Department of Transportation October 16, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Airplanes
Document Number: 2012-25463
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model L-1011 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect corrosion or fatigue cracking of certain structural elements of the airplane; corrective actions if necessary; and incorporation of certain structural modifications. Since we issued that AD, we have received reports of small cracks in additional areas outside those addressed in the existing AD, prior to the inspection threshold required by the existing AD. This proposed AD would reduce certain compliance times for the initial inspection, and the repetitive inspection interval for certain airplanes. We are proposing this AD to prevent corrosion or fatigue cracking of certain structural elements, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
Document Number: 2012-25461
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A320-214, -232 and -233; and Model A321-211, -213, and -231 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a missing fastener between certain stringers of the fuselage frame which connects the frame to a tee. This proposed AD would require a rototest inspection and modification or repair of the fuselage frame at the affected area. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the fuselage that could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. Airplanes
Document Number: 2012-25459
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that high rate discharge (HRD) bottle explosive cartridges of a cargo compartment fire extinguisher system were swapped between the forward and aft cargo compartments. Additional investigation also revealed the possibility of swapping between the electrical connectors of the HRD and low rate discharge (LRD) bottles, and a rotated installation of the HRD bottle. Improper assembly of the fire extinguishing bottle might cause the extinguishing agent to be discharged toward the unselected cargo compartment rather than toward the cargo compartment with fire. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the HRD bottle for correct installation and to determine if the pressure switch is in the correct position, and re-installation if necessary; an inspection of the HRD and LRD bottle discharge heads to determine the part number and replacement if necessary; and, for certain airplanes, an inspection to determine the part numbers of the HRD and LRD electrical connectors, and relocation if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent the inability of the fire extinguishing system to suppress fire.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
Document Number: 2012-25458
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A310-203 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an analysis that demonstrated a reduced fatigue life for the side link bolts, center sway link bolts, and thrust link bolts on the forward engine mounts. This proposed AD would require repetitive replacement of those bolts. We are proposing this AD to prevent deterioration of the structural integrity of the bolts, which could result in possible damage to an engine or wing.
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
Document Number: 2012-25453
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of two in- service incidents where the left main landing gear (MLG) failed to extend. This proposed AD would require installing stopper plates on the aft uplock frames in the MLG bay adjacent to the right and left MLG uplock assemblies. We are proposing this AD to prevent incorrect installation of the upper bolt in the MLG uplock assembly, which could prevent the MLG from extending and adversely affect the safe landing of the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Document Number: 2012-25450
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that, for certain airplanes, reinforcement straps were not bonded to the center overhead stowage bins in the passenger compartment. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require performing an inspection of reinforcement straps to ensure they are correctly bonded to the center overhead stowage bins, and bonding the reinforcement straps to the center overhead stowage bins if necessary. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require installing reinforcement straps on the center overhead stowage bins. We are proposing this AD to prevent missing or incorrectly bonded reinforcement straps, which could result in the center overhead stowage bins breaking loose and causing injury to passengers and damage to equipment during in-flight turbulence.
Airworthiness Directives; Brantly International, Inc. Helicopters
Document Number: 2012-25444
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Brantly International, Inc. (Brantly) Model B-2, Model B-2A, and Model B-2B helicopters with a certain main rotor blade. This proposed AD was prompted by multiple reports of main rotor (M/R) blade cracks and an accident in which a crack that originated near the M/R blade trailing edge resulted in the loss of a large section of the M/R blade. The proposed actions are intended to prevent loss of the M/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Inc. Airplanes
Document Number: 2012-25430
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a revision to the airplane airworthiness limitations to introduce more stringent inspection requirements on certain affected components. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance program to incorporate revised tasks specified in certain temporary revisions. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the affected components and consequent loss of structural integrity.
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters
Document Number: 2012-25429
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS332C, L, and L1 helicopters to require an initial and repetitive inspections of the outer skin, butt strap, and fuselage frame for a crack and modification of the helicopter. This proposed AD is prompted by an AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, which states that a crack was discovered in a fuselage frame during a daily check. The proposed actions are intended to detect a crack, to prevent loss of airframe structural integrity and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters
Document Number: 2012-25428
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II helicopters equipped with emergency floats, which would require replacing the inflation valve assembly. The proposed AD is prompted by failure of the emergency floats to deploy during a factory test because a needle was binding within the inflation valve assembly. The proposed actions are intended to prevent the failure of the floats to inflate during an emergency landing.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
Document Number: 2012-25427
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; Model A330-200 and - 300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing defect in certain rods installed in the belly fairing, which could lead to cracks at the crimped end of the rod. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the rods to determine the manufacturer; and for affected parts, an inspection for any cracking of the rods, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the rods, which could result in rupture of rods that attach the belly fairing to the airframe, leading to separation of the belly fairing from the airframe, and consequent damage to airplane structure and airplane systems.
Waiver of Requirement To Enter Into a Reciprocal Waiver of Claims Agreement With All Customers
Document Number: 2012-25419
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
This notice concerns a petition for waiver submitted to the FAA by Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) to waive in part the requirement that a launch operator enter into a reciprocal waiver of claims with each customer. The FAA grants the petition.
Early Scoping Notification for the Alternatives Analysis of the Federal Way Transit Extension From SeaTac to Federal Way, WA
Document Number: 2012-25414
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) issue this early scoping notice to advise other agencies and the public that they intend to explore potential alternatives for improving public transit service between the cities of SeaTac and Federal Way in King County, Washington to improve connections to the regional transit system and major activity centers. The early scoping notice is intended to invite public comments on the scope of the alternatives analysis study, including the project's purpose and need, transportation problems to be addressed, the range of alternatives, the transportation and community impacts and benefits to be considered, the capital and operating costs, and other factors that the public and agencies believe should be considered in analyzing the alternatives. If preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) is warranted following the completion of the alternatives analysis, a notice of intent to prepare an EIS will be published. The early scoping process is intended to support the alternatives analysis and a future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) scoping process, as appropriate. In addition, it supports FTA planning requirements associated with the New Starts (``Section 5309'') funding program for certain kinds of major capital investments. While recent legislation may lead to changes in the New Starts process, Sound Transit will comply with relevant FTA requirements relating to planning and project development to help it analyze and screen alternatives in preparation for the NEPA process. Public meeting times and locations are described immediately below. Following that is a more detailed discussion of the project and the early scoping process.
BMW of North America, LLC, a Subsidiary of BMW AG, Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance
Document Number: 2012-25413
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation
BMW North America, LLC,\1\ a subsidiary of BMW AG. (collectively referred to as BMW) \2\ has determined that certain model year 2012 BMW X3 SAV multi-purpose passenger vehicles manufactured between April 1, 2011 and March 14, 2012, do not fully comply with paragraph S4.3.3 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 110, Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less. BMW has filed an appropriate report dated March 28, 2012, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports.
Use of Additional Portable Oxygen Concentrators on Board Aircraft
Document Number: 2012-25412
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
This action amends the FAA's rules for permitting limited use of portable oxygen concentrator systems on board aircraft, to allow for the use of additional portable oxygen concentrator (POC) devices on board aircraft, provided certain conditions in the SFAR are met. This action is necessary to allow all POC devices deemed acceptable by the FAA for use in air commerce to be available to the traveling public in need of oxygen therapy. Passengers will be able to carry these devices on board the aircraft and use them with the approval of the aircraft operator.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus
Document Number: 2012-25372
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation
FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 14 individuals for exemption from the prohibition against persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals with ITDM to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
Notice of FTA Transit Program Changes, Authorized Funding Levels and Implementation of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) and FTA Fiscal Year 2013 Apportionments, Allocations, Program Information and Interim Guidance
Document Number: 2012-25152
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation
This notice announces changes in the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs in accordance with the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), which authorizes surface transportation programs of the Department of Transportation for Federal fiscal years (FY) 2013 and 2014. This notice provides preliminary implementation instructions and guidance for the new and revised programs in FY 2013, announces the partial apportionment for programs authorized and funded with FY 2013 contract authority, and describes future plans for notice and comment for several programs. The notice also includes locations of tables of unobligated (or carryover) funds allocated under the discretionary programs from prior years carried out in accordance with the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users (SAFETEA-LU) or prior authorization acts.
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
Document Number: 2012-25109
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-10-16
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. That AD currently requires a modification to trim the edge of the bumper plate, including performing an inspection for damage or cracks of the bumper plate and base fitting, and replacing any damaged or cracked part. That AD also currently requires, for certain airplanes, reidentifying the bumper plate. This new AD requires, for airplanes on which the reidentification is done, an operational check of the alternate extension system of the main landing gear (MLG), and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by the determination that an operational check must be done after reidentifying the bumper plate to ensure the identified unsafe condition is addressed. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the MLG to extend and lock, which could adversely affect the safe landing of the airplane.
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