Department of Transportation November 24, 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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 Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on 4/15/2020. The collection involves information used to identify foreign airmen in order to allow the agency to verify their foreign license when used to qualify for a U.S. certificate. Respondents are holders of foreign licenses wishing to obtain U.S. Certificates.

This notice announces the calendar year 2021 drug and alcohol random testing rates for employers subject to 49 CFR part 655. The minimum random drug testing rate will remain at 50 percent, and the random alcohol testing rate will remain at 10 percent.

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.

This action establishes 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.

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.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-17-01, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. AD 2017-17-01 requires repetitive inspections of the main rotor blade (MRB) attachment pins. Since issuing AD 2017- 17-01, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to measure the attachment pin chamfer after corrosion removal, that replacement of an attachment pin after four corrosion removals is no longer necessary, and that all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters are affected by the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would continue to require the repetitive inspections of the MRB attachment pins, and would include a new requirement to repetitively measure the attachment pin chamfer at certain intervals after corrosion removal, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will be incorporated by reference. This proposed AD would also continue to require replacing the attachment pin if there is corrosion pitting. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action modifies the Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class D or Class E surface area at Truckee-Tahoe Airport. This action also modifies the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface. Lastly, this action proposes an administrative correction to all of the airspaces' legal descriptions.

The FAA announces the availability of and requests comments on proposed airworthiness criteria for the 3DRobotics Government Services Model 3DR-GS H520-G unmanned aircraft system (UAS). This document proposes airworthiness criteria the FAA finds to be appropriate and applicable for the UAS design.