Department of Transportation 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for a total of $225 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, FY 2019, FY 2017 and FY 2016 funds under the Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Program (EPD Pilot Program) authorized by Section 3005(b) of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act). The EPD Pilot Program is aimed at expediting delivery of new fixed guideway capital projects, small starts projects, or core capacity improvement projects. These projects must utilize public-private partnerships, be operated and maintained by employees of an existing public transportation provider, and have a Federal share not exceeding 25 percent of the project cost. The FAST Act specifies that not more than eight projects can be awarded grants under the EPD Pilot Program. FTA may award additional funds if they are made available to the EPD Pilot Program.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the request to release and sell 5.0 acres of federally obligated airport property at the Malden Regional Airport & Industrial Park (MAW), Malden, Missouri.

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 crack indications found in the lower aft wing skin bolt holes where the flap tracks attach to the track support fitting. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the left and right wing, lower aft wing skin aft edge, at certain flap track locations, and applicable on-condition actions. 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 Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-34-220T airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of damage to the rudder flight control cables and the emergency power supply (EPS) system wiring due to inadequate clearance from the EPS wiring harness. This proposed AD would require inspecting the rudder flight control cables and the EPS wiring for damage, replacing damaged cables and wires if necessary, and re-routing the EPS wiring harness to ensure proper clearance between the EPS and the rudder flight control cables. The FAA is issuing this proposed AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is revising an earlier proposal for Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R66 helicopters that proposed to require replacing a certain part-numbered tail rotor (T/R) drive shaft yoke assembly (yoke assembly) and inspecting for sealant. The NPRM was prompted by reports of T/R drive shaft forward hanger bearing failures. This action revises the NPRM by expanding the applicability, changing the proposed requirements, and correcting nomenclature. Since this imposes an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, the FAA is reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these changes.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) announces a public meeting for the purpose of developing the final text of the Voluntary Tanker Agreement (VTA). The public meeting will be held via teleconference and web conference. Teleconference and web conference access information will be provided once meeting participants register to attend as provided for in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section below.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-08-02 for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent 1000-A2, Trent 1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 model turbofan engines. AD 2018-08-02 required initial and repetitive ultrasonic or visual inspections of the intermediate- pressure compressor (IPC) stage 1 rotor blades, IPC stage 2 rotor blades, and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts, and removal of any cracked parts from service. This AD requires new inspections based on updated inspection thresholds and intervals for these IPC parts. This AD also adds an optional terminating action, amends the asymmetric power condition for engine inspection, and requires an inspection after a cabin depressurization event. This AD was prompted by IPC blade separations resulting in engine failures. Subsequently, the manufacturer identified the need to add new inspections and an optional terminating action, amend the asymmetric power condition for engine inspection, and require an inspection after a cabin depressurization event. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for PZL Swidnik S.A. Model PZL W-3A helicopters. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the main rotor (M/R) vibration absorber star and depending on the inspection outcome, performing more in-depth inspections and repairing, replacing, or removing the vibration absorber star from service. This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion detected on an M/R vibration absorber star. 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 all GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. M601D-11, M601E-11, M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, M601F, H80, H80-100, H80-200, H75-100, H75-200, H85-100, and H85-200 model turboprop engines. This AD was prompted by a review by the manufacturer that identified the possibility of a power turbine (PT) rotor overspeed and the uncontained release of PT blades. This AD requires installing a modified engine outlet system. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain PZL Swidnik S.A. (PZL) Model W-3A helicopters. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the main transmission (Main XSMN) case for a crack, and depending on the inspection outcome, removing the WR-3 Main XSMN from service before further flight. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks in a Main XSMN case. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

This action amends, with modifications to reflect changed conditions in Libya and the associated risks to U.S. civil aviation safety, the Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) prohibiting certain flight operations in the Tripoli Flight Information Region (FIR) (HLLL) by all: United States (U.S.) air carriers; U.S. commercial operators; persons exercising the privileges of an airman certificate issued by the FAA, except when such persons are operating U.S.- registered aircraft for a foreign air carrier; and operators of U.S.- registered civil aircraft, except when the operator of such aircraft is a foreign air carrier. This action incorporates the FAA's prohibition on U.S. civil flight operations in the territory and airspace of Libya at all altitudes contained in Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) KICZ A0026/19, into the SFAR. In addition, the FAA remains concerned about the safety of U.S. civil aviation operations at altitudes below Flight Level (FL) 300 in those portions of the Tripoli FIR (HLLL) that are outside the territory and airspace of Libya because of the hazards described in the preamble to the FAA's March 2019 final rule. Accordingly, this final rule also prohibits U.S. civil flight operations below FL300 in those portions of the Tripoli FIR (HLLL) outside the territory and airspace of Libya. This action also extends the expiration date of the SFAR from March 20, 2021, to March 20, 2023. Finally, the FAA republishes the approval process and exemption information for this SFAR, consistent with other recently published flight prohibition SFARs, and makes minor administrative revisions.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for PZL Swidnik S.A. (PZL) Model PZL W-3A helicopters. This AD requires establishing a life limit for certain horizontal stabilizers and removing from service any affected horizontal stabilizer in accordance with that life limit. This AD was prompted by the discovery of an error in the Airworthiness Limitations for PZL Model PZL W-3A helicopters. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to amend three VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways, V-53, V-115, and V-140; amend two Area Navigation (RNAV) T-routes, T-215 and T-323; and remove one VOR Federal airway, V-339, in the vicinity of Hazard, KY. The Air Traffic Service (ATS) route modifications are necessary due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Hazard, KY, VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid (NAVAID) which provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected ATS routes. The Hazard VOR is being decommissioned as part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

The FAA is correcting a final rule technical amendment published on June 30, 2020 (85 FR 39069). In that final rule, which became effective on the date of publication, the FAA corrected errors in regulatory cross references associated with the Pilot Professional Development final rule. The FAA inadvertently listed an incorrect amendment number for the final rule technical amendment. This document corrects that error.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, PHMSA invites comments on a revision to the information collection pertaining to hazardous materials public sector training and planning grants for which PHMSA intends to request a renewal with revision from the Office of Management and Budget.

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.

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.

This action modifies Class E airspace, designated as a surface area, at Mc Grath Airport. This action also modifies the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface. Additionally, this action modifies the Class E airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface. Lastly, this action implements several administrative amendments to the airspace legal descriptions.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes. This AD was prompted by an analysis by the design approval holder (DAH) that identified structural areas that are susceptible to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). Following this analysis, the DAH determined that the SATCOM antenna doubler installation does not meet the extended service goal (ESG) requirements. This AD requires inspecting affected fastener holes of the SATCOM antenna doubler for cracking, and applicable corrective actions, 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.

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 is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that a crack indication consistent with fatigue cracking was found on the left nacelle support overwing fitting flange fastener hole during teardown of a Model 737-300 series airplane. This AD requires a general visual inspection of the strut to wing diagonal brace at a certain location for cracking. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires an ultrasonic inspection of the nacelle support overwing fitting at certain fastener locations for cracking. For certain other airplanes, this AD requires a magnetic check of the nacelle support overwing fitting at a certain location to determine the material composition. This AD requires applicable on- condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.