Department of Transportation August 15, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Board is granting an exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10901 for the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) to construct an approximately 114-mile high-speed passenger rail line between Fresno and Bakersfield, California (the Line). The Line would be the second section of the statewide California High-Speed Train System. This exemption is subject to environmental mitigation conditions and the condition that the Authority build the route designated as environmentally preferable.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of loose bolts that are intended to secure the translating door crank assembly to the outside handle shaft. This proposed AD would require a detailed inspection for loose bolts on the aft translating door crank assembly, and removal and reinstallation of the bolts. We are proposing this AD to prevent loose bolts from falling out. If both bolts become loose or fall out after the door is closed and locked, the door cannot be opened from inside or outside, which could impede evacuation in the event of an emergency.

General Motors, LLC (GM) has determined that certain model year 2013 Cadillac XTS passenger cars do not fully comply with paragraph S9.1.1 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. GM has filed an appropriate report dated May 16, 2013, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Turbomeca S.A. Makila 2A and Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive visual inspections, and replacement of the splines of the high-pressure (HP) fuel pump/metering valve and the module M01 drive gear, if necessary. This AD was prompted by the failure of two HP fuel pumps that resulted in engine in-flight shutdowns. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HP fuel pump, which could lead to an in-flight shutdown, damage to the engine, and forced landing or accident.

This action would amend certain airworthiness regulations for transport category airplanes to require fuel tank designs that prevent a fuel tank explosion caused by flame propagation through the fuel tank vents from external fires. This action would add a new requirement for fuel tank vent fire protection and would increase the time available for passenger evacuation and emergency response. This proposed amendment would apply to applications for new type certificates and certain applications for amended or supplemental type certificates. It would also require certain airplanes produced in the future and operated by air carriers to meet the new standards.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006-26-06 for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes equipped with Rolls-Royce engines. AD 2006-26-06 required repetitive inspections to detect cracks of the outer V-blades of the thrust reverser, and corrective action if necessary. AD 2006-26-06 also provided for an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This new AD adds, for airplanes on which the optional terminating action is done, repetitive inspections for cracking in the outer V-blade fittings of the hinge beam and latch beam ends of each thrust reverser half, and replacement of an affected thrust reverser half if necessary. This new AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked outer V- blade fittings at the hinge beam end of Rolls-Royce engine thrust reversers, on airplanes on which the optional terminating action was done. We are issuing this AD to prevent separation of a thrust reverser from the airplane during normal reverse thrust or during a refused takeoff, which could result in unexpected thrust asymmetry and a possible runway excursion.