Department of Transportation December 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Omaha, NE. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) at Eppley Airfield. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for SIAPs at the airport.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Turbomeca S.A. Arrius 2F turboshaft engines with P3 air pipe (first section) part number (P/N) 0 319 71 918 0, installed. The existing AD currently requires inspections of the P3 air pipe (first section) and right-hand (RH) rear half-wall for proper clearance, and readjustment of the pipe if necessary. Since we issued that AD, Turbomeca S.A. has redesigned the RH rear half-wall to ensure sufficient clearance between the P3 air pipe (first section) and RH rear half-wall. This proposed AD would require the same inspections for installed engines, eliminate readjusting of the P3 air pipe (first section), require replacement of the RH rear half-wall under certain conditions, and adding an optional terminating action. We are proposing this AD to prevent an uncommanded power loss to flight idle, which could result in an emergency autorotation landing or accident.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Continental Motors, Inc. (CMI) models TSIO-520, TSIO-550-K, TSIOF-550K, and IO-550-N series reciprocating engines. This emergency AD was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these engines. This AD requires replacing affected CMI starter adapters with starter adapters eligible for installation. This AD was prompted by 5 reports received of fractures in starter adapter shaft gears in certain part number (P/N) CMI starter adapters. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the starter adapter gear shaft, leading to an inoperable oil scavenge pump and engine in-flight shutdown.

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.

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company 757-200, 757-200PF, 757-200CB, 757-300, 767- 200, 767-300, and 767-300F series airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) to advise the flightcrew of procedures to follow to ensure that a fuel filter impending bypass condition due to gross fuel contamination is detected in a timely manner. This new AD requires installing new operating program software (OPS) (Version 7) of the engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS) in the EICAS computers. This AD also requires various concurrent actions. This AD also retains the existing AD provision that relieves certain airplanes (those equipped with certain EICAS OPS versions) from the requirements. Accomplishment of the new actions terminates the requirements of the existing AD. This AD was prompted by an error in the EICAS OPS. The error prevents the display of an advisory message to the flightcrew of a left engine fuel filter contamination and imminent bypass condition, which may indicate an imminent multiple engine thrust loss or engine malfunction event due to fuel contamination. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the rub strips attached to the horizontal stabilizer front spar access door location were manufactured improperly using anodized aluminum. This AD requires replacing the anodized rub strips with new alodined rub strips to prevent inadequate electrical bonding between the rub strips and the fuel access door, which can contribute to possible ignition of flammable fuel vapor in the tail fuel tank as a result of a lightning strike. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

This notice announces the intention of the Maritime Administration to provide grants for small shipyards. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 20.814.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3519 (PRA), the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) gives notice of its intent to seek from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of the information collections required from those seeking licensing authority under 49 U.S.C. 10901-03 and consolidation authority under 11323-26. Under these Title 49 provisions, rail carriers and non-carriers are required to file an application with the Board, or seek an exemption (through petition or notice) from the full application process under Sec. 10502, before they may construct, acquire, or operate a line of railroad; abandon or discontinue operations over a line of railroad; or consolidate their interests through a merger or common-control arrangement. The relevant information collections are described in more detail below. Comments are requested concerning: (1) The accuracy of the Board's burden estimates; (2) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; (3) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, when appropriate; and (4) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Board, including whether the collection has practical utility. Submitted comments will be summarized and included in the Board's request for OMB approval.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes equipped with Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 800 engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of events related to thermal damage of the thrust reverser (T/R) inner wall on Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 800 engines. This proposed AD would require replacing the bleed valve parts and tubing with new parts and tubing on the left and right engines. Additionally, this proposed AD would require installing Aero-Engine database (AEDB) software in the airplane information management system (AIMS) hardware. We are proposing this AD to eliminate T/R thermal damage caused by excessive heat downstream of the 8th stage IP8 exhaust ports, which could result in T/R structural failure. This failure could result in large pieces of the T/R or adjacent components departing the airplane. A separated T/R piece could result in a rejected takeoff (RTO) and cause asymmetric thrust and consequent loss of control of the airplane during reverse thrust operations. Separated components could also cause structural damage to the airplane, damage to other airplanes, or injury to people on the ground.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500-A1, V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525- D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by three reports of high- pressure turbine (HPT) case burn-through events, numerous reports of loss of stage 1 blade outer air seal segments, and HPT case bulging. This AD requires initial and repetitive 360 degree borescope inspections of HPT stage 1 blade outer air seal segments for evidence of certain distress conditions. This AD also requires incorporation of improved durability stage 1 blade outer air seal segments at the next exposure to the HPT module subassembly as terminating action to the repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to prevent HPT case burn-through, uncontrolled under-cowl engine fire, and damage to the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all PW JT9D-7R4H1 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in five high-pressure compressor (HPC) shafts. This AD requires removing certain HPC shafts before their certified life limits and establishes a new, lower life-limit for these parts. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

The Federal Highway Administration, along with the Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service and National Park Service, announce the availability of the draft Alaska Federal Lands Long Range Transportation Plans (LRTP) for public review and comment. The draft plans outline a strategy for a multi-agency approach to improving and maintaining transportation assets that provide access to Federal Lands in the Alaska region over the next 20 years.

This rule 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.

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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to authorize the release of 3.3334 acres of airport property at the Austin Straubel International Airport, Green Bay, WI. Brown County, as sponsor of the airport, is seeking to release from compliance with grant assurances two parcels of airport property identified as Parcel nos. 98 and 107, totaling 3.3334 acres. These parcels are located alongside each other in the extreme northwest corner of the airport in the vicinity of the intersection of Pine Tree Road and State Highway 172. Proposed use of the land to be released is construction of a new fire station by the neighboring Village of Hobart to house its emergency response vehicles. The proposed fire station would be located adjacent to the existing village hall. The 3.334 acres would be provided to the Village of Hobart in exchange for the village vacating 2 parcels of road and road right-of- way totaling 9.367 acres located on, or adjacent to, Austin Straubel International Airport. One parcel contains a roadway section located within the airport security perimeter fence on West Adam Drive and Lonesome Road. The second parcel is a short section of Cyrus Road, located immediately to the south of Runway 36 and within the runway protection zone, but outside of the airport property boundary. The value to the airport of exchanging airport property for the road and road right-of-way rests with the fact that the Village of Hobart could otherwise mandate the airport to keep the surfaces open and require installation of a fence around the road right-of-ways at an estimated cost to the airport of over $200,000. An additional benefit to the airport of acquiring this 9.367 acres of village-owned property in exchange for the 3.3334 acres of airport-owned property is that this action would provide the airport with a contiguous, airside property boundary. A categorical exclusion for this land release action was prepared by Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation-Bureau of Aeronautics, and issued by FAA on November 15, 2011. The airport sponsor purchased the two parcels by voluntary acquisition on June 24, 1998 (Parcel No. 98) and November 1, 2002 (Parcel No. 107). No Federal or State of Wisconsin funds were utilized in the acquisition process. The aforementioned land is not needed for aeronautical use, as shown on the Airport Layout Plan, conditionally approved on May 16, 2011. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the airport to dispose of the property. In accordance with section 47107(h) of title 49, United States Code, this notice is required to be published in the Federal Register 30 days before modifying the land-use assurance that requires the property to be used for an aeronautical purpose.

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.

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.

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 FAA seeks comments on revising its policy regarding the application of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 77, ``Safe, Efficient Use and Preservation of the Navigable Airspace,'' to airborne wind energy systems (AWES). In addition, this notice requests information from airborne wind energy system developers and the public related to these systems so that the FAA can comprehensively analyze the AWES and their integration into the National Airspace System (NAS).

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion damage on the outer diameter chrome surface of the horizontal stabilizer pivot pins. Micro cracks in the chrome plating of the pivot pin, some of which extended into the base metal, were also reported. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fractured horizontal stabilizer pivot pin, which may cause excessive horizontal stabilizer freeplay and structural damage significant enough to result in loss of control of the airplane. This proposed AD would require replacing the existing horizontal stabilizer pivot pins with new or reworked pivot pins having improved corrosion resistance, doing repetitive inspections after installing the pivot pins, and doing corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to modify low altitude area navigation (RNAV) route T-288 by extending the route westward from the Rapid City, SD, VORTAC to the Gillette, WY, VOR/DME. The proposed extension would enhance efficiency and safety of the National Airspace System (NAS) by supplementing the existing VOR Federal airway structure in that area.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain PW4000 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by an updated low-cycle fatigue (LCF) life analysis performed by PW. This AD requires removing certain part number (P/N) high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and HPT stage 2 airseals and HPT stage 1 airseal rings before their published life limit and establishes a new lower life limit for these parts. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of these parts, which could lead to an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.