Department of Transportation December 11, 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This action amends Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Cairo Regional Airport, Cairo, IL. This action is the result of an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the Cape Girardeau very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) navigational aid as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. The name and geographic coordinates of the airport are updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

Notice is being given that the FAA is considering a request from the City of Spokane, Washington and the County of Spokane, Washington, to waive the surplus property requirements for approximately 1.07 acres of airport property located at Spokane International Airport, in Spokane, Washington. The subject property is located away from the aeronautical area and currently vacant. The property will remain vacant of any structures, as it will be utilized for public road improvements creating a roundabout for access to the Interstate 90 freeway. This release will allow the City and County to sell 1 parcel of airport property to WSDOT interested in accommodating increased traffic and access to the business park. There will be proceeds generated from the proposed release of this property for public road improvements. The City and County will receive not less than fair market value for the property and the revenue generated from the sale will be used for airport purposes. It has been determined through study that the subject parcel will not be needed for aeronautical purposes.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from three 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 renew exemptions for 10 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 is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Superior Air Parts, Inc. (SAP) Model IO-360-series and O-360-series reciprocating engines and certain Lycoming Engines (Lycoming) Model AEIO-360-, IO-360-, and O-360-series reciprocating engines with a certain SAP crankshaft assembly installed. This SAP crankshaft assembly is installed as original equipment on the affected SAP engines and as a replacement part under parts manufacturer approval (PMA) on the affected Lycoming engines. This AD was prompted by three crankshaft assembly failures that resulted in the loss of engine power and immediate or emergency landings. This AD requires the removal from service of all affected crankshaft assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FRA is proposing to revise its regulations governing railroad workplace safety to: Allow for the use of alternative security standards for electronic display systems used to view track authority information for roadway worker safety, and exempt certain drone roadway maintenance machines from existing environmental control requirements. These proposals would reduce regulatory burdens on the railroad industry while maintaining the existing level of safety.

These special conditions are issued for the Bell Textron Canada Limited (BTCL) Model 505 helicopter. This helicopter as modified by Garmin International, Inc. (Garmin), will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for helicopters. This design feature is associated with the installation of an autopilot and stability augmentation system (AP/SAS). 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.

FRA is revising its regulations governing brake inspections, tests, and equipment. The changes include the incorporation of relief from various provisions provided in long-standing waivers related to single car air brake tests, end-of-train devices, helper service, and brake maintenance. FRA is also extending the time that freight rail equipment can be ``off-air'' before requiring a new brake inspection. In addition, FRA is making various modifications to the existing brake- related regulations to improve clarity and remove outdated or unnecessary provisions. FRA expects the revisions will benefit railroads and the public by reducing unnecessary costs, creating consistency between U.S. and Canadian regulations, and incorporating the use of newer technologies demonstrated to maintain or increase safety. The rule will reduce the overall regulatory burden on railroads.