Department of Transportation August 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This action amends Class E surface airspace, and Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class D surface area at Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, Ithaca, NY due to the decommissioning of the Ithaca VOR/DME, and cancellation of associated approaches. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area.

FMCSA announces its decision to deny applications from 35 individuals who requested an exemption from the vision standard in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a CMV in interstate commerce.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from five individuals for an exemption from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition that is likely to cause a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to drive in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 10 individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have ``no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV.'' The exemptions enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti- seizure medication to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 11 individuals for an exemption from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-365N, SA-365N1 helicopters. This proposed AD would require replacing the main gearbox (MGB), or as an alternative, replacing the epicyclic reduction gear module for certain serial numbered planet gear assemblies installed on the MGB. This proposed AD would also require inspecting the MGB magnetic plugs and oil filter for particles. Depending on the outcome of the inspections, this proposed AD would require further inspections, and replacing certain parts. This proposed AD is prompted by the failure of an MGB second stage planet gear. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these helicopters.

This notice provides information regarding FHWA's finding that it is appropriate to grant a Buy America waiver to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (Alaska DOT&PF) for procurement of foreign iron and steel components for the lift systems in the Gustavus Ferry Terminal improvement project in Gustavus, Alaska, specifically including wire rope assemblies.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-23-51, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-8 and 737-9 (737 MAX) airplanes. Since AD 2018-23-51 was issued, the agency has determined that final corrective action is necessary to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would require installing new flight control computer (FCC) software, revising the existing Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to incorporate new and revised flightcrew procedures, installing new MAX display system (MDS) software, changing the horizontal stabilizer trim wire routing installations, completing an angle of attack sensor system test, and performing an operational readiness flight. This proposed AD would also apply to a narrower set of airplanes than the superseded AD, and allow operation (dispatch) of an airplane with certain inoperative systems only if certain provisions are incorporated in the operator's existing FAA-approved minimum equipment list (MEL). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the 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.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-25-09 for Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model SA330F, G, and J helicopters. AD 2009-25-09 required re-adjusting the torque of the main gearbox (MGB) flexible coupling bolts. Since the FAA issued AD 2009-25- 09, Airbus Helicopters has modified the MGB overhaul and repair procedures, which corrects the unsafe condition. Additionally, the FAA- validation for Model SA330F and G helicopters has been cancelled. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2009-25-09 and revises the applicability by excluding Model SA330F and G helicopters and excludes MGBs that have been subject to the modified procedures. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of inflight detachment of the left-hand (LH) side cabin sliding doors and cases of impact damage on the main rotor blades, which were caused by degradation of the sliding door locking mechanism. This proposed AD would require repetitive checks (measurements) of the load that operates the sliding door opening mechanism, repetitive inspections of the markings of the attachment screws for proper alignment, modifying the attachment system of the sliding door, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will be incorporated by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) is adopting a final rule to establish a streamlined approach for pleading market dominance in rate reasonableness proceedings.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12/47E airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as seizing of a main landing gear (MLG) spring pack assembly. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/ 47E airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as improperly manufactured horizontal stabilizer rear attachment bolts. If not corrected, this could lead to fatigue failure of the bolts and loss of airplane control. The FAA is proposing this AD address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces that it is reviewing a proposed noise compatibility program that was submitted for San Carlos Airport under the provisions of the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, hereinafter referred to as ``the Act,'' by the County of San Mateo. This program was submitted subsequent to a determination by FAA that associated noise exposure maps for San Carlos Airport were in compliance with applicable requirements, effective April 23, 2019. The proposed 2019 noise compatibility program will be approved or disapproved on or before January 26, 2021.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Grant County Airport, Petersburg, WV, due to the decommissioning of the Kessel VHF Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) and cancellation of associated approaches. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area. This action also would update the airport's geographic coordinates.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for Norway Heliport, Norway, ME, to accommodate new area navigation (RNAV) global positioning system (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures (SIAPs) serving this heliport. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area.

The FAA is correcting a final rule published on June 29, 2020 in which the FAA amended regulatory relief originally provided in the Relief for Certain Persons and Operations during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) final rule. The FAA inadvertently listed incorrect amendment numbers for the final rule. This document corrects that error.

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.

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.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of low halon concentration in the forward and aft cargo compartments due to air leakage through cargo door seals. This AD requires repetitive cleaning and greasing of affected cargo door seals, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that during the assembly of a certain section of the fuselage, the gaps found on self-aligning nuts for eight fasteners were out of tolerance. This proposed AD would require a rotating probe test of all fastener holes located in the affected area for any discrepancies, an eddy current inspection of the surrounding flange for any discrepancies, a detailed inspection of certain frames for any discrepancies, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will be incorporated by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.