Department of Transportation 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters. This AD requires revising the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to prohibit flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) or night visual flight rules (VFR) for each helicopter with a vertical gyro unit GV76-1 installed upon a non- reinforced shelf in the rear cargo compartment. Also, this AD requires modifying the GV76-1 vertical gyro unit shelf and testing for correct function of the navigation systems. This AD was prompted by flight crew reports of deviations between the displayed attitude on the attitude display screen and the independent electromechanical standby attitude indicator. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an undetected flight display error of a slow drift in the roll axis, disorientation of the pilot, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 190, 195 (L-126A,B,C), 195A, and 195B airplanes that are equipped with certain inboard aileron hinge brackets. That AD currently requires you to repetitively inspect the affected inboard aileron hinge brackets for cracks or corrosion and replace them if cracks or corrosion is found. Replacement with aluminum brackets would terminate the need for the repetitive inspections. This new AD retains the actions of AD 2004-21-08 while requiring future compliance following a revised service bulletin that clarifies the casting numbers and part numbers to be inspected. This AD was prompted by reports of confusion between the casting number on the aileron hinge bracket and the part number (P/N) called out in the AD. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Before a Federal agency can collect certain information from the public, it must receive approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Under procedures established by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, before seeking OMB approval, Federal agencies must solicit public comment on proposed collections of information, including extensions and reinstatement of previously approved collections. This document describes an existing collection of information for an existing regulation for the aftermarket modification of vehicles to accommodate people with disabilities, for which NHTSA intends to seek renewed OMB approval.

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.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the twenty third meeting of RTCA Special Committee 203, Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

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 notice rescinds the Notice of Intent for preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed highway in Hancock County, Mississippi. The project study area extended a distance of approximately six (6) miles from Interstate 10 to the intersection of State Routes 43 and 603 in the vicinity of Kiln Mississippi. The original Notice of Intent for this EIS process was published in the Federal Register on August 26, 2011.

We are issuing these special conditions for the Turbomeca Ardiden 3K model engines. This engine model will have a novel or unusual design feature that is a 30-minute all engines operating (AEO) power rating for hovering at increased power (HIP). This rating is primarily intended for high-power hovering operations that are normal mission functions. 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 FAA considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

Under the provisions of Title 49, U.S.C. 47153(d), notice is being given that the FAA is considering a request from Sikorsky Memorial Airport, in Bridgeport, CT to waive the surplus property requirements for approximately 11 acres of airport property located at Sikorsky Memorial Airport, in Bridgeport, CT. The subject parcels have been used for non-aeronautical purposes for over 25 years under temporary, partial release of surplus property requirements. It has been determined through study and master planning that the subject parcels will not be needed for aeronautical purposes, rather the proceeds of the sale will be used as the sponsors share of needed safety area improvement projects. Full and permanent relief of the surplus property requirements on this specific parcel will allow the airport to make the necessary aviation-safety improvements on the airfield.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF34-8C and CF34-8E turbofan engines with certain part numbers (P/N) of operability bleed valves (OBV) installed. This AD was prompted by three failure events of ring lock fuel fittings on the OBV. Two of those events led to an engine fire. This AD requires the affected OBVs be removed from service and replaced with OBVs eligible for installation. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of OBV ring lock fuel fittings, engine fuel leakage, uncontrolled fire, and damage to the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) GE90-76B, -85B, -90B, -94B, - 110B1, and -115B turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by multiple reports of failure of certain stage 1 high-pressure turbine (HPT) stator shrouds due to accelerated corrosion and oxidation. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive on-wing borescope inspections (BSIs) for corrosion and oxidation, of the affected stage 1 HPT stator shrouds, and removal from service before further flight, if the parts fail the inspection. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the stage 1 HPT stator shrouds, resulting in in-flight shutdown of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.

This action provides interested persons with the opportunity to comment on the FAA's draft interpretation regarding nonstop international supplemental operations scheduled for longer than 12 hours. Additionally, this draft interpretation discusses the appropriate international flight time limitations that would apply to the operation. As discussed in the draft interpretation, the FAA finds that the operation of such flights would be precluded under the flight time limitations of the ``U.S. mainland rules'' found in the supplemental flight and duty rules. However, the operation could be conducted under the ``international rules'' provisions of our regulations.