Department of Transportation January 26, 2018 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice announces a public meeting of the Voluntary Information-Sharing System (VIS) Working Group. The VIS Working Group will convene to discuss and identify recommendations to establish a voluntary information-sharing system.

FMCSA announces that it has received a joint application from SikhsPAC and the North American Punjabiz Trucker Association (applicants) on behalf of their members for an exemption from the electronic logging device (ELD) requirements. The exemption would allow members involved in segments of America's agricultural transportation industry to delay using ELDs. The applicants expressed their concerns about how the ELD mandate would negatively impact their industry if the exemption is not granted. According to the applicants, granting the exemption would achieve a level of safety equivalent to the level achieved by the ELD mandate. FMCSA requests public comment on the applicants' application for exemption.

FMCSA announces its decision to grant the National Asphalt Pavement Association, (Inc.) (NAPA) request for exemptions from two requirements of the hours-of-service (HOS) regulations for all drivers of certain commercial motor vehicles (CMVs): (1) The 30-minute rest break provision and (2) the requirement that short-haul drivers utilizing the record of duty status (RODS) exception return to their work-reporting location within 12 hours of coming on duty. The first exemption will enable drivers engaged in the transportation of asphalt and related materials to use 30 minutes or more of on-duty ``waiting time'' to satisfy the requirement for the 30-minute rest break, provided they do not perform any other work during the break. The second exemption will allow these drivers to use the short-haul exception but return to their work-reporting location within 14 hours instead of the usual 12 hours.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the main rotor (M/R) mast jet oil lubrication hose (oil hose). This AD is prompted by a report of a blocked oil hose. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these helicopters.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain serial numbered Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 429 helicopters. This proposed AD would require marking a serial number on life-limited forward spars and actuator fitting assemblies. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

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.