Department of Transportation 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

RECARO Child Safety, LLC (Recaro) determined that certain Recaro child restraints do not fully comply with the system integrity requirements of paragraph S5.1.1(a) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 213, Child Restraint Systems. Recaro filed an appropriate report, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports, that was received by NHTSA on July 30, 2014. Recaro also submitted a petition for an exemption from the notification and remedy requirements of 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 on the basis of the petitioner's belief that this noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety. NHTSA published a notice of receipt of the petition and requested comment on the petition. After consideration of Recaro's analysis and other information, NHTSA has decided to deny the petition.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is announcing a meeting that will be held in Washington, DC on July 23, 2015 to address the challenges and barriers that have prevented schools from taking action to install three-point seat belt systems in school buses. The workshop will include presentations and discussions on the topic. Information on the date, time, location, and framework for this public event is included in this notice. Attendance requires prior registration; there will be no registration at the door. There are no fees to register or to attend this event; however space is limited on a first-come basis. The meeting will also be webcast live at www.nhtsa.gov.

PHMSA is proposing amendments to the pipeline safety regulations to address requirements of the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 (2011 Act), and to update and clarify certain regulatory requirements. Among other provisions, PHMSA is proposing to add a specific time frame for telephonic or electronic notifications of accidents and incidents and add provisions for cost recovery for design reviews of certain new projects, for the renewal of expiring special permits, and for submitters of information to request PHMSA keep the information confidential. We are also proposing changes to the operator qualification (OQ) requirements and drug and alcohol testing requirements and incorporating consensus standards by reference for in-line inspection (ILI) and Stress Corrosion Cracking Direct Assessment (SCCDA).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is requesting public comment on a request by the Louisville Regional Airport Authority of Louisville, Kentucky, owner of the Louisville International Airport, to change a portion of airport property from aeronautical to non- aeronautical use at the Louisville International Airport. The request consists of approximately 0.91 acres to the Commonwealth of Kentucky for use as right-of-way for the relocated portion of Grade Lane. This action is taken under the provisions of Section 125 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21).

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) this notice announces that the Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for extension of currently approved collections. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on April 21, 2015 (80 FR 22265). No comments were received.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection Request, abstracted below, is being forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget for extension of currently approved reporting requirement. Earlier, a Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period was published on April 21, 2015 (80 FR 22265). The agency did not receive any comments to its previous notice.

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC, (CTA), has determined that certain Continental brand TKC80 diagonal (bias) motorcycle replacement tires do not fully comply with paragraph S6.5(c) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 119, New Pneumatic Radial Tires for motor vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 Kilograms (10,000 pounds) and Motorcycles. CTA has filed an appropriate report dated February 18, 2015, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of in-flight loss of fixed and hinged main landing gear (MLG) fairings, and reports of post-modification MLG fixed fairing assemblies that have wear and corrosion. This proposed AD would require, for certain airplanes, repetitive replacements of the fixed fairing upper and lower attachment studs of both the right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) MLG; and repetitive inspections for corrosion, wear, fatigue, cracking, and loose studs of each forward stud assembly of the fixed fairing door upper and lower forward attachment of both RH and LH MLG; and replacement if necessary. This proposed AD also provides an optional terminating modification for the repetitive replacements of the fixed fairing upper and lower attachment studs. We are proposing this AD to prevent in-flight detachment of an MLG fixed fairing and consequent damage to the airplane.

The Surface Transportation Board proposes to revise its regulations to update the accounting and reporting requirements under its Uniform System of Accounts (USOA) for Class I Railroads to be more consistent with current generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and revise the schedules and instructions for the Annual Report for Class I Railroads (R-1 or Form R-1) to better meet regulatory requirements and industry needs. The intent of the proposed revisions is to promote sound and uniform accounting and financial reporting for the types of transactions and events described herein.

This notice announces the availability of and request comments on the proposed authorization of Alaska Fixed Wing External Loads (FWEL) as a new restricted category special purpose operation, pursuant to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.25(b)(7), for operations within the State of Alaska.

This notice announces the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) intent to cancel AC 20-159. This cancellation will result in no new approval of technical standard order authorizations (TSOA) for an ``incomplete system'' issued for Technical Standard Order (TSO) C-165, Electronic Map Display Equipment for Graphical Depiction of Aircraft Position. Therefore, the guidance contained in AC 20-159 allowing applicants to obtain a design and production approval using the software and database for an airport moving map display (AMMD) intended for use on a Class 2 electronic flight bag (EFB) for ground operations, will no longer be available. FAA AC 120-76C, Guidelines for the Certification, Airworthiness, and Operational Use of Electronic Flight Bags, dated May 9, 2014, replaces AC 20-159 and provides guidance for applicants seeking authorization to display an own-ship symbol limited to the airport surface as a Type B application for use on any EFB.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces establishment of the Pilot Program for Expedited Project Delivery (Pilot Program) authorized by Section 20008 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), Public Law 112-141, July 6, 2012, and solicits expressions of interest to participate. The Pilot Program is aimed at increasing innovation, improving efficiency and timeliness of project implementation, and encouraging new revenue streams for new fixed guideway projects and core capacity improvement projects. FTA plans to use the lessons learned from the Pilot Program to assist other project sponsors to develop more effective approaches to project planning, project development, finance, design, and construction. Additionally, FTA anticipates that the Pilot Program will help to identify impediments in current laws, regulations, and practices to the greater use of innovative project development and delivery methods or innovative financing arrangements. Participants selected for the Pilot Program may receive enhanced technical assistance and expedited FTA reviews to speed up planning, development, and delivery of eligible Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program projects and ultimately receive Full Funding Grant Agreements under that program. Should legislation be enacted for the Pilot Program that would allow projects to proceed outside of the normal CIG program processes and criteria, participants also may be able to receive a Full Funding Grant Agreement under the terms of that legislation. Lastly, participants selected for the Pilot Program also may benefit from technical assistance provided by the Department of Transportation's Build America Transportation Investment Center (BATIC). This announcement is available on the FTA's Web site at: www.fta.dot.gov.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes, and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report indicating that some operators have inadvertently removed the existing insulation blankets from the upper wing box area. This proposed AD would require inspecting for and replacing missing insulation blankets in the upper wing box area. We are proposing this AD to detect and replace missing insulation blankets from the upper wing box area, which could result in inadequate thermal protection to prevent fuel ignition in the event of an undetected bleed air leak due to a cracked or ruptured bleed-air duct.

The Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of the Secretary (OST), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) announces the opportunity for; business centered community- based organizations; transportation-related trade associations; colleges and universities; community colleges or; chambers of commerce, registered with the Internal Revenue Service as 501 C(6) or 501 C(3) tax-exempt organizations, to compete for participation in OSDBU's Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC) program in the Mid-Atlantic Region (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware).

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 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, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of the Final EA and FONSI/ROD for the Houston Spaceport.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3519 (PRA), the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) gives notice of its intent to seek from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) an extension of approval for the information collections required from those seeking licensing authority under 49 U.S.C. 10901-03 and consolidation authority under Sec. Sec. 11323-26. Under these Title 49 provisions, rail carriers and non-carriers are required to file an application with the Board, or seek an exemption (through petition or notice) from the full application process under Sec. 10502, before they may construct, acquire, or operate a line of railroad; abandon or discontinue operations over a line of railroad; or consolidate their interests through a merger or common-control arrangement. The relevant information collections are described in more detail below. Comments are requested concerning: The accuracy of the Board's burden estimates; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, when appropriate; and whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Board, including whether the collection has practical utility. Submitted comments will be summarized and included in the Board's request for OMB approval.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3519 (PRA), the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) gives notice of its intent to seek from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) an extension of the information collections required under 49 U.S.C. 10904-05 and 10907, and 16 U.S.C. 1247(d). Under these statutory provisions, the Board administers programs designed to preserve railroad service or rail rights-of-way. When a line is proposed for abandonment, affected shippers, communities, or other interested persons may seek to preserve rail service by filing with the Board: An offer of financial assistance (OFA) to subsidize or purchase a rail line for which a railroad is seeking abandonment (49 U.S.C. 10904), including a request for the Board to set terms and conditions of the financial assistance; a request for a public use condition (Sec. 10905); or a trail-use request (16 U.S.C. 1247(d)). Similarly, when a line is placed on a system diagram map identifying it as an anticipated or potential candidate for abandonment, affected shippers, communities, or other interested persons may seek to preserve rail service by filing with the Board a feeder line application to purchase the identified rail line (Sec. 10907). When a line is so placed on the map, the feeder line applicant need not demonstrate that the public convenience and necessity require or permit the sale of the line, but need only pay the constitutional minimum value to acquire it. Additionally, the railroad owning the rail line subject to abandonment must, in some circumstances, provide information to the applicant or offeror. The relevant information collections are described in more detail below. Comments are requested concerning: (1) The accuracy of the Board's burden estimates; (2) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; (3) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology when appropriate; and (4) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Board, including whether the collection has practical utility. Submitted comments will be summarized and included in the Board's request for OMB approval.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking at a central part of the structure. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the skin hidden by the upper and lower splice fittings on both sides of the fuselage, and corrective action if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the hidden fuselage skin and cracking, corrosion, and other damage to the splice fittings and adjacent visible fuselage skin and structure that could lead to loss of a primary load path between the fuselage and the wing box, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-17-07 for certain M7 Aerospace LLC (type certificate previously held by M7 Aerospace LP) Models SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, and SA226-AT airplanes. AD 2011-17-07 required repetitive replacement and inspection of certain elevator, rudder, aileron, and aileron-to-rudder interconnect primary control cables, and checking and setting of flight control cable tension. This AD requires repetitively inspecting and replacing the primary flight control rudder cables, repetitively replacing all other primary flight control and trim tab cables, and checking/setting the flight control cable tension. This AD was prompted by a report of extensive damage found on the left hand primary flight control rudder cable located under the cockpit floor on one of the airplanes affected by AD 2011-17-07. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

This preliminary notice is to announce a public workshop to advance risk modeling methodologies of gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines and non-pipeline systems. This workshop will bring industry, Federal and state regulators, interested members of the public, and other stakeholders together to share knowledge and experience on risk modelling within the pipeline industry and other fields, ways to advance pipeline risk models, and practical ways that operators can adopt and/or adapt them to the analyses of their systems. Additionally, through this notice, and in preparation for this public meeting, we are inviting abstracts on relevant engineering and technical modeling considerations related to advancing pipeline risk models, and risk modeling methodologies used in other non-pipeline applications. PHMSA recognizes that other industries may offer potential ideas and solutions to risk modelling that are applicable to pipelines and therefore encourages participation in the solicitation from outside of the pipeline industry and outside of industrial applications. Each author of an accepted abstract will be invited to make a short presentation at the workshop.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, and - 115 airplanes; Model A320-214 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, - 211, -212, and -213 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracked cadmium-plated lock nuts that attach the hinge to the fan cowl door. This proposed AD would require inspecting to determine the serial number of each engine fan cowl door, inspecting for cracking of the hinge lock nuts of any affected door, and replacing the lock nuts if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the hinge lock nuts, which could result in separation of the hinge from the fan cowl door, in-flight loss of the door, and consequent damage to the airplane.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-26- 07, which applies to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-11, DC-8-12, DC- 8-21, DC-8-31, DC-8-32, DC-8-33, DC-8-41, DC-8-42, and DC-8-43 airplanes; Model DC-8-50 series airplanes; Model DC-8F-54 and DC-8F-55 airplanes; Model DC-8-60 series airplanes; Model DC-8-60F series airplanes; Model DC-8-70 series airplanes; and Model DC-8-70F series airplanes. AD 2008-26-07 currently requires repetitive inspections of the lower skin and stringers at certain stations, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD is intended to complete certain mandated programs intended to support the airplane reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that support the established structural maintenance program. This proposed AD would also require an eddy current high frequency (ETHF) inspection for cracks of the fastener open holes common to the lower skins, stringers, and splice fittings at a certain station; installation of external doublers and fasteners and repetitive eddy current low frequency (ETLF) inspections around the fasteners for any crack; and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the lower skins, stringers, and fastener holes of the splice fittings, which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

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 that the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety has received the applications described herein. This notice is abbreviated to expedite docketing and public notice. Because the sections affected, modes of transportation, and the nature of application have been shown in earlier Federal Register publications, they are not repeated here. Requests for modification of special permits (e.g. to provide for additional hazardous materials, packaging design changes, additional mode of transportation, etc.) are described in footnotes to the application number. Application numbers with the suffix ``M'' denote a modification request. These applications have been separated from the new application for special permits to facilitate processing.