Department of Transportation 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that damage (scorch marks) was found on an internal life raft installation that contained a half rescue kit. This AD requires identifying the part number and serial number of each half rescue kit located in the internal life raft installation and, depending on the findings, inspecting the life raft for damage, inspecting the condition of the flashlight battery, testing the flashlight battery, and replacing the life raft or flashlight battery (including the leak test) as applicable, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now 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 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal Model CABRI G2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that, during scheduled maintenance on two helicopters, cracks were found on a certain main rotor (MR) non-rotating scissor link. This proposed AD would require replacing an affected MR non-rotating scissor link with a serviceable part. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This notice announces final environmental actions taken by FRA and FTA regarding the Hudson Tunnel Project (Project). The purpose of this notice is to announce publicly the environmental decisions on the subject project and to activate the limitation on any claims that may challenge these final environmental actions.

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 installation of the wing leading edge tank fuel pickup assembly in a pre-stressed condition, which could cause cracks in the wing spar web or the fuel pickup assembly pipe. This proposed AD would require inspecting the angle of the support bracket on the wing leading edge tank fuel pickup assembly and taking any necessary corrective actions. 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 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC- 12/47E airplanes with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA00634DE installed. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of strake attachment brackets and the fuselage frame failing at the upper most bracket attachment location. This proposed AD would require inspecting the strake, attachment brackets, surrounding structure, and bolts and replacing components and repairing damage if necessary. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for Chester Catawba Regional Airport, Chester, SC; Lancaster County-McWhirter Field Airport, Lancaster, SC; JAARS-Townsend Airport, Waxhaw, NC; and Lincolnton- Lincoln County Regional Airport, Lincolnton, NC. The FAA is proposing this action as a result of the Charlotte Class B Biennial Review. This action would also update the airport's names of Chester Catawba Regional Airport, (previously Chester Municipal Airport); JAARS- Townsend Airport, (previously Waxhaw, JAARS-Townsend Airport); and Lincolnton-Lincoln County Regional Airport, (previously Lincolnton, Lincoln County Airport). In addition, this action would also update the geographic coordinates of Lancaster County-McWhirter Field Airport and Lincolnton-Lincoln County Regional Airport to coincide with the FAA's database. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that the Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below, regarding the reinstatement of a previously approved collection of information on Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The ICR describes the labeling requirement for retroreflective sheeting material and its expected burden. A Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following information collection was published on July 7, 2020. No comments were received regarding this information collection.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-2B67, GEnx-2B67/P, and GEnx- 2B67B model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in the lower fuel manifold causing fuel leakage. This AD requires an ultrasonic inspection (USI) or a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the lower fuel manifold. Depending on the results of the USI or FPI, this AD requires replacement of the lower fuel manifold with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (Department or DOT) is proposing to mandate refunds for delayed checked baggage and ancillary fees for services related to air travel that passengers did not receive. DOT is required by law to issue regulations mandating both refunds.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for three 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.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 67 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 is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that certain airplanes have navigation units with outdated magnetic variation (MagVar) tables. This AD requires revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) and applicable corresponding operational procedures to update the flight management system (FMS) limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-03-03, which applies to certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72 airplanes. AD 2021-03-03 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-03-03, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, 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 is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-18-52 for certain Agusta S.p.A. (now Leonardo S.p.a.) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. AD 2011-18-52 required revising the life limit for certain part-numbered tail rotor (T/R) blades, updating the helicopter's historical records, repetitively inspecting each T/R blade for a crack or damage, and depending on the results, replacing the T/R blade. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer developing improved T/R blades using different materials and establishing life limits for each improved blade. This AD retains certain requirements from AD 2011-18- 52, revises certain requirements from AD 2011-18-52, and expands the applicability to include the newly-designed T/R blades. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to amend the Class E airspace at Newton- City-County Airport, Newton, KS. The FAA is proposing this action as the result of an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the Newton non-directional beacon (NDB). The geographic coordinates of the airport would also be updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of abnormal play on the collective torque tube on two Model AW119 MKII helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of affected torque tube assemblies for any deficiency and corrective action if necessary; and the replacement of any affected part with a serviceable part, which is terminating action for the repetitive 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.

This notice announces a meeting of the ARAC.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on March 1, 2021. The collection involves the submission of FAA Form 8710-3 for the certification process of agricultural aircraft operators, and other reporting and recordkeeping activities required of agricultural aircraft operators. The information to be collected is necessary to evaluate the applicants' qualifications for certification. This collection also involves plans for operations over congested areas and recordkeeping requirements for agricultural aircraft operators. In addition, the FAA is changing the name of this collection to more accurately reflect its scope.

This action proposes to establish Class D airspace and amend Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for Jack Edwards National Airport, Gulf Shores, AL, as a new air traffic control tower will service the airport. This action would also update the airport's name and geographic coordinates under the existing Class E airspace. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area.

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.

This notice announces actions taken by TxDOT and Federal agencies that are final. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for these projects are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to an assignment agreement executed by FHWA and TxDOT. The actions relate to various proposed highway projects in the State of Texas. These actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the projects.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, A321, A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A330-800, A330-900, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, A340-600, and A380-800 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that repetitive disconnection and reconnection of certain parts manufacturer approval (PMA) nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries during airplane parking or storage could lead to a reduction in capacity of those batteries. This proposed AD would require replacing certain PMA Ni-Cd batteries with serviceable Ni-Cd batteries, or maintaining the electrical storage capacity of those PMA Ni-Cd batteries during airplane storage or parking. This proposed AD corresponds to a previously proposed AD on type design Ni-Cd batteries with the same unsafe condition on the same model airplanes. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action corrects the final rule published in the Federal Register on June 11, 2021, amending the Class D and Class E airspace at Sioux Gateway Airport/Brigadier General Bud Day Field, Sioux City, IA. The geographic coordinates for Sioux Gateway Airport/Brigadier General Bud Day Field were incorrectly published as ``(Lat. 42[deg]24'09'' N, long. 96[deg]23'05'' W)'' vice ``(Lat. 42[deg]24'05'' N, long. 96[deg]23'04'' W)'' in the Class D and Class E airspace legal descriptions.