Department of Transportation December 9, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

FRA is issuing this notice to advise the public that a Tier I Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for the Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (Milwaukee-Twin Cities) High- Speed Rail Corridor Program. The project includes passenger stations, maintenance facilities, and the construction of a high-speed rail line between Milwaukee and the Twin Cities. This corridor is part of a larger network of high-speed passenger rail corridors in the Midwest, with a hub in Chicago, IL. The effort to develop these high-speed rail corridors and expand the passenger rail system in the Midwest is known as the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative (MWRRI). FRA is issuing this notice to solicit public and agency input into the development of the scope of the EIS and to advise the public that outreach activities conducted by FRA will be considered in the preparation of the EIS. Alternatives under consideration include taking no action (No Build), as well as several build alternatives along a variety of corridors between Milwaukee and the Twin Cities.

This action proposes to establish six High Altitude Area Navigation (RNAV) routes in the Western United States (U.S.). These new routes would provide pilots and air traffic controllers with efficient direct routes enhancing safety and improving the efficient use of the National Airspace System (NAS).

This action proposes special conditions for the Boeing Model 747-8 airplane. This airplane will have novel or unusual design features associated with connectivity of the passenger domain computer systems to the airplane critical systems and data networks. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. 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.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of land at the Kearney Municipal Airport under the provisions of Section 125 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21).

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This 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:

The FAA is requesting public comment on the Town of Houlton, Maine's request to change a portion (36,450 s.f.) of Airport property from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use. The property is located on Industrial Drive adjacent to Houlton International Corporation. The property will be used to expand Houlton international Corporation's facility. The property was acquired from the United States Government under Surplus Property Deed dated July 14, 1947. The disposition of proceeds from the disposal of airport property will be in accordance with FAA's Policy and Procedures Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, published in the Federal Register on February 16, 1999. Section 125 of The Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21St Century (AIR 21) requires the FM to provide an opportunity for public notice and comment to the ``waiver'' or ``modification'' of a sponsor's Federal obligation to use certain airport property for aeronautical purposes.

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.