Department of Transportation 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below is being forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comments. A Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following information collection was published on November 8, 2011 (76 FR 69320). No comments were received.

Yokohama Tire Company (YTC),\1\ has determined that certain P215/60R15 93H AVID H4S passenger car replacement tires failed to comply with paragraph S5.5.1 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 139, New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles. YTC has filed an appropriate report pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports (dated January 21, 2010).

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all PW PW4074 and PW4077 turbofan engines. The existing AD currently requires removing the 15th stage high pressure compressor (HPC) disk within 12,000 cycles since new (CSN) or using a drawdown removal plan for disks that exceed 12,000 CSN. Since we issued that AD, we received a request from an operator that we clarify our inspection schedule for 15th stage HPC disks. This proposed AD would clarify that 15th stage HPC disks that have accumulated more than 9,685 CSN require a borescope inspection (BSI) or eddy current inspection (ECI) of the disk outer rim front rail for cracks prior to accumulating 12,000 CSN. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracks from propagating into the disk bolt holes, which could result in a failure of the 15th stage HPC disk, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all GE CF6-80C2B series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires installing software version 8.2.Q1 to the engine electronic control unit (ECU), which increases the engine's margin to flameout. This new AD requires the removal of the affected ECUs from service. This AD was prompted by two reports of engine flameout events during flight in inclement weather conditions, eight reports of engine in- flight shutdown (IFSD) events caused by dual-channel central processing unit (CPU) faults in the ECU, and four reports of engine flameout ground events. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine flameout or un- commanded engine IFSD of one or more engines, leading to an emergency or forced landing of the airplane.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is concerned about the effects of distraction due to drivers' use of electronic devices on motor vehicle safety. Consequently, NHTSA is issuing nonbinding, voluntary NHTSA Driver Distraction Guidelines (NHTSA Guidelines) to promote safety by discouraging the introduction of excessively distracting devices in vehicles. This notice details the contents of the first phase of the NHTSA Driver Distraction Guidelines. These NHTSA Guidelines cover original equipment in-vehicle device secondary tasks (communications, entertainment, information gathering, and navigation tasks not required to drive are considered secondary tasks) performed by the driver through visual-manual means (meaning the driver looking at a device, manipulating a device-related control with the driver's hand, and watching for visual feedback). The proposed NHTSA Guidelines list certain secondary, non-driving related tasks that, based on NHTSA's research, are believed by the agency to interfere inherently with a driver's ability to safely control the vehicle. The Guidelines recommend that those in-vehicle devices be designed so that they cannot be used by the driver to perform such tasks while the driver is driving. For all other secondary, non-driving-related visual-manual tasks, the NHTSA Guidelines specify a test method for measuring the impact of task performance on driving safety while driving and time-based acceptance criteria for assessing whether a task interferes too much with driver attention to be suitable to perform while driving. If a task does not meet the acceptance criteria, the NHTSA Guidelines recommend that in- vehicle devices be designed so that the task cannot be performed by the driver while driving. In addition to identifying inherently distracting tasks and providing a means for measuring and evaluating the level of distraction associated with other non-driving-related tasks, the NHTSA Guidelines contain several design recommendations for in-vehicle devices in order to minimize their potential for distraction. NHTSA seeks comments on these NHTSA Guidelines and any suggestions for how to improve them so as to better enhance motor vehicle safety.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. The existing AD requires replacement of the existing deactivation pin, aft cascade pin bushing, and pin insert on each thrust reverser half with new, improved components. Since we issued that AD, we received reports that certain airplanes require installation of a new bushing and deactivation pin with increased load carrying capability and all airplanes powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D series engines require installation of a new bracket for stowing the deactivation pin. This proposed AD would add a dye penetrant inspection for cracking of the rivet holes of the bushing plate and repair or replacement, if necessary. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require replacing the existing bushing with a new bushing and deactivation pin; and installing a new or serviceable stowage bracket for the deactivation pins on all airplanes powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D series engines. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the thrust reverser deactivation pins, which could fail to prevent a deployment of a deactivated thrust reverser in flight and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601-3R, and CL-604 Variants) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of deformation at the neck of the pressure regulator body on the oxygen cylinder and regulator assemblies (CRAs), and an electrical wiring harness in the area of the oxygen cylinder had no protective conduit sleeving. This proposed AD would require inspecting to determine if certain oxygen pressure regulators are installed and replacing oxygen CRAs containing pressure regulators that do not meet the required material properties. This proposed AD would also require inspecting for damaged wiring and repairing or replacing wiring if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent rupture of the oxygen cylinder, which in the case of cabin depressurization, oxygen would not be available when required; and to detect and correct unprotected wiring that could chafe against the oxygen system components or surrounding structure in the area, which could lead to electrical arcing and an oxygen-fed fire.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Tire Company, (Cooper) \1\, has determined that approximately 6,964 passenger car replacement tires manufactured between January 23, 2011 and March 26, 2011, do not fully comply with paragraph S5.5(f) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 139, New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles. Cooper has filed an appropriate report dated March 31, 2011, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 17 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.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 10 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 exempt sixteen individuals from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

Section 6005 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) established the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Pilot Program, codified at 23 U.S.C. 327. To ensure compliance by each State participating in the Pilot Program, 23 U.S.C. 327(g) mandates semiannual audits during each of the first 2 years of State participation and annual audits during each subsequent year of State participation. This notice announces and solicits comments on the sixth audit report for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

We are revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for transport category airplanes that have one or more lavatories equipped with paper or linen waste receptacles. That AD currently requires installation of placards prohibiting smoking in the lavatory and disposal of cigarettes in the lavatory waste receptacles; establishment of a procedure to announce to airplane occupants that smoking is prohibited in the lavatories; installation of ashtrays at certain locations; and repetitive inspections to ensure that lavatory waste receptacle doors operate correctly. This new AD extends the time an airplane may be operated with certain missing ashtrays. This AD was prompted by the determination that certain compliance times required by the existing AD could be extended and still address fires occurring in lavatories caused by, among other things, the improper disposal of smoking materials in lavatory waste receptacles. We are issuing this AD to correct this unsafe condition on these products.

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all RR RB211-Trent 800 series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires removal from service of certain critical engine parts based on reduced life limits. This new AD reduces the life limits of additional critical engine parts. This AD was prompted by RR reducing the life limits of additional critical engine parts. We are issuing this AD to prevent the failure of critical rotating parts, which could result in uncontained failure of the engine and damage to the airplane.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the instructions for continued airworthiness for certain airplanes, and the FAA-approved maintenance program for certain other airplanes, to incorporate new limitations for fuel tank systems. Since we issued that AD, Fokker Services B.V. has revised a Fokker 70/100 maintenance review board (MRB) document with revised limitations, tasks, thresholds, and intervals. This proposed AD would revise the maintenance program to incorporate the limitations, tasks, thresholds, and intervals specified in that Fokker MRB document. We are proposing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

We propose to rescind an airworthiness directive (AD) for RRD BR700-715A1-30, BR700-715B1-30, and BR700-715C1-30 turbofan engines. The existing AD resulted from the need to reduce the published life limits of high-pressure (HP) turbine stage 1 discs, part numbers (P/Ns) BRH20130 and BRH20131, and HP turbine stage 2 discs, P/Ns BRH19423 and BRH19427. Since we issued the existing AD, RRD has revised the approved published life limits of these parts to the same or higher limits as originally certified.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Honeywell International Inc. models TFE731-4, -4R, -5, -5R, - 5AR, and -5BR series turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a rim/web separation of a first stage low-pressure turbine (LPT1) rotor assembly. This proposed AD would require replacing affected LPT1 rotor assemblies with LPT1 rotor assemblies eligible for installation. We are proposing this AD to prevent uncontained disk separation, leading to fuel tank penetration, fire, personal injury, and damage to the airplane.

This action amends Class E airspace at City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, Colorado Springs, CO. Decommissioning of the Black Forest Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN) has made this action necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also adjusts the geographic coordinates of the airport.

This technical amendment corrects a final rule published in the Federal Register of April 28, 2011; subsequently delayed in the Federal Register of June 16, 2011; and announced with a new effective date in the Federal Register of December 9, 2011. In that rule, the route description of VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway V- 388 was inadvertently reversed. This technical amendment corrects that error.

This action modifies area navigation (RNAV) route T-288 by extending the route westward from the Rapid City, SD, VORTAC to the Gillette, WY, VOR/DME. This extension enhances the efficiency and safety of the National Airspace System (NAS) by supplementing the existing VOR Federal airway structure in that area.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted regarding the passenger motor vehicle insurance companies and rental/leasing companies comply with 49 CFR Part 544, Insurer Reporting Requirement, has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describes the nature of the information collections and their expected burden. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period was published on November 25, 2011 (76 FR 72750). The agency received no comments.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of loss of avionics cooling due to an unserviceable relay installed on a panel as part of the cabin air conditioning and temperature control system (CACTCS). This AD requires doing certain wiring changes, installing a new relay and necessary wiring in the CACTCS, and performing an operational test of the cooling pack system. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of electrical equipment bay cooling and the overheating of flight deck instruments, which would result in the eventual loss of primary flight displays, an unusually high pilot workload, and depressurization of the cabin.