Department of Transportation May 23, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Department is seeking comment on a number of proposals to enhance protections for air travelers and to improve the air travel environment, including a proposal to clarify and codify the Department's interpretation of the statutory definition of ``ticket agent.'' By codifying the Department's interpretation, the Department intends to ensure that all entities that manipulate fare, schedule, and availability information in response to consumer inquiries and receive a form of compensation are adhering to all of the Department's consumer protection requirements that are applicable to ticket agents such as the full-fare advertising rule and the code-share disclosure rule. This NPRM also proposes to require airlines and ticket agents to disclose at all points of sale the fees for certain basic ancillary services associated with the air transportation consumers are buying or considering buying. Currently, some consumers may be unable to understand the true cost of travel while searching for airfares, due to insufficient information concerning fees for ancillary services. The Department is addressing this problem by proposing that carriers share real-time, accurate fee information for certain optional services with ticket agents. Other proposals in this NPRM to enhance airline passenger protections include: Expanding the pool of ``reporting'' carriers; requiring enhanced reporting by mainline carriers for their domestic code-share partner operations; requiring large travel agents to adopt minimum customer service standards; codifying the statutory requirement that carriers and ticket agents disclose any airline code-share arrangements on their Web sites; and prohibiting unfair and deceptive practices such as undisclosed biasing in schedule and fare displays and post-purchase price increases. The Department is also considering whether to require ticket agents to disclose the carriers whose tickets they sell in order to avoid having consumers mistakenly believe they are searching all possible flight options for a particular city-pair market when in fact there may be other options available. Additionally, this NPRM would correct drafting errors and make minor changes to the Department's second Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections rule to conform to guidance issued by the Department's Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings (Enforcement Office) regarding its interpretation of the rule.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Technify Motors GmbH (type certificate previously held by Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH) TAE 125-02-99 and TAE 125-02-114 reciprocating engines. This proposed AD was prompted by in-flight shutdowns on airplanes with TAE 125-02 engines. This proposed AD would require removal of each high-pressure (HP) fuel pump before 300 flight hours (FHs) in service or within 55 FHs after the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs later. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the HP fuel pump, which could result in damage to the engine and damage to the airplane.

This action establishes a new restricted area, designated R- 4001C, within a part of the existing restricted areas R-4001A and R- 4001B, at the U.S. Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. The purpose of the new area is to contain two moored balloons, called Aerostats, operating continuously at approximately 10,000 feet MSL. This action segregates nonparticipating aircraft from a hazard to navigation in Aberdeen Proving Ground airspace.

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-12- 01 that applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) model RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, and 772B-60 turbofan engines. AD 2013-12-01 requires a one-time ultrasonic inspection (UI) of low-pressure (LP) compressor blades with more than 2,500 flight cycles since new or last inspection. Since we issued AD 2013-12-01, RR determined that repetitive UIs of the LP compressor blades are needed. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive UIs of the affected LP compressor blades. We are proposing this AD to prevent LP compressor blade airfoil separations, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

This action proposes to establish Class E Airspace at Cynthiana, KY, to accommodate a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) serving Cynthiana-Harrison County Airport. This action would enhance the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations within the National Airspace System.

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.