Department of Transportation 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) invites public comments on our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew a previously approved information collection. The information to be collected is necessary for MARAD to identify the effect of potential foreign-built small passenger vessel coastwise operations on U.S. vessel builders and coastwise trade businesses. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD) BR700-715A1-30, BR700-715B1-30, and BR700-715C1-30 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by reports of HPT stage 1 blades failing in service due to sulphidation and subsequent crack initiation. This AD requires removal and replacement of the HPT stage 1 blade and HPT stage 1 blade damper. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt three 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 operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports indicating that during investigation of a fuel leak, fatigue cracking was found on the forward inboard side of the fuel tank access door cutouts on the left and right lower wing skin. The cause of the cracking is attributed to corrosion damage. This AD requires repetitive inspections for any existing repair of the wing lower skin fuel tank and dry bay access door cutouts on the left and right lower wing skin, 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 The Boeing Company Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of burned Boeing Material Specification (BMS) 8-39 urethane foam found in certain locations on the airplane; investigation revealed that the fire-retardant properties degrade with age. This AD requires inspecting the insulation blankets in certain areas of the forward cargo compartment for exposed BMS 8-39 urethane foam, not encapsulated by a protective fire resistant barrier, and for seal integrity, and replacing the BMS 8-39 urethane foam and seal if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-25-01 which applied to certain Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Models AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. AD 2003-25-01 required modifying and re-identifying the hoist operator control unit and replacing certain fuses. This AD was prompted by the identification of multiple errors in the applicable service information for the AS350-series and AS355-series helicopters and of other needed changes. This AD retains certain requirements of AD 2003-25-01, revises the applicability, and requires using corrected service information. This AD also requires reporting certain information and prohibits the installation of an affected hoist until the required actions are accomplished. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action corrects a final rule published by the FAA in the Federal Register on June 4, 2021 that amends VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V-25, V-27, V-494, V-108, V-301, and United States Area Navigation route (RNAV) T-257 in the vicinity of Santa Rosa, CA. This action makes an editorial correction to include the Mendocino VOR, which was inadvertently deleted from the legal description for V-494. Amendments are due to the planned decommissioning of the Santa Rosa, CA VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) navigation aid (NAVAID) which provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected airways. The Santa Rosa VOR/DME is being decommissioned as part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X, FALCON 900EX, and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing issue involving misalignment of a cabin seat pin and plate that can prevent the recline locking mechanism from properly engaging when the seat is in taxi, take-off, or landing position. This proposed AD would require an inspection of certain cabin seats for discrepancies and corrective action, 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.

FMCSA requests public comment on an application for exemption from EROAD Inc. (EROAD) to allow its Dashcam system, which is equipped with cameras, to be mounted lower in the windshield on commercial motor vehicles than is currently permitted.

FMCSA announces that it has received an application from a group of affiliated driveaway motor carriers for an exemption from the requirement that drivers transporting certain empty passenger vehicles hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). The exemption would cover drivers delivering commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with seating capacities of 16 or more, including the driver, but with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 pounds. The application was submitted by Dealers' Choice Truckaway System, Inc. dba Truckmovers; Irontiger Logistics, Inc.; TM Canada, Inc.; and Victory Driveaway, Inc. (the applicants). The applicants transport minibuses from points of manufacture or distribution to school districts around the country. They argue that the current shortage of CDL drivers threatens to leave bus manufacturers without sufficient means to move their minibuses to customers.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requests public comment on an application from the American Trucking Associations (ATA) for an exemption from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that would allow an individual who completes a training program consistent with a set of Recommended Practices (RPs) developed by ATA's Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) to be considered a qualified inspector for purposes of the periodic inspection rule, or a qualified brake inspector, for purposes of the brake system inspection, repair and maintenance requirements.

These special conditions are issued for the Boeing Model 777- 200/-200LR/-300/-300ER Series Airplanes. These airplanes, as modified by Archeion Holdings, LLC (Archeion), will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. This design feature is a digital systems architecture for the installation of a system with wireless network and hosted application functionality that allows access from external sources to the airplane's internal electronic components. 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.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A- 3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of sudden severe vibrations and a cracked open blade trailing edge caused by a loosened lead inner weight. This AD requires inspections to determine if any bolted main rotor blades are installed, and replacement of the affected main rotor blades. The FAA is issuing 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 is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model BO-105A, BO- 105C, BO-105S, and BO-105LS A-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by an uncommanded activation of the hoist cable cutter function on an MBB- BK117 C-1 helicopter, which prompted a design review of the BO105 hoist control grip with coiled cable. This AD requires inspections of the hoist control grip with coiled cable and deactivation of the hoist cutter function, 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 is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-17- 01, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. AD 2017-17-01 required repetitive inspections of the main rotor blade (MRB) attachment pins. This AD continues to require the repetitive inspections of the MRB attachment pins, and also requires repetitive measurement of the attachment pin chamfer at certain intervals after corrosion removal, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by the FAA's determination that it is necessary to measure the attachment pin chamfer after corrosion removal, that replacement of an attachment pin after four corrosion removals is no longer necessary, and that all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters are affected by the unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen), has determined that certain model year (MY) 2020-2021 Volkswagen motor vehicles do not fully comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 138, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems. Volkswagen filed a noncompliance report dated October 23, 2020, and later amended it on November 11, 2020. Volkswagen also petitioned NHTSA on November 16, 2020, for a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety. This notice announces receipt of Volkswagen's petition.

The FAA proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2020-24-03 which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, and AS355F2 helicopters. AD 2020-24-03 requires testing the UP/DOWN switches of a certain part-numbered DUNLOP cyclic stick grip, installing a placard, and revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter, or removing the DUNLOP cyclic stick grip. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-24-03, Airbus Helicopters developed a modification procedure for the electrical wiring of the hoist control of the DUNLOP cyclic stick grip. This proposed AD would retain some requirements of AD 2020-24-03 and would also require incorporating the new modification, and removing the placard and the RFM amendment installed previously as required by AD 2020-24-03. The proposed additional actions would be required 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 True Flight Holdings LLC Models AA-1, AA-1A, AA-1B, AA-1C, and AA-5 airplanes. This AD was prompted by the report of an accident of an airplane exhibiting bondline corrosion and delamination of the horizontal stabilizers. This AD requires inspecting the horizontal stabilizers, including the bondlines, for cracks, buckles, corrosion, delamination, rust, and previous repair and repairing or replacing parts and applying corrosion inhibitor as necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FHWA is issuing this Notice of Intent (NOI) to solicit comments and advise the public, agencies, and stakeholders that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for the proposed replacement or rehabilitation of the Shore Road Bridge over the Hutchinson River in Bronx County, New York (the Project). This NOI contains a summary of the information required in the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations. This NOI should be reviewed together with the NOI Report, which contains important details about the proposed project and supplements the information in this NOI. Persons and agencies who may be interested in or affected by the proposed project are encouraged to comment on the information in this NOI and the NOI Report.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of detected smoke and burning smell during flight, caused by chafing of electrical wiring. This AD requires an inspection of the instrument panel electrical wiring, corrective actions if necessary, a modification of the wiring installation, and, for certain helicopters, an additional modification of the wiring installation, 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.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCSA announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request (ICR) described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its review and approval and invites public comment. The purpose of this ICR titled, ``Application for Certificate of Registration for Foreign Motor Carriers and Foreign Motor Private Carriers,'' requires foreign (Mexico-based) for-hire and private motor carriers to file an application Form OP-2 if they wish to register to transport property only within municipalities in the United States on the U.S.-Mexico international borders or within the commercial zones of such municipalities.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-08- 11, which applied to all Yabor[atilde] Ind[uacute]stria Aeron[aacute]utica Model ERJ 190- 300 and ERJ 190-400 airplanes. AD 2020-08-11 required revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) procedures associated with messages of smoke in the electronic bays presented on the respective engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS). This AD continues to require revising the existing AFM procedures, and adds requirements for a terminating modification of the electrical wiring of the mid- electronic bay and backup smoke detectors; as specified in an Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by a failure propagation test, which revealed that under certain conditions, the smoke detection system of the electrical bays erroneously indicated the presence of smoke via the respective EICAS messages. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action establishes Class E domestic en route airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface at Missoula, MT. This airspace facilitates vectoring of instrument flight rules (IFR) aircraft and properly contains IFR aircraft operating on direct routes under the control of Salt Lake City Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and Seattle ARTCC.