Department of Transportation February 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice details the adjustment made to the rail passenger transportation liability cap as required by section 11415 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (December 4, 2015). Pursuant to the FAST Act, the rail passenger transportation liability cap is raised from $294,278,983 to $322,864,228.

This action amends the using agency listed for Restricted Area R-4305, Lake Superior, MN. Specifically, this action changes the using agency from ``USAF, 55th Wing, Offutt AFB, NE'' (55th Wing), to ``U.S. Air Force, 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth International Airport, MN'' (148th Fighter Wing). There are no changes to the boundaries, designated altitudes, time of designation, or activities conducted within the restricted area.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-13-02 for Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. AD 2020-13-02 required inspecting for movement and the tightening torque of the tail rotor (T/R) plug, the installation of the outboard and inboard faces of the T/R duplex bearing, and the condition of the T/R duplex bearing, T/R plug threads, and nut threads. Depending on the inspection results, AD 2020-13-02 required corrective actions and reporting information. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2020- 13-02 except the reporting requirement, updates the service information, and requires repeating the inspection. This AD was prompted by Leonardo's update to the service information. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-18-52, which applies to certain Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. AD 2011-18-52 requires establishing a revised life limit for each tail rotor blade (blade), updating the existing historical records for your helicopter, repetitively inspecting each blade for a crack, and replacing certain blades. The NPRM was prompted by the manufacturer developing an improved blade using different materials and establishing life limits for those newly-designed blades. The NPRM proposed to require expanding the applicability to include the newly-designed blades and establish their life limits, and proposed to retain the requirement to inspect each blade for a crack and, if there is a crack, replace each blade with an airworthy blade. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has determined that the NPRM does not adequately address the identified unsafe condition. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 429 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the introduction of a new life limit for the centrifugal force bearing (CFB). This AD requires determining the accumulated retirement index number (RIN) and removing each affected CFB from service before it accumulates 8,000 total RIN. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3 helicopters. This AD requires modifying the electrical system of the throttle twist grip, inspecting the routing of a microswitch electrical harness, and correcting the electrical harness routing if it is incorrect. This AD was prompted by reports of the engine remaining in idle when the twist grip was turned from the ``forced idle'' position to the ``flight'' position. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-12-07, which applies to certain Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (Hamilton Sundstrand) 54H model propellers. AD 2020-12-07 requires initial and repetitive eddy current inspections (ECI) of certain propeller blades and replacement of the propeller blades that fail the inspection. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-12-07, the manufacturer determined that all propeller blades installed on Hamilton Sundstrand 54H model propellers with a 54H60 model propeller hub are susceptible to intergranular corrosion cracking in the blade taper bore. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive ECI of all propeller blades installed on Hamilton Sundstrand 54H60 propeller hubs and replacement of any propeller blade that fails inspection. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to rename the established restricted areas R-2206 to R-2206A and establish six new restricted areas R-2206B, R-2206C, R-2206D, R-2206E, R-2206F, and R-2206G, over the Clear Air Force Station (Clear AFS) at Clear, AK. The United States Air Force (USAF) on behalf of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) requested this action to protect aircraft from hazardous High-Intensity Radiated Field (HIRF) produced by the Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) at Clear AFS. LRDR contributes to the MDA's mission of developing and deploying a layered Department of Defense (DoD) Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) to defend the United States from ballistic missile attacks of all ranges in all phases of flight. The proposed restricted areas are necessary to protect aviation from the hazardous HIRF and segregate non-participating aircraft.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2A1, CF6-80C2A2, CF6- 80C2A3, CF6-80C2A5, CF6-80C2A5F, CF6-80C2A8, CF6-80C2B1, CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-80C2B2, CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B4, CF6-80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, CF6- 80C2B6, CF6-80C2B6F, CF6-80C2B6FA, CF6-80C2B7F, CF6-80C2B8F, and CF6- 80C2D1F model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by reports of incidents that resulted in a significant fuel loss during flight and an in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of the engine. This AD requires initial and repetitive shim checks of the hydromechanical unit/main engine control (HMU/MEC) idler adapter on the accessory gearbox (AGB) assembly and, depending on the results of the shim check, possible replacement of the inserts on the HMU/MEC idler adapter. As a terminating action, this AD requires a protrusion check and a pull-out test, and the replacement of inserts on the HMU/MEC idler adapter that fail either test. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD- 500-1A11 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of deficiencies in the primary flight control computer (PFCC) and remote electronics unit (REU) software. This proposed AD would require installation of a software update to correct deficiencies in the PFCC and REU software, as specified in a Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of failure of a certain fire detection and extinguishing (FIREX) control unit. This AD requires replacing FIREX control units having a certain part number. 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 The Boeing Company Model 727 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that excessive sealant coating on internal wing Structural Significant Items (SSIs) may not reveal cracks during inspections required by AD 98-11-03 R1. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate inspections that will give no less than the required damage tolerance rating (DTR) for certain SSIs of the wing. This AD also requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the affected SSIs and repair if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is revising an earlier proposal for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series airplanes. This action revises the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by adding airplanes to the applicability and proposing to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. 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.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-22-07, which applies to all MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes, Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, and Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. AD 2019-22-07 requires revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to include a limitation and an abnormal operating procedure for the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS). Since the FAA issued AD 2019-22-07, it was found that the limitation and abnormal operating procedure did not include reference to a certain mode. This proposed AD would require revising the existing AFM and adding airplanes to the applicability. 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 Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of DC motor pump (DCMP) failures during production flight tests. This proposed AD would require installing a redesigned DCMP electric motor assembly. 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 all Airbus SAS Model A319-171N airplanes, Model A320-271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes, and Model A321-271N, -272N, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report indicating that during a full scale fatigue test of the forward engine mounts, premature wear was identified on the forward engine mount shackle assemblies; in addition, during bearing replacement, the bearing lock washer was found broken. This proposed AD would require replacing any forward engine mount shackle assemblies having a certain part number with a serviceable part, and re-identifying the engine mount, or replacing any forward engine mount assemblies having a certain part number, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. 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 Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes and Model FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that non-certified ANCRA seat tracks were installed on some airplanes and that those seat tracks might not sustain required loads during an emergency landing. This proposed AD would require replacement of certain ANCRA seat tracks with certified (Brownline) seat tracks, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. 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 all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report indicating that the left-hand main landing gear (MLG) collapsed after touchdown, causing severe damage to the airplane. This proposed AD would require modifying the MLG hydraulic transfer valve, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action amends two existing low altitude RNAV routes (T- routes), and establishes nine new T-routes in support of the South- Central Florida Metroplex Project. The changes made in this rule will reduce the dependency of the National Airspace System (NAS) on ground- based navigational systems, and assist with the transition to a more efficient Performance Based Navigation (PBN) route structure.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 10 individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have ``no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV.'' The exemptions enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

FMCSA announces its decision to grant Wilson Logistics an exemption from the regulation that requires a commercial learner's permit (CLP) holder operating a commercial moto vehicle (CMV) to be accompanied by a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements, in the passenger seat. Wilson Logistics requested an exemption to allow CLP holders who have passed the CDL skills test, but have not yet obtained the CDL document from their State of domicile, to drive a CMV without having a CDL holder in the passenger seat. FMCSA has analyzed the exemption application and the public comments and has determined that the exemption, subject to the terms and conditions imposed, will likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.

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 all Airbus SAS Model A330-200 series airplanes, Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, Model A330-300 series airplanes, Model A330-900 series airplanes, Model A340-200 series airplanes, Model A340-300 series airplanes, Model A340-500 series airplanes, Model A340-600 series airplanes, Model A380-800 series airplanes; and Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a quality issue with a certain repair method of damage-through honeycomb core cargo linings by speed patches applied to both sides. This AD requires repair of each affected part, or replacement with a serviceable part, 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.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the necessary sealant was not applied to the side of body (SOB) slot as a result of a production drawing that provided unclear SOB slot sealant application instructions. This AD requires a general visual inspection for insufficient sealant in the SOB slot, and related investigative and corrective 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 Yabor[atilde] Ind[uacute]stria Aeron[aacute]utica S.A. Model EMB-135, EMB-145, -145EP, -145ER, -145LR, -145MP, -145MR, and -145XR airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that calculations provided by the automatic takeoff thrust control system (ATTCS) are incorrect under certain conditions. This AD requires updating the software of the installed full authority digital engine control (FADEC) systems, as specified in an Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.