Department of Transportation 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Surface Transportation Board (Board) \1\ has reviewed the submission filed February 25, 2021, by CSX Corporation (CSXC), CSX Transportation Inc. (CSXT),\2\ 747 Merger Sub 2, Inc. (747 Merger Sub 2), Pan Am Systems, Inc. (Systems), Pan Am Railways, Inc. (PAR), Boston and Maine Corporation (Boston & Maine), Maine Central Railroad Company (Maine Central), Northern Railroad (Northern), Portland Terminal Company (Portland Terminal), Springfield Terminal Railway Company (Springfield Terminal), Stony Brook Railroad Company (Stony Brook), and Vermont & Massachusetts Railroad Company (V&M) (collectively, Applicants). The submission is styled as an application for a ``minor'' transaction seeking Board approval for: (1) CSXC, CSXT, and 747 Merger Sub 2 to control the seven railroads controlled by Systems and PAR,\3\ and (2) CSXT to merge six of the seven railroads into CSXT. This proposal is referred to as the ``Proposed Transaction.''

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD 2019- 12-09 for certain Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Rockwell Collins) FDSA-6500 flight display system applications installed on airplanes. AD 2019-12- 09 imposed operating limitations on the traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS). AD 2019-12-09 was prompted by conflict between the TCAS display indications and aural alerts that may occur during a resolution advisory (RA) scenario. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2019-12- 09 until a software upgrade is completed. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 53 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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-06-06 for all International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2500-A1, V2522-A5, V2524- A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines. AD 2019-06-06 required initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) of the M-flange and, if it fails the inspection, replacement of the diffuser case with a part eligible for installation. This AD requires an initial BSI of the M- flange and, if it fails the inspection, repetitive BSIs of the M-flange until replacement of the diffuser case M-flange. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-26-52 which applied to certain Agusta S.p.A. (now Leonardo) Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 helicopters. AD 2007-26-52 required inspecting for swelling, deformation, bonding separation, and for a crack on each main rotor blade (MRB) with a certain part-numbered tip cap installed, and removing the MRB from service before further flight if any of these conditions exist and exceed the prescribed limits. This AD retains all inspections for certain serial-numbered MRBs, but for MRBs with a certain tip cap installed, this AD requires dye-penetrant inspections rather than visual inspections. This AD was prompted by additional reports of in-flight loss of part of a tip cap. 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.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for a new information collection. The collection involves study on relationships between aircraft noise events and the probability of awakening.

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) has determined that certain model year (MY) 2020 Nissan Sentra motor vehicles do not fully comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. Nissan filed a noncompliance report dated August 26, 2020. Nissan subsequently petitioned NHTSA on September 18, 2020, for a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety. This notice announces receipt of Nissan's petition.

The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) of Canada, under international agreement, jointly publish and presently administer the St. Lawrence Seaway Tariff of Tolls in their respective jurisdictions. The Tariff sets forth the level of tolls assessed on all commodities and vessels transiting the facilities operated by the GLS and the SLSMC. The GLS is revising its regulations to reflect the fees and charges levied by the SLSMC in Canada starting in the 2021 navigation season, which are effective only in Canada. An amendment to increase the minimum charge per lock for those vessels that are not pleasure craft or subject in Canada to tolls under items 1 and 2 of the Tariff for full or partial transit of the Seaway will apply in the U.S. (See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.) In addition, Congress renamed the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) as Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) as part of the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The joint regulations are being amended to reflect the name change. The Tariff of Tolls are in effect in Canada.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 68 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 requirements in one eye.

Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMNA) on behalf of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) (collectively referred to as ``Toyota'') has determined that certain replacement seat belt assemblies manufactured by Tokai Rika Mexico and Joyson Safety Systems and sold to Toyota dealerships as replacement equipment do not fully comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, Seat Belt Assemblies. Toyota filed two noncompliance reports, both dated May 4, 2020. Toyota subsequently submitted two petitions to NHTSA both dated May 28, 2020, for a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety. This notice announces receipt of Toyota's petition.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters. This proposed 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 proposed AD would require 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 proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to amend the Class E airspace at Neosho Hugh Robinson Airport, Neosho, MO. The FAA is proposing this action as the result of an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the Neosho VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program.

The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that applied to certain CFM International, S.A. (CFM) CFM56-5B, CFM56- 5C, and CFM56-7B model turbofan engines with a certain rotating air high-pressure turbine (HPT) front seal. This action revises the NPRM by requiring CFM56-5B or CFM56-7B model turbofan engines with an installed reconfigured rotating air HPT front seal, which was previously installed and operated in a CFM56-5C model turbofan engine, to follow the removal requirements for the CFM56-5C model turbofan engine. 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 those in the NPRM the agency is requesting comments on this SNPRM.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain CFM International, S.A. (CFM) LEAP-1A23, LEAP-1A24, LEAP- 1A24E1, LEAP-1A26, LEAP-1A26CJ, LEAP-1A26E1, LEAP-1A29, LEAP-1A29CJ, LEAP-1A30, LEAP-1A32, LEAP-1A33, LEAP-1A33B2, and LEAP-1A35A model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing quality escape found during an inspection of a high- pressure turbine (HPT) case. This proposed AD would require the removal from service of the affected HPT case. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) of Canada, under international agreement, jointly publish and presently administer the St. Lawrence Seaway Regulations and Rules (Practices and Procedures in Canada) in their respective jurisdictions. Under agreement with the SLSMC, the GLS is amending the joint regulations by updating the Regulations and Rules in various categories. The changes update the following sections of the Regulations and Rules: Interpretations; Condition of Vessels; Seaway Navigation; Dangerous Cargo; and Schedule II. These changes are to clarify existing requirements in the regulations. In addition, Congress renamed the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) as the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) as part of the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The joint regulations are being amended to reflect the name change.

This notice announces actions taken by the FHWA that are final. The action relates to refinements to the design of Portage Bay Bridge, Roanoke Lid, and other components in the Portage Bay to I-5 area for SR 520, I-5 to Medina construction in the City of Seattle, King County, State of Washington that are contained in the NEPA Reevaluation signed February 22, 2021 and Revised Section 4(f) Evaluation signed February 18, 2021.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires 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 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 Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate previously held by Eurocopter France) Model AS350B3 and EC130T2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of failure of an engine digital electronic control unit (DECU). This proposed AD would require revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. This proposed AD would also allow the option of modifying the electronic engine control unit (EECU) as terminating action for the RFM revision. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-365N, and SA-365N1 helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require either replacing the main gearbox (MGB) or as an alternative, replacing the epicyclic reduction gear module for certain serial numbered planet gear assemblies installed on the MGB. The NPRM also proposed to require inspecting the MGB magnetic plugs and oil filter for particles and, depending on the outcome of the inspection, further inspections and replacing certain parts. The NPRM was prompted by the failure of an MGB second stage planet gear. This action revises the NPRM by expanding the applicability to include all Airbus Helicopters Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-365N, and SA-365N1 helicopters. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, the FAA is reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics invites the general public, industry and other governmental parties to comment on the continuing need for and usefulness of BTS collecting financial, traffic and operating statistics from small certificated and commuter air carriers. Small certificated air carriers (operate aircraft with 60 seats or less or with 18,000 pounds of payload capacity or less) currently must file the two quarterly schedules listed below: F-1 Report of Financial Data, F-2 Report of Aircraft Operating Expenses and Related Statistics, and Commuter air carriers must file the Schedule F-1 Report of Financial Data, Commenters should address whether BTS accurately estimated the reporting burden and if there are other ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected.

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 information collected will be used to help ensure that motor carriers of passengers and property maintain appropriate levels of financial responsibility to operate on public highways.

The FAA is issuing this notice under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, to announce the availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Access Improvement Project and its connected actions (the Proposed Action). The Proposed Action would provide direct access between LGA and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Mets- Willets Point Station and the New York City Transit (NYCT) 7 Line Mets- Willets Point Station. FAA is the lead federal agency in the preparation of the EIS, with cooperating agencies including National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior); U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; New York State Department of Transportation; and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Final EIS was prepared to disclose the potential environmental impacts resulting from the Proposed Action, including real property transactions under the New York State Eminent Domain Procedures Law. The Final EIS is available for download on the project website at https://www.lgaaccesseis.com.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal from the City of Independence, KS, to release a 10.675 acre parcel of land from the federal obligation dedicating it to aeronautical use and to authorize this parcel to be used for revenue- producing, non-aeronautical purposes.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from nine individuals for an exemption from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions will enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce without meeting the vision requirement in one eye.