Department of Transportation April 7, 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Department of Transportation (``Department,'' ``DOT,'' or ``we'') announces its intent to establish a negotiated rulemaking (Reg- Neg) committee to negotiate and develop proposed amendments to the Department's disability regulation on three issues: Whether to require accessible inflight entertainment (IFE) and strengthen accessibility requirements for other in-flight communications; whether to require an accessible lavatory on new single-aisle aircraft over a certain size; and whether to amend the definition of ``service animals'' that may accompany passengers with a disability on a flight. The committee will include representatives of organizations or groups with interests that are affected significantly by the subject matter of the proposed regulation. The Department anticipates that the interested parties may include disability advocacy organizations, airlines, airports, and aircraft manufacturers. The Department seeks comment on the establishment of the Accessible Air Transportation (ACCESS) Advisory Committee, the issues to be addressed, and the proposed list of stakeholder types to be represented on the Committee. We also invite nominations or applications for membership on the ACCESS Advisory Committee. To the extent it can do so consistent with the goal of ensuring effective representation and necessary expertise, the Department will select individuals who reflect the diversity among the organizations or groups represented.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 87 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.

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.

In accordance with the paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The purpose of the collection is to conduct alumni survey to document student perceptions about education received at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). The results from the survey will not be used for any type of forecasting or projecting. The results will be tabulated and documented as indirect evidence for accreditation purposes.

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.

The FAA announces public meeting on its proposal to revise Part 23 Airworthiness Standards for Normal, Utility, Acrobatic, and Commuter Category Airplanes. The purpose of the public meeting is for the FAA to explain and answer questions concerning the language related to its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) (81 FR 13452, March 14, 2016).

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. M601E-11 turboprop engines. This AD requires inspection of the engine power turbine (PT) disk and, if found damaged, its replacement with a part eligible for installation. This AD was prompted by discovery of damage to certain engine PT disks during engine shop visits. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the engine PT disk, which could result in release of high-energy debris, damage to the engine, and reduced control of the airplane.