Department of Transportation 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-22- 02, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes. AD 2012-22-02 currently requires measuring the web at station (STA) 320 and, depending on findings, various inspections for cracks and missing fasteners, web and fastener replacement, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 2012-22-02, it was determined that there were no inspection or repair procedures included for airplanes with a STA 320 crown frame web thickness less than 0.078 inch, or greater than or equal to 0.084 inch and less than or equal to 0.135 inch. This proposed AD would require, for certain airplanes, replacement of the web, including related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent complete fracture of the crown frame assembly, and consequent damage to the skin. Such damage could result in in-flight decompression of the airplane.

FMCSA announces that it will host an informal roundtable discussion pertaining to property broker and freight forwarder financial responsibility. The meeting will focus on the adequacy of existing trust fund industry practices, Federal requirements for such institutions, and the underlying instruments they issue for use by brokers and freight forwarders submitting the Broker's or Freight Forwarder's Trust Fund Agreement (FMCSA Form BMC-85) to satisfy the Agency's financial responsibility rules. The Agency seeks information from motor carriers and shippers that have experienced challenges receiving compensation for claims against freight forwarders and brokers due to insufficient funds. The meeting will be public. Individuals with diverse experience, expertise, and perspectives are encouraged to attend. This meeting does not pertain to increasing motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder minimum financial responsibility limits. If all comments have been exhausted prior to the end of the session, the session may conclude early.

The FAA assigned the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) a new task to provide recommendations regarding bird strike protection rulemaking, policy, and guidance for normal category rotorcraft and to provide recommendations to enhance the existing bird strike protection standards for transport category rotorcraft. The FAA amended its regulations to incorporate bird strike protection rules for transport category rotorcraft in 1996. Data shows an increase in the bird population and weight has resulted in an increase in bird strikes with both normal category rotorcraft and transport category rotorcraft. The increase in bird strikes has led to more frequent bird penetration into the cockpit and cabin areas, elevating the risk of potential serious injuries or fatalities to occupants. Direct bird impact to the pilot has led to partial or complete pilot incapacitation in numerous cases, increasing the risk of fatalities. This notice informs the public of the new ARAC activity and solicits membership for the Rotorcraft Bird Strike Working Group.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, the FAA's exemption process. 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 notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, the FAA's exemption process. 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 notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, the FAA's exemption process. 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 notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, the FAA's exemption process. 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 document grants in full the BMW of North America, LLC's (BMW) petition for an exemption of the MINI Countryman multi-purpose passenger vehicle (MPV) line in accordance with 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from the Theft Prevention Standard. This petition is granted because the agency has determined that the antitheft device to be placed on the line as standard equipment is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with the parts-marking requirements of 49 CFR part 541, Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard (Theft Prevention Standard). BMW requested confidential treatment for specific information in its petition that the agency will address by separate letter.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2A1, CF6-80C2A2, CF6-80C2A3, CF6- 80C2A5, CF6-80C2A5F, CF6-80C2A8, CF6-80C2B1, CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-80C2B1F1, CF6-80C2B1F2, CF6-80C2B2, CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B3F, CF6-80C2B4, CF6- 80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, CF6-80C2B6, CF6-80C2B6F, CF6-80C2B6FA, CF6- 80C2B7F, CF6-80C2B8F, CF6-80C2D1F, CF6-80C2L1F, CF6-80C2K1F and CF6- 80E1A1, CF6-80E1A2, CF6-80E1A3, CF6-80E1A4, and CF6-80E1A4/B turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by reports of a burn-through of the accessory heat shield during an engine fire, propagating the fire into the accessory compartment and igniting additional flammable fuel source. This AD requires replacing the accessory heat shield assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent fires from propagating into the accessory compartment, resulting in an uncontrolled engine fire, and damage to the airplane.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-12- 06, for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. AD 2014-12-06 currently requires inspections of the external area of the aft cargo door sill beam for cracking, and repair if necessary. Since we issued AD 2014-12-06, we have determined it is necessary to require that high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections be performed repetitively. This proposed AD would mandate the previously optional terminating HFEC inspection, and require that it be done repetitively. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the cargo door sill beam, lock fitting, and torsion box plate. Failure of one or more of these components could result in the loss of the door locking function and, subsequently, complete loss of the cargo door in flight with the risk of rapid decompression.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The information collected is needed to determine applicant eligibility and compliance for certification of Civil Aviation mechanics and operation of aviation mechanic schools.

By Federal Register notice (See 81 FR 290, January 5, 2016) the National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) invited interested persons to apply to fill two upcoming openings on the National Parks Overflights Advisory Group (NPOAG) Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC). The notice invited interested persons to apply to fill future openings to represent air tour operator concerns and environmental interests. This notice informs the public of the person selected to fill the air tour operator future vacancy. No selection has been made for the vacancy representing environmental interests so this notice also invites persons interested in serving on the ARC to apply for the upcoming opening for this seat.

This notice is announcing a public meeting to solicit input and obtain background information for the formulation of a future regulatory change to 49 CFR part 193, Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities: Federal Safety Standards. PHMSA is co-sponsoring a two-day Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Workshop with the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives. PHMSA will also describe requirements for transporting LNG in commerce by rail, highway, and waterway, as authorized in the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations in 49 CFR parts 100-185. This workshop will bring federal and state regulators, emergency responders, NFPA 59A technical committee members, industry, and interested members of the public together to participate in shaping a future LNG rule.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of multiple cases of ram air turbine (RAT) blade damage. This AD requires deployment of the RAT, replacement of the RAT placard with a new RAT placard, and re-identification of the RAT. We are issuing this AD to prevent blade damage to the RAT, which could prevent RAT deployment in flight during an emergency, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (Pub. L. 114-113), signed by the President on December 18, 2015, appropriated $5,000,000 for the Short Sea Transportation Program (America's Marine Highways). The purpose of the appropriation is to make grants for projects related to documented vessels and port and landside infrastructure. This notice announces the availability of funding for Marine Highway grants and establishes selection criteria and application requirements. The Department of Transportation (Department) will award Marine Highway Grants to implement projects or components of projects designated under America's Marine Highway Program. Eligible applicants must be sponsors of Marine Highway Projects formally designated by the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary). The current list of designated Marine Highway Projects, and sponsors thereof, can be found on the Marine Highway Web site at: https://www.marad.dot.gov/wp-content/ uploads/pdf/Marine-Highway-Project-Description-Pages.pdf. Only sponsors of designated Marine Highway Projects are eligible to apply for a Marine Highway Grant as described in this notice. MARAD invites applications for projects that have the added benefit of mitigating the negative impact of freight movement on communities. Projects should also provide additional public benefit by addressing access to training and job opportunities, where applicable and appropriate.

The Board is granting an exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10901 for Northwest Tennessee Regional Port Authority (NWTRPA) to construct and operate approximately 5.5 miles of new rail line in Lake County, Tenn. (the Line). The Line would extend from a connection with an existing line of railroad near Tiptonville, Tenn., to the site of a newly constructed port on the Mississippi River at Cates Landing (Port). The Line would serve the Port as well as a new industrial park being developed by Lake County in conjunction with the Port. The purpose of the proposed construction is to attract industrial and commercial activity in Lake County and to provide rail service to an area that does not currently have it. This exemption is subject to environmental mitigation conditions and the requirement that NWTRPA build the environmentally preferable route (the route designated as Alternative A).

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 68 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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) Model K-1200 helicopters. This AD requires revising the ``Flight LimitationsNO LOAD'' and ``Flight Limitations LOAD'' sections of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). This AD was prompted by a report of certain flight maneuvers that may lead to main rotor (M/R) blade to opposing hub contact. These actions are intended to prevent damage to the M/R flight controls and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Under the provisions of Title 49, U.S.C. Section 47153(d), notice is being given that the FAA is considering a property swap at Augusta State Airport in Augusta, ME. The purpose of the land swap between the State of Maine (Airport Sponsor) and Dragon Products Company, Inc., to resolve a compliance issue. The 13 acre parcel is at the bottom of the slope on the departure end of RW 35, and lies approximately 300' below the elevation of the end of the Runway. This portion of land is not considered useable for aeronautical purposes based upon its location and elevation. The parcel currently contains a pile of hardened concrete spoils placed there by Dragon Products Company, Inc. The solutions to mitigate this situation include removal of the spoils pile, which would be cost prohibitive, or release the land to Dragon Products Company, Inc. as part of an equal value parcel exchange. The State of Maine determined the parcel exchange as the best alternative. The parcel that Dragon has offered for exchange abuts the Augusta State Airport property on one side and City of Augusta property on another. The Offered Parcel would be advantageous to the State of Maine for potential non-aeronautical airport revenue generating purposes. The State of Maine would retain all avigation rights over both parcels.

These special conditions are issued for the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVII-G500 airplane. These airplanes will have a digital-systems network architecture composed of several connected networks that may allow access to or by external computer systems and networks, and may result in airplane electronic system- security vulnerabilities. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

These special conditions are issued for the Dassault Aviation (Dassault) Model Falcon 5X airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with go-around performance credit when using an automatic takeoff thrust-control system. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

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