Department of Transportation 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 18 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.

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.

This action proposes special conditions for the Bombardier Inc. (Bombardier) Model BD-700-2A12 and BD-700-2A13 airplanes. These airplanes 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 a fuselage fabricated using aluminum-lithium materials instead of conventional aluminum. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate fire-safety standards for this design feature. These proposed special conditions contain the additional fire-safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

Volkswagen Group of America , Inc. (Volkswagen), has determined that certain model year (MY) 2016 Volkswagen eGolf motor vehicles do not fully comply with paragraph S6.5.3.2 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, Lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment. Volkswagen filed a report dated September 16, 2016, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports. Volkswagen then petitioned NHTSA under 49 CFR part 556 for a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety.

These special conditions are issued for the modification of the Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopter. This model helicopter will have a novel or unusual design feature after installation of the S-TEC Corporation (S-TEC) HeliSAS helicopter autopilot/stabilization augmentation system (AP/SAS) that has potential failure conditions with more severe adverse consequences than those envisioned by the existing applicable airworthiness regulations. These special conditions contain the added safety standards the Administrator considers necessary to ensure the failures and their effects are sufficiently analyzed and contained.

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.

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 all Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a revision by the manufacturer to the Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR) of the Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI), in the Maintenance Requirement Manual (MRM), that introduces a new CMR task that requires repetitive operational checks of the propeller overspeed governor. This AD requires revising the airplane maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate a new CMR task. We are issuing this AD to prevent dormant failure of the propeller overspeed governor, which may lead to a loss of propeller overspeed protection and result in high propeller drag in flight.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes; DHC- 8-200 series airplanes; and Model DHC-8-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of incorrect installation of the auto-ignition system due to crossed wires at one of the splices in the auto-relight system. This proposed AD would require inspecting the auto-ignition system for correct wiring, and doing corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct incorrect wiring of the auto-ignition system, which could result in inability to restart the engine in flight and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) that indicates a section of the wing and aft fuselage is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would require an inspection to determine if certain modifications have been done. For airplanes on which the specified modifications have not been done, this proposed AD would require accomplishing those modifications, including doing related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of these airplanes due to the failure of certain structural components.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of Ninth RTCA SC-229 406 MHz ELT Plenary Joint with EUROCAE WG-98 10th Plenary.

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2015-12-04 for all Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell) TPE331-1, -2, -2UA, -3U, - 3UW, -5, -5A, -5AB, -5B, -6, -6A, -10, -10AV, -10GP, -10GT, -10P, -10R, -10T, -10U, -10UA, -10UF, -10UG, -10UGR, -10UR, -11U, -12JR, -12UA, - 12UAR, and -12UHR turboprop engines with certain Woodward fuel control unit (FCU) assemblies, installed. AD 2015-12-04 required initial and repetitive dimensional inspections of the affected fuel control drives and insertion of certain airplane operating procedures into the applicable flight manuals. This AD corrects the compliance requirements and relaxes the inspection interval. This AD was prompted by a request to change compliance time from 50 hours to 100 hours for affected fuel controls. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the fuel control drive, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

Supreme Corporation (Supreme), has determined that certain model year (MY) 2015-2016 Supreme Classic American Trolley buses manufactured between October 1, 2014 and November 2, 2015, do not fully comply with paragraph S6 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 205, Glazing Materials. Supreme filed a report dated November 20, 2015, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports. Supreme then petitioned NHTSA under 49 CFR part 556 requesting a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety.

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 106th South, Redwood Road to Jordan Gateway, Project in Salt Lake County in the State of Utah. These actions grant approvals for the project.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 95-26-13, which applies to certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-28-140, PA-28- 150, PA-28-151, PA-28-161, PA-28-160, PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-28-235, PA-28-236, PA-28R-180, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-201, PA-28S-160, PA-28S-180, PA-32-260, PA-32-300, PA-32-301, PA-32-301T, PA-32R-300, PA-32R-301 (SP), PA-32R-301 (HP), PA-32R-301T, PA-32RT-300, PA-32RT-300T, and PA- 32S-300 airplanes equipped with oil cooler hose assemblies that do not meet certain technical standard order (TSO) requirements. AD 95-26-13 requires inspections, replacement, and adjustment of the oil cooler hose assemblies, as well as providing for a terminating action. Since we issued AD 95-26-13, the FAA has received requests to clarify the intent of AD 95-26-13. This proposed AD would maintain all of the actions required by AD 95-26-13 and add language to clarify those requirements. We are proposing this AD to prevent rupture or failure of the oil cooler hose assemblies, which could result in engine stoppage with consequent loss of control.

Pursuant to Section 9(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), and in accordance with Title 41, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 102-3.65, and following consultation with the Committee Management Secretariat, General Services Administration, notice is hereby given that the ACAT will be established for a 2-year period. It is the policy of the U.S. Department of Transportation to foster the safe deployment of advanced automated and connected vehicle technologies to achieve national goals while also understanding the long term societal and ethical impacts that these technological advancements may impose. Within that context, the objective of this committee is to provide information, advice, and recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation on cross-modal matters relating to the development and deployment of automated vehicles and assess the state of Departmental research, policy and regulatory support within this framework. The committee may convene and determine topics and is assembled around subject areas related to transportation aspects including the safety, mobility, environmental sustainability, maintaining state of good repair, human impact, data use and cybersecurity. The ACAT shall undertake information gathering activities, develop technical advice, and present recommendations to the Secretary to further inform this policy, includingbut not limited toaviation automated navigation systems technologies, unmanned aircraft systems, automated and connected road and transit vehicle technologies, enhanced freight movement technologies, railroad automated technologies, and advanced technology deployment in surface transportation environments. In particular, the ACAT will perform these activities as they may relate to emerging or ``not-yet-conceived'' innovations to ensure DOT is prepared when disruptive technologies emerge and can better manage long term evolution of training and education, regulation, and safety oversight. The ACAT shall consider these topics and areas of application as they alleviate or exacerbate challenges to disabled and disadvantaged populations. Additionally, the establishment of the ACAT is necessary for the Department to carry out its mission and in the public interest. The Committee will operate in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the rules and regulations issued in implementation of that Act. This notice also requests nominations for members of the Committee to ensure a wide range of member candidates and a balanced committee. The Under Secretary for Transportation may also make nominations to the Secretary to ensure balance on the committee.

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 17 individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have ``no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV.'' The exemptions enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti- seizure medication to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions of 10 individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have ``no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV.'' The exemptions enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

FMCSA confirms its decision to exempt 37 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 22 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 receipt of applications from 43 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.

In response to a formal petition from the Pace Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority (Pace) requesting a Buy America non-availability waiver to purchase 188 Dodge Caravan minivans for its vanpool program and informal requests from other FTA recipients for similar waivers, and because FTA has been unable to identify any minivan manufacturers who meet both the final assembly and domestic content requirements for non-ADA-accessible minivans, the Federal Transit Administrative (FTA) hereby waives its Buy America domestic content requirement for non-ADA-accessible minivans and vans. FTA's requirement for final assembly in the United States is not waived. This waiver applies to all contracts for the procurement of non-ADA-accessible minivans and vans entered into on or before September 30, 2019, or until a fully-compliant domestic source becomes available, whichever is earlier.

The Surface Transportation Board (Board) is issuing an interim final rule to adjust the Board's civil monetary penalties for inflation pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. As mandated by that act, the Board is issuing a ``catch-up adjustment'' for its penalties and will thereafter make annual inflation adjustments according to a specified formula.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters with certain duplex trim actuators installed. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the lateral and longitudinal trim actuator output levers for correct torque of the nuts. This AD was prompted by a design review that indicated the attachment screws can become loose under certain circumstances. These actions are intended to prevent the loss of an attachment screw, which could result in movement of the output lever in an axial direction, contact of a bolt connecting the control rod to an output lever with the actuator housing, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.