Department of Transportation September 2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

FMCSA announces that it has received an application from the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) for an exemption to waive various hours-of-service (HOS) requirements to enable the propane industry to prepare and respond to peak periods of consumer demand among residential, agricultural, and commercial consumers in anticipation of, during, and to recover from emergency conditions. NPGA requests that the exemption apply on a per-driver, per-route basis, and that each company that elects to utilize it must maintain appropriate documentation to demonstrate the presence of peak consumer demand conditions within the scope of the exemption. FMCSA requests public comment on the applicant's request for exemption.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), this notice announces that the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. NHTSA is requesting comments on an extension of the currently approved collection of information titled ``Consolidated Child Restraint System Registration for Defect Notifications and Labeling.'' A Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following information collection was published on July 26, 2022 (87 FR 44494). One comment from the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) was received supporting this information collection.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-12-01, which applies to certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD) Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, and Trent XWB-84 model turbofan engines. AD 2020-12-01 requires initial and repetitive inspections of the low-pressure compressor (LPC) outlet guide vane (OGV) outer mount ring assembly and, depending on the results of the inspections, possible replacement of the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-12-01, it was determined that these inspections are also necessary for RRD Trent XWB-97 model turbofan engines. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive inspections of the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly, 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, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A330- 800, A330-900, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that an A319 airplane lost the right-hand front windshield in flight. Due to the design similarity, this condition can also exist or develop on Model A330 and A340 airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections (DET) and electrical test measurements (ETM) of the affected parts and applicable corrective action, and would prohibit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions, 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is announcing a notice to form a task group to make input to any future edits to the Cargo Fire Safety website at the upcoming meetings of the International Aircraft Systems Fire Protection (IASFP) Forum (83 FR39149). Topics are related to cargo fire safety and include website architecture, hazards, operational risks, and mitigations. This notification provides details of where to find the date and location for the upcoming meeting.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes; Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702) airplanes; Model CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550) airplanes; Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes; Model CL-600- 2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes; and Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of displayed headings changing from MAG to TRU with no pilot action, which may result in misleading heading information on both primary function displays (PFDs) and multi-function displays (MFDs), and misleading course information on flight management systems (FMSs). This AD requires amending the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to provide the flightcrew with updated procedures for accurate heading and course information. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is issuing this notice under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, to advise the public that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared to assess the potential impacts of the proposed Airfield, Safety, and Terminal Improvement Project and its connected actions (the Proposed Action) at the West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW or Airport). The Central West Virginia Regional Airport Authority (CWVRAA) is proposing to develop the project in phases to address various safety and operational deficiencies at the Airport. The immediate need is to improve the runway safety areas, meet existing runway length requirements for the Airport's runway, and replace aging and inefficient infrastructure in the terminal area. Phase 1 of CWVRAA's proposed development is intended to address these immediate needs. The long-term need is dependent on and in support of a potential change in the aircraft serving CRW and/or forecast destinations that are anticipated to occur by 2040. Phase 2 of CWVRAA's proposed development is intended to address these long-term needs. To ensure that all significant issues related to the Proposed Action are identified, two (2) in-person public scoping meetings, one (1) virtual public scoping meeting, and one (1) governmental agency scoping meeting will be held.

The Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces the opportunity to apply for approximately $1 billion in FY 2023 discretionary funds for the Airport Terminal Program (ATP), made available under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA), Public Law 117-58, herein referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The purpose of the ATP is to make annual grants available to eligible airports for airport terminal development projects that address the aging infrastructure of the nation's airports. In addition, ATP grants will align with DOT's Strategic Framework FY2022-2026 at www.transportation.gov/administrations/office-policy/fy2022-2 026- strategic-framework. The FY 2023 ATP will be implemented consistent with law and in alignment with the priorities in Executive Order 14052, Implementation of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (86 FR 64355), which are to invest efficiently and equitably, promote the competitiveness of the U.S. economy, improve job opportunities by focusing on high labor standards, strengthen infrastructure resilience to all hazards including climate change, and to effectively coordinate with State, local, Tribal, and territorial government partners.

This document describes policy changes, clarification, or restatement to the FAA's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program to enhance engagement with civil aviation authorities (CAAs) through pre- and post-IASA assessment and to promote greater transparency. The FAA is making these changes to IASA policy to better meet the FAA's mission and safety expectations of the U.S. traveling public; better mitigate international civil aviation safety risks; strengthen international relationships with CAAs toward sustained success in maintaining or obtaining proper safety oversight; and improve effectiveness, integration, and efficiency in executing the IASA process. This docuent modifies the IASA policies previously announced by the FAA.

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 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 to allow renewal of the currently approved information collection via the FAA's deployed Web-based Frequency Coordination system (WebFCR), which collects certain broadcast and transmitter frequency information under OMB control number 2120-0786. The information collected is needed to perform the aeronautical studies, technical evaluations required and to meet the specified requirements for the radio frequency engineering pursuant to the FAA Order. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order 6050.32.B, Chapter 3, Section 302 outlines the US National Organizations, and the role of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is assigning the Aviation Assignment Group (AAG) of the radio spectrum to FAA which support aeronautical services. Hence, FAA must ``authorize'' aeronautical frequencies of broadcast applications which impact the AAG bands.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-07-10, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2022-07-10 requires revising the operator's existing FAA- approved minimum equipment list (MEL) to include dispatch restrictions. AD 2022-07-10 also allows operators to inspect affected parts for discrepancies, and do applicable replacements, in order to terminate the revision of the operator's existing MEL. AD 2022-07-10 also prohibits the installation of affected parts. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-07-10, a determination was made that the optional inspection and applicable replacements should be required. This proposed AD continues to require the actions in AD 2022-07-10, and would mandate the inspection of affected parts and applicable replacements, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which was incorporated by reference. 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 certain GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) M601D-11, M601E-11, M601E- 11A, M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, M601F, H75-100, H75-200, H80, H80-100, H80- 200, H85-100, and H85-200 model turboprop engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks in dilution tube weld areas of the combustion chamber outer liner. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) of the dilution tube weld areas of the combustion chamber outer liner and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the combustion chamber outer liner with a part eligible for installation. 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 A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4- 600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that a Model A319 airplane lost the right-hand front windshield in flight. Due to the design similarity, this condition can also exist or develop on Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections and electrical test measurements (ETMs) of the affected parts, and applicable corrective actions, and would prohibit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions; 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.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve the extension of a currently approved information collection. FTA began the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) in June 2022 under OMB emergency approval and is seeking renewal of this approval through OMB's standard PRA clearance process: All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP).

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a crack found in a front spar lower chord undergoing an underwing longeron replacement. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the left and right side ring chords, repair angles, front spar lower chords, and front spar webs (depending on configuration) common to the underwing longeron located at station (STA) 1035; modification of the front spar lower chord for some airplanes; repetitive post-modification inspections; 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 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that certain web lap splices in the center dome apex of the aft pressure bulkhead are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires a general visual inspection for existing repairs at the aft pressure bulkhead; repetitive detailed, high frequency eddy current (HFEC), and low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspections; and repair if necessary. 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.

This notice requests comments and information from representatives from across the supply chain, as well as the general public, pertaining to the feasibility of, and strategies for, identifying Federal and non-Federal sites for storage and transfer of cargo containers, to assist the Department of Transportation in preparing the report required by Section 24 of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA), which was signed into law on June 16, 2022.

General Motors, LLC (GM), has determined that certain model year (MY) 2018-2020 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe motor vehicles do not fully comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. GM filed an original noncompliance report dated March 31, 2022. GM subsequently petitioned NHTSA on April 22, 2022, for a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety. This document announces receipt of GM's petition.

FMCSA requests public comment on whether the agency should amend the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to require every commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operating in interstate commerce to be equipped with electronic identification (ID) technology capable of wirelessly communicating a unique ID number when queried by a Federal or State motor carrier safety enforcement personnel. In response to a petition for rulemaking from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), FMCSA is considering such amendments to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the roadside inspection program by more fully enabling enforcement agencies to focus their efforts at high-risk carriers and drivers.

The Board has approved the fourth quarter 2022 Rail Cost Adjustment Factor (RCAF) and cost index filed by the Association of American Railroads. The fourth quarter 2022 RCAF (Unadjusted) is 1.295. The fourth quarter 2022 RCAF (Adjusted) is 0.527. The fourth quarter 2022 RCAF-5 is 0.503.

This notice announces a meeting of the Research, Engineering, and Development Advisory Committee (REDAC).

The purpose of this notice is to solicit applications for Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grants. Funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 SMART Grants Program are to be awarded on a competitive basis to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart city or community technologies and systems to improve transportation efficiency and safety.

The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to issue coastwise endorsement eligibility determinations for foreign-built vessels which will carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. A request for such a determination has been received by MARAD. By this notice, MARAD seeks comments from interested parties as to any effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below.

The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to issue coastwise endorsement eligibility determinations for foreign-built vessels which will carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. A request for such a determination has been received by MARAD. By this notice, MARAD seeks comments from interested parties as to any effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below.