Department of Transportation May 22, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AW139 helicopters. This proposed AD is prompted by the discovery of improper installation of solder splices on the co-pilot audio system causing intermittent noise through the audio system during flight. The proposed actions are intended to prevent degradation and complete loss of communications between the pilot and co-pilot during flight, impairing the co-pilot's capability to react immediately to operational difficulties, which could lead to subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The FAA is conducting a public meeting on May 30 to seek initial input from interested stakeholders about program design and implementation of an equipage incentives program for commercial aircraft and general aviation to equip their aircraft with Next Generation Air Transportation (NextGen) capabilities, pursuant to the FAA's authority in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (sec. 221). The statute requires that such a program be based on public- private partnership (PPP) principles and maximize the use of private sector capital. The purpose of this meeting is to serve as an information sharing session. The FAA is interested in engaging stakeholders and potential public-private partners in the process of developing an effective public-private partnership equipage incentive program. This notice is for the initial meeting. A subsequent meeting will be planned within 90 days of the May 30 meeting after FAA has assessed stakeholder comments and feedback and further solidified its policy on how to implement a PPP equipage incentives program.

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River), has determined that approximately 2,741 model year 2009-2011 R-Pod travel trailers that it manufactured from October 27, 2008 through November 30, 2010, fail to meet the requirements of paragraph S5.1.1 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. Forest River has filed an appropriate report, dated December 14, 2010 pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h) (see implementing rule at 49 CFR part 556), Forest River has petitioned for an exemption from the notification and remedy requirements of 49 U.S.C. chapter 301 on the basis that this noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety. Notice of receipt of Forest River's petition was published, with a 30-day public comment period, on August 29, 2011, in the Federal Register (76 FR 53715). Thirty-four \1\ comments were received. To view the petition, comments, and all supporting documents log onto the Federal Docket Management System Web site at: https:// www.regulations.gov/. Then follow the online search instructions to locate docket number ``NHTSA-2011-0040.''

Before a Federal agency can collect certain information from the public, it must receive approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Under procedures established by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, before seeking OMB approval, Federal agencies must solicit public comment on proposed collections of information, including extensions and reinstatement of previously approved collections. This document describes one collection of information for which NHTSA intends to seek OMB approval.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters with certain Generator Control Units (GCU) installed. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of internal short circuits in certain GCUs. The proposed actions are intended to replace any affected GCUs to prevent a short circuit, which could result in a loss of electrical generating power, loss of systems required for continued safe flight and landing, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. That AD currently requires a one- time inspection of the main landing gear (MLG) shock strut assemblies for part and serial numbers; for certain MLG shock strut assemblies, a one-time inspection of the torque link apex joint, and corrective actions if necessary; and, for certain MLG shock strut assemblies, replacement or rework of the apex nut. This new AD continues to require the actions in the existing AD, and adds the previously omitted part and serial numbers. This AD was prompted by reports of loose or detached main landing gear (MLG) torque link apex pin locking plate and the locking plate retainer bolt in the torque link apex joint. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improper assembly and damage of the MLG torque link apex joint, which could cause heavy vibration during landing, consequent damage to MLG components, and subsequent collapse of the MLG.