing aluminum gutter reinforcing brackets to the forward and aft drip shield gutters of the main equipment center (MEC); and adding a reinforcing fiberglass overcoat to the top surface of the MEC drip shield, including an inspection for cracking and holes in the MEC drip shield, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also provides for an option to install an MEC drip shield drain system, which, if accomplished, would extend the compliance time for adding the reinforcing fiberglass overcoat to the top surface of the MEC drip shield. This proposed AD results from a report indicating that an operator experienced a multi-power system loss in-flight of 1, 2, and 3 alternating current (AC) electrical power systems located in the MEC. We are proposing this AD to prevent water penetration into the MEC, which could result in the loss of flight critical systems.

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 action proposes special conditions for the Boeing 747-468 airplane. This airplane, as modified by Jet Aviation, will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the installation of a medical lift. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

This action amends Class E airspace for the Marion, IL area, adding additional controlled airspace to accommodate Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) at Southern Illinois Airport, Carbondale/Murphysboro, IL. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.

FRA is proposing to amend its railroad communications regulations by restricting use of mobile telephones and other distracting electronic devices by railroad operating employees. This proposed rulemaking would codify most of the requirements of FRA Emergency Order No. 26, which would be supplanted by the final rule. FRA proposes that some of the substantive requirements of that order as well as its scope be changed by this rulemaking to accommodate changes previously recommended by a petition for review of that order and a number of additional amendments that FRA believes are appropriate. In addition, FRA is requesting comment regarding whether violations of this proposed subpart should be a basis for revoking a locomotive engineer's certification.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Litchfield, MN. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) at Litchfield Municipal Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.