Department of Transportation September 24, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice announces actions taken by the FHWA and other Federal agencies that are final within the meaning of 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). The actions relate to a proposed highway project on I-90 over the Mississippi River. The proposed project includes replacement of the Interstate 90 (I-90) Dresbach Bridge over the Mississippi River with a new bridge that meets structural and geometric standards as well as reconstruction of the I-90/U.S. 61 interchange to improve traffic safety, capacity, and access on and between U.S. 61/14 and I-90. Those actions grant approvals for the project.

The Board has approved the fourth quarter 2012 rail cost adjustment factor (RCAF) and cost index filed by the Association of American Railroads. The fourth quarter 2012 RCAF (Unadjusted) is 1.209. The fourth quarter 2012 RCAF (Adjusted) is 0.529. The fourth quarter 2012 RCAF-5 is 0.499.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) hereby announces that it is seeking renewal of the following currently approved information collection activities. Before submitting these information collection requirements (ICRs) for clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified below.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a new revision to the airworthiness limitations of the maintenance planning data document. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance program to update inspection requirements to detect fatigue cracking of principal structural elements (PSEs). We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of various PSEs, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of these airplanes.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes, and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the rudder travel limiter (RTL) return springs and primary actuator, and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued that AD, terminating action has been developed which eliminates the need for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would require replacing certain RTL return springs, including doing related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary; and would also revise the applicability. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the RTL, which would permit an increase of rudder authority beyond normal structural limits and consequently affect the controllability of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) all Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-135 airplanes, and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a lightning strike hitting an airplane tail boom causing certain rear bulkhead parts to jam an elevator control rod. This AD requires installing or reworking, as applicable, metallic diverters and aluminum sheets; modifying the light assembly on the tail boom rear movable fairing; and replacing the hood assembly with a new hood assembly and rerouting its electrical harness. We are issuing this AD to prevent lightning strikes from causing certain parts to contact the airplane pitch control system, which could reduce airplane controllability.