Department of Transportation 2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This document provides the public with notice that, on September 9, 2022, Union Pacific Railroad (UP) submitted a request for amendment (RFA) to its FRA-approved Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP). As this RFA may involve a request for FRA's approval of proposed material modifications to an FRA-certified positive train control (PTC) system, FRA is publishing this notice and inviting public comment on the railroad's RFA to its PTCSP.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-19- 20, which applied to all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. AD 2021-19-20 required amending the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to incorporate a check and an operating limitation regarding the O2 saver function. This AD was prompted by reports of defects that may prevent efficient deactivation of the O2 saver function of crew oxygen masks and a determination that the AFM amendment required by AD 2021-19-20 may not be sufficient to mitigate the risk. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2021-19-20 and also requires physical deactivation of the O2 saver function, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also limits the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. 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 The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that during regular pre-flight checks multiple door assist handles failed by pulling loose from their lower attachment point in the doorway support bracket. This proposed AD would require, depending on airplane configuration, doing an inspection of the forward and aft door assist handles for correct installation, installing a new retainer above the lower keyway of the support bracket assembly at certain locations, installing a placard on certain support bracket assemblies, reidentifying the support bracket assembly, and replacing the upper spring clip. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

PHMSA is publishing this ANPRM to solicit feedback on potential adjustments to the statutorily mandated hazardous materials registration and fee assessment program. Actions such as the potential adjustment of fees or the addition of other entities among those required to register may be necessary to fund PHMSA's national emergency preparedness grant programs at the newly authorized level in accordance with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. To fully engage with stakeholders, this ANPRM solicits comments and input on questions related to the scope of the registration and fee assessment program. Any comments, data, and information received will be used to evaluate and draft proposed amendments.

Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC), pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company (GE) GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B model turbofan engines and certain GE90-76B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, and GE90-94B model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by the detection of melt-related freckles in the forgings and billets, which may reduce the life of certain rotating compressor discharge pressure (CDP) high-pressure turbine (HPT) seals (rotating CDP seals), interstage HPT rotor seals, and HPT rotor stage 2 disks. This AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the applicable GE90-100 Engine Manual (EM) and the operator's existing approved maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate reduced life limits for these parts. This AD also requires the removal and replacement of certain interstage HPT rotor seals, identified by serial number (S/N), installed on GE90-76B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, and GE90-94B model turbofan engines. 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. This notice invites comments on a proposed information collection titled Human Factors Considerations in Commercial Motor Vehicle Automated Driving Systems. It is a driving simulator study with a series of questionnaires that will evaluate how commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers engage in Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Level 2 (L2) and Level 3 (L3) automated driving system (ADS)-equipped CMVs. Approximately 100 CMV drivers will participate in the study. The study will examine the effect of non-driving secondary task engagement, transfer of control, and training on driver behavior in ADS-equipped CMVs.

These special conditions are issued for the Bombardier Model CL-600-2B16 (604 variant) airplane. This airplane, as modified by L2 Consulting Services, Inc., will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for airplanes. This design feature is associated with the installation of an electronic network system architecture that will allow increased connectivity to and access from external network sources, (e.g., operator networks, wireless devices, internet connectivity, service provider satellite communications, electronic flight bags, etc.) to the airplane's previously isolated electronic assets (networks, systems, and databases). 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 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports indicating that protective caps were found on engine fire extinguishing pipes in the engine core zone (Zone 2) after airplane delivery. This proposed AD would require a one- time inspection of the engine fire extinguishing pipes for the presence of protective caps and removal of any protective caps found, 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.

This action extends, for an additional two years, the prohibition against certain flight operations in the Tehran Flight Information Region (FIR) (OIIX) by all: U.S. air carriers; U.S. commercial operators; persons exercising the privileges of an airman certificate issued by the FAA, except when such persons are operating U.S.-registered aircraft for a foreign air carrier; and operators of U.S.-registered civil aircraft, except when the operator of such aircraft is a foreign air carrier. The FAA finds this action to be necessary to address continuing hazards to persons and aircraft engaged in such flight operations. The FAA also republishes, with minor administrative revisions, the approval process and exemption information for this Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR), consistent with other recently published flight prohibition SFARs.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-8 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of three opened door 5 right ceiling stowage boxes that fell freely and injured a flight attendant in each event. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require replacing certain snubbers of the door 5 ceiling stowage boxes and, for certain other airplanes, replacing certain snubbers and changing the location of the snubber attachments. This proposed AD would also require an operation check of the stowage boxes or snubber, as applicable, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-2B67/P model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by the detection of an iron inclusion in a forging, which may reduce the fatigue life of certain low-pressure turbine rotor (LPTR) stage 4 disks and LPTR stage 6 disks. This AD requires the removal of certain LPTR stage 4 disks and LPTR stage 6 disks from service and replacement with parts eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

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 renew an information collection. The collection involves soliciting feedback from airmen on service quality of Aeromedical Certification Services. The information to be collected will be used to inform improvements in Aeromedical Certification Services.

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, and A340-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that certain landing gear parts have been manufactured with improper material or using a deviating manufacturing process. This proposed AD would require replacing each affected part with a serviceable part, and for certain airplanes, re- assessing any previously repaired main landing gear (MLG) sliding piston, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. This proposed AD would also limit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Brookings Airport, OR. This action will support the airport's transition from visual flight rules (VFR) to instrument flight rules (IFR) at the airport.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Delphi, IN. The FAA is proposing this action to support new public instrument procedures.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model SA341G and SA342J helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of manufacturing defects on multiple tail rotor blades (TRBs). This AD requires visually inspecting certain part- numbered TRBs for the presence of a linear indication; and depending on the inspection results, fluorescent penetrant inspecting the TRB and further corrective actions if necessary. This AD also prohibits installing an affected TRB unless certain requirements have been met, 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 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.

FMCSA solicits public comment on ways to improve the clarity of current regulations on the use of electronic logging devices (ELD) and address certain concerns about the technical specifications raised by industry stakeholders. The Agency seeks comment in five specific areas in which the Agency is considering changes: applicability to pre- 2000 engines; addressing ELD malfunctions; the process for removing ELD products from FMCSA's list of certified devices; technical specifications; and ELD certification.

In accordance with the procedures governing the application for, and the processing of, special permits from the Department of Transportation's Hazardous Material Regulations, notice is hereby given that the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety has received the application described herein.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 707 and Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report indicating cracking in fastener holes at the center wing box and at certain positions of the rear spar and lower skin on a Model 737-300 airplane. A cross model review determined that similar cracking of the fastener holes in the center wing box lower skin could occur on Model 707 and Model 727 airplanes. For Model 707 airplanes this proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections of the center wing box lower skin for cracking and repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) and ultrasonic (UT) inspections of the rear spar lower chord at a certain position for cracking, repetitive sealant application, and repair if necessary. For Model 727 airplanes this proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections of the center wing box, lower skin, and rear spar lower chord at a certain location for cracking, repetitive sealant application, and repair if necessary. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-10-04, which applies to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD- 81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 airplanes. AD 2007-10-04 requires repetitive inspections to detect cracks in the horizontal stabilizer, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2007-10-04, it has been determined that certain compliance times and repetitive intervals must be reduced to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD continues to require the actions specified in AD 2007-10-04 with revised compliance times for certain actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This notice is directed to airport sponsors, consultants, and other stakeholders regarding a proposed update of the FAA policy and practice regarding processing land use changes on federally acquired or federally conveyed airport land. The updated policy confirms and clarifies the appropriate methods to document FAA's review and approval or consent for such changes, in light of amendments made by Section 163 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. This policy clarifies: When reviewing proposed land use changes on federally acquired or federally conveyed airport land, the FAA will review the proposal in its entirety without individually examining components of the proposal as aeronautical or non-aeronautical; a letter of approval or consent is required for a non-aeronautical use or mixed use and the approval or consent will remain in effect for the duration of the lease term; the determination of whether the non-aeronautical use is significant will be based on the primary use of the project; FAA will only release Federal obligations when the airport sponsor proposes the sale or conveyance of federally acquired or federally conveyed airport land that meets FAA release requirements; and, FAA letters of approval or consent and releases will be documented on an airport's Exhibit A in accordance with the ARP SOP 3.00FAA Review of Exhibit `A' Airport Property Inventory Maps. This policy should be used in conjunction with FAA Order 5190.6, Airport Compliance Manual, Chapter 22, Releases from Federal Obligations; and FAA Order 5100.38, Airport Improvement Handbook; and any related policy implemented in conjunction and complementary with Airports Planning and Programming (APP) guidance. Additionally, compliance specialists will consult with FAA Environmental Protection Specialists to determine what, if any, environmental obligations under relevant statutes or regulations may apply to specific land use changes at specific airports.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports indicating that certain flight control electrical harnesses were routed incorrectly, providing inadequate separation from other electrical harness installations. This proposed AD would require an inspection of certain flight control electrical harnesses for incorrect routing, and modifying any incorrect electrical harness installations, as specified in an Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.