Department of Transportation 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Department of Transportation (DOT) invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew a previously approved 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, Public Law 104-13.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to rule and invites public comment on the application for a release of approximately .3885 acre of airport property at Taylor Airport, Taylor, Arizona, from all conditions contained in the Grant Agreement Assurances since the land is not needed for airport purposes. The property will be sold for its fair market value and the proceeds deposited in the airport account. The reuse of the land will not conflict or interfere with the airport or its operation, thereby protecting the interests of civil aviation.

Under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix, as amended), the Government in Sunshine Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended) and 41 CFR 102-3.150, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD) announces that the following U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (``Academy'') Board of Visitors meeting will take place: 1. Date: July 16, 2014. 2. Time: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. 3. Requirements for Access: Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting will need to show photo identification in order to gain access to the meeting location. All participants are subject to security screening. 4. Location: The Capital Visitors Center, Room SVC 203, Washington, DC. 5. Purpose of the Meeting: The purpose of this meeting is for the Board of Visitors to receive the recommendations of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Advisory Board on Academy operations and to update the Board of Visitors on Academy issues. 6. Public Access to the Meeting: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 552b and 41 CFR 102-3.140 through 102-3.165 and the availability of space, this meeting is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come basis.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, and 772B-60 turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by fuel leaks caused by damage to the fan case low-pressure (LP) fuel tube. This proposed AD would require inspection of the fan case LP fuel tubes and associated clips and the fuel oil heat exchanger (FOHE) mounts and associated hardware. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the fan case LP fuel tube, which could lead to an in-flight shutdown of one or more engines due to fuel starvation, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.

This notice is to advise all liquefied natural gas facility (LNG) operators subject to PHMSA user fee billing of a change in the LNG user fee rates to align these rates with the actual allocation of PHMSA resources to LNG program costs. Specifically, the LNG user fee rates will increase to 5 percent of the total gas program costs. This percentage represents the approximate ratio between the allocation of resources to LNG facilities and the total allocation of resources to all gas facilities. To reduce the financial impact on LNG operators, PHMSA will implement this increase incrementally over a three-year period.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 17 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 4 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.

This document notifies the public that the Federal Aviation Administration has granted a waiver to Gallatin County, MT pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 40125(d). The waiver enables Gallatin County to contract for a public aircraft operation to conduct search and rescue operations without complying with the 90-day lease minimum required under 49 U.S.C. 40102(a)(41)(D).

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and - 400ER airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require an inspection of the wing fuel tank access doors to determine whether impact-resistant access doors are installed in the correct locations, and to replace incorrectly installed doors with impact-resistant access doors. The NPRM also proposed to require an inspection for stencils and index markers on impact-resistant access doors, and application of new stencils or index markers if necessary. In addition, the NPRM proposed to require revising the maintenance program to incorporate changes to the airworthiness limitations section. The NPRM was prompted by reports indicating that a standard access door was located where an impact- resistant access door was required, and stencils were missing from some impact-resistant access doors. This action revises the NPRM by adding airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to prevent foreign object penetration of the fuel tank from uncontained engine failure or tire debris, which could cause a fuel leak near an ignition source (e.g., hot brakes or engine exhaust nozzle), consequently leading to a fuel-fed fire. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 75-20-06, which applies to certain Alexandria Aircraft LLC (type certificate previously held by Bellanca Aircraft Corp., Viking Aviation, Inc., and Bellanca, Inc.) Models 14-19-3A, 17-30, 17-30A, 17-31, 17-31A, 17- 31ATC, and 17-31TC airplanes. AD 75-20-06 requires repetitively inspecting the aft fuselage structure near the top of the vertical side tubing, which connects the horizontal stabilizer carry-through to the upper fuselage longeron, for cracks and installing the manufacturer's service repair kit as a terminating action for the repetitive inspections to repair any cracks found. Since we issued AD 75-20-06, we have determined that installing the service kit has not prevented cracks from occurring. We have also determined that all affected airplane serial numbers should be included in the Applicability section. This proposed AD would require continued repetitive inspections of the aft fuselage structure near the top of the vertical side tubing for cracks and making all necessary replacements of cracks parts. This proposed AD would also add additional serial number airplanes to the Applicability section. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

This document corrects a date and citation in a Federal Register notice published on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, that announced an information collection request (OMB Control No. 2127-0512) was forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget for review and comment.

In accordance with the requirements of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve the following information collection: Voluntary Near Miss Reporting in Oil and Gas Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). This data collection effort supports a multi-year program focused on improving safety in the OCS by collecting and analyzing data and information on near misses and other unsafe occurrences in all oil and gas operations on the OCS. In August 2013, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and BTS signed an Interagency Agreement (IAA) to develop and implement a voluntary program for confidential reporting of `near misses' occurring on the OCS. BTS will analyze and aggregate information provided under this program and publish reports that will provide BSEE, the industry and all OCS stakeholders with essential information about accident precursors and other hazards associated with OCS oil and gas operations so that all stakeholders can use that information to reduce safety and environmental hazards and continue building a more robust OCS safety culture. This information collection is necessary to aid BSEE, the oil and gas industry and other stakeholders in identifying root causes of potentially unsafe events.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-24- 13, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, - 200C, -300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. AD 2013-24-13 currently requires replacing the pivot link assembly for certain airplanes, replacing the seat track link assemblies or modifying the existing seat track link assembly for certain airplanes, or modifying the existing seat track link assembly fastener for certain airplanes. AD 2013-24-13 also requires inspecting, changing, or repairing the seat track link assembly for certain other airplanes. Since we issued AD 2013-24-13, a paragraph reference was found to be mis-identified. This proposed AD would correct this paragraph reference. We are proposing this AD to prevent seat detachment in an emergency landing, which could cause injury to occupants of the passenger compartment and affect emergency egress.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-09- 04, which applies to all Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, and 382G airplanes. AD 2011-09-04 currently requires repetitive inspections for any damage of the lower surface of the center wing box, and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 2011-09-04, an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicated that the center wing box is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would also require replacement of the center wing box, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would also add a concurrent related investigative action. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the lower surface of the center wing box, which could result in structural failure of the wings.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200, 777-200LR, 777-300ER, and 777F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report indicating that sealant may not have been applied in production to the wing skin panel gaps above certain underwing fittings. This proposed AD would require an inspection for missing sealant, and applicable other specified, related investigative, and corrective actions. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct missing sealant from the wing skin panel gaps above the underwing fittings, which could result in corrosion and fatigue cracking in the wing skin panel, and consequent loss of limit load capability of the wing skin and potential subsequent structural failure of the wings.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives periodically hold this public forum to generate a National research agenda that fosters solutions for the many challenges with pipeline safety and with protecting the environment. The forum allows public, government and industry pipeline stakeholders to develop a consensus on the technical gaps and challenges for future research. It also reduces duplication of programs, factors ongoing research efforts, leverages resources and broadens synergies. The national research agenda developed through this forum is aligned with the needs of the pipeline safety mission and makes use of the best available knowledge and expertise and considers stakeholder perspectives.

On March 31, 2014, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a notice in the Federal Register (79 FR 18118) notifying the public of its intent to revise two forms under OMB Control Number 2137-0627, PHMSA F 1000.1OPID Assignment Request and PHMSA F 1000.2Operator Registry Notification, and its intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for revised information collection burdens. PHMSA received one comment in response to that notice in support of the proposed changes. PHMSA is publishing this notice to acknowlege the received comment, provide the public with an additional 30 days to comment on the information collection referenced above, and announce that the Information Collection will be submitted to OMB for approval.

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

The Surface Transportation Board's (Board) Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) in response to a verified notice of exemption filed on May 27, 2014 by the Hartwell Railroad Company (Hartwell). Hartwell seeks to construct approximately 1,360 feet of connecting railroad track, pursuant to 49 CFR 1150.36. The proposal would allow Hartwell's existing Toccoa-Elberton Line to connect with CSX Transportation's, Inc. (CSXT) existing Abbeville Subdivision in Elbert County, GA. The proposal would re-establish a prior rail connection formerly owned by the Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR) and occur on land within existing railroad rights-of-way either owned by Hartwell or CSXT. The prior connection, which allowed Hartwell to indirectly interchange its rail traffic with CSXT, was formally abandoned by NSR in 1995. Since then, Hartwell has been required to interchange its traffic solely with NSR at the other end of its line (some 40-miles northwest of the Proposed Action) in order to access the mainlines of CSXT approximately 60 miles to the northeast and about 37 miles to the southwest. The proposed rail line construction would permit Hartwell to reach points served by CSXT that NSR does not serve and eliminate the inefficiency that would otherwise involve three carriers (Hartwell-NSR- CSXT) instead of two (Hartwell-CSXT) to reach points served solely by CSXT. Hartwell expects to handle up to one train per day in each direction over the new connection with CSXT. The EA identifies the natural and man-made resources in the area of the proposed rail line and analyzes the potential impacts of the proposal on these resources. Based on the information provided from all sources to date and its independent analysis, OEA preliminarily concludes that construction of the proposed rail line connection would have no significant environmental impacts if the Board imposes and Hartwell implements the recommended mitigation measures set forth in the EA. Copies of the EA have been served on all interested parties and will be made available to additional parties upon request. The entire EA is also available on the Board's Web site (www.stb.dot.gov) by clicking on the ``Decisions & Notices'' button that appears in the drop down menu for ``E-LIBRARY,'' and searching by Service Date (July 1, 2014) or Docket Number (FD 35756). OEA will consider all comments received when making its final environmental recommendations to the Board. The Board will then consider OEA's final recommendations and the complete environmental record in making its final decision in this proceeding.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892- 17, 892B-17, and 895-17 turbofan engines. This AD requires inspection of the affected low-pressure (LP) turbine bearing support and exhaust case assembly and, if necessary, its replacement with a part eligible for installation. This AD was prompted by thin-walled LP turbine bearing support and exhaust case assemblies having been delivered into service. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LP turbine bearing support and exhaust case assembly, which could lead to engine separation and damage to the airplane.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for a new information collection. The collection involves the nation's large and medium hub airports and their participation in hiring Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), and what has led to airports' successes and failures in achieving their goals in regards to the DBE program. The information to be collected will be used to inform the Office of Inspector General and the Department of Transportation on factors that led to the successful hiring of DBE's at airports around the nation. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction act of 1995, Public Law 104-13.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-06- 19, for certain Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, - 302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2012-06-19 currently requires repetitive inspections of the main fitting and sliding tube of the nose landing gear (NLG) for defects, damage, and cracks; and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 2012-06-19, we have determined that additional airplanes are affected by the identified unsafe condition. This proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the part number and serial number of the NLG main fitting and NLG sliding tube; for affected parts, a magnetic particle inspection (MPI) for cracks, and flap peening and replacement if necessary. This proposed AD would also require, for certain parts, additional inspections for damage and cracking. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks, defects, or damage of the main fitting or sliding tube, which could result in consequent NLG collapse.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks in fuselage frames, and a report of a missing strap that was not installed on a fuselage frame during production. This proposed AD would require an inspection to determine if the strap adjacent to a certain stringer is installed, and repair if missing; repetitive inspections of the frame for cracking or a severed frame web; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also provides optional actions to terminate certain repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct missing fuselage frame straps and frame cracking that can result in severed frames. Continued operation of the airplane with multiple adjacent severed frames, or the combination of a severed frame and fuselage skin chemical mill cracks, can result in uncontrolled decompression of the airplane.

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.