Department of Transportation October 1, 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-build requirements of the coastwise trade laws to allow the carriage of no more than twelve passengers for hire on vessels, which are three years old or more. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 14 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, A319- 112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A319- 151N, and A319-153N airplanes; Model A320 series airplanes; and Model A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by the results of laboratory tests on non-rechargeable lithium batteries installed in emergency locator transmitters (ELT), which highlighted a lack of protection against certain currents that could lead to thermal runaway and a battery fire. This proposed AD would require modifying a certain ELT by installing a diode in the airplane circuit connecting the ELT battery, 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 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4164, PW4164-1D, PW4168, PW4168-1D, PW4168A, PW4168A-1D, and PW4170 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by several reports of low pressure turbine (LPT) 4th stage vane cluster assemblies leaning back and notching into the rotating LPT 4th stage blades, causing some blades to fracture and release. An investigation by the manufacturer into those reports determined that the leaning back of the LPT 4th stage vane cluster assemblies was caused by damage to the LPT 4th stage air sealing ring segment assemblies. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive replacements of the LPT 4th stage air sealing ring segment assemblies with parts eligible for installation. This proposed AD would also require initial and repetitive dimensional inspections of the LPT case for bulging and, depending on the results of the dimensional inspection, repair or replacement of the LPT case. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-07-14, which applies to certain Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, - 212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. AD 2016-07-14 requires replacing the clips, shear webs, and angles, related investigative actions, and repair if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2016-07-14, it has been determined that the fatigue life associated with the clips, shear webs, and angles is not sufficient to reach the limit of validity (LOV) in certain configurations; therefore, additional modifications to the airplane are required. The FAA has also determined that additional airplanes are subject to the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain the actions of AD 2016-07-14, and require modifying (replacing) the clips, shear webs, and angles at a certain rear fuselage area with new parts, 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 proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-01-10, which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. AD 2020-01-10 requires installing flight control and guidance system (FCGS) software (SW) X11 Standard (STD). Since the FAA issued AD 2020-01-10, Airbus has developed a modification that forces the air generation system (AGS) ram air outlet doors to be flush in cases of total engine flameout or loss of the main electrical supply. Because of this additional modification, certain airplanes that were excluded from the applicability of AD 2020-01-10 are included in the applicability of this proposed AD. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2020-01-10, require modifying the electrical power supply of the AGS ram air outlet door actuators, and expand the applicability by adding airplanes, 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by the City of Burlington, Vermont under the provisions of Title I of the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 and FAA regulations. These findings are made in recognition of the description of federal and non- federal responsibilities in Senate Report No. 96-52 (1980). On August 27, 2020, the Airports Division Manager approved the Burlington International Airport noise compatibility program. All of the proposed program elements were approved.