Department of Transportation March 17, 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-16- 02, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, and -115 airplanes; Model A320-211, - 212, -214, and -216 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -211, -212, and -213 airplanes. AD 2018-16-02 required modifying and re-identifying the 3-lug aft engine mount assemblies. This AD continues to require modifying and re-identifying the 3-lug aft engine mount assemblies, and also requires modifying and re-identifying the 4-lug aft engine mount assemblies; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by a report of a production quality deficiency on the inner retainer installed on link assemblies of the aft engine mount, which could result in failure of the retainer. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by two reported failures of the tail plane installation forward bolts (bolts). This AD requires inspecting the bolts and depending on the results of those inspections, removing certain parts from service or installing a tail plane retromod. This AD also requires torqueing certain part-numbered nuts, inspecting bolts and nuts for wear, and depending on the results of those inspections, removing parts from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 27 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.

G&K Automotive Conversion, Inc. (G&K or Petitioner) has petitioned NHTSA for a decision that model year 2017-2019 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S600 Pullman vehicles that were not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) are eligible for importation into the United States. In its petition, G&K claims that these vehicles are eligible for import because they are substantially similar to and of the same model year as vehicles originally manufactured for import into and certified for sale in the United States, and they are capable of being readily altered to conform to all applicable FMVSS. This document announces the denial of G&K's petition.

These special conditions are issued for the Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. These helicopters as modified by AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation (AWPC) will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for helicopters. This design feature is the optional closed circuit refueling receiver (CCRR). The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.