Department of Transportation 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, Willow Road (FAP 305) between Illinois Route 43 (Waukegan Road) and Interstate 94 (Edens Expressway) in Cook County, Illinois. Those actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the project.

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 the proposed State Route 11 and Otay Mesa East Land Port of Entry in the City and County of San Diego, State of California. These actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the project.

We propose to supersede two existing airworthiness directives (AD) that apply to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, - 200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The existing AD, for certain Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes currently requires repetitive inspections of the aft end of each inboard flap track of the wing outboard flap, and corrective actions, if necessary. The existing AD, for certain Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes requires repetitive inspections for cracks in the upper flange of the inboard track at the rear spar attachments of each outboard flap, and corrective action, if necessary. That AD also requires, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections for discrepancies of the rear spar attachments and cracks in the upper flange of the inboard track at the rear spar attachment of each outboard flap, and eventual rework of the flap track assembly and rear spar attachments, including replacement of the flap track with a new track, if necessary. Since we issued those ADs, we have received reports that the work sequence and procedures used during track installation could also cause loose or cracked tracks. This proposed AD would require an inspection for damage and stop-drill repairs along the flap track; an inspection for damage, cracking, and stop-drill repairs along the track webs; and an inspection for damage of the flap track web and flanges, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also require, for certain airplanes, an inspection for signs of movement between the tapered shim and anti-fret strip, installation of the anti-fret strip, and corrosion of the tapered shim and anti-fret strip; an inspection for signs of movement, cracks and corrosion where the track is attached to the wing rear spar; an inspection for cracking of the outboard edge of the track; an inspection for cracking of the inner edge of the track; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also require repetitive overhauls of the flap track and repetitive post-overhaul inspections and corrective actions if necessary; an inspection to determine the part number of the flap track assembly, and replacement of affected parts if necessary; and would also add airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking and damage in the flap track, which could cause loss of the outboard trailing edge flap and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes; Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes; and Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an activation of the control column shaker during takeoff. This proposed AD would require performing a general visual inspection to determine if a certain angle of attack (AOA) sensor with a paddle type vane is installed, and, for affected sensors, performing an operational test of the stall warning system, and replacing the AOA sensor with a new sensor if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent erroneous activation of the control column shaker during takeoff, which could result in runway overrun, failure to clear terrain or obstacles after takeoff, or reduced controllability of the airplane.

The Federal Aviation Administration is requesting public comment on the release of land at the McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport, in the city of Jackson, TN. This property, approximately 4.0 acres, will change to a non-aeronautical use. This action is taken under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. Section 47107(h)(2) requiring public notice before a waiver of property designated to be used for an aeronautical purpose is granted.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of chafing between the wire harness along the wing leading edge and the inboard end rib of the wing leading edge due to insufficient clearance. This AD requires inspecting the wire harness along the leading edge for chafing damage, and repair if necessary; and relocating and installing new anchor nuts. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct chafing damage to the wire harness along the wing leading edge, which if not corrected, could lead to the loss of the airframe de-icing system, and could become a possible ignition source causing fire.

FHWA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval for a new information collection, which is summarized below under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. We published a Federal Register Notice with a 60-day public comment period on this information collection on June 22, 2012. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

Pursuant to 40 CFR 1508.22 and 43 TAC Sec. 2.5(e)(2), the FHWA, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority) are issuing this notice to advise the public that an environmental impact statement (EIS) will be prepared for a transportation project in Travis County, Texas. The proposed project would improve US 290 from State Loop 1 (SL1 [Mopac]) to Ranch-to-Market Road (RM) 1826, in Travis County, Texas, a distance of approximately 3.6 miles. The EIS will also include improvements to SH 71 from Silvermine Drive to US 290 in Travis County, a distance of approximately 1.2 miles.

This action proposes to modify Class E airspace at Astoria Regional Airport, Astoria, OR. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Astoria Regional Airport. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Deer Lodge-City- County Airport, Deer Lodge, MT. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Deer Lodge-City-County Airport. This improves the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

The Federal Transit Administration invites public comment about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval to renew the following information collection: Transit Research, Development, Demonstration and Deployment Projects The information collected is necessary to determine eligibility of applicants and ensure mass transportation service at a minimum cost. The Federal Register notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments was published on July 9, 2012 (Citation 77 FR 40409). No comments were received from that notice.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of the Bolton Field Airport from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the sale of the airport property. The proposal consists of the sale of unimproved land owned by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) for use as an office/warehouse/distribution facility. The CRAA has requested from FAA a ``Release from Federal agreement obligated land covenants'' to sell 60.282 acres of property acquired by the CRAA with Federal funding under Grant Number 8-39-0026-01. The above mentioned land is not needed for aeronautical use, as shown on the Airport Layout Plan. There are no impacts to the airport by allowing the CRAA to dispose of the property. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the disposal of the airport property nor a determination of eligibility for grant-in-aid funding from the FAA. The disposition of proceeds from the disposal of the airport property will be in accordance with FAA's Policy and Procedures Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, published in the Federal Register on February 16, 1999. In accordance with section 47107(h) of title 49, United States Code, this notice is required to be published in the Federal Register 30 days before modifying the land-use assurance that requires the property to be used for an aeronautical purpose.

Pursuant to the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the availability of funding authorized for distracted driving grants on August 24, 2012. In this notice, DOT is extending the application submission deadline announced in the notice of availability of funding to February 28, 2013.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a severed upper butt strap, and cracks in the forward skin and bonded doubler, on one airplane. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracks and a chemical spot test in the area of station (STA) 908, and related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD requires an inspection and modification. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks at the adjacent mating skins (forward and aft), which could initiate just above stringers S-4R and S-4L; and could grow and result in a decompression event.

This final rule corrects editorial errors, makes minor regulatory changes and, in response to requests for clarification, improves the clarity of certain provisions in the Hazardous Materials Regulations. The intended effect of this rule is to enhance the accuracy and reduce misunderstandings of the regulations. The amendments contained in this rule are non-substantive changes and do not impose new requirements.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146, and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of loss of the end caps on the anti-icing piccolo tube of the wing leading edge. This proposed AD would require a detailed inspection of the end caps on the anti-icing piccolo tube for lost or loose end caps, and replacing or repairing the end caps if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct lost and loose end caps on the anti-icing piccolo tube, and ice accretion on the wing leading edge or run-back ice, which could lead to a reduction in the stall margin on approach and loss of controllability of the airplane.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires installing spacer assemblies at the attachment points of the YZ-latches of the cargo loading system (CLS) in the forward and aft cargo compartments, as applicable. Since we issued that AD, we have received reports that the installation has been applied only on one of the lower deck cargo holds, instead of on both forward and aft cargo holds, and that some airplanes could have installed the affected YZ-latches through the instructions of the cargo conversion manual. This proposed AD would require modifying the attachment points of fixed YZ-latches of the CLS lower deck cargo holds on those airplanes on which one or both lower deck cargo holds have not been modified. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the attachment points of the YZ-latches, which could result in unrestrained cargo causing damage to the fire protection system, hydraulic system, electrical wiring, or other equipment located in the forward and aft cargo compartments. This damage could adversely affect the continued safe flight of the airplane.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Kasigluk Airport, Kasigluk, AK, to accommodate aircraft using a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at the airport. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an uncommanded nose landing gear (NLG) retraction. This proposed AD would require installing a power interruption protection circuit for the landing gear control interface unit (LGCIU). We are proposing this AD to prevent untimely unlocking and/or retraction of the NLG, which, while on the ground, could result in injury to ground personnel and damage to the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all DASSAULT AVIATION Model MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a manufacturer revision to the airplane maintenance manual (AMM) that introduces new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This proposed AD would revise the maintenance program to incorporate new or revised maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are proposing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

This rule adopts as final, without change, a May 4, 2012, interim final rule (IFR) which no longer requires laboratories and Medical Review Officers (MRO) to consult with one another regarding the testing for the presence of morphine when the laboratory confirms the presence of 6-acetylmorphine (6-AM). Also, laboratories and MROs will no longer need to report 6-AM results to the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC). This rule also responds to comments on the IFR.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain P&W PW4000 series turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by reports of 3rd and 4th stage vane fractures in the low-pressure turbine (LPT) of certain PW4000-94'' and PW4000-100'' turbofan engines. This AD requires dimensional inspections of LPT 3rd stage vanes and the rear turbine case, inspection of LPT 4th stage vanes at the next LPT overhaul and removal of vanes with non-conforming airfoil fillet radii and vanes with more than one strip and recoat repair. This AD also requires disassembly and reassembly of the 2nd stage high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor and 3rd stage LPT rotor at the next HPT and LPT overhauls. We are issuing this AD to prevent 3rd and 4th stage vane fractures in the LPT, damage to the LPT rotor, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.