Department of Transportation February 28, 2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

FMCSA announces its decision to deny the exemption request from Mountain Blade Runner Helicopters, LLC (MBR Helicopters) for an exemption from the hours-of-service (HOS) regulations for operators of its ground support equipment. MBR Helicopters requested relief from the 14-hour ``driving window'' rule and the requirement that drivers have 10 consecutive hours off duty at the end of the work shift. The exemption would allow drivers of MBR Helicopters' ground support equipment a 16-hour window to complete all driving and enable them to use an 8-consecutive hour off-duty break, combined with at least 2 additional off-duty hours during the 16-hour driving window. FMCSA analyzed the exemption application and public comments, and determined that the application lacked evidence that the exemption would ensure a level of safety equivalent to or greater than that which would be achieved absent such exemption.

This action proposes to revoke Colored Federal airway Blue 5 (B-5) in the vicinity of Point Hope, AK due to the pending decommissioning of the Point Hope, AK, (PHO) Non-directional Beacon (NDB).

This action proposes to revoke Colored Federal airway Amber 4 (A-4) in the vicinity of Anakatuvuk Pass, AK due to the pending decommissioning of the Anaktuvuk Pass, AK, (AKP) Non-directional Beacon (NDB).

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-06- 06, which applied to certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters. AD 2021-06-06 required repetitive fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) of the pilot collective stick and grip assembly and revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-06-06, the pilot collective stick and grip assembly has been redesigned. This AD retains certain requirements of AD 2021-06-06, requires modifying your helicopter to include the improved pilot collective stick tube and adds a terminating action for the repetitive FPIs. This AD also prohibits installing any pilot collective stick and grip assembly unless certain requirements of this AD are met. 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 AVOX System Inc. (formerly Scott Aviation) oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, and oxygen valve assemblies, installed on but not limited to various transport airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cylinder and valve assemblies having oxygen leakage from the valve assembly vent hole, caused by the absence of a guide that maintains appropriate spacing between certain parts. This AD requires an inspection of the oxygen valve assemblies, and oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, to determine the serial number of the valve, cylinder, and entire assembly. For assemblies and parts with certain serial numbers, this AD requires a detailed inspection for correct spacing of the gap between the bottom of the packing retainer and top of the valve body on the assemblies, and replacement of assemblies having unacceptable gaps. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.