Department of Transportation 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems (ACSS) traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) units installed on but not limited to various transport and small airplanes. That NPRM proposed to require upgrading software. That NPRM was prompted by reports of anomalies with TCAS units during a flight test over a high density airport. The TCAS units dropped several reduced surveillance aircraft tracks because of interference limiting. This action revises that NPRM by proposing to require new updated software for certain TCAS units. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to correct the unsafe condition on these products. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

The FRA and FTA are issuing this Notice of Intent (NOI) to advise other agencies and the public that they will jointly prepare an EIS to study the implementation of passenger rail service between Tucson, Arizona and Phoenix, Arizona and to serve communities in between the two metropolitan areas (the proposed action). The FRA, FTA, and Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will use a tiered process, as described in the regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) at 40 CFR 1502.20 and 1508.28 (NEPA) and FTA's environmental procedures at 23 CFR 771.111(g) and 774.7. This EIS is the first planning-level tier of the two-tiered environmental review process for the proposed action. FRA and FTA are issuing this Notice to alert interested parties, to solicit public and agency input on the scope of the Tier 1 EIS, provide information on the nature of the proposed project, including the purpose and need for the proposed action, possible alternatives to be considered in the preparation of the Tier 1 EIS, potentially significant impacts to the natural and built environment of those alternatives, and invite public participation in the EIS process. The Tier 1 EIS will be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the CEQ regulations implementing NEPA, the FRA's Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts as set forth in 64 FR 28545 dated May 26, 1999 (Environmental Procedures), and FTA's Environmental Impact and Related Procedures, in 23 CFR part 771. The EIS will also address Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (49 U.S.C. 303) and other applicable Federal and state laws and regulations to the extent relevant for a planning-level Tier-1 document. In addition, the Tier 1 study will incorporate the alternatives analyses process required by Federal transit law (49 U.S.C. 5309) and regulation (49 CFR part 611) for a project proposed for New Starts funding. Environmental Review Process: The FRA and FTA will use a tiered process, as provided for in 40 CFR 1508.28 and in accordance with FRA guidance, in the completion of the environmental review of the proposed action. ``Tiering'' is a staged environmental review process applied to environmental reviews for complex projects. The Tier 1 EIS will address broad corridor-level issues and alternatives. Subsequent tiers will analyze site-specific component projects and alternatives based on the decisions made in Tier 1. Tier 1: The Tier 1 assessment will result in a NEPA document with the appropriate level of detail for corridor-level decisions and will address broad overall issues of concern, including but not limited to: Confirming the purpose and need for the proposed action. Confirming the study area appropriate to assess reasonable alternatives. Developing evaluation criteria to identify alternatives that meet the purpose and need of the proposed action and those that do not. Identifying the range of reasonable alternatives to be considered, including the no action alternative, consistent with the current and planned use of the corridor and the existing services within and adjacent to the study area. Identifying the general alignment(s) of the reasonable alternatives. Identifying right-of-way requirements for the reasonable alternatives. Identifying the infrastructure and equipment investment requirements for the reasonable alternatives. Specifying the future no-build alternative that reflects already planned highway and transit developments in the study area expected to be in place by the project design year. Specifying the New Starts baseline alternative that addresses the proposed action's purpose and need to the maximum extent possible without a new transit fixed guideway. Identifying the operational changes required for the reasonable alternatives. Describing and evaluating the potential environmental impacts and mitigation associated with the proposed alternatives in the level of detail appropriate for a Tier 1 EIS. Establishing the timing and sequencing of independent actions to implement the proposed action. Evaluating the transit alternatives under the New Starts criteria specified in 49 U.S.C. 5309 and 49 CFR part 611. The transit alternatives may be subsets of the full build alternatives that provide intercity rail service. Identifying the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA), FTA's planning level alternative for the New Starts program, through an Alternatives Analysis process. Tier 2: The Tier 2 assessments will not be included in this study but will be identified as future actions to address components of the planning level alternative selected at the conclusion of the Tier 1 EIS. This Tier 1 EIS preparation will include initial planning level elements of a Service Development Plan; present corridor route alternatives; and provide conceptual engineering designs of track, ancillary facilities, stations, and other major design features to a level sufficient to allow for meaningful understanding and comparison of alternatives. The Tier 1 EIS will provide programmatic assessment of environmental effects associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance components of the proposed action. The Tier 1 EIS will evaluate a range of reasonable corridor-level alternatives to include the ``Baseline Conditions'' and ``No Action'' Alternatives. Build alternatives may occur along existing rail line(s) or may be on a new alignment. The EIS will provide for: (1) An FTA-compliant Alternatives Analysis and (2) an FTA-compliant Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement.

This notice corrects the date for the Detroit public information session and corrects the sponsorship of the FTA information sessions, as published in the September 29, 2011, Federal Register Notices titled ``Title VI; Proposed Circular'' and ``Environmental Justice; Proposed Circular.''

FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 27 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD was prompted by four reports of unrecoverable engine stalls, during hover in a left-roll attitude. This AD requires the installation of an accessory gearbox (AGB) axis-A oil slinger nut to the axis-A shaft assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent an unrecoverable engine stall, leading to a helicopter forced landing or accident.

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:

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 describes the unsafe condition as:

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:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD requires inspecting to determine the clearance and any wire bundle damage between wire bundle W443 and the left forward rudder quadrant, followed by adjusting the minimum clearance between the wire bundle and the left forward rudder quadrant, and repairing any wire bundle damage. This AD was prompted by reports of contact between wire bundle W443 and the left forward rudder quadrant. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct contact between the wire bundle and the left forward rudder quadrant. Damage to the wire bundle from contact between the wire bundle and the left forward rudder quadrant could result in uncommanded stabilizer trim and autopilot disconnects due to shorted wires, potentially affecting the capability of the flightcrew during high work load and consequently reducing control of the airplane. Restricted movement of the rudder quadrant at full right rudder travel would reduce controllability of the airplane.

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.

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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of the airport from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the release of 75.46 acres of airport property for non-aeronautical development. The land consists of portions of 11 original airport acquired parcels. These parcels were acquired under grants: 6-18-0038-10 and 6-18-0038-14 or without federal participation. The land is currently vacant. The future use of the property is for non-aviation development. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the Indianapolis Airport Authority to dispose of the property. The land is not needed for aeronautical use. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the sale or lease of the subject airport property nor a determination of eligibility for grant-in-aid funding from the FAA. 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.

We are revising an existing emergency airworthiness directive (AD) for all Honeywell International Inc. TPE331 model turboprop engines with a part manufacturer approval (PMA) replacement Dixie Aerospace, LLC main shaft bearing part number (P/N) 3108098-1WD, installed. That emergency AD was not published in the Federal Register, but was sent to all known U.S. owners and operators of these engines. That AD currently requires an inspection of the airplane records to determine if a Dixie Aerospace, LLC main shaft bearing, P/N 3108098- 1WD, is installed in the engine, and if installed, removal of that bearing from service, before further flight. This AD requires the same actions. This AD revision was prompted by the need to list the affected bearings by serial number (S/N) in the AD for clarification. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

This action amends the description of VOR Federal airway V-299 by reinserting wording that excludes the airspace in restricted area R- 2519 from the airway.

This action revises Class E airspace at Allakaket, AK, to accommodate the amendment of one Standard Instrument Approach Procedure at the Allakaket Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the Allakaket Airport.

FMCSA announces the availability of a Final Environmental Assessment (FEA) that evaluates the potential environmental impacts resulting from the implementation of its United States-Mexico cross- border long-haul trucking pilot program. FMCSA received five comments to its draft environmental assessment (DEA) and responds to those comments in the FEA. FMCSA concludes that the potential environmental impacts from the pilot program are not significant and do not warrant additional environmental analysis in the form of an Environmental Impact Statement. FMCSA issues a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) based on the conclusions in the FEA, which is also available in the docket. Instructions: To view the FEA or the FONSI, go to the online docket (Regulations.gov) at https://www.regulations.gov/ and enter in the docket number (FMCSA-2011-0097) and search for the ``Final Environmental Assessment'' or ``FONSI.'' Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov at any time or to DOT Headquarters, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Privacy Act: Anyone is able to search the electronic form for all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment. You may review the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on January 17, 2008 (73 FR 3316), or you may visit https://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-785.pdf.

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt thirty-three 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 its decision to exempt 17 individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the prescribed vision standard. The Agency has concluded that granting these exemptions will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these CMV drivers.

FMCSA has received an application from Western Pilot Service (``Western'') requesting an exemption from certain hours-of-service (HOS) provisions of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). The exemption request is for Western's drivers who transport aviation fuel for aircraft used in wild-land firefighting operations. Western specifically requests an exemption for up to 15 drivers from Sec. 395.3(b)(2), the HOS prohibition against driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) after the 70th hour of cumulative on-duty time in any 8-day period. FMCSA requests public comment on the Western application for exemption.

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.

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. The existing AD currently requires reviewing the airplane maintenance records to determine whether an engine has been removed from the airplane since the airplane was manufactured. For airplanes on which an engine has been removed, the existing AD also requires an inspection of the aft engine mount to determine if the center link assembly is correctly installed, and follow-on actions if necessary. This new AD expands the applicability to include airplanes on which the engine has not been previously removed, and Model 737-900ER airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports indicating that operators found that the center link assembly for the aft engine mount was reversed on several airplanes that had not had an engine removed since delivery. We are issuing this AD to prevent increased structural loads on the aft engine mount, which could result in failure of the aft engine mount and consequent separation of the engine from the airplane.

This notice announces final environmental actions taken by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the following projects: (1) Middletown Train Station Relocation, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Middletown Borough and Lower Swatara Township, PA; (2) Union Station to Oak Cliff Dallas Streetcar, North Central Texas Council of Governments, Dallas, TX; (3) Wilshire Bus Rapid Transit Project, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Los Angeles, CA; (4) Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Station-to-Station Service, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and Metropolitan Council, Cities of Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, and Bloomington, MN; and (5) Albany Multimodal Transit Center, City of Albany and Georgia Department of Transportation, City of Albany, Dougherty County, GA. The purpose of this notice is to announce publicly the environmental decisions by FTA on the subject projects and to activate the limitation on any claims that may challenge these final environmental actions.

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. (PRA), the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) gives notice of its intent to request from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for revision of a currently approved information collection. The revision is due solely to the reduced number of estimated yearly respondents. This information collection is described in 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, where appropriate; and (4) whether this 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.