Department of Transportation 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is publishing and requesting comments on this IRFA for the previously published notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Project Identifier AD-2020-01314-P, applicable to Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation 54H model propellers with a 54H60 model propeller hub installed. That NPRM proposed to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-12-07, which applies to certain Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (Hamilton Sundstrand) 54H model propellers.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by 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 chafing damage in the port wing skin caused by the fuel system finger filters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the wing internal skin for chafing and taking any necessary corrective actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Models G-IV and GIV-X airplanes. The NPRM was prompted by reports of disbonding and surface cracking of the composite aft pressure bulkhead. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the forward and aft surfaces of the pressure bulkhead composite panels for damage and repairing any damage found. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has determined that there is not an unsafe condition. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a broken adjustable device that is part of the pilot and co-pilot yaw pedal assemblies. This proposed AD would require modification of the pilot and co-pilot yaw pedal assemblies, 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 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, -300 and -900 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that during the frame of flight test clearance process, a detailed analysis of air data reference (ADR) failure scenarios led to the identification that compliance requirements for loads and handling qualities throughout the flight envelope could be impaired in case of dispatch with one ADR inoperative (master minimum equipment list (MMEL) item 34-10-01) during the maximum interval allowed by the current MMEL. This proposed AD would require revising the operator's existing FAA-approved minimum equipment list (MEL) for the air data/inertial reference system, 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 document provides the public with notice that nineteen host railroads recently submitted requests for amendments (RFA) to their FRA-approved Positive Train Control Safety Plans (PTCSP). As these RFAs may involve requests for FRA's approval of proposed material modifications to FRA-certified positive train control (PTC) systems, FRA is publishing this notice and inviting public comment on railroads' RFAs to their PTCSPs.

This document provides the public notice that on July 7, 2021, Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to extend an existing temporary suspension of some visual track inspections to allow for continuation of a previously- approved Test Program designed to test track inspection technologies (i.e., an autonomous track geometry measurement system) and new operational approaches to track inspections (i.e., combinations of autonomous inspection and traditional visual inspections).

This action amends Class E surface airspace at York Airport, York, PA. An airspace evaluation of the area determined the additional airspace is necessary to accommodate operations at the airport. This action also updates the name of York Airport (formerly York County Airport). This action also establishes Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at York Airport and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for Wellspan York Hospital Heliport, to accommodate new area navigation (RNAV) global positioning system (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures serving the heliport. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area.

This action establishes area navigation (RNAV) routes T-322, T-392, T-403, and T-405 in the central United States. The new RNAV routes expand the availability of RNAV coverage in support of transitioning the National Airspace System (NAS) from ground-based to satellite-based navigation. Additionally, a portion of the new RNAV routes provide enroute structure where VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway segments were removed due to the decommissioning of Sioux City, IA; Park Rapids, MN; and Huron, SD, VORs, in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

FRA is revising its regulations governing changes to positive train control (PTC) systems and reporting on PTC system performance. First, recognizing that the railroad industry intends to enhance FRA- certified PTC systems to continue improving rail safety and PTC technology's reliability and operability, FRA is modifying the process by which a host railroad must submit a request for amendment (RFA) to FRA before making certain changes to its PTC Safety Plan (PTCSP) and FRA-certified PTC system. Second, to enable more effective FRA oversight, this final rule: Expands an existing reporting requirement by increasing the frequency from annual to biannual; broadens the reporting requirement to encompass positive performance-related information, including about the technology's positive impact on rail safety, not just failure-related information; and requires host railroads to utilize a new, standardized report form.

The FAA is correcting a final rule published on December 11, 2020. In that final rule, which became effective on the date of publication, the FAA removed the regulations codifying the Special Rule for Model Aircraft as a result of a change in applicable law. The FAA inadvertently listed an incorrect amendment number for the final rule. This document corrects that error.

This action amends VOR Federal airways V-39 and V-93 in support of the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route (NEC ACR), and the VOR Minimum Operational Network (VOR MON) Projects.

This action establishes Area Navigation (RNAV) route Q-437 in the northeastern United States in support of the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route Project (NEC ACR) for improve efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) while reducing the dependency on ground based navigational systems.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of several occurrences of a cracked main gearbox (MGB) spherical bearing lock nut (lock nut). This proposed AD would require removing from service a certain part-numbered MGB lock nut that is installed on certain part- numbered MGBs and replacing it with newly designed MGB lock nut. This proposed AD would also would prohibit installing any MGB with the affected MGB lock nut and would prohibit installing any affected MGB lock nut on any helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to modify the Class D airspace at McChord Field (Joint Base Lewis-McChord), Tacoma, WA. After a review of the airspace, the FAA found it necessary to amend the existing airspace for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at this location and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at a satellite airport. This proposal would also remove a reference to the McChord Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range beacon (VOR) from the legal description, update the airport name and city, and amend the geographical coordinates for the airport to match the FAA's database.

FMCSA announces its decision to deny the application from one individual treated with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) who requested an exemption from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) prohibiting operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce by persons with a current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or any other cardiovascular disease of a variety known to be accompanied by syncope (transient loss of consciousness), dyspnea (shortness of breath), collapse, or congestive heart failure.

This notice is intended to advise the public that on July 20, 2021, the FAA issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the federal actions reviewed in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Access Improvement Project and its connected actions (the Proposed Action). The ROD includes numerous environmental findings by the FAA, as well as environmental determinations related to funding opportunities that are subject to federal oversight. The Final EIS and ROD are available for download on the project website at https://www.lgaaccesseis.com.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80A and CF6-80C2 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by an inspection by the manufacturer that revealed cracking of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1 disk. This AD requires visual inspection and fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the HPT thermal shield and, if cracking is detected, removal from service of the HPT thermal shield, HPT rotor stage 1 disk and HPT rotor stage 2 disk. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action amends the Class D and Class E airspace and revokes Class E airspace at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, Cape Girardeau, MO. The FAA is making this action as the result of an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the Marion very high frequency (VHF) omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. The name of the localizer is also updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area.

This action proposes to amend the Class E airspace at Galesburg Municipal Airport, Galesburg, IL. The FAA is proposing this action as the result of airspace reviews caused by the decommissioning of the Galesburg very high frequency (VHF) omnidirectional range (VOR) as part of the VOR Minimal Operational Network (MON) Program.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a Model AW169 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of in-flight pilot collective stick oscillation. This proposed AD would require a one-time measurement of the friction of the pilot collective stick assembly to verify that it is within the allowable range and, depending on findings, making an adjustment to restore the acceptable level of friction, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now 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 withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVII-G500 airplanes. The NPRM was prompted by a report of a fuel quantity disparity between the overhead panel touch screens and the touch screen controllers. The NPRM proposed to require incorporating operating limitations into the airplane flight manual (AFM) until the fuel quantity management system (FQMS) software is updated. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has determined that there is not an unsafe condition because all affected airplanes have updated software. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

This action establishes Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface of the earth at Wilder Runway LLC Airport, Port Alsworth, AK. This action will accommodate new area navigation (RNAV) procedures and ensure the safety and management of instrument flight rule (IFR) operations within the National Airspace System. This action will also correct an error in the airport name to match the FAA's database.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was prompted by two events of uncommanded emergency flotation system (EFS) deployment during flight. This AD requires replacing certain part- numbered EFS control panels and prohibits installing them. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.