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

This amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas.

This document announces receipt by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a petition for a decision that nonconforming 2004 BMW 760I 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 2004 BMW 760I passenger car) and they are capable of being readily altered to conform to the standards.

This notice announces the availability of additional draft Airman Certification Standards (ACS) documents developed by the ATSTWG for the authorized instructor certificate, the private pilot certificate and the instrument rating. These documents are available for public review, download, and comment.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires revising the maintenance program by incorporating certain airworthiness limitations that require new life limits on certain main landing gear (MLG) components. Since we issued that AD, we have determined that reduced safe life limits on certain nose landing gear (NLG) fittings are necessary. Analysis of these fittings showed the presence of forging indications in the flash line, which might reduce the life limits of these fittings.

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 will be forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period was published on April 18, 2013 (78 FR 23330). No comments were received. Comments: Comments should be directed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503, Attention NHTSA Desk Officer. Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved collection. Form Number: This collection of information uses no standard forms.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of land at Sioux Gateway Airport/Col. Bud Day Field, Sioux City, Iowa, under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47107(h)(2).

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Model S-76A, B, and C helicopters. The existing AD currently requires inspecting the main rotor lower bifilar arm assembly (bifilar arm assembly) for a crack, and if there is a crack, replacing the bifilar arm assembly. The AD also requires a one-time test for the correct torque on the lug nuts, and if necessary, conducting torque stabilization tests. Since we issued that AD, Sikorsky has developed a terminating procedure for the inspections required by the existing AD. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of that AD, and would require replacing the main rotor hub (MRH) pilot with a different part- numbered MRH pilot, which would be terminating action for the requirements of the AD. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of a bifilar lug, damage to the main rotor control system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Model S-70, S-70A, and S-70C helicopters. This proposed AD would establish a new life limit based on a prorated formula for certain identified components (parts) installed on Model S-70, S-70A, and S-70C helicopters after being previously installed on certain military model helicopters. This proposed AD is prompted by the discovery that certain parts have been interchanged between military helicopter models with different life limits and the possibility that these same parts can be interchanged with civilian models with different life limits. The proposed actions are intended to establish a pro-rated in service life limit for each identified part to prevent fatigue failure of a part and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for the Sikorsky Model S-70, S-70A, S-70C, S-70C (M), and S-70C (M1) helicopters with General Electric (GE) T700-GE-401C or T700-GE- 701C engines installed, which proposed establishing new fatigue life limits for certain GE engine gas generator turbine (GGT) rotor parts. The proposed AD was prompted by a reevaluation of the method for determining the life limit for certain GE engine gas generator turbine (GGT) rotor parts and the determination that these life limits need to be based on low cycle fatigue (LCF) events instead of hours time-in- service. This action would retain the previously proposed requirements but correct the life limit formula for a certain GGT rotor part. The proposed actions are intended to prevent fatigue failure of a GGT rotor part, engine failure, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for AgustaWestland Model A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters to require removing certain rod end assemblies from service. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of fractures on the rod end assemblies that could damage the main rotor assembly and lead to loss of control of the helicopter.

The Regulatory Agenda is a semiannual summary of all current and projected rulemakings, reviews of existing regulations, and completed actions of the Department. The intent of the Agenda is to provide the public with information about the Department of Transportation's regulatory activity planned for the next 12 months. It is expected that this information will enable the public to be more aware of and allow it to more effectively participate in the Department's regulatory activity. The public is also invited to submit comments on any aspect of this Agenda.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the Sixty-Second meeting of the RTCA Special Committee 135, Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the twenty-third meeting of the RTCA Special Committee 224, Airport Security Access Control Systems.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Federal lead agency, and the Metropolitan Council (Council), the local lead agency, intend to publish a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) for the Southwest Light Rail Transit Extension (SWLRT) Project (formerly referred to as the Southwest Transitway Project), in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), its implementing regulations, provisions of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), and the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). The original Notice of Intent to prepare a DEIS for the Project was issued on September 23, 2008. The Project's Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was published on October 12, 2012, with a public comment period concluding on December 31, 2012. The Project is a new 15.8-mile light rail alignment with 17 new light rail stations, several new park-and-ride lots, and one new light rail operations and maintenance facility (OMF). The project requires modification to existing freight rail alignments within the project vicinity. The SDEIS will evaluate environmental impacts associated with proposed adjustments to the Locally Preferred Alternative, freight rail alignments, and location of the OMF. The SDEIS will also incorporate pertinent issues raised during the DEIS comment period. For commenting purposes under NEPA, written comments on the scope of the SDEIS should be directed to Ms. Nani Jacobson, Project Manager, Southwest Light Rail Transit Project Office, 6465 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 500, St. Louis Park, MN 55426, Telephone: 612-373-3808; Email: nani.jacobson@metrotransit.org. Comments on the scope may be submitted within 20 days of publication of the preparation notice in the state publication, the EQB Monitor. Notice in the EQB Monitor is anticipated to be published on July 22, 2013, with the 20 day period for submitting written comments ending on August 12, 2013. In accordance with MEPA, comments received within this period, and responses to the comments, will be included in the SDEIS.

The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). The NPRM proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) that had applied to certain Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation 14SF-7, 14SF-15, and 14SF-23 series propellers. The NPRM had applied to those propellers using certain Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation auxiliary pumps and motors (auxiliary feathering pumps). The proposed action would have required removal of certain serial numbers (S/Ns) of auxiliary feathering pumps from service. Since we issued the NPRM, we attended a meeting sponsored by Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation, which provided additional information regarding the unsafe condition. The information included results from bond strength tests that predicts a significantly lower fleet risk than the prior qualitative analysis. Accordingly, we withdraw the proposed rule.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA), \1\ on behalf of itself and its parent company Daimler AG (DAG),\2\ has determined that certain model year (MY) 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (204 platform) passenger cars manufactured between March and August 2011, do not fully comply with paragraph S4.3(d) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 110, Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less. MBUSA has filed an appropriate report dated May 4, 2012, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) \1\ has determined that the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) low tire pressure warning for certain model year (MY) 2011 and 2012 Acura TSX passenger cars equipped with accessory 18-inch diameter wheels sold at Honda dealerships do not comply with paragraph S4.2(a) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems. Honda has filed an appropriate report dated September 27, 2012, pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 747 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive detailed inspections to detect cracking in certain fuselage upper deck tension ties, repair or modification of any cracked tension ties, and repetitive inspections of repaired and modified tension ties and repair or modification if necessary. The existing AD also provides for optional terminating action for the repetitive detailed inspections of tension ties that have not been repaired or modified. This proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder indicating that the upper deck tension ties of the fuselage are subject to widespread fatigue damage. This proposed AD would retain the repetitive inspections, mandate the previously optional terminating modification, and add, for tension ties that have not been repaired or modified, repetitive inspections that must be done concurrently with the existing repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to prevent widespread fatigue damage of certain fuselage upper deck tension ties, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2011-13-08 for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. AD 2011-13- 08 required a free-play check for excessive free-play of the shaft swaged bearing installed in the tailstock end of each elevator power control unit (PCU), and replacing any PCU on which the bearing exceeds allowable limits with a serviceable PCU. This new AD adds airplanes to the applicability from that of AD 2011-13-08. This AD was prompted by a determination that additional airplanes are affected by the identified unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct excessive free-play of the swaged bearings, which could lead to excessive airframe vibrations and difficulties in pitch control, and consequent loss of controllability of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the elevator rear spar stiffener assembly. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the elevator rear spar stiffener assembly, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the elevator rear spar stiffener assembly, which could adversely affect elevator structural stiffness, which could lead to elevator vibration and possible interference with the tab control rod. These conditions could result in flutter and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of spanwise cracks and corrosion in the wing center box upper skin and rear spar upper chord between left buttock line (LBL) 70.50 and right buttock line (RBL) 70.50 at body station (STA) 870. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the wing center box for cracking around certain fastener rows on the rear spar upper chord horizontal flange; for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections for cracking of the rear spar upper chord radius; for certain other airplanes, repetitive inspections for damage, cracking, and corrosion of the pressure seal; and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking and corrosion of the upper skin and rear spar upper chord of the wing center box, which could result in loss of the airplane wing and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) invites public comments on a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve an Emergency Information Collection Request in accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 USC 3501 et seq). This request is being submitted to OMB via an Emergency Information Collection Request. On July 6, 2012, the President of the United States signed the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act of 2012 (MAP-21). MAP-21 authorized $750 million in FY 2013 and $1 billion in FY 2014 for the Transportation Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program to pay the subsidy cost of supporting Federal credit. The TIFIA program will provide Federal credit assistance in the form of direct loans, loan guarantees, and standby lines of credit to eligible surface transportation projects. This information collection relates to the collection of information from entities interested in TIFIA credit assistance and assists the DOT in evaluating projects and project sponsors for program eligibility and creditworthiness.

PHMSA invites volunteers for a pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness of paperless hazard communications systems and comments on an information collection activity associated with the pilot program. ``Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act'' (MAP-21) authorizes PHMSA to conduct a pilot program to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using paperless hazard communications systems. In accordance with MAP-21, in conducting the pilot projects, PHMSA may not waive the current shipping paper requirements. In addition, MAP-21 indicates that PHMSA must consult with organizations representing fire and other emergency responders, law enforcement, and regulated entities. Upon completion of the pilot projects, PHMSA must evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of paperless hazard communications systems and make a recommendation to Congress regarding regulatory changes that would permanently authorize the use of paperless hazard communications systems. The report is due to Congress by October 1, 2014. The intent of this notice is to: (1) Describe the current regulatory requirements for shipping papers; (2) describe authority granted under MAP-21; (3) explain the goal, scope, and intent of the pilot program; (4) seek volunteers to participate in the pilot projects and describe criteria for selecting pilot participants from the volunteers; and (5) seek comment on the request for information to be collected in conducting the pilot projects and in consulting with organizations representing fire and other emergency responders, law enforcement, and regulated entities. Information gathered will enable PHMSA to generate a report to Congress detailing: (1) The performance of each paperless hazard communications system tested during the pilot projects; (2) PHMSA's assessment of the safety and security impacts on stakeholders; (3) the associated costs and benefits; and (4) PHMSA's regulatory recommendation(s).