Department of Transportation January 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On January 20, 2016, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a decision and order under the Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs that excludes a service agent, Mounir R. Khouri, from providing drug and alcohol testing services in any capacity to any DOT-regulated employer for a period of 5 years. Mr. Khouri provided Consortium/Third Party Administrator Services (C/TPA) and Medical Review Officer (MRO) services to DOT- regulated trucking companies. Mr. Khouri pled guilty to criminal charges that he made materially false statements that an MRO had reviewed drug test results, when a qualified MRO had not done so. This Federal Register publication serves as notice to the public that DOT- regulated employers or their service agents must stop using the services of Mounir R. Khouri for administering their DOT-regulated drug and/or alcohol testing programs.

This action proposes special conditions for the Boeing Model 767-2C airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport-category airplanes. This design feature is non-rechargeable lithium battery systems. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

Under the provisions of Title 49, U.S.C. Section 47153(c), notice is being given that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a request from the Cartersville-Bartow Airport Authority to waive the requirement for three (3) parcels (0.138 acres in Fee Simple and 1.469 & 0.479 acres in Easement) of federally obligated property, located at the Cartersville-Bartow 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.

This document announces receipt by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a petition for a decision that nonconforming 2010 Harley-Davidson FX, XL and VR motorcycles that were not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), are eligible for importation into the United States because they are substantially similar to vehicles that were originally manufactured for sale in the United States and that were certified by their manufacturer as complying with the safety standards (the U.S.-certified version of the 2010 Harley-Davidson FX, XL and VR motorcycles) and they are capable of being readily altered to conform to the standards.

The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that published in the Federal Register. That AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. Paragraph (i)(4) of the regulatory text contains a reference to a nonexistent paragraph. This document corrects that error. In all other respects, the original document remains the same.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by the Mohave County Airport Authority (MCAA) under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47501 et seq. (formerly the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, hereinafter referred to as ``the Act'') and Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 150 (hereinafter referred to as ``Part 150''). On November 21, 2013, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by the MCAA under Part 150 were in compliance with applicable requirements. On January 11, 2016, the FAA approved the Laughlin/ Bullhead International Airport Noise Compatibility Program. All of the recommendations of the program were approved. No program elements relating to new or revised flight procedures for noise abatement were proposed.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Models MU-2B-30, MU-2B-35, MU-2B-36, MU-2B-36A, and MU-2B-60 airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as reports of cracks found in the attach fittings of the main landing gear oleo strut. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer informing us that the inspection criteria and repair procedures in the maintenance manual for aft bolt holes of the high- pressure compressor (HPC) cone shaft on the affected engines is incorrect. This AD requires inspection of the HPC cone shaft and repair of affected parts, if needed. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPC cone shaft, which could lead to uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319-113, A319-114, A320-211, and A320-212 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the aft mount pylon bolts of the CFM56-5 engines may have been installed using the wrong torque values. This AD requires identification of engines that were installed using the wrong torque values and re-torque of the four aft mount pylon bolts of those engines. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improper torque of the aft mount pylon bolts, which, if combined with any maintenance damage, could lead to aft engine mount failure, possibly resulting in engine detachment and consequent reduced control of the airplane.

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.

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) is incorporated in our regulations, approved by FHWA, and recognized as the national standard for traffic control devices used on all streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel. This notice terminates the Interim Approval for Use of Clearview Font for Positive Contrast Legends on Guide Signs (IA-5), issued September 2, 2004, as authorized by Section 1A.10 of the MUTCD, and discontinues the provisional use of an alternative lettering style in traffic control device applications. The result of this termination rescinds the use of letter styles other than the FHWA Standard Alphabets on traffic control devices, except as provided otherwise in the MUTCD. Existing signs that use the provisional letter style and comply with the Interim Approval are unaffected by this action and may remain as long as they are in serviceable condition. This action does not create a mandate for the removal or installation of any sign. This action does not amend any provision of the MUTCD.

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to amend, by regulation, the means of notification required under the Safety Act, to be in a manner other than, or in addition to, first-class mail. Furthermore, Section 24104 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) expounds on the need to update the means of notification by requiring the Agency to include notification by electronic means in addition to first class mail notification, within 270 days of its enactment. MAP-21 also authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to improve the efficacy of recalls by requiring manufacturers to send additional notifications of defects or noncompliance if a second notification by the manufacturer does not result in an adequate number of motor vehicles or replacement equipment being returned for remedy. NHTSA seeks public comment on the means, in addition to first class mail, of providing notification to owners, purchasers, and dealers, by a manufacturer of a motor vehicle or replacement equipment, that the vehicle or equipment contains a defect related to motor vehicle safety or does not comply with an applicable motor vehicle safety standard. As a result of this ANPRM, the Agency anticipates receiving information that will aid the Agency in developing a rule implementing the notification requirements under MAP-21 and the FAST Act. The Agency anticipates that comments and information received will aid in updating the Agency's regulations.

This notice announces the random testing rates for employers subject to the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) drug and alcohol rules for 2016.

This notice announces actions taken by the FWHA that are final within the meaning of 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). The actions relate to the proposed 1800 North (SR-37) 2000 West to I-15, Davis County improvements in the State of Utah. These actions grant approvals for the project.

This action reopens the comment period for the NPRM published September 10, 2015, proposing to expand the restricted airspace at Chincoteague Inlet, VA. This reopening of the comment period is necessary because a chart depicting the proposed airspace was not available prior to the original comment period closing date. This action will ensure that interested persons have the opportunity to view the chart and submit comments regarding the proposal.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A319-113 and A319-114 airplanes; and Model A320-211 and A320-212 airplanes. This AD requires identifying affected engines, and doing a torque check of the forward engine bolts on affected engines. This AD would also require, for any bolt rotation that is found, torqueing the bolt and eventually replacing the forward engine mount bolts, nuts, and washers, doing a fluorescent penetrant inspection and dimensional check of the affected bolt holes for local deformation and cracks, and doing corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by an incorrect torque unit for the CFM56-5A engine forward mount fasteners that was inadvertently introduced into a certain Airbus airplane maintenance manual. We are issuing this AD to prevent loose bolts, which, if combined with induced maintenance damage, could lead to forward engine mount failure. An engine mount failure can result in an engine detachment and consequent reduced control of the airplane, damage to the airplane, and injury to persons on the ground.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Beechcraft Corporation Model BAe.125 series 1000A and 1000B airplanes and Model Hawker 1000 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of inadvertent stowage of the thrust reversers, which can result in high forward engine thrust even though the throttle is commanding reverse thrust. This proposed AD would require installing kits that include relays, associated wiring, and a thrust reverser fail annunciator. We are proposing this AD to prevent inadvertent stowage of the thrust reversers, which could cause a runway overrun during a rejected takeoff or landing, and consequent structural failure and possible injury to occupants.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model 500N and 600N helicopters with certain rotating cone assemblies installed. This AD requires establishing a life limit of 10,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) on these rotating cone assemblies. This AD was prompted by the determination that MDHI created rotating cone assemblies with new dash numbers but incorrectly failed to identify them as life-limited parts. The actions are intended to prevent operation of rotating cone assemblies past their life limits, failure of the rotating cone assemblies, loss of directional control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

This action amends Class E airspace at El Paso, TX. Closure of West Texas Airport has made this action necessary for continued safety and management within the National Airspace System. Additionally, the geographic coordinates for El Paso International Airport and Biggs Army Airfield (AAF), are adjusted correctly noted in the Rule section of this document. This does not affect the boundaries or operating requirements of the airspace.

We are revising airworthiness directive (AD) 2015-12-09 for Airbus Helicopters Model EC135P1, EC135T1, EC135P2, EC135T2, EC135P2+, EC135T2+, and MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. AD 2015-12-09 required inspecting certain washers for movement and making the appropriate repairs if the washers move. As published, AD 2015-12-09 referenced an incorrect date for the service information in the Credit for Previous Actions section. This AD corrects the error while retaining the requirements of AD 2015-12-09. These actions are intended to prevent loss of concerned control axis and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.