Department of Transportation 2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

FMCSA amends its Hazardous Materials Safety Permits regulations to incorporate by reference the April 1, 2022, edition of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA) handbook (the handbook) containing inspection procedures and Out-of-Service Criteria (OOSC) for the inspection of commercial motor vehicles used in the transportation of transuranic waste and highway route-controlled quantities of radioactive material. The OOSC provide enforcement personnel nationwide, including FMCSA's State partners, with uniform enforcement tolerances for these inspections. Through this rule, FMCSA incorporates by reference the April 1, 2022, edition of the handbook.

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

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-14- 20, which applied to all The Boeing Company Model 737 airplanes. AD 2021-14-20 required repetitive functional tests of the cabin altitude pressure switches, and on-condition actions, including replacement, if necessary. AD 2021-14-20 also required reporting test results. This AD was prompted by data collected from the reports required by AD 2021-14- 20, which revealed that the switches were subject to false test failures due to lack of clear instructions for setup of the test adapters during the functional tests. This AD retains the repetitive functional tests and on-condition actions, and specifies certain adapter requirements for the functional tests. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMCSA announces its decision to deny the exemption application from Western Area Career and Technology Center (WACTC). WACTC requested an exemption from the theory and behind-the-wheel (BTW) instructor requirements contained in the entry-level driver training (ELDT) regulations for one prospective instructor. FMCSA analyzed the exemption application and public comments and determined that the application lacked evidence that would ensure a level of safety equivalent to or greater than would be achieved absent such exemption.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed that certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools were manufactured from powder metal material suspected to contain iron inclusion. This AD requires replacement of the affected HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FHWA, on behalf of the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), is issuing this Notice of Intent (NOI) to solicit comment and advise the public, agencies, and stakeholders that an EIS will be prepared for transportation improvements in the Kimball Junction area which includes the I-80 and SR-224 interchange and SR-224 through the two at-grade intersections to the south of I-80 (Ute Boulevard and Olympic Parkway) in Summit County, Utah. 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 Supplemental Information document. All comments received in response to this NOI will be considered, and any information presented herein, including the draft purpose and need, preliminary alternatives, and identified impacts, may be revised in consideration of the comments.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings for the noise compatibility program submitted by LGA, see supplementary information for details. On July 6, 2022 the FAA determined that the revised noise exposure maps submitted by LGA were in compliance with applicable requirements and that the noise compatibility program would be initiating final review for approval or disapproval. On December 15, 2022, the FAA approved the LGA noise compatibility program. The noise compatibility program contained 23 recommended measures, including eight noise abatement measures, three land use measures, and 12 program management measures. Of the measures proposed, 14 were approved, five were approved as voluntary, three were disapproved, and one was determined to have no FAA action. Five of the eight noise abatement procedures proposed at LGA are related to new or revised flight procedures.

This document provides the public with notice that, on December 12, 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 announces the availability of, and requests comments on, the proposed airworthiness criteria for the Archer Aviation Inc. (Archer) Model M001 powered-lift. This document proposes airworthiness criteria the FAA finds to be appropriate and applicable for the powered-lift design.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A11 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the nose radome lightning diverter strips on certain aircraft were painted in production; paint on the diverter strips can compromise the nose radome lightning protection. This proposed AD would require inspecting for paint on the diverter strips on the nose radome, and replacing the nose radome if necessary, as specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This notice details the application requirements and procedures for the selection of eligible corridors to participate in the Corridor Identification and Development Program and obtain grant funding appropriated in fiscal year 2022. This notice solicits applications for the Corridor Identification and Development Program funds made available by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and subsequent appropriations. The opportunity described in this notice is made available under Assistance Listings Number 20.326, ``Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail.''

This action corrects a final rule published by the FAA in the Federal Register on December 7, 2022, that, in part, amends navigation (RNAV) routes T-315, and T-325. In the amended route T-315, the final rule identified the DVANY, WP, CT, route point as a waypoint (WP) in error. In the amended T-325, the final rule identified the START, IL, route point and the DEBOW, WI, as WPs in error. This action makes editorial corrections to the DVANY, CT, START, IL, and DEBOW, WI, WPs to change them to be reflected as Fixes. This correction is necessary to match the FAA National Airspace System Resource (NASR) database information.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 32 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 continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 13 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 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.

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.

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 information to be collected is necessary to insure the safety of the flying public. Documentation of maintenance repair actions record who, what, when, where and how of the task performed. This collection focuses on the Form 337 which is collected by the FAA. Other records for preventative maintenance, and logbook entries are not collected by the FAA serve as a responsibility of the owner to maintain in case of verification of airworthiness when seeking approvals or sale of the aircraft. This insures proper certification of personnel; proper tooling is utilized and accurate measures to insure safety. Total Form 337s submitted in 2017 is 54,237. Total aircraft registrations on file is 289,490. It is estimated by the numbers collected one in every five aircraft have a 337 form submitted for major alteration and repairs performed. Each 337 takes approximately 1 hour.

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.

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 FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-402 airplanes. This AD was prompted by an investigation that found that the actual operating temperatures within the integrated flight cabinet (IFC) were significantly higher than anticipated during certification. This AD requires a modification to improve the IFC cooling capacity. 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 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500- 1A11 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that corrosion and wear were discovered on the slat tracks due to insufficient grease applied to the slat tracks during production. This AD requires repetitive cleaning and greasing of all slat tracks to prevent damage and corrosion; doing repetitive inspections of the slat tracks for any damage or corrosion, and the correct application of grease; and applicable corrective actions; as specified in a Transport Canada 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) 2019-25- 16, which applied to certain Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170-100 LR, -100 STD, -100 SE, and -100 SU airplanes; and Model ERJ 170-200 LR, -200 SU, -200 STD, and -200 LL airplanes. AD 2019-25-16 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. This AD was prompted by the determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2019-25-16 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations and certain structural modifications, as specified in an Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.