Department of Transportation 2017 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 airplanes. This AD requires removing the fasteners attaching the machined center fitting to the rear spar frame lower flange splice, inspecting the fasteners and fastener holes for damage, reworking and repairing the fastener holes, as applicable, and replacing the fasteners. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that certain fasteners attaching the machined rear spar center fitting to the frame were installed with a gap between the fastener head and the structure, or were installed tilted. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 100, Astra SPX, and 1125 Westwind Astra airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the main entrance door (MED) opened during flight, and by the determination that the ``CABIN DOOR UNLOCK'' crew alerting system (CAS) message may extinguish before the handle latch pin is fully engaged. This proposed AD would require accomplishing an updated rigging procedure for the adjustment of the MED microswitch. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This AD was prompted by report of fuel odor in the cabin. Fuel was found leaking from a cracked fuel line shroud in the left cargo compartment equipment tunnel. This AD requires a check for the presence of fuel at the fuel shroud drain; a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracked fuel line shrouds; a pressure test of the drain system of the tail tank fuel shroud and a pressure test of the drain system of the aft fuselage fuel shroud to determine cracking; and corrective actions, if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations. 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: Amends Class D airspace at North Texas Regional Airport/Perrin Field, Sherman, TX; amends Class E airspace designated as a surface area at Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport, Temple, TX; amends Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at North Texas Regional Airport/Perrin Field, and Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport; and establishes Class E airspace designated as an extension at Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport. Cancellation of standard instrument approach procedures at these airports has made this action necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at these airports. Additionally, geographic coordinates, names of airports, and a navigation aid are being adjusted to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report indicating that fuselage panels were manufactured with defects that could reduce panel fatigue limits. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the affected panels and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-18- 16, for certain Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, - 324, and -325 airplanes. AD 2009-18-16 requires an inspection for cracking of certain fastener holes on certain frames, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary; and modification of certain fastener holes. Since we issued AD 2009-18-16, an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicated that the compliance times should be reduced. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Geven S.p.A., Type D1-02 and D1-03 seat assemblies. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that seat belt attachment bolts were found detached or partially detached from the seat. This proposed AD would require inspection, torque verification, and modification of certain model seats. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-25- 07 for Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. AD 2009-25-07 currently requires amending the rotorcraft flight manual supplement (RFMS) and pre-flight checking the emergency flotation gear before each flight over water. Since we issued AD 2009-25-07, Airbus Helicopters developed a terminating action and identified an additional part- numbered emergency floatation gear part with the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2009-25-07, expand the applicability, and add a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct the unsafe condition on these helicopters.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Federal Aviation 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.

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), this notice announces that FRA is forwarding the renewal Information Collection Requests (ICRs) abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICRs describe the information collections and their expected burden. On March 14, 2017, FRA published a notice providing a 60-day period for public comment on the ICRs.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by Akron-Canton Airport. On July 22, 2016, the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by Akron-Canton Airport Authority were in compliance with applicable requirements. On January 13, 2017 the FAA approved the Akron-Canton Airport noise compatibility program. All of the recommendations of the program were approved. No program elements relating to new or revised flight procedures for noise abatement were proposed by the airport operator.

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.

NHTSA is delaying the effective date of the final rule entitled ``Civil Penalties,'' published in the Federal Register on December 28, 2016, because NHTSA is reconsidering the appropriate level for CAFE civil penalties.

This action proposes to amend VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V-16, V-31, V-93, V-157, V-213, and V-229 near Patuxent River, MD. The modifications are required due to the planned decommissioning of the Patuxent VORTAC, Patuxent River, MD, navigation aid, which provides navigation guidance for portions of the above routes.

Notice is being given that the FAA is considering a proposal from the City of Arlington Airport Director to change certain portions of the airport from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use at Arlington Municipal Airport, Arlington, WA. The proposal consists of ten parcels on the east side of the airfield adjacent to 59th Avenue, Northeast.

Notice is being given that the FAA is considering a request from the Town of Southbridge, MA, to dispose of a 4.9 acre parcel of airport land. The parcel, located on the southwest side of the airport, is segregated by Barefoot Road and not contiguous with the main airport parcel. The 4.9 acre parcel is located adjacent to the Town owned landfill and is not suited for aeronautical use as a wetland and Barefoot Road lie between the airport proper and the 4.9 acre parcel. The disposal of this property will have no effect on aviation land or future development opportunities for the airport. An avigation easement will be placed on the land to protect the airport's airspace. The property has a fair market value of $130,000. The Town installed a new sewer line and pump station to serve the airport terminal building and restaurant at a value of $844,000 and as such, the in-kind services substantiates the fair market value of the land to be transferred to the Town.

In accordance with the procedures governing the application for, and the processing of, special permits from the Department of Transportation's Hazardous Material Regulations (49 CFR part 107, subpart B), notice is hereby given that the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety has received the application described herein. Each mode of transportation for which a particular special permit is requested is indicated by a number in the ``Nature of Application'' portion of the table below as follows: 1Motor vehicle, 2Rail freight, 3Cargo vessel, 4Cargo aircraft only, 5Passenger-carrying aircraft.

Michelin North America, Inc. (MNA), has determined that certain BFGoodrich gForce Rival S summer performance tires do not fully comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 139, New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles. MNA filed a noncompliance report dated April 17, 2017. MNA also petitioned NHTSA on May 5, 2017, for a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety.

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.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. This AD requires replacing certain hydraulic pumps and is prompted by reports of broken screws that attach the cover of the hydraulic pump. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) annually publishes one or more notices to apportion funds appropriated by law. This is the second notice which announces the remaining apportionment for programs funded with Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 contract authority.

FMCSA announces that MBI Energy Services (MBI) has requested an exemption from the requirement that a motor carrier install and require each of its drivers to use an electronic logging device (ELD) to record the driver's hours-of-service (HOS) no later than December 18, 2017. MBI requests the exemption for all of its vehicles equipped with a single-passenger cab, which are used in applications where travel is incidental to normal work activities and which require special oversize/overweight permits to travel on public roads. These vehicles are classified in the State of North Dakota as Special Mobile Equipment (SME). According to MBI, single cabs have reduced space for installing rough-terrain-capable automatic on-board recording devices (AOBRDs) or ELDs. MBI believes that the exemption, if granted, would not have any adverse impacts on operational safety, as drivers would remain subject to the standard HOS limits and maintain a paper record of duty status (RODS). The term of the requested exemption is 5 years. FMCSA requests public comment on MBI's application for exemption.

FMCSA announces that the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA) has requested an exemption from the requirement that a motor carrier install and require each of its drivers to use an electronic logging device (ELD) to record the driver's hours-of-service (HOS) no later than December 18, 2017. PLCA requests the exemption for all pipeline contractor vehicle drivers. These drivers typically utilize the short-haul exception to the logging requirement, which also exempts them from using ELDs. Sometimes, however, they may exceed the conditions of the short-haul exception more than 8 days in a 30-day period, which would subject them to the ELD rule. PLCA's exemption request is addressed to that situation. These drivers would remain subject to the standard HOS limits and maintain a paper record of duty status (RODS) for HOS compliance. PLCA believes that the exemption, if granted, will achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent the exemption. The term of the requested exemption is 5 years. FMCSA requests public comment on PLCA's application for exemption.