Department of Transportation December 18, 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Board has approved the first quarter 2021 Rail Cost Adjustment Factor (RCAF) and cost index filed by the Association of American Railroads. The first quarter 2021 RCAF (Unadjusted) is 1.040. The first quarter 2021 RCAF (Adjusted) is 0.434. The first quarter 2021 RCAF-5 is 0.410.

FMCSA requests public comment on Mountain Blade Runner Helicopters, LLC's (MBR Helicopters) application for an exemption from two provisions of the hours-of-service (HOS) regulations for its ground support equipment operators. MBR Helicopters requested relief from the 14-hour rule and the requirement that drivers have 10 consecutive hours off duty at the end of the work shift. The exemption would allow MBR Helicopters' ground support equipment operators a 16-hour window within which to complete all driving and enable these operators to use an 8- consecutive hour off-duty break, combined with at least 2 other off- duty hours during the 16-hour window within which driving would be completed, in lieu of taking 10 consecutive hours off duty.

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 May 8, 2020. The collection involves information from commercial air tour operators on the numbers and types of air tours over national park units. The information to be collected will be used by the FAA and the National Park Service to track air tour operations over national parks and as background information in the development of air tour management plans and voluntary agreements for purposes of addressing any potential significant impacts from commercial air tour operations on the natural or cultural resources or visitor experience at the parks.

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 August 19, 2020. The collection involves 14 CFR part 65 requirements for mechanics, repairmen, parachute riggers, and inspection authorization. The information to be collected will be used to determine applicant eligibility for certification or authorization.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Aerostar Aircraft Corporation (Aerostar) Model PA-60-601P (Aerostar 601P), PA-60-602P (Aerostar 602P), and PA-60-700P (Aerostar 700P) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the elevator and aileron balance tubes. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the elevator and aileron balance tubes for corrosion and rust and replacing the tube. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-26-51 which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 helicopters. AD 2007-26-51 required inspecting the tail rotor control rod (control rod) and ball pivot and, depending on findings, replacing those parts. This new AD requires inspecting certain ball pivots, applying corrosion preventative compound on the ball pivot, and corrective action, as applicable. This AD also requires replacing the control rod with a newly developed control rod. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer's development of a new control rod, which the FAA has determined must be installed in order to address the identified unsafe condition. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

FRA is proposing to revise its regulations governing changes to positive train control (PTC) systems and reporting on PTC system functioning. First, recognizing that the railroad industry intends to enhance further FRA-certified PTC systems to continue improving rail safety and PTC technology's reliability and operability, FRA proposes to modify the process by which a host railroad must submit a request for amendment (RFA) to FRA before making certain changes to its PTC Safety Plan (PTCSP) and FRA-certified PTC system. Second, to enable more effective FRA oversight, FRA proposes to: Expand an existing reporting requirement by increasing the frequency from annual to biannual; broaden the reporting requirement to encompass positive performance-related information, not just failure-related information; and require host railroads to utilize a new, standardized Biannual Report of PTC System Performance (Form FRA F 6180.152). Overall, the proposed amendments would benefit the railroad industry, the public, and FRA, by reducing unnecessary costs, facilitating innovation, and improving FRA's ability to oversee PTC system performance and reliability, while not negatively affecting rail safety.