Department of Transportation 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2021-24- 06, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2021-24-06 required repetitive visual inspections of the rivets on the rear transmission shaft bearing support and of the local structure for cracking and missing, loose, or sheared rivets and accomplishment of applicable corrective actions. This AD retains those requirements and adds repetitive visual inspections of the rivet heads on the left-hand and right-hand sides of the rear transmission shaft bearing support, revises a corrective action, and adds a reporting requirement, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also revises the special flight permit limitation from AD 2021-24-06. This AD was prompted by an additional report of loose rivet heads on the outside face of the tail boom corner support. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) invites public comments about our intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension of a currently approved information collection. Before a Federal agency may collect certain information from the public, it must receive approval from OMB. Under procedures established by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, before seeking OMB approval, Federal agencies must solicit public comment on proposed collections of information, including extensions and reinstatements of previously approved collections. This document describes a collection of information for which NHTSA intends to seek OMB approval to allow NHTSA to continue to conduct research on the development of a driver alcohol detection system. NHTSA is seeking an extension of the information collection, titled ``Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety Field Operational Test'' (OMB Control Number 2127-0734), which is currently approved through March 31, 2022. The extension is necessary to complete data collection that was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions. The burden hour and cost calculations have been adjusted to reflect only the remaining data collection, adjustments for recruitment based on current experience, and adjustments in participation based on current experience.

This document finalizes NHTSA's proposal to repeal in full ``The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule Part One: One National Program,'' published September 27, 2019 (SAFE I Rule), in which NHTSA codified regulatory text and made additional pronouncements regarding the preemption of state and local laws related to fuel economy standards. NHTSA originally proposed to repeal the SAFE I Rule in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking entitled ``Corporate Average Fuel Economy Preemption,'' which was published on May 12, 2021. After evaluating all public comments submitted for this Proposal, the Agency is finalizing the Proposal. As such, the Agency is repealing all regulatory text and appendices promulgated in the SAFE I Rule. In doing so, the Agency underscores that any positions announced in preambulatory statements of prior NHTSA rulemakings, including in the SAFE I Rule, which purported to define the scope of preemption under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), do not reflect the Agency's reconsidered understanding of its proper role in matters of EPCA preemption. Through this final rule, NHTSA makes clear that no prior regulations or positions of the Agency reflect ongoing NHTSA views on the scope of preemption of states or local jurisdictions under EPCA.

This action proposes to amend United States Area Navigation (RNAV) route T-269 in the vicinity of Yakutat, AK in support of a large and comprehensive T-route modernization project for the state of Alaska.

NHTSA is issuing this final rule to establish Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 227, ``Bus rollover structural integrity,'' to enhance the rollover structural integrity of over-the- road buses (motorcoaches), and other buses with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 11,793 kilograms (kg) (26,000 pounds (lb)). This final rule, issued pursuant to the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), requires the buses to provide a ``survival space'' in a rollover test to protect occupants from possible collapse of the bus structure around them. In addition, to reduce the likelihood of ejection, this final rule prohibits emergency exits from opening in the rollover test. This final rule ensures that bus roofs and side wall panels will resist deformation and intrusion into the occupant space in rollover crashes, and reduces the risk of emergency exits becoming ejection portals in a crash.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 23 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 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of the loss of the nuts at all four fastener locations common to the outboard flap inboard support rear spar attachment fittings, which affects the retention feature of the fasteners and leaves the fasteners susceptible to migrating out of the joint. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections for discrepancies of the fasteners and shim of the wing rear spar at certain outboard flap supports, a detailed inspection for damage of the shim, flap support mechanism, and wing lower skin; installing new fasteners and shims; and repair or replacement of damaged parts. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to amend the Class E airspace at Springfield, OH. The FAA is proposing this action due to an airspace review conducted as part of the decommissioning of the Springfield very high frequency (VHF) omnidirectional range (VOR) as part of the VOR Minimal Operational Network (MON) Program.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-03-01 and AD 2021-05-51, which apply to certain Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 model turbofan engines. AD 2019-03-01 requires performing initial and repetitive thermal acoustic image (TAI) inspections for cracks in certain 1st-stage low-pressure compressor (LPC) blades and removal of those blades that fail inspection. AD 2021-05-51 requires performing a one-time TAI inspection for cracks in certain 1st-stage LPC blades and removal of those blades that fail inspection. Since the FAA issued AD 2019-03-01 and AD 2021-05-51, the manufacturer determined the need to add initial and repetitive ultrasonic testing (UT) inspections of the 1st-stage LPC blades. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive UT inspections and TAI inspections for cracks in certain 1st-stage LPC blades and removal of those blades that fail inspection. 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 The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of three incidents involving in-flight fan blade failures on certain Pratt & Whitney engines (``fan blades'' are also known as ``1st-stage low-pressure compressor (LPC) blades''these terms are used interchangeably in this proposed AD). This proposed AD would require installation of debris shields on the thrust reverser (T/R) inner wall at the left and right sides of the lower bifurcation, inspection of the fan cowl doors for moisture ingression, repetitive functional checks of the hydraulic pump shutoff valves to ensure they close in response to the fire handle input, and corrective actions if necessary. The FAA is proposing 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 proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2020-20-07 which applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent 1000-AE3, Trent 1000-CE3, Trent 1000-D3, Trent 1000-G3, Trent 1000-H3, Trent 1000-J3, Trent 1000-K3, Trent 1000-L3, Trent 1000- M3, Trent 1000-N3, Trent 1000-P3, Trent 1000-Q3, Trent 1000-R3, Trent 7000-72, and Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines. AD 2020-20-07 requires initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) or visual inspections of the intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) shaft assembly and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the IPC shaft assembly. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-20-07, RRD provided optional terminating actions for the required repetitive inspections and alternative inspection instructions. This proposed AD would continue to require initial and repetitive BSIs but would allow modification of the engine in accordance with Rolls-Royce service information as a terminating action to these inspections, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports indicating incidents of wires chafing against the inboard upper corner of the observer station circuit breaker panel. This AD requires, depending on airplane configuration, doing a general visual inspection of the right observer station upper main circuit breaker panel and wiring for certain missing parts; doing an inspection of the right observer station upper main circuit breaker panel to determine if a certain bracket part number is installed; doing a general visual inspection of certain wire assemblies for any damage; modifying the observer station upper main circuit breaker panel; and applicable on-condition actions. 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 Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 2100D3 model turboprop engines. This AD was prompted by an in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of an engine and subsequent investigation by the manufacturer that revealed a crack in the 3rd-stage compressor wheel. This AD requires replacement of the affected 3rd-stage compressor wheel. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-11-25, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters (type certificate previously held by Eurocopter France) Model AS350B3 and EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2021-11-25 requires revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for your helicopter by inserting a new procedure (temporary). Since the FAA issued AD 2021-11-25, the manufacturer has identified an additional affected full authority digital engine control (FADEC) part number and developed an optional modification for the affected FADECs. This proposed AD would require revising the existing RFM for your helicopter by inserting a new procedure (temporary). This proposed AD would also require, for helicopters on which an optional terminating action (installation of serviceable FADECs) is done, removing the applicable temporary procedure from the existing RFM for your helicopter. In addition, this proposed AD would also add helicopters to the applicability. Furthermore, this proposed AD would prohibit the installation of an affected FADEC. 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 Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by in-service reports of the loss of display and subsequent recovery of certain display units (DUs). This proposed AD would require revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual supplement (RFMS) for your helicopter and disabling the traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) POP-UP feature for certain DUs. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

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. This collection involves organizations applying to perform certification functions on behalf of the FAA, including approving data and issuing various aircraft and organization certificates. The information will be used to determine an applicant's qualifications to perform functions as a representative of the FAA Administrator and to authorize organizations to perform those functions.

This action proposes to amend the Class E airspace at Pembina, ND. The FAA is proposing this action due to an airspace review conducted as part of the decommissioning of the Humbolt very high frequency (VHF) omnidirectional range (VOR) as part of the VOR Minimal Operational Network (MON) Program. The geographic coordinates of the airport would also be updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-26-01, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes. AD 2020-26-01 requires repetitive general visual inspections of the affected main landing gear (MLG) sliding tubes for cracks and replacement if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-26- 01, additional parts and additional airplane models have been identified that may also have been subject to an improper overhaul and are therefore unsafe. This proposed AD would require repetitive general visual inspections of the affected MLG sliding tubes (both retained affected parts and additional affected parts) for cracks and replacement if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. This proposed AD would also add airplanes to the applicability. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to amend three jet routes and remove one jet route in the eastern United States. This action is associated with the decommissioning of the Atlanta VHF Omnidirectional Range and Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) system in support of the VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Minimum Operational Network (MON) to improve the efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) and reduce dependency on ground-based navigational systems.

This system will allow the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to collect, maintain and track records on employees and applicants for employment with disabilities who requested or received reasonable accommodation from the STB, and to allow the STB to collect, maintain and track records on employees who requested or received religious accommodations from the STB.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked or missing nuts on the tail rotor drive shaft (TRDS) disc pack (Thomas) couplings. This AD requires removing certain nuts from service, installing newly designed nuts, and applying a specific torque and a torque stripe to each newly installed nut. This AD then requires, after the installation of each newly designed nut, inspecting the torque and, depending on the inspection results, either applying a torque stripe or performing further inspections and removing certain parts from service. Finally, this AD prohibits installing any affected nut on any TRDS Thomas coupling. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-500MB and DG-1000M gliders with a Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo Model 2625 02i engine installed. This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as an error in the engine control unit (ECU) software. This AD requires updating the ECU software. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) 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. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the engine Time Limits Manual (TLM) life limits of certain critical rotating parts, updating direct accumulation counting (DAC) data files, and updating certain maintenance tasks. This AD requires revision of the engine TLM life limits of certain critical rotating parts and DAC data files, 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.