Department of Transportation March 9, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the availability of approximately $15 million in funding provided by the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program (TTP)) subject to the availability of funds by Congress, a program authorized by Section 3013(c) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). This notice is a national solicitation for project proposals and includes the selection criteria and program eligibility information for FY 2012 projects. The Surface and Air Transportation Programs Extension Act of 2011, Public Law No.112-30 continues the authorization of the Federal transit programs of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through March 31, 2012, and provides contract authority for this program equal to approximately one half of the amounts available in FY 2011. Subject to funding availability by Congress, FTA will fund the TTP with approximately $15 million. This announcement is available on the FTA Web site at: https:// www.fta.dot.gov. FTA may announce final selections on the Web site and in the Federal Register. Additionally, a synopsis of the funding opportunity will be posted in the FIND module of the government-wide electronic grants Web site at https://www.grants.gov.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (type certificate previously held by The New Piper Aircraft Inc.) Models PA-31T and PA- 31T1 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires correcting a model identification error on the aircraft data plate. Since we issued that AD, we have become aware that some owner/operators of the affected airplanes modified the aircraft data plate in error because of confusion in the serial number applicability. Because of the confusion, the manufacturer has issued new service information to clarify affected airplane serial numbers. This proposed AD would require determining the airplane model based on the serial number and modifying the aircraft data plate to properly identify the airplane model. This proposed AD would also require doing a detailed search for all applicable airworthiness related documents that apply to any airplane that has an incorrectly marked data plate and take necessary corrective actions based on the search findings. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Honeywell International, Inc. ALF502L-2C; ALF502R-3; ALF502R-3A; ALF502R-5; LF507-1F; and LF507-1H turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by two reports of engines experiencing uncontained release of low-pressure (LP) turbine blades. This proposed AD would require operational checks of the engine overspeed trip system. We are proposing this AD to prevent LP turbine overspeed leading to uncontained release of the LP turbine blades and damage to the airplane.

The FAA intends to identify six test ranges/sites to integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS). This pilot project is in direct response to a Congressional mandate. The FAA believes that designation of such UAS test sites will assist in the effort to safely and efficiently integrate UAS into the NAS and solicits feedback on this issue. This feedback will be utilized to help develop UAS test site requirements, designation standards, and oversight activity.

This notice solicits Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 grant proposals to continue the development of a Commercial Space Transportation infrastructure system that supports the National Space Policy and Congressional intent. Begun in 2010, the program supports the Commercial Space Transportation industry by identification, prioritization, and funding for Commercial Space Transportation infrastructure projects. This program has been previously referred to as the Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program. The FAA/AST intends to continue funding the Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants Program for FY 2012. However, funding has not been determined at this time. In order for the FAA/AST to swiftly execute grant awards within FY 2012, should funding be available, the FAA/AST is requesting grant applications at this time. The FAA/AST intends to receive, process, and evaluate the applications in a timely manner, and in accordance with the notional schedule listed below, so should there be available funding, the recipients will already be selected and the awards can be made within FY 2012. There remains the possibility that no funds will be available in FY 2012 for the Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants Program. If no funds are available, no grant applications submitted in response to this Notice will be approved and funded. This Notice will be the only solicitation made for FY 2012 projects and proposals. The FAA/AST will review and evaluate all applications for a grant received by the deadline, pursuant to 51 U.S.C. Chapter 511. The FAA/AST may make one or more grant awards based upon its evaluations of the submissions. All grants awarded under the Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants Program are discretionary awards. Projects to be funded under the Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants Program must carry out commercial space transportation infrastructure development, as defined in 51 U.S.C. 51101.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by the City of Battle Creek, Michigan, under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47501 et seq. (formerly the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, hereinafter referred to as ``the Act'') and 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 150 (hereinafter referred to as ``Part 150''). On November 1, 2011, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by the City of Battle Creek, Michigan, under Part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements. On February 16, 2012, the FAA approved the W.K. Kellogg Airport noise compatibility program. All of the recommendations of the program were approved. No program elements relating to new or revised flight procedures for noise abatement were proposed by the airport operator.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Eurocopter France Model AS350 helicopters. This proposed AD is prompted by an in-flight fire caused by ignition of hydraulic fluid leaking from a damaged forward (pitch) servo-control hydraulic hose. The proposed actions are intended to prevent the forward servo-control hydraulic hoses from becoming damaged and leaking hydraulic fluid that could ignite in flight, which can result in loss of main rotor control, power loss, structural damage, propagation of fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.