Department of Transportation April 19, 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that the saddle washer (radius filler) for the front and rear spar joints may have been incorrectly manufactured for several years. This proposed AD would require inspecting the horizontal stabilizer to vertical joint for gaps and bending of the saddle washer and adjacent washers, and replacing parts if necessary. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMCSA announces its decision to deny the exemption request from the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA). NPGA sought an exemption from 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 analyzed the exemption application and public comments and determined that the exemption would not achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.

This document provides the public with notice that, on April 11, 2023, Metro-North Railroad (MNR) submitted a request for amendment (RFA) to its FRA-approved Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP). As this RFA involves 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. MNR state that this RFA is for an update to MNR's PTC Onboard Software, release OBC 5.04.000, correcting existing defects. With the successful completion of Factory and Field Testing and Supplier Safety Certification, MNR confirms the changes meet all technical requirements, provide an equivalent or greater level of safety than the existing PTC System in service, and does not adversely impact interoperability with tenant railroads.