Department of Transportation 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In order to prioritize, organize, and phase multiple recalls to remedy defective Takata frontal air bag inflators, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (``NHTSA'') is opening proceedings, including a public docket..NHTSA is considering issuing one or more administrative orders that would coordinate remedy programs associated with defective Takata air bag inflators. Coordination of the remedy programs may include, among other things, ``acceleration,'' prioritization, organization, and/or phasing of some or all such air bag inflator remedy programs. It may further include coordination as to air bag inflator sourcing, production, allocation, delivery, installation, and adequacy of the remedy. This notice explains events leading to today's action and NHTSA's authority to open such a proceeding. It also describes some of the issues that the agency anticipates considering in the proceeding and information the agency requests from commenters as part of such a proceeding.

This action proposes to establish 13 high altitude Area Navigation (RNAV) routes (Q-routes), and one low altitude RNAV route (T-route) in the western United States. The routes would promote operational efficiencies for users and provide connectivity to current and proposed RNAV en route and terminal procedures.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This proposed AD would require visually inspecting certain subfloor frames for a crack. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of cracks on in-service helicopters. The proposed actions are intended to detect or prevent a crack in the subfloor frame, which could result in failure of the pilot and co-pilot pedal support frame and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 96-18-06 for certain Airbus Model A320-211 and -231 airplanes. AD 96-18-06 currently requires visual inspections to detect cracks of the pressurized floor fittings at frame (FR) 36, and renewal of the zone protective finish or replacement of fittings with new fittings if necessary. Since we issued AD 96-18-06, an extended service goal analysis by the manufacturer revealed that the compliance times and repetitive inspection intervals should be reduced to meet the design service goal. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 96- 18-06, with reduced compliance times and repetitive inspection intervals. This proposed AD would also add Model A320-212 airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the pressurized floor fittings at FR 36, which could result in failure of a floor fitting and subsequent depressurization of the fuselage.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-20-07, for certain 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). AD 97-20-07 requires repetitive inspections to detect fatigue cracking in the left and right wings in the area where the top skin attaches to the center spar, and repair or modification of this area if necessary. Since we issued AD 97-20-07, we have determined that the inspection compliance time and repetitive inspection interval must be reduced to allow timely detection of cracking in the left and right wings in the area where the top skin attaches to the center spar. This proposed AD would reduce the inspection compliance time and repetitive inspection intervals. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct this cracking, which could reduce the residual strength of the top skin of the wings, and consequently affect the structural integrity of the airframe.

FMCSA announces the denial of 36 individuals' applications for exemptions from the rule prohibiting persons with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition that is likely to cause a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) from operating CMVs in interstate commerce. The reason for each of the denials is listed after the individual's name.

FMCSA renews the Flatbed Carrier Safety Group's (FCSG) exemption which allows the securement of metal coils on a flatbed vehicle, in a sided vehicle, or in an intermodal container loaded with eyes crosswise, grouped in rows, in which the coils are loaded to contact each other in the longitudinal direction. Motor carriers may continue to use the pre-January 1, 2004, cargo securement regulations for the transportation of groups of metal coils with eyes crosswise, as this loading configuration is not currently covered under the Agency's commodity-specific rules for securing metal coils in 49 CFR 393.120. The Agency has concluded that granting this exemption renewal will maintain a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without the exemption. However, the Agency requests comments on this issue, especially from anyone who believes this standard will not be maintained.

FMCSA announces its decision to grant Adirondack Trailways, Pine Hill Trailways, New York Trailways (``Trailways'') and all other regular-route passenger carriers and their drivers a renewal of their exemption from the hours-of-service (HOS) record of duty status (RODS) requirement to enter a change in duty status on the daily log for breaks in driving time of 10 minutes or less, for the limited purpose of picking up or dropping off passengers, baggage, or small express packages. FMCSA extended the exemption to all regular-route passenger carriers and their drivers rather than limiting it to Trailways' drivers. The renewal of the exemption will allow these drivers to perform their daily duties without having to record entries in the daily log for breaks in driving time of 10 minutes or less. Such activity will not be considered a change of duty status for the purposes of 49 CFR 395.8(c).

The FHWA, on behalf of Caltrans, is issuing this notice to announce actions taken by Caltrans that are final within the meaning of 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). The actions relate to a proposed highway project, San Diego Freeway (I-405) Improvement Project from State Route (SR) 73 to Interstate 605 (I-605). Work is proposed as follows:

Graco Children's Products, Inc., (Graco) has determined that certain Graco child restraints do not fully comply with paragraph S5.5.2(g)(1)(iii) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 213, Child Restraint Systems. Graco has filed an appropriate report dated March 13, 2015, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports.

The FAA assigned the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) a new task to provide recommendations regarding the incorporation of airframe-level crashworthiness and ditching standards into Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 25 and development of associated advisory material. The issue is during the development of current airworthiness standards and regulatory guidance, the FAA assumed that airframe structure for transport airplanes would be constructed predominantly of metal, using skin-stringer-frame architecture. Therefore, certain requirements either do not address all of the issues associated with nonmetallic materials, or have criteria that are based on experience with traditionally-configured large metallic airplanes. With respect to crashworthiness, there is no airframe-level standard for crashworthiness. Many of the factors that influence airframe performance under crash conditions on terrain also influence airframe performance under ditching conditions. Past studies and investigations have included recommendations for review of certain regulatory requirements and guidance material to identify opportunities for improving survivability during a ditching event; consideration of these recommendations is included in this tasking. This notice informs the public of the new ARAC activity and solicits membership for the Transport Airplane Crashworthiness and Ditching Working Group.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval previously approved information collection. This information collection involves the use of various forms necessary because of management and oversight responsibilities of the agency imposed by OMB Circular 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. These forms include Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424), Federal Financial Report (SF-425), Request for Advance or Reimbursement (SF-270), and Outlay Report and Request for Reimbursement for Construction Programs (SF-271). We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13.

FMCSA announces that its MCSAC will meet on Monday and Tuesday, June 15-16, 2015, to complete its recommendations concerning the Agency's Beyond Compliance initiative, provide ideas the Agency should consider for updating its strategic plan, and receive a briefing concerning FMCSA's current research projects. The meeting is open to the public and there will be a period of time at the end of each day for the public to submit oral comments. Times and Dates: The meeting will be held Monday-Tuesday, June 15- 16, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town, 1767 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Copies of the MCSAC Task Statement and an agenda for the entire meeting will be made available in advance of the meeting at https:// mcsac.fmcsa.dot.gov.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 15 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.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the fourth meeting of the Airborne Weather Detection Systems Committee.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 217Aeronautical Databases being held jointly with EUROCAE WG-44Aeronautical Databases.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the sixty third meeting of the RTCA Special Committee 186, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35, as amended) this notice announces the Department of Transportation's (Department) intention to request the renewal of an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number for the collection of emergency contingency plans for tarmac delays from U.S. carriers and U.S. airports as required by the FAA Modernization and Reform Act (Act). On April 16, 2012, the Department of Transportation submitted to OMB for review and clearance utilizing emergency review procedures information collection requests related to the submission by U.S. carriers and U.S. airports of tarmac delay contingency plans for review and approval by the Department, as well as the public posting of those plans, as set forth in the Act. OMB issued the Department a control number authorizing these new collections of information until November 30, 2012 (OMB Control Number 2105-0566).

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is issuing this NOI to advise the public that the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission intend to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) to evaluate the impacts of construction and operation of the Port Bienville Railroad Project (Project). The EIS will evaluate route alternatives for freight rail service from the Port Bienville Short Line Railroad in Hancock County, Mississippi to Nicholson in Pearl River County, Mississippi.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-14- 02, which applies to certain Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) PW120, PW121, PW121A, PW124B, PW127, PW127E, PW127F, PW127G, and PW127M turboprop engines. AD 2014-14-02 requires removal of the O-ring seal from the fuel manifold fitting. Since we issued AD 2014-14-02, we received reports of fuel seepage past the metal-to-metal sealing surfaces of the fuel nozzle and fuel manifold flow adapter. This proposed AD would require replacement of the fuel nozzle and the fuel manifold flow adapter. We are proposing this AD to prevent in-flight fuel leakage, engine fire, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.