Department of Transportation 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice provides NHTSA's finding with respect to a request to waive the requirements of Buy America from the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program (GHSP). NHTSA finds that a non- availability waiver of the Buy America requirement is appropriate for the purchase of a Nikon prismless total station using Federal highway traffic safety grant funds because there are no suitable products produced in the United States.

This action extends the comment period for an NPRM published on October 2, 2015. In that document, the FAA proposes to amend the regulations governing the curriculum and operations of FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools. These amendments would modernize and reorganize the required curriculum subjects in the appendices of the current regulations. They would also remove the course content items currently located in the appendices and require that they be placed in each school's operations specifications so they could more easily be amended when necessary. The amendments are needed because the existing curriculums are outdated, do not meet current industry needs, and can be changed only through notice and comment rulemaking. These amendments would ensure that aviation maintenance technician students receive up-to-date foundational training to meet the demanding and consistently changing needs of the aviation industry. This extension is a result of a joint request from Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC), Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Airlines for America (A4A), Aviation Suppliers Association (ASA), Helicopter Association International (HAI), Modification And Replacement Parts Association (MARPA), National Air Carrier Association (NACA), National Air Transport Association (NATA), Regional Airline Association, STEM Education Coalition (STEM), and University Aviation Association (UAA) (collectively, the ``Petitioners'').

Michelin North America, Inc. (MNA), has determined that certain Michelin heavy truck tires do not fully comply with paragraphs S6.5(a) and (j) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 119, New Pneumatic Tires for Motor Vehicles With a GVWR of More than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) and Motorcycles. MNA has filed an appropriate report dated September 18, 2015, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by investigations that revealed that the cover seal of the brake dual distribution valve (BDDV) was damaged and did not ensure efficient sealing. This proposed AD would require modifying the BDDV having certain part numbers; modifying the drain hose of the BDDV; checking for the presence of water, ice, and hydraulic fluid; and re-identifying the BDDV; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent damage to the BDDV, which could lead to water ingestion in the BDDV and freezing of the BDDV in flight, possibly resulting in loss of braking system function after landing.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-03- 06, for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A340- 200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. AD 2015-03-06 currently requires repetitive inspections of the left-hand and right- hand wing main landing gear (MLG) rib 6 aft bearing lugs (forward and aft) to detect any cracks on the two lugs, and replacement if necessary. Since we issued AD 2015-03-06, we have received reports of additional cracking of the MLG rib 6 aft bearing lugs. This proposed AD would reduce certain compliance times. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the MLG rib 6 aft bearing lugs, which could result in collapse of the MLG upon landing.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model SA341G and SA342J helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of a certain part-numbered main rotor hub torsion bar (torsion bar). This proposed AD is prompted by several cases of corrosion in the metal strands of the torsion bar. The proposed actions are intended to detect corrosion and prevent failure of the torsion bar, loss of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The NHTSA announces meetings of NEMSAC and FICEMS to be held consecutively in the Metropolitan Washington, DC, area. This notice announces the date, time, and location of the meetings, which will be open to the public, as well as opportunities for public input to the NEMSAC and FICEMS. The purpose of NEMSAC, a nationally recognized council of emergency medical services representatives and consumers, is to advise and consult with DOT and the FICEMS on matters relating to emergency medical services (EMS). The purpose of FICEMS is to ensure coordination among Federal agencies supporting EMS and 9-1-1 systems.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) issue this Notice of Intent (NOI) to advise other agencies and the public that it will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Green Line to the Airport Project in Sacramento County, California. The EIS will be prepared as a joint document that includes an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The project consists of an extension of the existing Green Line light rail service from the existing terminus of the Green Line at Township 9 (at North 7th Street and Richards Boulevard near Downtown Sacramento) to the Sacramento International Airport. The proposed project would provide new transit service and related infrastructure in the City of Sacramento, serving communities such as the River District and the South and North Natomas communities, as well as linking these areas better to the larger Sacramento region. The EIS will evaluate alternatives to the proposed action, including the No Build Alternative and possible minimum operable segments. The EIS will be prepared in accordance with regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508), 23 U.S.C. 139, and FTA's regulations and guidance implementing NEPA under 23 CFR 771. FTA will serve as the federal lead agency and RT will serve as a joint lead agency per NEPA. RT is also the local lead agency under CEQA. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will be a cooperating agency pursuant to 40 CFR 1501.6. The purpose of this notice is to alert interested parties regarding the intent to prepare the EIS/EIR, to provide information on the nature of the proposed action and possible alternatives, to invite participation in the EIS process including providing comments on the scope of the Draft EIS; and to announce that public scoping meetings will be conducted.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the Third RTCA Special Committee 234 meeting.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the Twenty-First RTCA Special Committee 225 meeting.

This notice responds to comments on a proposed expansion of the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) National Transit Database (NTD); requests comments on additional proposed reporting; and requests comments on updating the NTD's approval to collect information under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) announces a public meeting of its U.S. Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC or Council) to discuss advice and recommendations it would like to provide to the U.S. Department of Transportation for consideration on the development of a National Maritime Strategy, integration of Marine Highways into the national transportation system and options to provide a steady and reliable funding mechanism for port infrastructure development.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80E1 turbofan engines with rotating compressor discharge pressure (CDP) seal, part number (P/N) 1669M73P02, installed. This proposed AD was prompted by reports from the manufacturer of cracks in the teeth of two rotating CDP seals found during engine shop visits. This proposed AD would require stripping of the coating, inspecting, and recoating the teeth of the affected rotating CDP seals. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracking of the CDP seal teeth, which can lead to uncontained part release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by the discovery of a number of incorrectly calibrated angle of attack (AOA) transducers installed in the stall protection system. This proposed AD would require replacement of incorrectly calibrated AOA transducers. We are proposing this AD to detect and replace incorrectly calibrated AOA transducers; incorrect calibration of the transducers could result in late activation of the stick pusher.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 (Challenger 300) airplanes. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of chafing found on an electrical wiring harness in the aft equipment bay, caused by contact between the wiring harness and a neighboring hydraulic line. This AD requires an inspection, repair if necessary, and modification of the wiring harness installation to ensure that the wiring harness routing is correct and a minimum clearance between the wire and the hydraulic line is maintained. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct chafing on an electrical wiring harness, which could cause an electrical short circuit or lead to a malfunction of the flight control system, the engine indication system, or the hydraulic power control system; and adversely affect the continued safe operation and landing of the airplane.

This amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas.

This document grants in full the Mazda Motor Corporation's (Mazda) petition for an exemption of the (confidential) vehicle line in accordance with 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard. This petition is granted because the agency has determined that the antitheft device to be placed on the line as standard equipment is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with the parts-marking requirements of 49 CFR part 541, Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard (Theft Prevention Standard). Mazda also requested confidential treatment for specific information in its petition. For purposes of this document the confidential information has been redacted until released by the manufacturer.

This action removes Class E surface area airspace designated as an extension to Class C airspace at Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport, Burbank, CA. After reviewing the airspace, the FAA found no standard instrument approach procedures requiring Class E surface area airspace designated as an extension to the Class C airspace. This action enhances the safety and airspace management within the National Airspace System.

This action establishes Class E Airspace at Placida, FL, to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) serving Coral Creek Airport. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

Under the provisions of Title 49, U.S.C. Section 47151(d), notice is being given that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a request from the Richland-Lexington Airport District to waive the requirement that 51.5 acres of surplus property, located at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport be used for aeronautical purposes. Currently, ownership of the property provides for protection of FAR Part 77 surfaces and compatible land use which would continue to be protected with deed restrictions required in the transfer of land ownership.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 40 individuals for exemption from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. They are unable to meet the vision requirement in one eye for various reasons. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the prescribed vision requirement in one eye. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals to qualify as drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 13 individuals for an exemption from the prohibition against 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) in interstate commerce. The regulation and the associated advisory criteria published in the Code of Federal Regulations as the ``Instructions for Performing and Recording Physical Examinations'' have resulted in numerous drivers being prohibited from operating CMVs in interstate commerce based on the fact that they have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication, rather than an individual analysis of their circumstances by a qualified medical examiner. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti- seizure medication to operate CMVs for up to 2 years in interstate commerce.

The OSDBU invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The collection involves the following form with an expiration date of 2/29/2016, and is presently in use.