Department of Transportation August 30, 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for a new information collection. This notice corrects a notice published in the Federal Register on July 31, 2013 (78 FR 46405) to change the word ``airplane'' to ``aircraft'' in the provided survey questions, and to extend the comment period. The collection involves an assessment of the number of ferry flights typically conducted by on-demand air carriers and the costs associated with those flights. The information to be collected will be used to conduct a benefit cost analysis in connection with rulemaking as required by Congress.

This NPRM provides interested parties with the opportunity to comment on proposed regulations that would govern the application requirements for the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program (Program). The proposed regulations are prompted by enactment of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), which converted the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Pilot Program into a permanent program, allows any State to apply for the Program, expanded the scope of the Secretary's responsibilities that may be assigned and assumed under the Program, and created a renewal process for Program participation. The FHWA, FTA, and FRA, hereinafter referred to as the ``Agencies,'' seek comments on the proposals contained in this NPRM.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; Model A340-200 and - 300 series airplanes; and Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes. This final rule was prompted by reports of wing tip brakes (WTBs) losing their braking function in service due to heavy wear on the brake discs. WTBs are designed to stop and hold the mechanical transmission of slats and flaps in certain failure cases. This final rule requires repetitive operational tests of certain WTB pressure-off-brakes (POBs) for performance on the flap and slat systems, and replacement of any affected WTB with a new or serviceable part if the test fails. This final rule also requires eventual replacement of all affected WTBs with a new part, which terminates the repetitive tests. We are issuing this final rule to prevent loss of the WTB braking function, and consequent inability of the flap or slat system to be stopped and held in position during operation, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of advance pneumatic detectors (APDs) 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 AD requires replacing all three APDs with new detector assemblies. We are issuing 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.