Department of Transportation 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice announces a meeting of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee for May 19, 2020.

This action amends the Class E surface area airspace at McAlester Regional Airport, McAlester, OK, and the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Henryetta Municipal Airport, Henryetta, OK; McAlester Regional Airport; and Robert S. Kerr Airport, Poteau, OK. These actions are the result of airspace reviews caused by the decommissioning of the McAlester VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid, which provided navigation information for the instrument procedures at these airports. The geographic coordinates of the McAlester Regional Airport are also being 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.

This action amends the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Reedsburg Municipal Airport, Reedsburg, WI, contained within the Baraboo, WI, airspace legal description, and Boscobel Airport, Boscobel, WI. This action is the result of an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the Lone Rock VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid, which provided navigation information for the instrument procedures at this airport, as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. The name and geographic coordinates of Baraboo-Wisconsin Dells Regional Airport, Baraboo, WI, and geographic coordinates of Boscobel Airport are also being 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.

This action amends the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Burnett County Airport, Siren, WI. This action is the result of an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the Siren VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid, which provided navigation information for the instrument procedures at this airport, as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. The geographic coordinates of the airport is also being 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 this airport.

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.

On February 28, 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation (Department or DOT) published in the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Defining Unfair or Deceptive Practices. The NPRM provided a 60-day comment period that was set to close on April 28, 2020. Nine consumer organizations asked the Department to extend the comment period on the NPRM. To allow interested persons more time to submit their comments, the Department has determined that an extension of the comment period for an additional 30 days is appropriate.

FMCSA corrects the public docket number referenced in its April 10, 2020, notice announcing that the Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC) seeks reconsideration of an August 14, 2013, application by the Association of Independent Property Brokers and Agents (AIPBA) for an exemption from the $75,000 bond requirement for all property brokers and freight forwarders. The Agency also extends the public comment period for that notice.

This notice sets forth the reasons for the denial of a petition submitted on November 14, 2013, by Mr. Donald Friedman to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). The petition requests that the agency commence a proceeding to determine the existence of a defect related to motor vehicle safety with respect to the air bag system's logic and algorithm. The Petitioner alleges that a defect in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) in various model year (MY) 2004-2010 General Motors (GM) vehicles causes an unintended suppression of the front passenger air bag moments prior to a frontal impact/crash. After examination of the petition and available data relating to the subject vehicles' OCS and the specific crash incident where the OCS allegedly failed to operate properly, NHTSA has concluded that further expenditure of the agency's investigative resources on the issues raised by the petition is not warranted. The agency accordingly has denied the petition. The agency will continue to monitor OCS performance in subject vehicles and may take further action as appropriate. The petition is hereinafter identified as DP14-001.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Honeywell International Inc. ALF502L, ALF502L-2, ALF502L-2A, ALF502L-2C, ALF502L-3, ALF502R-3, ALF502R-3A, ALF502R-4, ALF502R-5, ALF502R-6, LF507-1F, and LF507-1H model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an engine experiencing an uncontained release of low-pressure turbine (LPT) blades. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive visual inspections of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly and the fuel filter outlet. Depending on the results of these inspections, the AD may require inspection of the adjacent fuel system tube assemblies as well as replacement or overhaul of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly. This proposed AD would also require periodic overhaul of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

By Federal Register notice of Friday, February 7, 2020, titled Deepwater Port License Application: SPOT Terminal Services LLC, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), in coordination with the Maritime Administration (MARAD), announced the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the SPOT Terminal Services LLC (SPOT) deepwater port license application for the export of oil from the United States to nations abroad. Publication of that notice began a 45-day public comment period, which began on February 7, 2020 and ended on March 23, 2020. On April 28, 2020, the same notice was inadvertently published in the Federal Register. Additionally, both notices announced the date and location of an informational open house and public meeting that was held in Lake Jackson, Texas, on February 26, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and was preceded by an open house from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, nationwide impacts of the public health emergency under section 319 of the Public Health Services Act in response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the President's declaration of a national emergency due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and state and local actions in response to COVID-19, have impacted the public's ability to assemble and provide feedback on the SPOT deepwater port license application DEIS. Therefore, this notice supplants the April 28, 2020 notice and extends the public comment period for the SPOT DEIS 30-days from the publication date of this Federal Register notice.

The FHWA, on behalf of UDOT, is issuing this notice to announce the availability of the Revised Record of Decision (ROD) for the Mountain View Corridor Project in Salt Lake and Utah counties, Utah. In addition, this notice is being issued to announce actions taken by UDOT that are final Federal agency actions related to the project referenced above. Those actions grant licenses, permits and/or approvals for the project. The Revised ROD provides details on the Selected Alternative for the proposed improvements.

This action amends VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V-17, V-18, V-62, V-94, V-163, and V-568 in the vicinity of Glen Rose, TX. The modifications are necessary due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Glen Rose, TX, VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid (NAVAID), which provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected airways. The Glen Rose VOR is being decommissioned as part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A300 F4-600R series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of damaged main deck cargo crossbeams on the right-hand side, between certain frame locations. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections of the affected main deck cargo crossbeams for any damage, and depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will be incorporated by reference. This proposed AD would also provide optional terminating actions for the repetitive detailed inspections. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is revising an earlier proposal for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This action revises the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by revising certain inspections to provide the correct thickness callouts for the fuselage skin and bear strap. The FAA is proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an additional burden over that in the NPRM, the FAA is reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these changes.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 95 individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce without meeting the vision requirement in one eye.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Trent 1000-A, Trent 1000- A2, Trent 1000-AE, Trent 1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-E, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H, Trent 1000- H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by the manufacturer identifying 38 low-pressure compressor (LPC) front cases that have non-optimal properties that could inhibit their ability to contain certain engine failures. This proposed AD would require removing the LPC front case from service and replacing it with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

EPA and NHTSA, on behalf of the Department of Transportation, are issuing final rules to amend and establish carbon dioxide and fuel economy standards. Specifically, EPA is amending carbon dioxide standards for model years 2021 and later, and NHTSA is amending fuel economy standards for model year 2021 and setting new fuel economy standards for model years 2022-2026. The standards set by this action apply to passenger cars and light trucks, and will continue our nation's progress toward energy independence and carbon dioxide reduction, while recognizing the realities of the marketplace and consumers' interest in purchasing vehicles that meet all of their diverse needs. These final rules represent the second part of the Administration's action related to the August 24, 2018 proposed Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule. These final rules follow the agencies' actions, taken September 19, 2019, to ensure One National Program for automobile fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions standards, by finalizing regulatory text related to preemption under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and withdrawing a waiver previously provided to California under the Clean Air Act.

Notice is being given that the FAA is considering a request from the Port of Friday Harbor Executive Director to change certain portions of the airport from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use at the Friday Harbor Airport, Friday Harbor, WA. The request consists of 24 parcels, or portions thereof that are depicted on the Airport's current Exhibit AAirport Property Map.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCSA announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request (ICR) described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its review and approval and invites public comment. FMCSA requests approval to renew the ICR titled ``Accident Recordkeeping Requirements.'' This ICR relates to Agency requirements that motor carriers maintain a record of accidents involving their commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Motor carriers are not required to report this data to FMCSA, but must produce it upon inquiry by authorized Federal, State or local officials.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an erroneous low rotor revolutions per minute (RPM) indication after establishing a one engine inoperative (OEI) condition. This proposed AD would require a software (SW) modification for the aircraft management computer (AMC). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) gives notice of its intent to seek approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for extensions of the collections regarding petitions for declaratory order and petitions for relief not otherwise specified, as described below. The Board previously published a notice about these collections in the Federal Register on February 24, 2020 (85 FR 10508). That notice allowed for a 60-day public review and comment period. No comments were received.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) gives notice of its intent to seek approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension of the collection of Dispute Resolution Procedures, as described below. The Board previously published a notice about this collection in the Federal Register on February 24, 2020 (85 FR 10507). That notice allowed for a 60-day public review and comment period. No comments were received.

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 action amends 10 jet routes, and removes 8 jet routes, in the eastern United States. This action is in support of the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Route Project to improve the efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) and reduce the dependency on ground- based navigational systems.