Department of Transportation June 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by Municipality of Anchorage, for Merrill Field Airport under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47501 et. seq (Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act) and 14 CFR part 150 are in compliance with applicable requirements.

As part of a Federal Government-wide effort to streamline the process to seek feedback from the public on service delivery, 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 under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et. seq.):

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to renew the following information collection:

The Maritime Administration (``MARAD'') is soliciting public comments on amendments to its regulations which implement new requirements regarding certain large fishing industry vessels set forth in the American Fisheries Act of 1998, as amended by the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (``CGAA'') and the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 (``CGMTA''). The proposed revisions to the regulation adds two new exceptions to the restrictions on the eligibility of vessels over 165 feet in registered length to be documented with fishery endorsements, eliminates the 15-day application deadline for vessels whose fishery endorsements have become invalid, limits fishery endorsement eligibility for certain large fishing industry vessels, and eliminates certain exemptions for specific vessels that were deleted in the CGMTA.

We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters (previously Eurocopter France) Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. This AD requires repetitively inspecting certain reinforcement angles of the rear structure to tailboom junction frame (reinforcement angles) for a crack, and repairing any cracked reinforcement angle. This AD is prompted by a report that cracks were found in the reinforcement angles on several AS355 helicopters. These actions are intended to detect a crack in the reinforcement angle, which if not corrected, could result in loss of the tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a non-connection of the constant speed motor/generator (CSM/G) during a final assembly operational test. This AD requires a detailed inspection of the connector wires for connector 1XE-A of the generator control unit (GCU)-CSM/ G for discrepancies (evidence of arcing or overheating damage), and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrect locking of contacts into connector 1XE-A of the GCU-CSM/G, which could result in a loss of contact continuity and lead to the CSM/G not operating, which, in conjunction with an emergency electrical configuration loss of the main electrical system or total engine flameout, could adversely affect the airplane's safe flight.

The Board is publishing, and providing the public an opportunity to comment on, the 2013 weighted average state tax rates for each Class I railroad, as calculated by the Association of American Railroads (AAR), for use in the Revenue Shortfall Allocation Method (RSAM).

The FAA announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by the City of Ypsilanti, Michigan under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47501 et seq. (formerly the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, hereinafter referred to as ``the Act'') and 14 CFR Part 150 (hereinafter referred to as ``Part 150''). On January 15, 2014, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by the City of Ypsilanti, Michigan under Part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements. On May 20, 2014 the FAA approved the Willow Run Airport noise compatibility program. This is the first Record of Approval (ROA) for the YIP NCP, which included nine measures recommended for approval. No program elements relating to new or revised flight procedures for noise abatement were proposed by the airport operator.

FRA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an EIS for the B&P Tunnel Project (Project) is being prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The Project is intended to address transportation deficiencies associated with the existing rail tunnel and is located on the NEC in the area of Baltimore that surrounds the existing B&P Tunnel. The EIS will evaluate the potential environmental impacts of alternatives that address transportation deficiencies. To ensure significant issues are identified and considered, the public and all interested parties are invited to comment on the proposed scope of environmental review, the project purpose and need, alternatives to be considered, environmental effects to be considered and evaluated, and methodologies to be used for evaluating effects.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Conway, AR. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Cantrell Field. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-21- 01 that currently applies to Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. AD 2013-21-01 currently requires certain inspections of each tail rotor pitch horn assembly (pitch horn) for a crack and, if there is a crack, before further flight, replacing the pitch horn with an airworthy pitch horn. AD 2013-21-01 also requires a one-time visual inspection for pitch horns above certain hours time-in-service (TIS). This NPRM would retain the requirements of AD 2013-21-01 but would require a repetitive visual inspection for all pitch horns regardless of hours TIS, which requires allowing the public an opportunity to comment. These proposed actions are intended to detect a crack in the pitch horn to prevent failure of the pitch horn, loss of the anti-torque function, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

These special conditions are issued for Boeing Models 737-700, -700C, -800, -900ER, -7, -8, and -9 series airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with connectivity of the passenger service computer systems to the airplane critical systems and data networks. 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.

These special conditions are issued for the Bombardier Aerospace Models BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 series airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with an electronic flight control system that contains fly-by-wire control laws, including envelope protections, for the overspeed protection and roll-limiting function. 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.

These special conditions are issued for the Bombardier Aerospace Models BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 series airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with an electronic flight control system that prevents the pilot from inadvertently or intentionally exceeding the positive or negative airplane limit load factor. 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.

These special conditions are issued for the Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000/2000EX series airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the installation of removable storage lockers (fire containment containers) to be installed in the forward servicing compartment, which is un-pressurized, and not accessible in flight. 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.

KBC America, Inc. ``KBCA'' has determined that certain motorcycle helmets manufactured by KBC Corporation for Harley-Davidson as Harley-Davidson brand helmets do not fully comply with paragraph S4 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218, Motorcycle Helmets. KBCA has filed an appropriate report dated December 12, 2013, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports.

General Motors, LLC (GM) has determined that certain model year (MY) 2010-2014 GM Cadillac SRX multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPVs), do not fully comply with paragraph S4.4 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) FMVSS No. 110, Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less and paragraph S4.4 of FMVSS No. 109, New pneumatic and certain specialty tires. GM has filed an appropriate report dated November 27, 2013, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has placed in the docket and on its Web site, guidance in the form of a circular to assist grantees in implementing the Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act blended the New Freedom Program and the Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities Program into a new Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program. FTA is updating the circular due to these changes in the law.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of the FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA; 42 United States Code [U.S.C.] 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, the FAA, Office of Commercial Space Transportation is announcing the availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the SpaceX Texas Launch Site (Final EIS). This Final EIS is also submitted pursuant to the following public law requirements: Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. Section 303); Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470); Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management; DOT Order 5650.2, Floodplain Management and Protection; Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands; and DOT Order 5660.1A, Preservation of the Nation's Wetlands. This Final EIS includes the FAA's determination of de minimis impacts to Section 4(f) property under 23 CFR 771.135. The Proposed Action would include a significant encroachment on floodplains per DOT Order 5650.2, Floodplain Management and Protection. The FAA submitted the Final EIS to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA will post a separate notification in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the Final EIS. The FAA will issue a Record of Decision no sooner than 30 days following EPA's notice in the Federal Register. The Record of Decision will be published in the Federal Register. An electronic version of the Final EIS is available on the FAA Web site: https://www.faa.gov/about/officeorg/headquartersoffices/ast/ environmental/nepadocs/review/documentsprogress/spacextexas launchsiteenvironmentalimpactstatement/. In addition, copies of the Final EIS were sent to persons and agencies on the distribution list (found in Chapter 11 of the Final EIS). A paper copy and an electronic version of the Final EIS may be reviewed during regular business hours at the following Brownsville, Texas, locations: Brownsville Public Library Main Branch, 2600 Central Blvd. Southmost Branch Library, 4320 Southmost Blvd. University of Texas at Brownsville, Oliveira Library, 80 Fort Brown St.

The FHWA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval for renewal of an existing information collection that is summarized below under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

FMCSA announced proposed changes to its Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) on December 2, 2013. These changes will allow the States to reflect the results of adjudicated citations related to roadside inspection violation data collected in MCMIS. Individuals must submit certified documentation of adjudication results through a Request for Data Review (RDR) in FMCSA's DataQs system to initiate this process. MCMIS is being modified to accept adjudication results showing that a citation was dismissed or resulted in a finding of not guilty; resulted in a conviction of a different or lesser charge; or, resulted in conviction of the original charge. The adjudication results will impact the use of roadside inspection violation data in other FMCSA data systems. These changes are intended to improve roadside inspection data quality. This document describes the MCMIS changes, responds to comments received on the proposed changes and provides the schedule for implementation of these changes.

This action amends Class E Airspace at Newnan, GA, as new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures have been developed at Newnan Coweta County Airport. This enhances the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport. This action also updates the geographic coordinates of airport.

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.

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-15- 09, which applies to all Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 turbofan engine models with certain second-stage high-pressure turbine (HPT) air seals, installed. AD 2013-15-09 currently requires initial and repetitive inspections for cracks in second-stage HPT air seals. Since we issued AD 2013-15-09, we received reports of cracking in the original location on two additional part numbers (P/Ns) as well as reports of through- cracks in a new location in the second-stage HPT air seal. PW has developed a redesigned second-stage HPT air seal that addresses the cracking condition in both locations. This proposed AD would expand the applicability of AD 2013-15-09 to include additional P/Ns, require replacement of the mating hardware if the second-stage HPT air seal is found with a through-crack, and add mandatory terminating action to the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the second-stage HPT air seal, which could lead to uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.