Department of Transportation March 2018 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the renewal of the RTCA Charter (FAA Order 1110.77Y) for 2 months, effective March 29, 2018. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is authorized to establish the RTCA advisory committee in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The current charter agreement requires that the RTCA manage various Federal subcommittees on behalf of the agency. The objective of the advisory committee is to seek resolution of issues and challenges involving air transportation concepts, requirements, operational capabilities, the associated use of technology, and related considerations to aeronautical operations that affect the future of the Air Traffic Management System and the integration of new technologies.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is requesting public comment on a request by the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport Commission, on behalf of the airport Sponsor (the City of Laurinburg and the Town of Maxton), to change a portion of airport property from aeronautical to non-aeronautical use at the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport. The request consists of release of approximately 1.72 acres to Mr. William J. Martin for use in conjunction with his existing business, Martin Transport. Martin Transport currently borders the property.

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 collection involves on-line, electronic applicant (customer) answers to standard survey questions. The questions are presented as multiple-choice selections and free-form text areas where applicants can choose their desired answer and, if they wish, add additional comments. The information to be collected will be used to and is necessary to gage the level of user satisfaction with the AVIATOR (Automated Vacancy Information Access Tool for Online Referral) system. Additionally, the surveys are used to obtain benchmarking and feedback to ensure quality.

We are revising an earlier proposal for certain General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80A, CF6-80A1, CF6-80A2, CF6-80A3, CF6- 80C2A1, CF6-80C2A2, CF6-80C2A3, CF6-80C2A5, CF6-80C2A5F, CF6-80C2A8, CF6-80C2B1, CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-80C2B2, CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B4, CF6- 80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, CF6-80C2B6, CF6-80C2B6F, CF6-80C2B6FA, CF6- 80C2B7F, CF6-80C2D1F, CF6-80C2L1F, and CF6-80C2K1F turbofan engines. This action revises the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by removing certain engine models and adding a new part number (P/N) to the applicability and by revising the references to the service information. We are proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an additional burden over those in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these changes.

Currently, FAA regulations require all pilots operating aircraft to or from College Park Airport, Potomac Airfield or Washington Executive/Hyde Field Airport to file instrument flight rules (IFR), DC Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ), or DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) flight plans with the Washington Hub Flight Service Station (FSS). The FAA is transferring the responsibility for processing flight plans within the DC FRZ from the Washington Hub FSS to the Washington Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). This document revises the regulations by updating the organization responsible for processing the flight plans and by updating the flight plans required for flight operations in the DC FRZ.

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 request for information notice replaces the version published in the Federal Register on March 22, 2018 (83 FR 12529), to make technical corrections to the prior version. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) requests information on matters related to the development and potential use of automated technologies for surface modes (i.e., highway and rail) in hazardous materials transportation. In anticipation of the development, testing, and integration of Automated Driving Systems in surface transportation, PHMSA is issuing this request for information on the factors the Agency should consider to ensure continued safe transportation of hazardous materials without impeding emerging surface transportation technologies.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and Model ATR72 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking in main landing gear (MLG) universal joints (U-joints). This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections of the affected U-joints for cracks, and replacement if necessary. This proposed AD would also provide an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-16-14 for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH) Model EC 135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters. AD 2013-16-14 required installing a washer in and modifying the main transmission filter housing upper part. Since we issued AD 2013-16-14, Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH has extended the overhaul interval for the main transmission and determined that other models may have the same unsafe condition. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2013-16-14, adds models to the applicability, and revises the required compliance time for the modification. The actions of this AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Textron Aviation Inc. Models A36TC, B36TC, S35, V35, V35A, and V35B airplanes. This AD was prompted by a fatal accident where the exhaust tailpipe fell off during takeoff. This AD adds a life limit to the exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling (clamp) that attaches the exhaust tailpipe to the turbocharger and requires an annual visual inspection of the exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling (clamp). We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This rule amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures 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 for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-03-07, which applied to certain Airbus Model A320-111, -211, -212, and -231 series airplanes. AD 2004-03-07 required repetitive inspections for fatigue cracking around the fasteners attaching the pressure panel to the flexible bracket at a certain frame (FR), adjacent to the longitudinal beams on the left and right sides of the airplane; and repair as necessary. This new AD retains certain requirements of AD 2004-03-07, expands the applicability, and requires an inspection of the fastener holes on the pressure panel and modification or repair as applicable. This AD was prompted by fatigue tests which revealed cracking around the fasteners attaching the pressure panel to the flexible bracket, and by the discovery of additional cracks under the longitudinal beams at locations that are not included in the inspection area required by AD 2004-03-07. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

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 to be collected is necessary to insure the safety of the flying public. Documentation of maintenance repair actions record the who, what, when, where and how of the task performed. All maintenance actions as well as documentation are required by Title 14 CFR part 43. This insures proper certification of personnel; proper tooling is utilized and accurate measures to insure safety. FAA reviewed 142,652 form 337s in 2017 with 316,175 aircraft registrations filed in 2017. Each form 337 takes approximately .5 hours.

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 is used to determine if applicants satisfy requirements for obtaining a launch license to protect the public from risks associated with reentry operations from a site not operated by or situated on a Federal launch range.

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 to be collected includes data required for performing launch site location analysis. The launch site license is valid for a period of 5 years. Respondents are licensees authorized to operate sites.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics invites the general public, industry and other governmental parties to comment on the continuing need for and usefulness of BTS requiring certificated air carriers to preserve accounting records, consumer complaint letters, reservation reports and records, system reports of aircraft movements, etc. Also, public charter operators and overseas military personnel charter operators are required to retain certain contracts, invoices, receipts, bank records and reservation records.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics invites the general public, industry and other governmental parties to comment on the continuing need for and usefulness of BTS requiring U.S. large certificated air carriers to submit two true and complete copies of its annual audit that is made by an independent public accountant. If a carrier does not have an annual audit, the carrier must file a statement that no audit has been performed. Comments are requested concerning whether (1) the audit reports are needed by BTS and DOT; (2) BTS accurately estimated the reporting burden; (3) there are other ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collected; and (4) there are ways to minimize reporting burden, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

This notification provides Emergency Order of Prohibition No. FAA-2018-0243, issued March 22, 2018 to all operators and pilots of flights for compensation or hire with the doors open or removed in the United States or using aircraft registered in the United States for doors off flights. The Emergency Order prohibits the use of supplemental passenger restraint systems that cannot be released quickly in an emergency in doors off flight operations. It also prohibits passenger-carrying doors off flight operations unless the passengers are at all times properly secured using FAA-approved restraints.

This action proposes to modify VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway, V-316, in the vicinity of Newberry, MI. The FAA is proposing this action due to the planned decommissioning of the Newberry, MI (ERY), VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid (NAVAID) which provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected ATS route. The Newberry VOR/DME is a non-federal navigation aid (NAVAID) owned by the State of Michigan that is planned to be decommissioned in September 2018.

PHMSA is publishing this notice to invite public comment on a request received from the Gulf South Pipeline Company for a special permit seeking relief from compliance with certain requirements in the Federal pipeline safety regulations. At the conclusion of the 30-day comment period, PHMSA will review the comments received on this notice as part of its evaluation to grant or deny the special permit request.

This action proposes to modify two VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways (V-72 and V-429) in the vicinity of Mattoon and Charleston, IL. The FAA is proposing this action due to the planned decommissioning of the Mattoon, IL (MTO), VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid (NAVAID) which provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected ATS routes. The Mattoon VOR is being decommissioned in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

FMCSA requests public comments on existing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that may need to be updated, modified, or eliminated to facilitate the safe introduction of automated driving systems (ADS) equipped commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) onto our Nation's roadways. To assist in this undertaking, FMCSA commissioned the U.S. Department of Transportation's John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe) to conduct a preliminary review of the FMCSRs to identify regulations that may relate to the development and safe introduction of ADS. The Agency requests comments on this report, including whether any of FMCSA's current safety regulations may hinder the testing and safe integration of ADS-equipped CMVs. Further, FMCSA requests comment on certain specific regulatory requirements that are likely to be affected by an increased integration of ADS-equipped CMVs. However, the Agency is not seeking comments on its financial responsibility requirements because they are not directly related to CMV technologies and because future insurance requirements will depend in part on the evolution of State tort law with respect to liability for the operation of ADS-equipped vehicles. In addition, to support FMCSA's effort to understand future impacts on the FMCSR's, FMCSA requests information, including from companies engaged in the design, development, testing, and integration of ADS-equipped CMVs into the fleet. Specifically, the Agency requests information about: The scenarios and environments where entities expect that ADS will soon be tested and integrated into CMVs operating on public roads or in interstate commerce; the operational design domains (ODD) in which these systems are being operated or would be tested and eventually deployed; and, measures they believe are required to ensure the protection of any proprietary or confidential business information they intend to share with the Agency.

The FAA is considering a proposal to change 5.61 acres of airport land from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the sale of airport property located at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Detroit, MI. The aforementioned land is not needed for aeronautical use. The property is located across a public road and to the northwest of the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. It is currently vacant unimproved land that was acquired to support the Vining road relocation necessary for the construction of Runway 4L/22R at the airport. The property proposed for release was acquired by the Wayne County Airport Authority under FAA Grant Numbers 3-26-0026-1991, 3-26- 0026-2292, 3-26-0026-3695, 3-26-0026-4197, and 3-26-0026-4398. There is now a buyer for the entire 5.61 acre parcel. The land is no longer needed for aeronautical purposes. The proposed non-aeronautical land use would be for compatible commercial/industrial development. The property has been appraised and the airport will receive Fair Market Value for the land to be sold.

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.