Department of Transportation 2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA announces the special class airworthiness criteria for the Matternet, Inc. Model M2 unmanned aircraft (UA). This document sets forth the airworthiness criteria the FAA finds to be appropriate and applicable for the UA design.

FMCSA announces a revision to its regulatory guidance concerning the use of the term ``medical treatment'' for the purpose of accident reporting. The revised guidance explains that an x-ray examination is a diagnostic procedure and should no longer be considered ``medical treatment'' in determining whether a crash should be included on a motor carrier's accident register.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain MARS A.S. emergency parachutes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as the length of the ripcord between the pins being too long, which could cause a malfunction of the emergency parachute. This AD requires removing emergency parachutes with certain manufacture dates or serial numbers from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

These special conditions are issued for the Dassault Aviation (Dassault) Model Falcon 6X airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. This design feature is side-stick controllers for pitch and roll control. 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 The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and - 900 series airplanes. This proposed 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 proposed AD would require 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 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 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require 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 proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, except for Model 737- 200 and -200C series airplanes equipped with a certain flight control system. This AD was prompted by a determination that radio altimeters cannot be relied upon to perform their intended function if they experience interference from wireless broadband operations in the 3.7- 3.98 GHz frequency band (5G C-Band), and a recent determination that, during approach, landings, and go-arounds, as a result of this interference, certain airplane systems may not properly function, resulting in increased flightcrew workload while on approach with the flight director, autothrottle, or autopilot engaged, which could result in reduced ability of the flightcrew to maintain safe flight and landing of the airplane. This AD requires revising the limitations and operating procedures sections of the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to incorporate specific operating procedures for instrument landing system (ILS) approaches, speedbrake deployment, go-arounds, and missed approaches, when in the presence of 5G C-Band interference as identified by Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs). 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 SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, - 113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N airplanes; and Model A320 and A321 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.

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.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-11-05, which applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now Bell Textron Canada Limited) Model 429 helicopters having certain tail rotor (TR) pitch link assemblies. AD 2019-11-05 requires inspecting the TR pitch link assemblies, and replacing certain pitch link bearings. Since the FAA issued AD 2019-11-05, the FAA has determined that all TR pitch link assemblies are affected by the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions specified in AD 2019-11-05, and would revise the applicability and require inspections of certain other TR pitch link assemblies. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-11- 25, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters (type certificate previously held by Eurocopter France) Model AS350B3 and EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2021-11-25 required revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for your helicopter by inserting a new procedure (temporary). Since the FAA issued AD 2021-11-25, the manufacturer identified an additional affected full authority digital engine control (FADEC) part number and developed an optional modification for the affected FADECs. This AD requires revising the existing RFM for your helicopter by inserting a new procedure (temporary). This AD also requires, for helicopter on which an optional terminating action (installation of serviceable FADECs) was done, removing the applicable temporary procedure from the existing RFM for your helicopter. In addition, this AD also adds helicopters to the applicability. Furthermore, this AD prohibits the installation of an affected FADEC. 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. The purpose of this ICR, titled ``Financial Responsibility Motor Carriers, Freight Forwarders, and Brokers,'' is to provide registered motor carriers, property brokers, and freight forwarders a means of meeting financial responsibility filing requirements. This ICR sets forth the financial responsibility documentation requirements for motor carriers, freight forwarders, and brokers as a result of the Agency's jurisdictional statutes.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that during a fleet sampling inspection, cracks were found on the inner cylinder pivot pins of the left and right main landing gear (MLG) on one of the airplanes. This AD requires repetitive lubrications of the left and right MLG truck beams and inner cylinder pivot joints; a review of the maintenance program documentation to verify that certain lubrication tasks are incorporated; repetitive inspections of the MLG inner cylinder pivot pins and inner cylinder bushings of the MLG truck beams and inner cylinder joints to detect friction, heat damage, excessive wear, cracking, and smearing of bushing material; and applicable on-condition actions. 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 737-8 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that, during production, a small number of fasteners in certain locations of the center fuel tank were cap sealed on top of a black stripe of ink with a clear overcoat. This clear overcoat is not an approved surface for sealing and can potentially compromise sealant adhesion. Compromised sealant adhesion can, over time, affect the lightning-protection properties of the airplane. This proposed AD would require preparation of the affected surface areas to ensure that there is adequate sealant adhesion, and complete encapsulation of the discrepant fastener locations with the approved production sealant. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-1000T gliders and Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Duo Discus T gliders with a Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo Model 2350C or 2350D engine installed. This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as failure of the bearing of the upper pulley of the belt driven reduction gear resulting in separation of the propeller from the engine. This AD requires replacing a certain hex-nut and establishing a life limit for the ball bearing assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This document denies petitions from Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) and BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) (collectively, Petitioners) for temporary exemptions from certain requirements of FMVSS No. 108 to allow installation of adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlighting systems. Both manufacturers requested exemptions on the basis that an exemption would facilitate the development or field evaluation of a new motor vehicle safety feature providing a safety level at least equal to that of the standard. NHTSA has determined that, in light of the publication today of a final rule amending FMVSS No. 108 to allow ADB systems, there is no need to grant the requested exemptions because the standard now allows the deployment of such systems. Accordingly, the petitions are denied.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. C-125, C145, IO-360, IO-470, IO-550, O-300, O-470, TSIO-360, TSIO-520 series model reciprocating engines and certain Continental Motors IO-520 series model reciprocating engines with a certain oil filter adapter installed. This AD was prompted by reports of two accidents that were the result of power loss due to oil starvation. This AD requires replacing the oil filter adapter fiber gasket (fiber gasket) with an oil filter adapter copper gasket (copper gasket). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-26- 01, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2019-26-01 required repetitive detailed inspections, and applicable corrective actions, and provided an optional modification that terminated the inspections. Since the FAA issued AD 2019-26-01, a determination was made that a related production modification was not properly installed on certain airplanes. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2019-26-01, and, for certain airplanes, adds a one- time detailed inspection of the modification for proper installation, and applicable corrective actions if necessary, 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 is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B64, -1B64/P1, -1B64/P2, - 1B67, -1B67/P1, -1B67/P2, -1B70, -1B70/75/P1, -1B70/75/P2, -1B70/P1, - 1B70/P2, -1B70C/P1, -1B70C/P2, -1B74/75/P1, -1B74/75/P2, -1B76/P2, - 1B76A/P2, GEnx-2B67, -2B67B, and -2B67/P model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by an in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of an engine and subsequent investigation by the manufacturer that revealed an improperly torqued fuel metering unit (FMU) bypass valve (BPV) plug. This AD requires a shim check inspection of the FMU BPV plug and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the FMU. 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 obtaining basic information from new aviation insurance applicants about eligible aviation insurance applicants needed to establish a legally binding, non-premium insurance policy with the FAA, as requested by another Federal agency, such as the applicants name and address, and the aircraft to be covered by the policy. The information collected will be used to determine whether applicants are eligible for Chapter 443 insurance and the amount of coverage necessary; populate non-premium insurance policies with the legal name and address; and meet conditions of coverage required by each insurance policy. As a condition of coverage, air carriers will be required to submit any changes to the basic information initially submitted on the application, as necessary. Air carriers will also be responsible for providing a copy of their current commercial insurance policy on an ongoing basis, and aircraft registration and serial numbers for any new aircraft the air carrier would like to add to the policy. This information will form part of a legally binding agreement (i.e., insurance policy) between the FAA and air carrier. Failure to provide this updated information could result in lack or denial of coverage.

FHWA, in coordination with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), is issuing this notice of intent to solicit comment and advise the public, agencies, and stakeholders that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared to study potential improvements to seven miles of Interstate 664 (I-664) and the Bowers Hill Interchange area at the confluence of I-664, I-64, I-264, U.S. Route 460, U.S. Route 58, U.S. Route 13 and Jolliff Road in the cities of Chesapeake and Suffolk, Virginia. Persons or agencies who may be affected by the proposed project are encouraged to comment on the information in this notice and the Supplementary Notice of Intent Document. All comments received in response to this Notice of Intent Document will be considered and any information presented herein, including the preliminary purpose and need, preliminary alternatives and identified impacts, may be revised in consideration of the comments.

The FAA proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2021-05-05, which applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N1, AS- 365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-366G1, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. AD 2021- 05-05 requires modifying the helicopter by replacing the tail rotor gearbox (TGB) control shaft guide bushes; repetitive inspections (checks) of the oil level of the TGB and, if necessary, filling the oil to the maximum level; repetitive inspections of the TGB magnetic plug and corrective actions if necessary; repetitive replacements of a certain control rod double bearing (bearing); and modifying the helicopter by replacing the TGB. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-05-05, the FAA determined that the magnetic plug inspection interval must be reduced and the compliance time for replacement of the affected part must be reduced. This proposed AD would continue to require certain actions in AD 2021-05-05; and would also reduce the intervals of the magnetic plug inspection, revise the corrective actions if particles are detected, and revise the compliance time for replacement of the affected part, 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.

FMCSA requests public comment on an application for exemption from Pi Variables, Inc. (Pi Variables) to allow sequential flashing light emitting diode (LED) flare warning devices to be deployed when CMVs are stopped upon the traveled portion of a highway or the shoulder of a highway for any cause other than necessary traffic stops.

On October 29, 2021, Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, Canadian Pacific Railway Company, and their U.S. rail carrier subsidiaries Soo Line Railroad Company; Central Maine & Quebec Railway U.S. Inc.; Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corporation; and Delaware & Hudson Railway Company, Inc. (collectively, CP) and Kansas City Southern, The Kansas City Southern Railway Company, Gateway Eastern Railway Company, and The Texas Mexican Railway Company (collectively, KCS) filed an application with the Surface Transportation Board (Board) seeking the Board's approval of the acquisition of control by CP of KCS (Proposed Acquisition). The Proposed Acquisition has the potential to result in significant environmental impacts; therefore, the Board's Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) has determined that the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is appropriate to meet the Board's obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related laws, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The purpose of this Notice is to inform stakeholdersincluding members of the public; elected officials; tribes; federal, state, and local agencies; and organizationsinterested in or potentially affected by potential environmental and cultural impacts related to the Proposed Acquisition that the Final Scope of Study for the EIS is available.

The FAA is considering a request from Pocahontas Municipal Airport to release approximately 3.257 acres of airport property located on Patrick Drive on the eastern portion of the Airport property as shown on the approved Airport layout Plan (ALP).