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

The Federal Transit Administration is issuing a final rule for the Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program to provide revised minimum training requirements for Federal and State personnel and contractors who conduct safety audits and examinations of transit systems and for transit agency personnel and contractors who are directly responsible for safety oversight. The revised requirements reduce the number of training hours required by the interim training program.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive maintenance instructions and airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or revised maintenance instructions and airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FHWA is extending the comment period for a notice of availability for a DEIS for the Hunts Point Access Improvement Project, which was published on June 1, 2018. The original comment period is set to close on July 16, 2018. The extension is based on the FHWA's desire to allow interested parties sufficient time to review and provide comprehensive comments on this DEIS. Therefore, the closing date for comments is changed to July 31, 2018, which will provide those interested in commenting additional time to discuss, evaluate, and submit responses.

On May 7, 2019, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) announced its intention in a Federal Register Notice (83 FR 20139) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the following information collection: Voluntary Oil and Gas Industry Safety Data Program. The Oil and Gas Industry Safety Data (ISO) program, is a component of BTS's SafeOCS data sharing framework, that provides a trusted, proactive means for the oil and gas industry to report sensitive and proprietary safety information, and to identify early warnings of safety problems and potential safety issues by uncovering hidden, at-risk conditions not previously exposed from analysis of reportable accidents and incidents. The ISD identifies a broader range of data categories to ensure safe performance and appropriate risk management, which adds a learning component to assist the oil and gas industry in achieving improved safety performance. At that time, BTS also encouraged interested parties to submit comments to docket number DOT-OST-2017-0043, allowing for a 60-day comment period. The comment period closed on July 7, 2018. BTS received two non-relevant comments from the anonymous public entities. The purpose of this Notice is to respond to the comments received on the May 7, 2018 announcement and allow 30 days for public comment to OMB on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of dual flight management system (FMS) resets with the loss of flight plan (F-PLN) data. This proposed AD would require revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to prohibit Required Navigation PerformanceAuthorization Required (RNP-AR) operations using Flight Management Guidance Envelope Computer (FMGEC) standard P5H3. This proposed AD would also require modifying the FMS software of airplanes equipped with FMGEC standard P5H3. 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 767-300 and -300F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracking in the lower outboard wing skin at the farthest outboard fastener of the inboard segment of a certain stringer. This AD requires repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the lower outboard wing skin at the inboard segment of a certain stringer, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMCSA announces that it has received an application from Waste Management Holdings, Inc., (WMH) requesting an exemption from the requirement of the hours-of-service (HOS) regulations that drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) qualifying for the ``short-haul100 air-mile radius driver'' exception must return to the original work reporting location within 12 hours of coming on duty. WMH asks that its short-haul CMV drivers be permitted to return within 14 hours withour losing their short-haul status. FMCSA requests public comment on WMH's application for exemption.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 54 individuals for an exemption from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals with ITDM to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

The FHWA is holding a National Dialogue on Highway Automation through a series of public meetings across the country to seek input on the integration of automated vehicles on the Nation's roadways. The objectives of the public meetings are: (1) To engage with a diverse group of stakeholders to understand key issues regarding automated vehicles and their implications for the roadway infrastructure; and (2) to gather input on highway automation to help inform FHWA research, policy, and programs. The public meetings will have presentations and breakout sessions during which participants can provide input to FHWA and DOT representatives. The National Dialogue meetings began on June 26 and will continue through the end of 2018.

Before a Federal agency can collect certain information from the public, it must receive approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Under procedures established by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, before seeking OMB approval, Federal agencies must solicit public comment on proposed collections of information, including extensions and reinstatements of previously approved collections. This document describes the collection of information for which NHTSA intends to seek OMB approval.

NHTSA is reviewing the literature on drug use and driving with the aim of updating its Drugs and Human Performance Fact Sheets that are used by the criminal justice community and others as they address drug-impaired driving. The current edition of the Fact Sheets was released in 2004 and included information on the following drugs: Carisoprodol, cocaine, dextromethorphan, diazepam, diphenhydramine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana, methadone, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), morphine, phencyclidine (PCP), toluene, and zolpidem. NHTSA welcomes comments and suggestions for additional drugs to be considered for inclusion in the new edition of the Fact Sheets as well as relevant research studies that have become available since 2004 that could be included in the updated fact sheets. To the extent possible, such comments and suggestions should be accompanied by information about the drug, including the extent of its use, its pharmacology and pharmodynamics, and how impairing it is for driving, along with references.

We propose to remove AD 93-14-19, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 93-14-19 requires inspections for disbonding of the trailing edge wedge of the leading edge slat; and repair, if necessary. Since we issued AD 93-14- 19, an updated stability and control analysis showed that the worst- case scenario of a trailing edge wedge disbond in-flight would not adversely affect the controllability of the airplane. Accordingly, we propose to remove AD 93-14-19.

The FAA proposes to add a new load condition to the design standards for transport category airplanes. The new load condition would require the airplane be designed to withstand the loads caused by rapid reversals of the rudder pedals and would apply to transport category airplanes that have a powered rudder control surface or surfaces. This rule is necessary because accident and incident data show that pilots sometimes make rudder reversals during flight, even though such reversals are unnecessary and discouraged by flightcrew training programs. The current design standards do not require the airplane structure to withstand the loads that may result from such reversals. If the airplane loads exceed those for which it is designed, the airplane structure may fail, resulting in catastrophic loss of control of the airplane. This proposal aims to prevent structural failure of the rudder and vertical stabilizer that may result from these rudder reversals.

The FHWA and the State of Nebraska, acting by and through its Department of Transportation (State), propose participation of the State in the Categorical Exclusion Assignment program. This program allows FHWA to assign its authority and responsibility for determining whether certain designated activities within the geographic boundaries of the State, as specified in the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), are categorically excluded from preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act.

These special conditions are issued for the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVII-G500 series airplanes. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology and design envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. This design feature is a high incidence protection system that limits the angle of attack at which the airplane can be flown during normal low speed operation. 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 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.

FRA proposes to eliminate the requirement that certain locomotives display a badge or tag to demonstrate the railroad has certified the locomotives comply with noise emission standards. This proposed rule would reduce economic burdens on the rail industry by removing the badge or tag requirement.

This document announces receipt by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a petition for a decision that model year (MY) 2014 BMW X3 multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPVs) that were not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), are eligible for importation into the United States because they are substantially similar to vehicles that were originally manufactured for sale in the United States and that were certified by their manufacturer as complying with the safety standards (the U.S.-certified version of the 2014 BMW X3 MPV) and they are capable of being readily altered to conform to the standards.

This notice announces action taken by the FHWA and other Federal agencies that are final. This final agency action relates to a proposed highway project, improvements to I-440 (Raleigh Beltline), from Walnut Street in Cary to Wade Avenue in Raleigh, Wake County, State of North Carolina. The FHWA's Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) provides details on the Selected Alternative for the proposed improvements.

This notice announces actions taken by TxDOT and Federal agencies that are final. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for these projects are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 16, 2014, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT. The actions relate to various proposed highway projects in the State of Texas. Those actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the projects.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, and Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a fractured main landing gear (MLG) orifice support tube (OST). This proposed AD would require replacing the MLG OST, and revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. 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 777-200LR series airplanes. This AD requires revising certain documents to provide revised operating limitations. For certain airplanes, modification of the water and fuel scavenge systems in the fuel tanks, electrical changes in the main equipment center, and installation of new electrical load management system (ELMS2) software is an acceptable alternative to the documents revision. This AD was prompted by reports of unreliable performance of the water and fuel scavenge systems. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Surface Transportation Board (Board) gives notice of its intent to request from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval without change of the six existing collections described below.

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 for a new information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on February 23, 2018. The collection involves an internet-based tool, Safety Assurance System (SAS) External Portal. SAS External Portal is used by the FAA's Office of Flight Standards to conduct initial certification, routine surveillance, and certificate management for applicants and certificate holders. The information to be collected will be used to better facilitate efficient certification, surveillance and certificate management activities.