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

The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). The NPRM proposed to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2007-25-08 for Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model SA-365N1, AS- 365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-366G1, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. The proposed actions were intended to prevent damage to the tail gearbox (TGB) control shaft and rod assembly bearing resulting in end play, loss of tail rotor pitch control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Since we issued the NPRM, we have received reports of new occurrences of loss of yaw control due to failure of the control rod bearing and determined that different actions at shorter time intervals are necessary to correct the unsafe condition. Accordingly, we withdraw the proposed rule.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN 235-100, CN 235-200, and CN 235-300 airplanes, and Model C-295 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by leakage of a motorized cross-feed fuel valve. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the affected fuel valves and, depending on findings, applicable corrective action(s). We are proposing this AD to detect and correct leaks in a motorized cross-feed fuel valve, which could lead to failure of the fuel valve and consequent improper fuel system functioning or, in case of the presence of an ignition source, an airplane fire.

FMCSA confirms its decision to renew exemptions for 99 individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce without meeting the vision requirement in one eye.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 52 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.

FMCSA confirms its decision to exempt 39 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.

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 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the availability of a draft Programmatic Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Transit Projects (Programmatic Assessment) and an accompanying Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) Estimator Tool (Estimator Tool). The purpose of the draft Programmatic Assessment is to: (1) Report on whether certain types of proposed transit projects merit detailed analysis of their GHG emissions at the project-level; and (2) provide a source of data and analysis for FTA and its grantees to reference in future environmental documents for projects where detailed, project-level GHG analysis would provide limited information beyond what is collected and considered in the assessment. The draft Programmatic Assessment presents estimates of GHG emissions generated from the construction, operations, and maintenance phases of projects across select transit modes, as well as an estimate of personal vehicle emissions displaced due to transit's ``ridership effect.'' The associated Estimator Tool is a spreadsheet tool that allows users to calculate partial lifecycle GHG emissions estimates by transit mode based on limited data inputs. FTA's draft Programmatic Assessment or Estimator Tool is not a requirement; agencies and states may use other methods for reporting GHG emissions related to state GHG reporting regulations, as needed and as appropriate. Use of FTA's draft Programmatic Assessment or Estimator Tool is not a requirement, if agencies and states are utilizing other methods for reporting GHG emissions related to state GHG reporting regulations. The FTA requests public comments on the Programmatic Assessment and the Estimator Tool.

This notice announces a public meeting of the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee, also known as the Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC). The GPAC will meet to discuss a proposed rulemaking to address regulatory requirements for onshore gas transmission and gathering pipelines.

This action proposes special conditions for the Cessna Aircraft Company model 525 airplane. This airplane as modified by Cranfield Aerospace Limited will have a novel or unusual design features associated with the installation of a Tamarack Active Technology Load Alleviation System and Cranfield Winglets. These design features will include winglets and an Active Technology Load Alleviation System. 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 the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

FMCSA announces the extension of the exemption from the 30- minute rest break requirement granted to the American Trucking Associations, Inc. (ATA) on August 21, 2015, on behalf of motor carriers whose drivers transport security-sensitive hazardous materials (HM) requiring constant attendance on the vehicle. The Agency extends the expiration date from August 21, 2015 to August 20, 2020, in response to section 5206(b)(2)(A) of the ``Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act'' (FAST Act), which extends hours-of-service (HOS) exemptions in effect on the date of enactment to 5 years from their date of issuance. The ATA rest break exemption is limited to drivers transporting HM loads requiring placarding under the HM regulations or select agents and toxins identified in the HM regulations that do not require placarding, and who have filed security plans requiring constant attendance of HM. The Agency previously determined that the CMV operations of drivers under this exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety that would be obtained in the absence of the exemption.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co KG Rotax 912 F2, 912 F3, 912 F4, 912 S2, 912 S3, 912 S4, 914 F2, 914 F3, and 914 F4 reciprocating engines. This AD requires replacement of any affected carburetor float with a float that is eligible for installation. This AD was prompted by a report of a quality escape in the manufacturing of the affected floats. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the carburetor float, failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss of the airplane.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Manti-Ephraim Airport, Manti, UT, to accommodate new Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for standard instrument approach and departure procedures. The establishment of Class E airspace is necessary to support the safety and management of IFR operations at the airport.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various restricted category helicopters. This AD requires cleaning and visually inspecting certain main rotor (M/R) blades and, depending on the outcome of the inspections, repairing or replacing the M/R blades. This AD was prompted by a report of an M/R blade with multiple fatigue cracks around the blade retention bolt hole. The actions are intended to detect a crack in the M/R blade, and prevent failure of the M/R blade and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, and 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that wear and possible leakage of the high-pressure seal in the cylinder of the No. 3 hydraulic system reservoir could occur and cause high hydraulic fluid temperature and/or prevent the system from reaching normal operating pressure. This AD requires repetitive operational checks for wear and leakage of the high-pressure seal in the cylinder of the reservoir of the No. 3 hydraulic system, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-12- 04, which applies to certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. AD 2008-12-04 currently requires various repetitive inspections to detect cracks along the chem-milled steps of the fuselage skin, and to detect missing or loose fasteners in the area of the preventive modification or repairs, replacement of the time- limited repair with the permanent repair if applicable, and applicable corrective actions, if necessary, which would end certain repetitive inspections. Since we issued AD 2008-12-04, an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) has indicated that the upper skin panel at the chem-milled step above the lap joint is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD) if the modification was installed after 30,000 total flight cycles. This proposed AD would reduce the post-modification inspection compliance times, limit installation of the preventive modification to airplanes with fewer than 30,000 total flight cycles, and add repetitive inspections for modified airplanes. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the upper skin panel at the chem-milled step above the lap joint, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GV and GV-SP airplanes. This AD was prompted by a new revision to the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) based on fatigue and damage tolerance testing, and updated analysis. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate updated inspection requirements and life limits that address fatigue cracking of principal structural elements (PSEs). We are issuing this AD to ensure that fatigue cracking of PSEs is detected and corrected; such fatigue cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the PSEs and critical components.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of the FAA's regulatory activities. 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.

The Surface Transportation Board (Board) hereby gives notice of one vacancy on its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC) for a representative of private railcar owners, lessors, or manufacturers. The Board is soliciting suggestions from the public for a candidate to fill this vacancy.

This notice provides information regarding FHWA's finding that a Buy America waiver is appropriate for the use of non-domestic iron and steel components in brake assembly with 5'' mill duty shoe, machinery rod ends with 2'' bore, static load capacity 378955 lb. for rehabilitation of Cow Bayou Swing Bridge in the State of Texas.

This notice announces the first meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Travel and Tourism Infrastructure (NACTTI). At the meeting, members will be sworn-in and begin a discussion of the work they will undertake during their appointment term. The agenda and any additional information for the meeting will be posted, at least one week in advance of the meeting, on the Department of Transportation Web site at https://www.transportation.gov/NACTTI.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the bushings of the inner and outer forward trusses of both engines. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of delaminated and worn engine mount bushings. The proposed actions are intended to detect delaminated engine mount bushings, which can lead to excessive vibration, cracking, failure of the engine mount front support pins, and loss of helicopter control.