Department of Transportation 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the availability of $29,000,000 in Research, Development, Demonstration, and Deployment Program funds for innovative safety, resiliency, and all-hazards emergency response and recovery research demonstration projects of national significance. This NOFA makes funds available for cooperative agreements to engage in the demonstration of innovative technologies, methods, practices and techniques in three areas: (1) Operational safety, (2) infrastructure or equipment resiliency and (3) all-hazards emergency response and recovery methods. Eligible applicants include providers of public transportation; State and local governmental entities; departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Government including Federal laboratories; private or non-profit organizations; institutions of higher education; and technical and community colleges. This notice solicits competitive proposals addressing priorities established by FTA for these research areas, provides instructions for submitting proposals, and describes criteria FTA will use to identify meritorious proposals for funding. This NOFA is also available on the FTA Web site at: www.fta.dot.gov. FTA will announce final selections on the Web site and in the Federal Register. Additionally, a synopsis of this funding opportunity will appear on the government-wide electronic grants Web site www.grants.gov (GRANTS.GOV).

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD requires deactivating the Full Icing Protection System (FIPS) and installing a placard next to the FIPS controller stating that flight into known icing is prohibited. This AD is prompted by a report of a fire in the aft avionics bay and the baggage compartment resulting from an Auto Transformer Rectifier Unit internal circuit overload. These actions are intended to prevent a fire, structural damage, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), Model 214B, 214B-1, and 214ST helicopters. This AD requires creating a component history card or equivalent record for certain pylon support spindle assemblies (spindles), establishes a new retirement life for spindles installed on Model 214B and 214B-1 helicopters, reduces the retirement life for spindles installed on Model 214ST helicopters, and requires replacing any spindle that has reached its airworthiness retirement life. This AD was prompted by three in-flight failures of the spindle that resulted in forced landings. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure of a spindle and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

On August 1, 2013, PHMSA published a notice of inquiry in the Federal Register on ``Class Location Requirements,'' seeking comments on whether integrity management program (IMP) requirements, or elements of IMP, should be expanded beyond high consequence areas (HCA) and, with respect to gas transmission pipeline facilities, whether applying IMP requirements to additional areas would mitigate the need for class location requirements. PHMSA has received two requests to extend the comment period to allow stakeholders more time to evaluate the notice of inquiry. PHMSA concurs with this request and is extending the comment period from September 30, 2013, to November 1, 2013.

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 16 individuals from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

As authorized by 46 U.S.C. 12121, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below.

This document announces the agency's decision to implement (with minor modifications) the planned update to the U.S. New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that the agency announced in its June 26, 2013 request for comments (78 FR 38266). As we discussed in that request for comments, this update will enhance the program's ability to recommend to consumers vehicle models that have rearview video systems that the agency believes (based on currently available data) will decrease the risk of backover crashes. Further, the program will no longer list electronic stability control (ESC) as a Recommended Advanced Technology Feature because ESC is now required for all light vehicles. For many years, NCAP has provided comparative information on the safety of new vehicles to assist consumers with vehicle purchasing decisions. NCAP was most recently upgraded for model year 2011 to include recommended crash avoidance technologies. Those updates, along with today's updates to NCAP, allow consumers to better distinguish not only which vehicle models have advanced crash avoidance safety features but also which of these advanced features are best able to help them avoid crashes.

This action establishes Class E airspace at the Cody VHF Omni- Directional Radio Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid, Cody, WY, to facilitate vectoring of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft under control of Salt Lake City Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). This improves the safety and management of IFR operations within the National Airspace System.

General Motors, LLC (GM) \1\ has determined that certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu passenger cars manufactured between June 21, 2011 and July 24, 2012, do not fully comply with paragraphs S3.1.4.1(a) and (b) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect. GM has filed an appropriate report dated August 3, 2012, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports.

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 certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of chafing damage to a wire bundle that was arcing to hydraulic tubing and caused by insufficient separation between the wire bundle and the hydraulic tubing in the main landing gear (MLG) wheel well. This AD requires an inspection for damage of wire bundles and hydraulic tubing on the right side of the forward bulkhead of the MLG wheel well; installation of new clamps; and corrective actions, as applicable. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct possible damage caused by insufficient separation between the wire bundles and hydraulic tubing to prevent electrical arcing in a flammable fluid leakage zone, which could lead to a wheel well fire.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks found in the skin at body station (STA) 540 just below stringer S-22L on a Model 737-700 series airplane. This AD requires repetitive detailed and high frequency eddy current inspections for cracking of the skin around the eight fasteners common to the ends of the STA 540 bulkhead chords between stringers S-22 and S-23, left and right sides; and corrective actions and preventive modification if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the skin, which can result in rapid decompression of the cabin.

The FAA is considering a proposal to change 1.07 acres of airport land from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the sale of airport property located at O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois. The property is located at the southeast corner of Berteau Avenue and George Street in Schiller Park, Illinois, and is currently vacant. There have been no federal investments in the parcel. The parcel is not needed for aeronautical purposes due to its remote location relative to the airfield. The proposed non aeronautical use of the property (to become effective after the sale to the Village of Schiller Park) is to be incorporated into a joint storm water detention/compensatory storage facility. The City of Chicago (City) will reserve an easement in the property for compensatory storage of storm water.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public that it has issued a ROD for the Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS) that evaluated the effects of proposed improvements to runway safety areas at the Kodiak Airport. This ROD constitutes the final decision of the FAA regarding the proposed action and summarizes the Final EIS analyses and selected mitigation measures.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) invites public comments on a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to renew an Information Collection Request in accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 USC 3501 et seq). 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 DOT in evaluating projects and project sponsors for program eligibility and creditworthiness.

In preparation for the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Dangerous Goods Panel's (DGP's) meeting to be held October 28-November 8, 2013, in Montreal, Canada, the FAA's Office of Hazardous Materials Safety and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) Office of Hazardous Materials Safety announce a public meeting.

FMCSA proposes to revise its definition of ``tank vehicle.'' Commercial driver's license (CDL) holders who operate such vehicles are required to obtain a tank vehicle endorsement. On May 9, 2011, FMCSA published a final rule on ``Commercial Driver's License Testing and Commercial Learner's Permit Standards'' that included a new definition of tank vehicle which required additional drivers to obtain tank vehicle endorsements on their commercial learners' permits (CLPs) and CDLs. FMCSA received numerous petitions regarding the new definition. On May 24, 2012, the Agency published guidance in the Federal Register to clarify the ``tank vehicle'' definition. This NPRM would revise the definition by incorporating the 2012 regulatory guidance. FMCSA seeks comment on the proposal and information on the impact that the revised definition would have on the industry.

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 application described herein. Each mode of transportation for which a particular special permit is requested is indicated by a number in the ``Nature of Application'' portion of the table below as follows: 1Motor vehicle, 2Rail freight, 3Cargo vessel, 4Cargo aircraft only, 5Passenger-carrying aircraft.

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 of the actions on special permits applications in (August to August 2013). The mode of transportation involved are identified by a number in the ``Nature of Application'' portion of the table below as follows: 1Motor vehicle, 2Rail freight, 3Cargo vessel, 4Cargo aircraft only, 5Passenger-carrying aircraft. Application numbers prefixed by the letters EE represent applications for Emergency Special Permits. It should be noted that some of the sections cited were those in effect at the time certain special permits were issued.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracking in the fuselage skin underneath the satellite communication (SATCOM) antenna adapter. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the visible fuselage skin and doubler if installed, for cracking, corrosion, and any indication of contact of a certain fastener to a bonding jumper, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking and corrosion in the fuselage skin, which could lead to rapid decompression and loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

The Federal Highway Administration is issuing this notice to advise the public that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for a proposed project to (1) manage congestion and traffic flow on I-90 between I-5 and I-405, which is in the Cross-Lake Washington Corridor, and (2) contribute revenue to the sustainable, long-term funding for timely completion of the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program and maintenance and future transportation improvements on I-90. The total length of the corridor is approximately seven (7) miles. The scoping period for this EIS is October 7, 2013 through November 6, 2013.

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2010-23- 12, which applies to certain Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, - 223F, -243, and -243F Airplanes, Model A330-300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. AD 2010-23-12 requires inspecting to determine the part number for Thales Avionics Angle of Attack (AoA) probes, and replacing any affected probe with a serviceable probe. Since we issued AD 2010-23-12 we received reports that the AoA sensors on certain airplanes were modified and re- identified without performing the inspection to determine the part number; therefore, the affected probes were not replaced with serviceable probes. This proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability and, for certain airplanes, require those affected probes be replaced. We are proposing this AD to prevent erroneous AoA information and consequent delayed activation or non-activation of the AoA protection systems, which, in combination with flight at a high angle of attack, could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.