Department of Transportation December 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes equipped with Pratt and Whitney engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of blocked drain lines at the engine forward strut that caused flammable fluid to accumulate in a flammable leakage zone. This proposed AD would require doing the following actions on the left strut and right strut: A one-time cleaning of certain forward strut drain lines; installing new forward strut drain lines and insulation blankets; a leak check of the forward strut drain lines; and repair if any leak is found. This proposed AD would also require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate a certain airworthiness limitation. We are proposing this AD to prevent blockage of forward strut drain lines, which could cause flammable fluids to collect in the forward strut area and potentially cause an uncontrolled fire or cause failure of engine attachment structure and consequent airplane loss.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4- 600R, and F4-600R series airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). This proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracking of the lower tension bolt area at the rib one junction (both sides) of the lower wing. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the fasteners and of the fitting around the fastener holes at the Frame (FR) 40 lower wing location, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct crack initiation of the fittings of the FR40 lower wing locations, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2002-13-11 for Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model EC120B helicopters. AD 2002-13-11 required installing front and side covers on the cabin floor to protect the yaw control at both the pilot and co-pilot stations. Since we issued AD 2002-13-11, we have determined that the required actions should apply only to the cabin's right-hand pilot station. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2002-13-11 but for only the pilot station. These actions are intended to prevent an object from sliding between the canopy and the cabin floor, loss of yaw control, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCSA announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request (ICR) described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its review and approval. The FMCSA seeks emergency approval to revise an ICR titled, ``Licensing Applications for Motor Carrier Operating Authority,'' that is used by for-hire motor carriers of regulated commodities, motor passenger carriers, freight forwarders, property brokers, and certain Mexico-domiciled motor carriers to register their operations with the FMCSA.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval for the utilization of the Voluntary Web- Based Questionnaire of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Firms. The questionnaire will be for the use of firms certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). DBE's that choose to participate will be asked to provide information regarding the nature of their business and bidding history, and perceived barriers/challenges that may have prevented them from receiving a contract or successfully competing in DOT's DBE program. A link to the survey will be made available by DOT's Departmental Office of Civil Rights for use by the Department's state and local recipients, which can in turn post this link on their own Web sites. The information collected will be used to assist DOT in measuring whether the DBE program is achieving its objectives.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, the FAA's exemption process. 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.

PHMSA is withdrawing the notice proposing to stop the transportation of flammable liquid material in unprotected external product piping on DOT specification cargo tank motor vehicles as mandated by the ``Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act'' or the ``FAST Act''. Although PHMSA is withdrawing its rulemaking proposal, the agency will continue to consider methods to improve the safety of transporting flammable liquid by cargo tank motor vehicle. PHMSA will also continue to analyze current incident data and improve the collection of future incident data to assist in making an informed decision on methods to address this issue further, if warranted.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) hereby announces that it is seeking renewal of the following currently approved information collection activities. Before submitting these information collection requests (ICRs) for clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified below.

The FAA is requesting public comment on the Lancaster Airport Authority's proposal to change 6.191 acres of airport property at Lancaster Airport, Lititz, Pennsylvania from aeronautical to non- aeronautical use. This acreage was purchased with federal financial assistance through the Airport Improvement Program under Grant Agreements 3-42-0049-13-95, 3-42-0049-16-98, and 3-42-0049-19-01 under 49 U.S.C. 47107(c). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 47107(h), this notice is required to be published in the Federal Register 30 days before modifying the land-use assurance that requires the property to be used for an aeronautical purpose.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, and Airbus Model A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an under- torqued forward engine mount bolt. This proposed AD would require a one-time torque check of the forward and aft engine mount bolts, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct improperly torqued engine mount bolts, which could lead to detachment of the engine from the airplane during flight; and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to persons on the ground.

This notice announces actions taken by the FHWA that are final within the meaning of 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). The actions relate to a proposed highway project, Trunk Highway (TH) 1/169 in the vicinity of Eagles Nest Lake from approximately 0.1 miles west of Sixmile Road to approximately 0.1 mile east of Bradach Road in the County of St. Louis, Minnesota. Those actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the project.

In accordance with the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5117(c), PHMSA is publishing the following list of special permit applications that have been in process for 180 days or more. The reason(s) for delay and the expected completion date for action on each application is provided in association with each identified application.

In accordance with the procedures governing the application for, and the processing of, special permits from the Department of Transportation's Hazardous Material Regulations (49 CFR part 107, subpart B), notice is hereby given of the actions on special permits applications in (October to October 2014). The mode of transportation involved are identified by a number in the ``Nature of Application'' portion of the table below as follows: 1Motor vehicle, 2Rail freight, 3Cargo vessel, 4Cargo aircraft only, 5Passenger-carrying aircraft. Application numbers prefixed by the letters EE represent applications for Emergency Special Permits. It should be noted that some of the sections cited were those in effect at the time certain special permits were issued.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that, during a production flight test, the ram air turbine (RAT) did not pressurize the green hydraulic system. For certain airplanes, this AD requires identification of the part number, serial number, and standard of the RAT pump, RAT module, RAT actuator, and RAT lower gearbox assembly; replacement of the balance weight screw, modification of the actuator coil spring, modification of the actuator, an inspection of the anti- stall valve for correct installation in the RAT pump housing; and corrective actions if necessary. For certain other airplanes, this AD requires re-identification or replacement of the RAT module. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of the impeller function and RAT pump pressurization capability, which, if preceded by a total engine flame- out, could result in the loss of control of the airplane.

FRA hereby gives notice that it is submitting the following Information Collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Emergency Processing under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. FRA requests that OMB authorize the collection of information identified below seven days after publication of this Notice for a period of 180 days.

The Surface Transportation Board's (Board) Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) in response to a petition for exemption filed on June 27, 2014 by the Northwest Tennessee Regional Port Authority (NWTRPA) to construct and operate an approximately 5.5 mile line of railroad in Lake County, Tennessee. The proposed rail line would connect the Port of Cates Landing, a river port located on the Mississippi River, with an existing line of railroad operated by the Tennken Railroad at a connection near Tiptonville, Tennessee. The proposed rail line would provide rail service to customers at the Port of Cates Landing and at the Lake County Industrial Park, a proposed industrial park located adjacent to the Port of Cates Landing. The EA evaluates the potential environmental impacts of three alternative rail alignments, as well as the No Action Alternative and preliminarily concludes that construction of the proposed rail line connection would have no significant environmental impacts if the Board imposes and NWTRPA implements the recommended mitigation measures set forth in the EA. The entire EA is 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 ``ELIBRARY,'' and searching by Service Date (December 28, 2015) or Docket Number (FD 35802).

This notice of determination provides the FRA Administrator's minimum annual random drug and alcohol testing rates for calendar year 2016.

The Surface Transportation Board (Board) is proposing a definition of ``on-time performance'' for purposes of Section 213 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA).