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

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 12 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 its decision to exempt 30 individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). 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. The Agency has concluded that granting these exemptions will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these CMV drivers.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below is being forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comments. A Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following information collection was published on June 2, 2016 (Federal Register 35440, Vol. 81, No.106).

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This AD was prompted by the need for more stringent inspection requirements for certain affected components. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate certain revised airworthiness limitations (AWL) and require repairs of affected components. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the affected components; such cracking could result in loss of structural integrity.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that non-conforming aluminum alloy was used to manufacture several structural parts on the inboard flap. This proposed AD would require identification of the potentially affected inboard flap parts, a one-time eddy current inspection to identify which material the parts are made of, and depending on findings, replacement with serviceable parts. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct structural parts of inboard flaps made of nonconforming aluminum alloy, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of heavy corrosion and chrome damage on the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right and left main landing gears (MLGs). This AD requires repetitive lubrication of the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right and left MLGs; repetitive inspections of these assemblies for corrosion and chrome damage, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary; and installation of new or modified trunnion pin assembly components, which will terminate the repetitive lubrication and repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct heavy corrosion and chrome damage on the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right and left MLGs, which could result in cracking of these assemblies and collapse of the MLGs.

FMCSA announces its intent to issue a rulemaking concerning revisions to its May 27, 2015, final rule titled ``Lease and Interchange of Vehicles; Motor Carriers of Passengers.'' The Agency received numerous petitions for reconsideration of the final rule and determined that amendments should be considered in response to some of the petitions. The aspects of the 2015 final rule to be reconsidered are discussed later in this document. In addition, FMCSA will hold a roundtable discussion on the scope of the issues to be addressed in the forthcoming rulemaking. The meeting will be public and will seek public input regarding the assignment of responsibility for safety violations to the correct party. Individuals with diverse experience, expertise, and perspectives are encouraged to attend. If all comments have been exhausted prior to the end of the session, the session may conclude early. The Agency intends to complete any regulatory action(s) taken in response to the petitions before January 1, 2018.

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.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. This information will be used to determine if U.S. civilian mariners are eligible for re-employment rights under the Maritime Security Act of 1996. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13.

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 is publishing this action to correct minor, editorial errors in chapter III, part 431. The errors occurred in the Commercial Space Transportation Reusable Launch Vehicle and Reentry Licensing Regulations final rule, published in the Federal Register on September 19, 2000. That final rule amended commercial space transportation regulations for the launch and reentry of reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) to establish operational requirements for launches of RLVs and to implement the FAA's reentry licensing authority by prescribing requirements for obtaining a license to launch and reenter an RLV, to reenter a reentry vehicle, and to operate a reentry site. In that final rule, the FAA inadvertently made minor errors, which this technical amendment corrects.

The FAA is publishing this action to correct minor, editorial errors in chapter III, parts 415 and 417. These errors occurred in the Licensing and Safety Requirements for Launch final rule, published in the Federal Register on August 25, 2006. That final rule amended the commercial space transportation regulations governing the launch of expendable launch vehicles to address licensing and safety requirements for a launch. In that final rule, the FAA inadvertently made minor errors, which this technical amendment corrects.

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, notice is hereby given of a teleconference of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC). The Teleconference will take place on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 starting at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and will last approximately one hour. The agenda and call-in number will be posted at least one week in advance at https:// www.faa.gov/go/ast. The purpose of this teleconference is to review draft legislation proposed by Representative Jim Bridenstine, Oklahoma, 1st District, that would authorize the Department of Transportation to perform an enhanced version of its current payload review process and consult with its interagency partners to ensure the compliance of proposed commercial space activities with U.S. treaty obligations, and national security and foreign policy interests. Examples of the types of activities that could fall under this authority include commercial space stations, satellite servicing, space resource utilization, and operations beyond Earth orbit. The FAA recently used an ad-hoc version of this approach to authorize a U.S. company to carry out the first private mission on the Moon. Interested members of the public may submit relevant written statements for the COMSTAC members to consider under the advisory process. Statements may concern the issues and agenda items mentioned above and/or additional issues that may be relevant for the U.S. commercial space transportation industry. Interested parties wishing to submit written statements should contact Michael Beavin, COMSTAC Executive Director, (the Contact Person listed below) in writing (mail or email) by September 9, 2016, so that the information can be made available to COMSTAC members for their review and consideration before the September 14 teleconference. Written statements should be supplied in the following formats: one hard copy with original signature and/or one electronic copy via email. An agenda will be posted on the FAA Web site at www.faa.gov/go/ast. Individuals who plan to participate and need special assistance should inform the Contact Persons listed below in advance of the meeting.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal from the City of Marshall (sponsor), Marshall, MO, to release a 15.42 acres of land from the federal obligation dedicating it to aeronautical use and to authorize this parcel to be used for revenue-producing, non- aeronautical purposes.

FMCSA confirms its decision to exempt 70 individuals from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 37 individuals for exemption from the prohibition against persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals with ITDM to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

The FAA withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD), which would have applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-700, -800, and -900ER series airplanes. The NPRM would have required repetitive inspections to detect cracking in the crown skin panel assembly. The NPRM would also have provided optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Since the NPRM was issued, all affected airplanes worldwide have had applicable terminating actions accomplished, and one airplane was mistakenly included in the applicability. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of interior emergency lights remaining ``ON'' following routine operational checks of the emergency light system. We are proposing this AD to require changing the wiring gauge for the affected emergency lights power supplies wiring to prevent overheating in the wires. Overheating can damage the wire insulation, causing a fire.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Model EMB-135BJ, -135ER, - 135KE, -135KL, and -135LR airplanes; and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of main airspeed indication discrepancies during flight; these discrepancies resulted from ice blockages in certain pitot total pressure lines. This proposed AD would require an inspection for tube misalignment of the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assembly lines, and corrective actions if necessary; installation or replacement (as applicable) of a tube ribbon heater on the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assembly lines; and revision of the airplane flight manual (AFM) to provide certain procedures and airspeed tables for the flightcrew. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct water accumulating and freezing in the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 total pressure lines, which could result in erroneous main airspeed indications and consequent reduced ability of the flightcrew to maintain safe flight and landing of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-223F, -223, -321, -322, and -323 airplanes. The proposed AD was prompted by fatigue load analysis that determined the need for certain reduced inspection intervals and updated torque values of the forward mount pylon bolts. This proposed AD would require repetitive torque checks to determine if there are any loose or broken forward engine mount bolts, and, if necessary, replacement of all four forward engine mount bolts and associated nuts, inspection of the forward mount assembly, and repair. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct loose or broken bolts, which could lead to engine detachment in flight, and damage to the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the fuselage skin is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would require modification of the lap joint, including related investigative actions and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also would require repetitive post-modification inspections for cracking of the skin at critical fastener rows, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks at the lap joint skin that could link up and result in rapid decompression and loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of damaged vapor seals, block seals, and heat shield seals on the outboard pylons between the engine strut and aft fairing. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for heat damage of the vapor seals between the engine strut and aft fairing, and replacement of the seals with new seals if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct heat damage to the vapor seals between the engine strut and aft fairing. Such damage could allow flammable fluid leakage into the aft fairing, which could result in an uncontrolled fire in the engine strut.