Department of Transportation March 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This action amends the Chicago, IL, Class C airspace area surrounding the Chicago Midway International Airport, IL (MDW), by extending the existing Class C airspace shelf within 10 nautical miles (NM) of MDW from the southeast counterclockwise to the northeast. The FAA is taking this action to reduce the risk of midair collisions and enhance the efficient management of air traffic operations in the MDW terminal area.

The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-20-05 and AD 2022-09-16, which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series; A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N; A320 series; and A321 series airplanes. This action revises the NPRM by adding new and revised tasks and limitations that must be incorporated into the existing maintenance or inspection program. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an additional burden over those in the NPRM, the FAA is reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these changes.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-26-13, which applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent 1000-A2, Trent 1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000- J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 model turbofan engines. AD 2021- 26-13 requires revision of the engine Time Limits Manual (TLM) life limits of certain critical rotating parts and direct accumulation counting (DAC) data files. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-26-13, RRD has revised the TLM with more restrictive airworthiness limitations, including updated life limits for certain critical parts and updated DAC data files. This proposed AD would require revising the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate more restrictive airworthiness limitations, 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.

This action proposes to revoke Jet Route J-184 and establish Area Navigation (RNAV) route Q-180 in the southwest United States. The existing Jet Route has service limitations associated with signal coverage related issues. The new RNAV route would replace the Jet Route, as well as provide additional RNAV routing within the National Airspace System (NAS) in support of transitioning it from a ground- based to satellite-based navigation system.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, PHMSA invites comments on three Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control numbers pertaining to hazardous materials transportation. PHMSA intends to request renewal for these three control numbers from OMB.

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA), has determined that certain model year (MY) 2020-2021 Freightliner Cascadia motor vehicles (heavy trucks) do not fully comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. DTNA filed a noncompliance report dated May 12, 2020, and amended the report on December 23, 2021. DTNA subsequently petitioned NHTSA (the ``Agency'') on June 4, 2020, and later amended its petition on July 13, 2020, and again on January 19, 2022, for a decision that the subject noncompliances are inconsequential as they relate to motor vehicle safety. This notice announces the denial of DTNA's petition.

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 10 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is issuing this notice to encourage development of high-speed rail (HSR) system projects intended for operations over 160 miles per hour by establishing a streamlined process for reviewing domestic sourcing and workforce plans. Specifically, this notice summarizes FRA's intent to invite HSR project sponsors to voluntarily submit for review, in advance of receipt of DOT funding, their domestic sourcing and workforce plans. This notice provides further clarification to the December 7, 2022, Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program, which stated that FRA expects all applicants to comply with Buy America requirements without needing a waiver. However, to obtain a waiver, an applicant must be prepared to demonstrate how they will maximize the use of domestic goods, products, and materials in constructing their project. If an applicant anticipates it may need a waiver, the applicant should indicate the need in its application and submit materials necessary for such requests together with its application. This notice provides further detail on the recommended content of these materials. This notice also serves as an RFI to assist with planning a U.S. domestic content High Speed Rail Industry Exchange Day (Industry Day).

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 15 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.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will forward the Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for renewal of a previously approved collection. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden hours. The OMB approved the form in 2020 with its renewal required by April 30, 2023. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the form renewal was published on November 18, 2022 [FR Vol. 87, No. 222, page 69386]. No comments were received.

The FAA proposes to rule and invite public comment on the release of land at the Dona Ana County International Jetport under the provisions of Section 23 of the Airport and Airway development Act of 1970.

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. This is a new collection of information to conduct an experiment to gather both objective and subjective data regarding occupant/passenger seat preference in Automated Driving System-Dedicated Vehicles (ADS-DVs). A Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following information collection was published on March 7, 2022. No relevant comments were received.

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 FMCSA requests approval to renew an ICR titled, ``Request for Revocation of Authority Granted.''

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.

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 Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) of Canada, under international agreement, jointly publish and presently administer the St. Lawrence Seaway Tariff of Tolls in their respective jurisdictions. On March 13, 2023, GLS published a final rule that set forth the level of tolls assessed on all commodities and vessels transiting the facilities operated by the GLS and the SLSMC. Due to a technical problem in production, a footnote was numbered incorrectly. This document corrects the error.

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

This notice announces final environmental actions taken by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) that are final for the Western Rail Yard Infrastructure Project, Livingston Avenue Bridge Replacement Project, and the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Congestion Mitigation Project. The purpose of this notice is to advise the public of the time limit to file any claims that may challenge these decisions and other Federal permits, licenses, and approvals for the Projects.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) gives notice of its intent to seek approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the extension (without change) of the collections required by statute for rail or water carrier equipment liens (recordations), water carrier tariffs, and rail agricultural contract summaries, as described in more detail below.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) gives notice of its intent to seek approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension of the collection of Rail Depreciation Studies, described below.

The FAA proposes to rule and invite public comment on a proposal from the Durango-La Plata County Airport, Aviation Director to change a portion of the airport from aeronautical use to non- aeronautical use at Durango-La Plata County Airport, Durango, Colorado. The proposal involves a parcel of airport property on the Southeast side of the airfield.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P3 and EC135T3 helicopters with Helionix installed, and Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 and MBB- BK 117 D-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of multi-function display (MFD) failures. This AD requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. This AD also requires repetitively inspecting the MFD, and depending on the results, installing placards and limiting the operation of the helicopter, and taking other corrective action, 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.