Department of Transportation March 11, 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and - 500 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the downstop assemblies on the main tracks of the No. 2, 3, 4, and No. 5 slats and the inboard track of the No. 1 and 6 slats to verify if any parts are missing, damaged, or in the wrong order; other specified actions; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued that AD, the manufacturer has developed a modification, which, when installed, would terminate the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would add an inspection of the slat can interior for foreign object debris (FOD), and removal of any FOD found; modification of the slat track hardware; an inspection for FOD and for damage to the interior surface of the slat cans; and related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent loose or missing parts in the main slat track downstop assemblies, which could puncture the slat track housing and result in a fuel leak and consequent fire.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that erroneous height indication by one radio altimeter with engaged flare and retard mode, in case of go-around, might lead to a temporary loss of airplane longitudinal control. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew applies the appropriate operational procedures in the event of an erroneous indication of the radio altimeter, which could result in temporary loss of airplane longitudinal control.

PHMSA is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to make miscellaneous amendments to update and clarify certain regulatory requirements. These amendments promote safer transportation practices, eliminate unnecessary regulatory requirements, address a petition for rulemaking, incorporate a special permit into the HMR, facilitate international commerce, and simplify the regulations. These amendments also update various entries in the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT) and corresponding special provisions, clarify the lab pack requirements for temperature-controlled materials, and require hazmat employers to make hazmat employee training records available upon request to an authorized official of the Department of Transportation (DOT) or an entity explicitly granted authority to enforce the HMR.