Department of Transportation May 12, 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006-20- 11, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF series airplanes. AD 2006-20-11 currently requires initial and repetitive detailed or high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracks around the rivets at the upper fastener row of the skin lap splice of the fuselage, and repairing any crack found. Since we issued AD 2006-20-11, an evaluation done by the design approval holder (DAH) indicated that the fuselage skin lap splice is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would no longer allow the detailed inspections and would instead require repetitive external HFEC inspections for cracking of the skin lap splices of the fuselage, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking at certain skin lap splice locations of the fuselage, which could result in reduced structural integrity and rapid decompression of the airplane.

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.

This document announces receipt by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a petition for a decision that model year (MY) 2012 Jeep Wrangler multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPVs) that were manufactured for sale in the Mexican market and 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 2012 Jeep Wrangler MPV) and they are capable of being readily altered to conform to the standards.

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATRGIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 and Model ATR72-212A airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and certain overhead stowage compartment fittings; removing certain fittings from the overhead stowage compartments and measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and the overhead stowage compartment hooks, if necessary; and re-installing or repairing, as applicable, the Type III Emergency Exit doors. The NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that interference occurred between a Type III Emergency Exit door and the surrounding passenger cabin furnishing during a production check. This action revises the NPRM by adding new proposed requirements for modifying the overhead stowage compartments. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to prevent interference between a Type III Emergency Exit door and the overhead stowage compartment fitting installed on the rail; which could result in obstructed opening of a Type III Emergency Exit door during an emergency evacuation. Since these actions impose an additional burden over those proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

In accordance with the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5117(c), PHMSA is publishing the following list of special permit applications that have been in process for 180 days or more. The reason(s) for delay and the expected completion date for action on each application is provided in association with each identified application.

This rulemaking would relieve burdens on pilots seeking to obtain aeronautical experience, training, and certification by increasing the allowed use of aviation training devices. These training devices have proven to be an effective, safe, and affordable means of obtaining pilot experience. This rulemaking also would address changing technologies by accommodating the use of technically advanced airplanes as an alternative to the use of older complex single engine airplanes for the commercial pilot training and testing requirements. Additionally, this rulemaking would broaden the opportunities for military instructors to obtain civilian ratings based on military experience, would expand opportunities for logging pilot time, and would remove a burden from sport pilot instructors by permitting them to serve as safety pilots. Finally, this rulemaking would include changes to some of the provisions established in an August 2009 final rule. These actions are necessary to bring the regulations in line with current needs and activities of the general aviation training community and pilots.