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

This final rule amends FTA regulations implementing project management oversight. FTA is modifying the regulation to make it consistent with statutory changes and to modify the scope and applicability of project management oversight.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, - 113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, - 211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of crack findings in and around the fastener holes of the central and lateral window frame upper junction; those cracks were found on fastener holes outside of the inspection area specified in a certain airworthiness limitation item (ALI) task. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the upper junction fastener holes at the lateral window frame for cracking; and for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections of the spotface around the fastener holes for cracking; and corrective actions if necessary; 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 is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169 helicopters and certain Leonardo S.p.A Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a broken extrusion rubber window seal. This AD requires installation of a reinforcement around the rubber filler wedge where the extrusion rubber window seal meets the door's emergency exit handle. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-22-19 for Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model SA330F, G, and J helicopters. AD 2000-22-19 required repetitively inspecting certain tail rotor (T/R) blades for skin debonding and a crack. Since the FAA issued AD 2000-22-19, the inspection procedures have been revised. Additionally, the FAA is adding an affected part-numbered T/R blade and the FAA-validation for Model SA330F and G helicopters has been cancelled. This new AD revises the applicability, requires repetitively inspecting affected T/R blades with the new inspection procedures, and depending on the inspection results, repairing or replacing the T/R blade. This new AD also prohibits installing an affected T/R blade unless it has passed the inspections. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. This AD requires modifying the weight on wheels (WoW) support installation on the main landing gear (MLG). This AD was prompted by a report that an inappropriately tightened WoW support could result in a rotation of the support and improper WoW switch performance. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to amend Class D airspace, and remove Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class D surface area for Homestead Air Reserve Base (ARB), Homestead, FL. This action would also update the geographic coordinates of the airport. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Textron (type certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company) Models 208 and 208B airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of loose elevator torque tube attach fasteners. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the inboard and outboard elevator torque tube attachments for loose or incorrectly installed fasteners, replacing all fasteners if loose or incorrectly installed fasteners are found, and reporting the inspection results to the FAA. This AD also includes optional actions to terminate the repetitive inspections. 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 all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracks found in fastener holes at a certain station of the center wing box. This proposed AD would require repetitive external surface high frequency eddy current inspections (HFEC) and repetitive external surface ultrasonic inspections; or repetitive internal detailed inspections; of a certain station of the center wing box for any cracking, and repair if necessary. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A319-151N and -153N; A320-251N, -252N, and -253N; and A321-251N, -252N, -253N, -251NX, -252NX, and -253NX airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that Kathon FP 1.5 biocide added to fuel and running through an airplane's engines can lead to engine performance degradation. This AD requires removing Kathon FP 1.5 biocide from the fuel tanks and engines and prohibits operation of an airplane with Kathon FP 1.5 biocide in a fuel tank or engine, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020- 0176, 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 all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D helicopters; Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters; and Model EC130 B4 and EC130 T2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a missing retaining ring of the inner race of the main rotor mast (MRM) upper bearing. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection to verify the presence and correct installation of the MRM upper bearing retaining rings, a repetitive inspection of the sealant bead on the MRM for damage, and corrective actions if necessary. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by the FAA's analysis of the Model 777 fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. This AD requires modifying the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) to prevent development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to electrical fault conditions. This AD also provides alternative actions for cargo airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) established the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program that allows a State to assume FHWA's responsibilities for environmental review, consultation, and compliance under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for Federal highway projects. When a State assumes these Federal NEPA responsibilities, the State becomes solely responsible and liable for carrying out the responsibilities it has assumed, in lieu of FHWA. This program mandates annual audits during each of the first 4 years of State participation to ensure compliance with program requirements. This notice announces and solicits comments on the third audit report for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT).

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-24 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 identifies the unsafe condition as electrical harness installations on PC-24 airplanes that are not in compliance with the approved design. This unsafe condition could lead to wire chafing and potential arcing or failure of wires having the incorrect length, possibly resulting in loss of system redundancy, or generation of smoke and smell, or loss of power plant fire protection function. 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 certain Airbus SAS Model A320-271N, A321-211 and A321-271N airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of missing overhead stowage compartment (OHSC) X-fixation brackets or brackets that were incorrectly installed during assembly. This proposed AD would require a special detailed inspection of the OHSC X-fixation brackets for missing or incorrectly installed brackets, and installation or replacement if necessary; or modification of each OHSC; 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 FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-21-04 for Glasflugel Models Club Libelle 205, H 301 ``Libelle,'' H 301B ``Libelle,'' Kestrel, Mosquito, Standard ``Libelle,'' and Standard Libelle-201B gliders. This 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 jamming between the double two-ring end of the towing cable and the deflector angles of the center of gravity (C.G.) release mechanism. 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 Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of smoke and signs of an overheating condition from the emergency light battery (ELB) due to excessive corrosion surrounding the internal lead acid batteries, which caused an electrical short circuit that led to the smoke and overheating condition. This proposed AD would require an inspection to determine the last replacement date of the ELB, and replacement if necessary. This proposed AD would also require the incorporation of a new maintenance task into the aircraft maintenance schedule. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for seven 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 continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell) ALF502L, ALF502L-2, ALF502L- 2A, ALF502L-2C, ALF502L-3, ALF502R-3, ALF502R-3A, ALF502R-4, ALF502R-5, ALF502R-6, LF507-1F, and LF507-1H model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a report of an engine experiencing an uncontained release of low-pressure turbine (LPT) blades. This AD requires initial and repetitive visual inspections of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly and the fuel filter outlet. Depending on the results of these inspections, the AD may require inspection of the adjacent fuel system tube assemblies as well as replacement or overhaul of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly. This AD also requires periodic overhaul of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly. 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 Pilatus Aircraft Limited 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 inboard flap fairings aft (IFFAs) having an incorrect shape, which may result in chafing between the IFFA and the associated front inboard tension rod could occur. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the IFFAs for the correct shape and chafing between the IFFA and the associated front inboard tension rod, with corrective action as necessary. This condition could lead to failure of the inboard flap drive arm with consequent asymmetric flap extension, resulting in reduced control of the airplane. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action amends the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Clinton Regional Airport, Clinton, MO. This action is the result of an airspace review due to the decommissioning of the Golden Valley non-directional beacon (NDB). The name and geographic coordinates of the airport are also being updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Textron Inc. (Type Certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.) (Bell), Model 204B, 205A-1, and 212 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on main rotor hub tension-torsion strap (TT strap) assemblies. This AD requires reducing the life limit of a certain part-numbered TT strap assembly and prohibits installing this TT strap assembly on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to remove the Class D airspace and modify the following: Class E surface area, the Class E airspace as an extension to the surface area and the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet AGL at Gillette-County Airport, Gillette, WY. In addition, this proposal would remove the VOR/DME from the legal description and replace the outdated term Airport Facility/Directory with the term Chart Supplement. After being informed that the Airport Traffic Control Tower at Gillette-County Airport is closed permanently, the FAA found it necessary to amend the existing airspace for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at this airport.

The FAA proposes to extend through March 27, 2021, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related limited waiver of the minimum slot usage requirement at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) that the FAA has already made available through October 24, 2020, with additional conditions as described below. The FAA also proposes to extend, through December 31, 2020, its COVID-19- related policy for prioritizing flights canceled at designated International Air Transport Association (IATA) Level 2 airports in the United States, for purposes of establishing a carrier's operational baseline in the initial months of the next corresponding season, also with additional conditions as described below. These IATA Level 2 airports include Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This notice affords interested persons an opportunity to submit comments and any relevant information on the FAA's proposal. The FAA anticipates subsequently providing notice of its final decision.