Department of Transportation August 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 to renew an information collection. The FAA collects information from applicants for experimental permits in order to determine whether they satisfy the requirements for obtaining an experimental permit under 14 CFR part 437.

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 to renew an information collection. The FAA collects information from airport sponsors and planning agencies in order to administer the Airports Grants Program. Data is used to determine eligibility, ensure proper use of Federal Funds, and ensure project accomplishment.

The Federal Transit Administration invites public comment about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval to renew the following information collection:

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the availability of Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Grant program funds in support of the Discretionary Passenger Ferry Grant program. This grant opportunity will be funded using $29.9 million in FY 2013 Urbanized Area Formula Grants program funds authorized by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), Public Law 112- 141, July 6, 2012. The Passenger Ferry Grant program (Ferry program), as authorized, is available to urbanized areas for the same general authority provided under 49 U.S.C. 5307 (Section 5307). However, within the authority provided to the Secretary of Transportation to develop a competitive process, FTA is limiting this discretionary opportunity to capital projects. These funds constitute a core investment in the enhancement and revitalization of public ferry systems in the Nation's urbanized areas. This notice solicits proposals to compete for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 funding under the Ferry program and may include additional funds made available under future appropriations. This notice also includes priorities established by FTA for these discretionary funds, criteria FTA will use to identify meritorious projects for funding, and the process to apply for funding. This announcement is available on the FTA Web site at: http// www.fta.dot.gov. FTA may announce final selections on the Web site and in the Federal Register. Additionally, a synopsis of this funding opportunity will be posted in the FIND module of the government-wide electronic grants (GRANTS.GOV) Web site at https://www.grants.gov.

In accordance with the procedures governing the application for, and the processing of, special permits from the Department of Transportation's Hazardous Material Regulations (49 CFR Part 107, Subpart B), notice is hereby given that the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety has received the applications described herein. This notice is abbreviated to expedite docketing and public notice. Because the sections affected, modes of transportation, and the nature of application have been shown in earlier Federal Register publications, they are not repeated here. Requests for modification of special permits (e.g. to provide for additional hazardous materials, packaging design changes, additional mode of transportation, etc.) are described in footnotes to the application number. Application numbers with the suffix ``M'' denote a modification request. These applications have been separated from the new application for special permits to facilitate processing.

In accordance with the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5117(c), PHMSA is publishing the following list of special permit applications that have been in process for 180 days or more. The reason(s) for delay and the expected completion date for action on each application is provided in association with each identified application.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the crimping of the ball joint of the upper- and lower- end- fittings of the main servo-control and, depending on findings, replacing the main servo-control or repairing the ball joint. This proposed AD is prompted by incidents of missing crimping on the ball joints of servo-control end-fittings. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of a main servo-control upper end fitting, and subsequent failure of the flight controls and loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2006-06- 14, that applies to certain Airbus Model A318-100 and A319-100 series airplanes, A320-111 airplanes, A320-200 series airplanes, and A321-100 and A321-200 series airplanes. AD 2006- 06-14 requires operators to review the airplane's maintenance records to determine the part numbers of the magnetic fuel level indicators (MFLIs) of the wing fuel tanks, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 2006-06-14, we received information that the related investigative actions of the existing AD are not fully effective and that an affected MFLI could still be installed on airplanes on which the related investigative actions were accomplished. This proposed AD would also require an inspection (improved method) to determine the part numbers of the MFLIs, and, if necessary, replacement of the MFLI or repair. We are proposing this AD to prevent an ignition source in the wing fuel tank in the event of a lightning strike, which could result in a fire or explosion.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 204B helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the tail rotor (T/R) cable assembly for an incorrectly machined body. This proposed AD is prompted by a report from Bell that a defective body on the cable prevents the barrel assembly from fully engaging in the body cavity. The proposed actions are intended to prevent disengagement of the cable from the barrel, failure of the T/R pitch control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes, and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion of the components of the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuator found in service; the corrosion was found at the interface of the rod end and the piston, and at the bracket and related pins. This AD requires inspection of the MLG retraction actuator components; corrective actions if necessary; and, for certain retraction actuators, installation of a new jam nut. We are issuing this AD to prevent disconnection of the MLG retraction actuator, which could result in extension of the MLG without damping, and consequent structural damage and collapse of the MLG during landing.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Beechcraft Corporation (type certificate previously held by Hawker Beechcraft Corporation) Models 58, 95-C55, E55, and 56TC airplanes; and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Models 58P and 58TC airplanes (both type certificates previously held by Raytheon Aircraft Company). This AD was prompted by reports of elevator balance weights becoming loose or failing because the balance weight material was under strength and did not meet material specifications. This AD requires inspections of elevator balance weights and replacement of defective elevator balance weights. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters to require inspecting for the presence of blind holes in the tail gearbox (TGB) attachment fittings, and, if they are missing, installing an additional washer under the head of the attachment bolt until the attachment fitting is replaced with an airworthy attachment fitting. This AD was prompted by the discovery of interference between the TGB aft attachment bolt and the structure fitting, caused by a manufacturing anomaly that omitted the blind hole required for proper fit of the attachment bolt. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in insufficient tightening of the TGB casing, damage to the TGB attachment, cracking under the attachment bolt, and loss of the TGB, resulting in loss of control of the helicopter.

These special conditions are issued for the Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model J182T airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with the installation of an aircraft diesel engine (ADE). The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company (GE) model GEnx-2B67B turbofan engines with booster anti-ice (BAI) air duct, part number (P/N) 2469M32G01, and support bracket, P/N 2469M46G01, installed. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the BAI air duct. This AD requires initial and repetitive visual inspections of the BAI air duct, removal from service of the BAI air duct if it fails inspection and, as a mandatory terminating action, the installation of new BAI air duct support brackets. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the BAI air duct, resulting in an in-flight shutdown of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.

This action amends Class E airspace at Muldrow Army Heliport, Lexington, OK. Changes to military mission requirements require conversion of the Class E surface area to a Class E transition area. This action enhances the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 23 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.

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.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published in the Federal Register of July 9, 2013, a request for comments about thefts of model year (MY) 2011 passenger motor vehicles that occurred in calendar year (CY) 2011. This document corrects errors that were made in that publication. In the July 9, 2013 publication, the vehicle theft rate for CY/MY 2011 vehicles was erroneously reported to be 0.10 thefts per thousand vehicles produced. The actual theft rate for CY/MY 2011 vehicles is 0.99 thefts per thousand vehicles produced. Accordingly, Figure 1: Theft Rate Data Trend (1993-2011) has been amended to reflect the revised theft rate for CY/MY 2011. The publication also erroneously reported that the theft rate for CY/MY 2011 decreased significantly by 91.45 percent from the theft rate for CY/MY 2010 vehicles. The publication should be corrected to reflect that the theft rate for CY/MY 2011 decreased significantly by 15.38 percent from the theft rate for CY/MY 2010 vehicles (1.17 thefts per thousand vehicles). The republishing of this document in its entirety corrects those errors. This document also extends the comment period to allow 60 days from the publication of this notice. Publication of these data fulfills NHTSA's statutory obligation to periodically obtain accurate and timely theft data, and publish the information for review and comment.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Sisseton, SD. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) at Sisseton Municipal Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for SIAPs at the airport.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of the ARAC.

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2002-10- 11, which applies to certain the Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, - 200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. AD 2002-10-11 currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking and corrosion of the aft pressure bulkhead, and corrective actions if necessary; and, for certain airplanes, enlargement of frame chord drain holes, and repetitive inspections of the frame chord drain path for debris, and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 2002-10-11, we have received three reports of severe corrosion in the area affected by that AD. This proposed AD would, for certain airplanes, reduce the repetitive inspection interval, and add repetitive inspections of the frame chord drain path for obstructions and debris, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also limit corrosion and cracking repairs of the aft pressure bulkhead accomplished after the effective date of this AD to those approved by the FAA in a manner described therein. In reviewing AD 2002-10-11, we noted that the drain path inspection was not required for certain airplanes, and could be eliminated for all airplanes if operators accomplished certain actions required by AD 2002-10-11. This proposed AD would add a drain path inspection for all airplanes. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct corrosion or cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead, which could result in loss of the aft pressure bulkhead web and stiffeners, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2004-15-07, for certain Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. AD 2004-15-07 required repetitive inspections for fatigue cracking of the area around the fasteners of the landing plate of the aileron access doors of the bottom skin panel of the wings, and related corrective action. AD 2004- 15-07 also provided for an optional terminating action to end the repetitive inspections. This new AD reduces the initial inspection compliance time and intervals, and provides additional terminating action options. This AD was prompted by a reassessment of a previous fatigue threshold and inspection interval, which resulted in a determination that reduced inspection thresholds and intervals for accomplishment of the tasks are necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the area around the fasteners of the landing plate of the aileron access doors and the bottom skin panel of the wings, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the wings.

PHMSA is proposing to amend the pipeline safety regulations to incorporate by reference (IBR) all or parts of new, updated, or reaffirmed editions of voluntary consensus standards that are available on the Internet, free-of-charge, to the public. PHMSA is also proposing to make non-substantive edits and to clarify regulatory language in certain provisions. These proposed changes are relatively minor, and would not require pipeline operators to undertake any significant new pipeline safety initiatives.