Department of Transportation July 11, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318 series airplanes, Airbus Model A319 series airplanes, Airbus Model A320 series airplanes, and Airbus Model A321 series airplanes. That NPRM proposed an inspection to determine if certain angle of attack (AOA) probes are installed, and replacing the affected AOA probe if necessary. That NPRM was prompted by reports of oil residue between the stator and the rotor parts of the position resolvers of the AOA vane, which was a result of incorrect removal of the machining oil during the manufacturing process of the AOA resolvers. This action revises that NPRM by including an inspection to determine if certain other AOA probes are installed, and replacing the affected probes. We are proposing this AD to prevent erroneous AOA information and consequent delayed or non-activation of the AOA protection systems which, during flight at a high angle of attack, could result in reduced control of the airplane. 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.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10 and MD-10-10F airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the safe life limit on certain main landing gear (MLG) upper torque link bolts is reduced significantly due to incorrect fabrication. This proposed AD would require replacing certain MLG upper torque link bolts with a new or serviceable part. We are proposing this AD to prevent damage to the MLG and consequent damage to airplane structure, which could adversely affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, and Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that certain wing-to-fuselage attachment nuts do not conform to the certification design requirements for dual locking features. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections to determine that cotter pins are installed at affected wing-to- fuselage attachment joints and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent loss of wing-to-fuselage attachment joints, which could result in the loss of the wing.

This notice requests comments on a technical report which evaluates new approaches for the regulation of motor vehicle lighting performance. Since 1968, the lighting standard in the United States has been updated incrementally, while lighting technologies have in some ways changed dramatically. We are requesting comments on the general approaches and specific technical merits presented in this report. These comments, in conjunction with the agency's overall priorities, will be used to shape our next steps.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 12 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.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 22 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.

The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) of Canada, under international agreement, jointly publish and presently administer the St. Lawrence Seaway Regulations and Rules (Practices and Procedures in Canada) in their respective jurisdictions. Under agreement with the SLSMC, the SLSDC is amending the joint regulations by updating the Seaway Regulations and Rules in various categories. The changes will update the following sections of the Regulations and Rules: Condition of Vessels; Seaway Navigation; Dangerous Cargo; Information and Reports; General; and, Navigation Closing Procedures. These amendments are necessary to take account of updated procedures and will enhance the safety of transits through the Seaway. Several of the amendments are merely editorial or for clarification of existing requirements.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-524G2-19; RB211-524G2-T-19; RB211-524G3-19; RB211-524G3-T-19; RB211-524H2-19; RB211-524H2-T-19; RB211-524H-36; RB211-524H-T-36; RB211-535E4-37; RB211-535E4-B-37; RB211-535E4-B-75; and RB211-535E4-C-37 turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by an investigation by RR concluding that certain intermediate-pressure (IP) turbine discs produced before 1997 by a certain supplier may contain steel inclusions. This proposed AD would require removal of the affected IP turbine discs to inspect them for steel inclusions, and removal from service if the discs fail the inspection. This proposed AD would also require removal from service of some IP turbine discs at reduced life limits. We are proposing this AD to prevent uncontained IP turbine disc failure, engine failure, and damage to the airplane.