Department of Transportation 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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, Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, and Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) 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 affected 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 propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (formerly known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Model CN-235-200 and CN-235-300 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of false engine fire warning events, which consequently led to engine in-flight shut down. This proposed AD would require modification of the location and routing of the engine fire detection system. We are proposing this AD to prevent unnecessary engine in-flight shut down, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-18-15, for all Airbus Model A300, A310, and 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 2009-18-15 required revising the Airworthiness Limitations section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) to require additional life limits and/or replacements for certain main landing gear and nose landing gear components. This new AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This AD was prompted by a determination that existing maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are inadequate to ensure the structural integrity of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of certain system components, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. To obtain type certification of a rotorcraft, an applicant must show that the rotorcraft complies with specific certification requirements. To show compliance, the applicant must submit substantiating data.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The FAA Acquisition Management System establishes policies and internal procedures for FAA acquisition. The information collection is necessary to solicit, award, and administer contracts for supplies, equipment, services, facilities, and real property to fulfill FAA's mission.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. 14 CFR part 121 prescribes the requirements governing air carrier operations. The information collected is used to determine air operators' compliance with the minimum safety standards and the applicants' eligibility for air operations certification.

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.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (PWC) PT6A-60AG, -65AG, -67AF, and -67AG turboprop engines. This proposed AD was prompted by incidents of corrosion and perforation of the two-ply Cu-Be bellows in Woodward fuel control units (FCUs). This proposed AD would require removing the Woodward FCU and installing an FCU that is eligible for installation. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the Woodward FCU, which could lead to failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss of control of the airplane.

The FAA is issuing a final rule that removes certain redundant or underutilized ground-based nondirectional radio beacon (NDB) and VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs). On April 13, 2015, the FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking to remove 736 procedures. After consideration of public comments and conducting an internal review, the FAA has decided to move forward with removing 334 procedures that did not receive public comment. The 198 procedures for which comments were received will be addressed in the future. The FAA also identified 191 procedures that were proposed for removal but that do not meet the criteria at this time. Those 191 procedures may be reevaluated at a later date; however, their removal is withdrawn from consideration in this rule. There are 13 procedures erroneously identified in the NPRM that were already in the process for removal and should not have been included in this proceeding. The FAA concluded that these procedures should continue in the separate proceeding and are not addressed in this final rule.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, 269D, and TH-55A helicopters. This AD requires repetitively inspecting and lubricating the tail rotor (T/R) driveshaft splined fittings. This AD was prompted by a report that the T/R driveshaft can disconnect due to deterioration of the splined coupling. The actions are intended to detect and prevent excessive wear of the splined coupling, which could lead to failure of the T/R driveshaft and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

By Federal Register notice (See 80 FR 58808-58809, September 30, 2015) the National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) invited interested persons to apply to fill one upcoming opening to represent Native American interests on the National Parks Overflights Advisory Group (NPOAG) Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC). This notice informs the public of the persons selected to fill this current vacancy as the membership term expired on October 9, 2015.

On February 16, 2015, a derailment occurred in West Virginia due to a broken rail that resulted from an internal rail defect, specifically a vertical split head (VSH). Although rail flaw detection equipment had indicated rail flaw conditions at the location of the failure in December 2014 and January 2015, the operator of the equipment failed to carry out an on-ground examination of the defect. The operator later claimed that he believed the reading on the monitor was a false-positive due to rail head surface conditions. FRA believes that if the operator better understood the indications for various rail flaw conditions, including the rough rail surface conditions he was to look for and properly identified the rail flaw indications, the operator would have reported the defect to the track owner. Upon reporting, the track owner would have been alerted to its duty under the Track Safety Standards (49 CFR part 213) to take remedial action (either repair or replacement of the rail or reduction of the maximum authorized train speed over the rail to the specified level). Had the track owner then taken proper remedial action, that action may have prevented the broken rail and the derailment. In response, FRA is issuing this Safety Advisory No. 2015-05 to remind track owners (typically railroads), their track maintenance personnel, and their rail flaw detection equipment operators of the importance of complying with their rail management programs and engineering procedures that address rail with rail head surface conditions while performing rail flaw inspections and track inspections generally. This is particularly vital on track carrying passengers and hazardous materials due to the catastrophic consequences that may result from a derailment. This Safety Advisory also contains recommendations to track owners to ensure their rail flaw detection equipment operators are properly trained and exercise due diligence when a rail head surface condition interferes with a valid rail inspection.

The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that published in the Federal Register. That AD applies to certain Schempp- Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Models Duo Discus and Duo Discus T gliders. The Model Duo Discus gliders were incorrectly referenced as powered sailplanes in the Applicability section. This document corrects that error and refers to both models as just gliders as in previous ADs. In all other respects, the original document remains the same; however we are publishing the entire rule in the Federal Register.

This Notice provides information to Federal, State, and local agencies; Native American tribes; and other interested persons regarding the FAA's intent to prepare an EIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of issuing a Launch Site Operator License to the Camden County Board of Commissioners for a proposed commercial space launch site (``Spaceport Camden''). The Camden County Board of Commissioners proposes to construct and operate Spaceport Camden in an unincorporated area of Woodbine, in Camden County, Georgia. The FAA will prepare the EIS in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 42 United States Code 4321 et seq.), the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 Code of Federal Regulations parts 1500-1508), and FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, as part of its licensing process. Concurrent with the NEPA process, the FAA is initiating National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 Consultation to determine the potential effects of the Proposed Action on historic properties. The FAA is also consulting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act regarding potential impacts on federally-listed threatened and endangered species. Pursuant to the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966, this EIS will comply with the requirements of Section 4(f) of the Act. Additional information is available online at: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/ environmental/nepa_docs/review/documents_progress/camden_spac eport/.

This notice announces final environmental actions taken by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for projects in Albuquerque, NM, Chicago, IL, and Tempe, AZ. The purpose of this notice is to announce publicly the environmental decisions by FTA on the subject projects and to activate the limitation on any claims that may challenge these final environmental actions.

This provides notice that transportation under the terms of DOT-SP 8308 has been suspended for Del-Med, Inc. formerly located in Edison, NJ.

This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs) for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs) for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.