Department of Transportation September 30, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice proposes guidance in the form of a revised circular on the Federal Transit Administration's research, technical assistance, and training programs and seeks comment thereon. Proposed FTA Circular 6100.1D, ``Research, Technical Assistance, and Training Programs: Application Instructions and Program Management Guidelines,'' modifies FTA's existing FTA Circular 6100.1C, ``Transit Research and Technology Programs: Application Instructions and Program Management Guidelines'' to reflect current policy and new FTA programs, restructures the circular, and clarifies FTA's requirements and processes.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 203: Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

This notice announces the issuance and availability of Advisory Circular (AC) 120-79A, ``Developing and Implementing an Air Carrier Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System''. This new advisory circular (AC) updates AC 120-79 originally issued on April 21, 2003. This new AC provides information on methods of developing and implementing a Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS) required for commercial operators and air carriers certificated under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 119 and conducting operations under either 14 CFR part 121 or 135. A CASS is a system that air carriers and commercial operators use to monitor, analyze, and optimize the performance and effectiveness of their air carrier maintenance programs.

The Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of the Secretary of Transportation, announces the fourth meeting of the FAAC Subcommittee on Competitiveness and Viability, which will be held in Denver, Colorado. This notice provides details on the date, time, and location of the meeting, which will be open to the public. The purpose of the FAAC is to provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation to ensure the competitiveness of the U.S. aviation industry and its capability to manage effectively the evolving transportation needs, challenges, and opportunities of the global economy. The Subcommittee on Competitiveness and Viability is charged with examining changes in the operating and competitive structures of the U.S. airline industry; considering innovative strategies to open up new international markets and expand commercial opportunities in existing markets; investigating strategies to encourage the development of cost-effective, cutting-edge technologies and equipment that are critical for a competitive industry coping with increasing economic and environmental challenges; and examining the adequacy of current Federal programs to address the availability of intermodal transportation options and alternatives, small and rural community access to the aviation transportation system, the role of State and local governments in contributing to such access, and how the changing competitive structure of the U.S. airline industry is likely to transform travel habits of small and rural communities.

Pursuant to section 14 (a) (2) (A) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and in accordance with section 102-3.65, title 41 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the FAA gives notice it has renewed the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) for a 2-year period beginning September 17, 2010. The Committee's primary purpose is to provide the public with an earlier opportunity to participate in the FAA's rulemaking process. It will continue to operate in accordance with the rules of the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the Department of Transportation Order 1120.3B, Committee Management Policy and Procedures. For further information about the ARAC, please contact Ms. Renee Butner, FAA Office of Rulemaking, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone number: 202-267-5093.

The Federal Highway Administration wishes to announce a 45 day extension for the Comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the I-5 North Coast Corridor (I-5NCC) Project. The present closing day for comments is October 2, 2010. This additional period would extend the comment period to November 22, 2010. This project is 27 miles in length through 6 lagoons and six cities within the Coastal Zone. This is a large complex document that incorporates extensive technical studies within this environmentally sensitive corridor.

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.