Department of Transportation 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, the FAA's exemption process. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, the FAA's exemption process. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker activation while the airplane accelerated to cruise speed at the top of climb. This AD was also prompted by an investigation of those reports that revealed that the angle of attack (AOA) (also known as angle of airflow) sensor vanes could not prevent the build-up of ice, causing the AOA sensor vanes to become immobilized, which resulted in nuisance stick shaker activation. This AD requires a general visual inspection of the AOA sensors for certain AOA sensors, and replacement of affected AOA sensors. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMCSA announces its decision to deny the exemption request from PTS Worldwide, Inc. (PTS). PTS sought an exemption from the hours- of-service (HOS) requirement for drivers utilizing the sleeper-berth (S/B) exception. PTS transports highly sensitive cargo for the Department of Defense (DOD) and proposes that its team drivers be permitted to obtain 10 hours in the S/B in two periods, neither less than 4 hours long. This would allow the driver to split the required 10 hours into segments of 4/6, 5/5, or 6/4 hours. FMCSA analyzed the exemption application and public comments, and determined that the application lacked evidence that would ensure an equivalent level of safety or greater would be achieved absent such exemption.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company (GE) GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B model turbofan engines with a certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor stage 2 disk installed. This proposed AD was prompted by a report from the manufacturer that a subsurface anomaly was found on a HPT rotor stage 2 disk. This proposed AD would require an ultrasonic inspection (USI) of the HPT rotor stage 2 disk and, depending on the result of the inspection, replacement of the HPT rotor stage 2 disk with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This notice announces final environmental actions taken by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The purpose of this notice is to announce publicly the environmental decisions by FTA on the subject project and to activate the limitation on any claims that may challenge these final environmental actions.

On July 6, 2017, PHMSA published in the Federal Register an administrative determination that Federal hazardous material transportation law preempts, in part, FDNY's permit, inspection, and fee requirements. FDNY has petitioned for reconsideration of that determination. FDNY's petition for reconsideration is granted in part, and denied in part, as follows: 1. Permit and Inspection RequirementPHMSA affirms its determination that the HMTA preempts FDNY's permit and inspection requirements, FC 2707.4 and 105.6, with respect to vehicles based outside the inspecting jurisdiction, and its determination that the HMTA does not preempt these requirements with respect to vehicles that are based within the inspecting jurisdiction. PHMSA's determination is based on its conclusion that FDNY's permit and inspection requirements create an obstacle to accomplishing and carrying out the HMR's prohibition against unnecessary delays in the transportation of hazardous material on vehicles based outside the inspecting jurisdiction. 2. Permit FeeBased on new information supplied by FDNY, PHMSA reverses its determination that FDNY is not using the revenue it collects from its permit fee for authorized purposes. However, PHMSA affirms its determination that the permit fee is not ``fair,'' as required by 49 U.S.C. 5125(f)(1), and therefore affirms its determination that the permit fee is preempted.

PHMSA finds that the HMTA preempts Washington State's vapor pressure limit for crude oil loaded or unloaded from rail tank cars, for three reasons. First, the vapor pressure requirement constitutes a scheme for classifying a hazardous material that is not substantively the same as the HMR. Second, the vapor pressure requirement imposes requirements on the handling of a hazardous material that are not substantively the same as the requirements of the HMR. Third, PHMSA has determined that the vapor pressure requirement is an obstacle to accomplishing and carrying out the HMTA. In addition, PHMSA finds that the administrative record regarding Washington State's Advance Notice of Transfer (ANT) requirement is insufficient to make a determination whether the requirement is preempted under the HMTA.

The FHWA, on behalf of Caltrans, is issuing this notice to announce actions taken by Caltrans that are final. The actions relate to the proposed highway project, Merced Seismic Retrofit Project, which is a seismic retrofit project of seven bridges on State Route 59, 140 and 152 in the County of Merced, California. Those actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the project.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requests public comment on an application for exemption from K & L Trucking, Inc. (K & L) to allow the company to secure large metal coils to its trailers for transport using a securement system that differs from that required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters. This proposed AD would require tap inspecting each main rotor (MR) blade leading edge abrasion strip and is prompted by reports of abrasion strips departing the MR blade in-flight. The proposed actions are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Sp. z o.o. Model PZL M28 05 airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as defective thermo-shrinkable tubes installed on the electrical harnesses located in the fuel tanks. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to amend the Class D airspace and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Jackson County Airport-Reynolds Field, Jackson, MI, and the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Lakeview Airport- Griffith Field, Lakeview, MI. The FAA is proposing this action as the result of airspace reviews caused by the decommissioning of the Jackson and Muskegon VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aids, which provided navigation information for the instrument procedures these airports, as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. The geographic coordinates of the airports and the name of Jackson County Airport-Reynolds Field would also be updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database. Airspace redesign is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at these airports.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requests public comment on an application for exemption from Grote Industries, LLC (Grote) to allow motor carriers operating trailers and van body trucks to install brake-activated pulsating warning lamps on the rear of those vehicles in addition to the steady-burning brake lamps required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of land at the Ankeny Regional Airport (IKV), Ankeny, Iowa.

This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs) 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 safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

This action amends the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Avenger Field Airport, Sweetwater, TX. This action is the result of airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the Sweetwater non-directional radio beacon (NDB). The geographic coordinates of the airport would also be updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautic database. Airspace redesign is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at this airport.

This action modifies Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Alpine-Casparis Municipal Airport, Alpine, TX. This action is necessary due to the decommissioning of the Brewster County non-directional radio beacon (NDB), and cancellation of the NDB approach. It enhances the safety and management of standard instrument approach procedures for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at this airport. Additionally, the geographic coordinates are being updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

This action modifies Class D airspace and Class E airspace areas extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface of the earth at Chicago/Rockford International Airport (formerly Greater Rockford Airport) in Rockford, IL, based on the result of an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the GILMY locator outer marker (LOM). The GILMY LOM and Greater Rockford ILS localizer are no longer needed in the description of the Class D and E-5 airspace. This amendment also updates the airport name to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database. Airspace redesign is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at this airport.

The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the application for a release of approximately 14.59 acres of federally obligated airport property at Hamilton Municipal Airport, Hamilton, Madison County, NY, from conditions, reservations, and restrictions contained in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants that would restrict the use of said land to aeronautical purposes. This acreage is composed of portions of seven parcels that were acquired by the Village of Hamilton though AIP Grants 3-36-0192-01-1995 and 3-36-0192-02-1998. It is proposed that 12.69 acres, composed of portions of seven parcels, would be released by the FAA for sale. The land is not needed for aeronautical purposes. The use of the land after the release will be compatible with the airport and will not interfere with the airport or its operation. The Federal share of the proceeds from the sales of land would be dedicated to a future AIP eligible airport effort. It is also proposed that the remaining 1.90 acres, composed of three parcels, would be released from grant obligations to permit the non-aeronautical use of the property. Concurrently, it is requested that FAA approval be given for the three currently existing long-term non-aeronautical leases on the aforementioned three parcels. The land is not needed for aeronautical purposes and the revenue from the leases is dedicated for use in operating the airport.

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.

The FTA announces the selection of one nonprofit participant and solicits expressions of interest from additional eligible nonprofit entities to participate in the Pilot Program for Nonprofit Cooperative Procurements (Pilot Program). The Pilot Program, the establishment of which FTA announced on August 22, 2017, is aimed at increasing innovation, promoting efficiency, and demonstrating the effectiveness of cooperative procurement contracts for rolling stock and related equipment administered by eligible nonprofit entities.