Department of Transportation 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

As authorized by 46 U.S.C. 12121, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below.

This action proposes to establish 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, Deer Lodge, MT. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the PZL Swidnik S.A. (PZL) Model PZL W-3A helicopter with a certain generator air outlet collector (collector) installed. This AD requires modifying the generator air outlet collector attachments (collector attachments). This AD is prompted by an incident where cyclic control stick movement was restricted due to rotation of a loose collector, resulting in locking of the longitudinal control system hydraulic actuator fork end. These actions are intended to prevent rotation of the collector, which could lead to restricted cyclic control stick movement, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of unsuccessful slide deployments during scheduled deployment tests, and failed functional tests of the release travel of the slide release mechanism. This AD requires inspecting the off-wing slide release cables on the left- and right-hand sides to determine whether a certain part number is installed, and replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent non-availability of left- or right-hand off-wing exit slides that could impair emergency evacuation of the passengers and flightcrew, and could result in personal injuries.

FRA is issuing Safety Advisory 2012-03 to remind track owners, railroads, and their employees of the importance of complying with their continuous welded rail (CWR) plan procedures and reviewing their current internal engineering instructions that address inspecting CWR track to identify buckling-prone conditions. In an effort to heighten awareness of the potential consequences of an unexpected track buckle, particularly considering the unusually high, and prolonged, record- breaking temperatures that have affected much of the United States in recent weeks, this notice highlights a series of recent train accidents involving derailments that were preliminarily determined by the respective railroads to be caused by the rail buckling under extreme heat conditions (commonly referred to as ``sun kinks'' in the rail). This notice contains recommendations to track owners and railroads to ensure their employees comply with the requirements of their CWR plan procedures that address inspecting track to identify buckling-prone conditions in CWR track, particularly if the track is located on or near railroad bridges. It also recommends that track owners and railroads review current internal engineering instructions to ensure that the instructions properly identify the necessary track maintenance instructions to prevent track buckling during extreme heat conditions.

As authorized by 46 U.S.C. 12121, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below.

FMCSA amends the regulations governing the period during which household goods (HHG) motor carriers must retain documentation of an individual shipper's waiver of receipt of printed copies of consumer protection materials. This change harmonizes the retention period with other document retention requirements applicable to HHG motor carriers. FMCSA also amends the regulations to clarify that a HHG motor carrier is not required to retain waiver documentation from any individual shippers for whom the carrier does not actually provide services. This rule responds to a petition filed by the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA).

This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or revokes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

On June 12, 2012, noncarrier El Expreso Group, LLC (El Expreso Group or Applicant) filed an application for approval under 49 U.S.C. 14303 to acquire control of the assets of CUSA EE, LLC d/b/a El Expreso (CUSA EE) (MC-463171), an interstate motor passenger carrier subsidiary of noncarrier Coach America Holdings, Inc. (Coach America).\1\ On June 13, 2012, Michael Yusim, an individual, filed a letter in opposition to the proposed transaction, asserting that the public interest would not be served by allowing the transaction to proceed without certain Department of Labor proceedings first being completed. A copy of this notice will be served on Mr. Yusim. Persons wishing to oppose the application must follow the rules set forth at 49 CFR 1182.5 and 1182.8.

This action modifies Class E airspace at Plentywood Sher-Wood Airport, Plentywood, MT. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Plentywood Sher-Wood Airport. This improves the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also makes a minor adjustment to the geographic coordinates of the airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of the airport from aeronautical use to nonaeronautical use and to authorize the conversion of the airport property. The proposal consists of two parcels of land containing a total of approximately 120.46 acres located to the northeast and southeast of the intersection of East 36th Street North and North Mingo Road. These parcels were originally acquired under the following grants: Airport Development Aid Program (ADAP) No. 6-40-0099-15 in 1978; Federal Aid to Airports Program (FAAP) Nos. 9-34-032-C312 in 1962 and 9-34-032-C514 in 1964; portions of these parcels were acquired with non-grant funds. The land comprising these parcels is outside the forecasted need for aviation development and, thus, is no longer needed for indirect or direct aeronautical use. In addition, these parcels have no access to the airfield. The Airport wishes to develop this land for compatible commercial, nonaeronautical use. The income from the conversion of these parcels will benefit the aviation community by reinvestment in the airport. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the conversion of the subject airport property nor a determination of eligibility for grant-in-aid funding from the FAA. The disposition of proceeds from the conversion 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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a fire originated near the first officer's area, which caused extensive damage to the flight deck. This AD requires replacing the low-pressure oxygen hoses with non-conductive low-pressure oxygen hoses in the flight compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent electrical current from passing through the low-pressure oxygen hose internal anti-collapse spring, which can cause the low-pressure oxygen hose to melt or burn, and a consequent oxygen-fed fire in the flight compartment.

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 reports of ram air turbine (RAT) pump failure. This proposed AD would require inspecting the RAT pump anti- stall valve for correct setting, re-identifying the RAT pump, performing a functional ground test of the RAT, and replacing the RAT pump or the RAT assembly with a serviceable part if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct malfunction of the RAT pump, which could lead to in-flight loss of the RAT-pump pressurization, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400, and -400F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by multiple reports of integrated display unit (IDU) malfunctions and mode control panel (MCP) malfunctions. This proposed AD would require installing new software, replacing the duct assembly with a new duct assembly, making wiring changes, and routing certain wire bundles. We are proposing this AD to prevent IDU malfunctions, which could affect the ability of the flight crew to read primary displays for airplane attitude, altitude, or airspeed, and consequently reduce the ability of the flight crew to maintain control of the airplane.

FMCSA solicits applications and nominations for interested persons to serve on the MCSAC. The MCSAC is composed of FMCSA stakeholders from the safety enforcement, industry, labor, and safety sectors and is charged with providing advice and recommendations to the FMCSA Administrator on Federal motor carrier safety programs. As part of this solicitation, current members with terms expiring in 2012 will be able to indicate their interest in being reappointed for another term.

FMCSA announces and requests public comment on data and information concerning the Pre-Authorization Safety Audit (PASA) for Jose Guadalupe Morales Guevara (DBA Fletes Morales) which applied to participate in the Agency's long-haul pilot program to test and demonstrate the ability of Mexico-domiciled motor carriers to operate safely in the United States beyond the municipalities in the United States on the United States-Mexico international border or the commercial zones of such municipalities. This action is required by the ``U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007'' and all subsequent appropriations.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 23 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.

The FAA is issuing a SNPRM for the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published on March 15, 2012, in order to elicit comments addressing the proposed amendment to create Class E surface airspace and further expand the previous proposed amendment of Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Dillon Airport, Dillon, MT, to accommodate aircraft using new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures. The original NPRM only proposed an amendment of Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney PW4050, PW4052, PW4056, PW4060, PW4060A, PW4060C, PW4062, PW4062A, PW4152, PW4156, PW4156A, PW4158, PW4160, PW4460, PW4462, and PW4650 turbofan engines, including models with any dash number suffix. This proposed AD was prompted by 16 reports of damaged or failed 3rd stage low-pressure turbine (LPT) duct segments. This proposed AD would require removing from service certain part numbers (P/Ns) of 3rd stage LPT duct segments. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the 3rd stage LPT duct segments, which could lead to LPT rotor damage, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.

This document notifies the public of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB's) approval of the information collection requirement contained in the FAA's final rule, ``Flightcrew Member Duty and Rest Requirements,'' which was published on January 4, 2012.

This action reopens the comment period for a Petition for Exemption that was published on June 12, 2012. The petition for exemption from Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), if granted, would allow AOPA and EAA members to conduct certain operations of aircraft without having to hold an FAA-issued medical certificate.

This document notifies the public of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB's) approval of the information collection requirement contained in the FAA's final rule, ``Operations Specifications,'' which was published on February 10, 2011.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) 250-C20, -C20B, and -C20R/2 turboshaft engines. This AD was prompted by seven cases reported of released turbine blades and shrouds, which led to loss of power and engine in- flight shutdowns (IFSDs). This AD requires a one-time visual inspection and fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) on certain 3rd and 4th stage turbine wheels for cracks in the turbine blades. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of 3rd or 4th stage turbine wheel blades which could cause engine failure and damage to the airplane.

This action removes eighteen Domestic and Alaskan compulsory reporting points defined by navigation aids previously decommissioned, removed, or shutdown and taken out of the FAA aeronautical database as compulsory reporting points. Additionally, this action also requires changes to the name of four navigation aids that define associated compulsory reporting points. The FAA is removing the outdated Part 71 compulsory reporting points since they are no longer valid, and amending those Part 71 compulsory reporting points that require name changes, to be consistent with the FAA's aeronautical database.

This action changes the name of the airport associated with the Class D and Class E airspace at Lakehurst, NJ. The airport's name is being changed to Lakehurst Naval Support Activity/Maxfield Field (Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst). The FAAs Aeronautical Products office requested the change to reflect the current airport name.