Department of Transportation April 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Under the Small Shipyard Grant Program, there is currently $9,457,986.00 available for grants for capital and related improvements to qualified shipyard facilities that will be effective in fostering efficiency, competitive operations, and quality ship construction, repair, and reconfiguration. This notice announces the intention of the Maritime Administration to provide grants to small shipyards. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 20.814. Potential applicants are advised that, based on past experience, the number of applications will far exceed the funds available and that only a small percentage of applications will be funded. It is anticipated that up to 10 applications will be selected for funding with an average grant amount of about $1 million.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracked and corroded nuts on an outboard flap support rib. This proposed AD would require, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections of the cap seal for damaged sealant on nuts common to certain outboard flap support ribs, related investigative and corrective actions if necessary, and replacement of all fasteners in the support ribs, which terminates the repetitive inspections. For certain other airplanes, this proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the cap seal for damaged sealant on nuts common to certain outboard flap support ribs, related investigative and corrective actions if necessary, and if necessary, a detailed inspection to determine the nut type installed in the outboard flap support rib and corrective actions; for these airplanes, this proposed AD provides optional replacement of all fasteners in the support ribs, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracked and corroded nuts and bolts and the installation of incorrect nuts on certain outboard flap support ribs, which could lead to additional nut and bolt damage in the joint, and result in loss of an outboard flap, and adversely affect continued safe flight and landing of the airplane.

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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer, which revealed that certain fuel pumps under certain conditions can create an ignition source in the fuel tank. This AD requires modification of the center tank fuel pump control circuit by installation of ground fault interrupters (GFIs). This AD would also require either replacement of the GFI or deactivation of the associated fuel pump following failure of any post-modification operational test of the GFI. We are issuing this AD to prevent 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 are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France EC130B4 helicopters. This AD requires visually checking the center windscreen panel (center windscreen) for a crack and replacing the center windscreen if there is a crack, if the windscreen distorts during flight, or within 12 months. This AD was prompted by in-flight cracking and failure of a center windscreen. The actions of this AD are intended to detect a crack in the blending radii of the center windscreen to prevent failure of the windscreen, injury to the flight crew, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for a new information collection. The collection involves labeling requirements for manufacturers and packagers of brake fluids as well as packagers of hydraulic system mineral oils. The information to be collected will be used to and/or is necessary to insure the following: the contents of the container are clearly stated; these fluids are used for their intended purpose only; and, the containers are properly disposed of when empty. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13.

This action proposes to amend Class D and Class E Airspace operating hours, and establish Class E Airspace at Oceana Naval Air Station, (NAS), VA, due to the Air Traffic Control Tower at Oceana NAS (Apollo Soucek Field) operating on a part time basis. This action would enhance the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also would update the airport's geographic coordinates.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracking in a lower longeron in a nacelle. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the lower longerons in the nacelles and replacement with new longerons or repair if necessary. Additionally, this proposed AD specifies an optional terminating action. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in degradation of the structural integrity of the nacelle and possible collapse of the main landing gear (MLG).

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. That NPRM proposed replacing all three advance pneumatic detectors (APDs) with new detector assemblies. That NPRM was prompted by reports of ADPs for engine fire/overheat detector assemblies failing to reset after activation due to permanent deformation of the detector switch diaphragm after being exposed to high temperatures. This action revises that NPRM by adding airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to prevent a continued engine fire indication in the cockpit after the actual fire has been extinguished, which is misleading and might influence the pilot to conduct a potentially hazardous ``off- airport'' landing. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG Model G 115E airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as incorrect cable routing causing electrical shorting behind the left-hand (LH) cockpit instrument panel. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action amends Class D and Class E Airspace at Reading, PA, as the SHAPP OM navigation aid has been decommissioned, requiring the modification of Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) at Reading Regional/Carl A. Spaatz Field. This action enhances the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

This notice announces that FHWA and the State of California, acting by and through its Department of Transportation (State), propose to renew and amend an MOU between the parties dated June 7, 2010, pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 326. The MOU would extend the duration of the agreement by three years, continuing the assignment to the State of the FHWA's authority and responsibility for determining whether certain designated activities within the geographic boundaries of the State, as specified in the proposed MOU, are categorically excluded from preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. (NEPA). Aside from editorial changes to the MOU, the following minor changes would also be incorporated: (1) The State would be required to submit a list of CE determinations semi-annually as opposed to quarterly, including Section 4(f) decisions; (2) the Federal Register notice of availability and comment period would be modified from 45 days to 30 days, where applicable; (3) language would be included clarifying that the presence of unusual circumstances and significant environmental impacts must be considered in CE findings; (4) inclusion of language to clarify that the State coordinate with the Department of Justice and FHWA in the event of litigation, (5) FHWA program reviews would be at no sooner than the 19th month and no later than the 31st month in order to give the State adequate time to implement corrective action plans; (6) future changes to 23 CFR 771.117(c) and (d), in addition to Appendix A resulting from rulemaking would be automatically incorporated into the MOU; (7) the termination provisions of the MOU would be changed to comply with the provisions of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21).

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA; 42 United States Code 4321 et seq.), Council on Environmental Quality NEPA implementing regulations (40 Code of Federal Regulations parts 1500 to 1508), and FAA Order 1050.1E, Change 1, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of a FONSI/ROD, based on the analysis and findings of the U.S. Air Force's (USAF's) March 2011 Final Environmental Assessment for Falcon 9 and Falcon 9 Heavy Launch Vehicle Programs from Space Launch Complex 4 East (the EA).

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 determination that certain flap actuators require restoration by installing a redesigned flap actuator inboard pinion seal. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance program by incorporating new airworthiness limitation tasks. We are proposing this AD to prevent flap system failure, and consequent reduced landing performance of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535E4-B-37 series turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by recalculating the life of certain life limited parts operated to certain flight profiles. This proposed AD would require removal of affected parts using a drawdown plan. We are proposing 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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535E4-37, RB211-535E4-B-37, RB211-535E4-C- 37, and RB211-535E4-B-75 turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by RR updating the low-cycle-fatigue life analysis for the low pressure turbine (LPT) stage 2 discs. This proposed AD would require removal of affected parts using a drawdown plan. We are proposing this AD to prevent LPT stage 2 disc failure, which could result in uncontained engine damage and damage to the airplane.

The U.S. New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) provides comparative information on the safety of new vehicles to assist consumers with vehicle purchasing decisions and encourage motor vehicle manufacturers to make safety improvements. To maintain the relevance and effectiveness of NCAP, NHTSA has periodically updated the program, most recently in model year 2011. In response to the rapid development of vehicle safety technologies, especially in the area of crash avoidance, the agency is once again requesting public comments in order to help identify the potential areas for improvement to the program that have the greatest potential for producing safety benefits. This notice lists and describes potential areas of study for improving NCAP. The agency will use the comments it receives to aid it in developing a notice proposing near term upgrades to NCAP. The agency will also use the comments received in response to this notice to help it in developing a draft 5- year plan for the NCAP program outlining research that the agency plans to conduct as well as longer term upgrades it intends to pursue making to NCAP.

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 8 individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). They are unable to meet the vision requirement in one eye for various reasons. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the prescribed vision requirement in one eye. The Agency has concluded that granting these exemptions will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these CMV drivers.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 27 individuals for exemption from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. They are unable to meet the vision requirement in one eye for various reasons. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the prescribed vision requirement in one eye. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals to qualify as drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.

This document announces receipt by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a petition for a decision that nonconforming 2012 Porsche GT3RS passenger cars that were not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), are eligible for importation into the United States because they are substantially similar to vehicles that were originally manufactured for sale in the United States and that were certified by their manufacturer as complying with the safety standards (the U.S.-certified version of the 2012 Porsche GT3RS) and they are capable of being readily altered to conform to the standards.