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

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-16-11, which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A300 F4-600R series airplanes. AD 2019-16-11 requires repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the aft lower deck cargo door (LDCD) frame forks; a one-time check of the LDCD clearances; a one-time detailed visual inspection of hooks, eccentric bushes, and x-stops; and corrective actions if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2019-16-11, it has been determined that the threshold for the (repetitive) HFEC inspection needs to be corrected, and the LDCD frame forks modified. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2019-16-11 and would require correcting the HFEC inspection threshold and modifying the LDCD frame forks and prohibit the installation of affected LDCDs under certain conditions, 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 announces its decision to renew exemptions for six 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 receipt of applications from 17 individuals for an exemption from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition that is likely to cause a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to drive in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 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 (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FHWA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval for renewal of an existing information collection that is summarized below under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

The FHWA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval for a new information collection, which is summarized below under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is decommissioning the nuclear power plant of the National Historic Landmark (NHL) vessel Nuclear Ship Savannah (NSS), which will result in the termination of the ship's Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license, making the ship available for disposition, including potential conveyance or preservation. The purpose of the Notice of Availability and Request for Information (NOA and RFI) is to determine preservation interest from entities that may wish to acquire the NSS. Information received in response to this RFI will help to inform the development of viable preservation alternatives for the NSS. MARAD requests information from entities that may be interested in acquiring the ship for conveyance and preservation purposes as prescribed in the recently executed Programmatic Agreement (PA) which is available for review on the MARAD docket at www.regulations.gov. In responding to the RFI, please review the below SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION/Information Requested section to inform your submission.

The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that was published in the Federal Register. That AD applies to certain International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE LLC) Model PW1124G1-JM, PW1127G- JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1129G-JM, PW1130G-JM, PW1133G-JM, and PW1133GA-JM engines. As published, a part number was inadvertently excluded in the regulatory text of the AD. This document corrects that error. In all other respects, the original document remains the same.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-401 and - 402 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. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FHWA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval for an information collection, which is summarized below under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

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. In order to work continuously to ensure that our programs are effective and meet our customers' needs, FMCSA requests approval to renew an ICR titled, ``Generic Clearance of Customer Satisfaction Surveys.'' This ICR allows FMCSA to continue collecting feedback on our service delivery. By feedback, we mean information that provides useful insights on perceptions and opinions but are not statistical surveys that yield quantitative results that can be generalized to the population of study.

The FAA is considering a proposal to change 0.577 acres of airport land from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the sale of airport property located at Indianapolis Regional Airport, Indianapolis, Indiana. The aforementioned land is not needed for aeronautical use. The land is made up of two parcels and is located along the County Road 600 in Hancock County, just east of Indianapolis Regional Airport, Indianapolis, Indiana. The Sponsor is proposing to release and ultimately sell the land for future public use.

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 proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2021-13-07, which applies to all GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) (type certificate previously held by WALTER Engine a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.) Model M601D-11, M601E-11, M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, M601E- 11S, and M601F engines. AD 2021-13-07 requires recalculating the life of critical parts and, depending on the results of the recalculation, replacing these critical parts. AD 2021-13-07 also requires replacing a certain compressor case. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-13-07, the manufacturer published the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing engine maintenance manual (EMM), which includes the calculations for the life of critical parts addressed by AD 2021-13-07 and prompted this proposed AD. This proposed AD would continue to require the replacement of a certain centrifugal compressor case. This proposed AD would also include an additional part number as an option for the replacement and would limit the applicability of the proposed AD, 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.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of operators finding frequent and severe damage to the blowout vent grills of the aft soft bulkhead lining in the aft lower lobe cargo compartment. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections of certain decompression panels and pressure equalization valves, as applicable, in the forward and aft lower lobe cargo compartments for damage, and applicable on-condition actions. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would also require replacement of a certain soft bulkhead with a rigid bulkhead. For certain other airplanes, this proposed AD would require installation of doublers to a certain bulkhead assembly panel. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is proposing changes to requirements for the Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP). The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), established new requirements for FTA's Public Transportation Safety Program that relate to PTSCTP requirements. The proposed revisions would streamline the PTSCTP communication process and clarify voluntary PTSCTP participation and refresher training requirements. FTA seeks comments from project sponsors, the transit industry, unions, other stakeholders, and the public on the proposed changes to the regulation.

This document provides the public with notice that, on October 17, 2023, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) submitted a request for amendment (RFA) to its FRA-certified positive train control (PTC) system. FRA is publishing this notice and inviting public comment on the railroad's RFA to its PTC system.

This document provides the public with notice that, on October 16, 2023, New Jersey Transit (NJT) submitted a request for amendment (RFA) to its FRA-certified positive train control (PTC) system. The RFA notifies FRA of a planned PTC outage to its I-ETMS PTC System for maintenance purposes. FRA is publishing this notice and inviting public comment on the railroad's RFA to its PTC system.

This action removes the current flight prohibition Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for specified areas of the Dnipro Flight Information Region (FIR) (UKDV). This SFAR, which is scheduled to expire on October 27, 2023, reflects risks to the safety of U.S. civil aviation as they existed prior to the Russian Federation's full- scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and is therefore obsolete. This action is necessary to alleviate confusion that might otherwise result from leaving an obsolete rule in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) after its scheduled expiration date of October 27, 2023. FAA Notice-to-Air-Missions (NOTAM) KICZ A0004/22 remains in effect and continues to prohibit U.S. civil flight operations in the Lviv (UKLV), Kyiv (UKBV), Dnipro (UKDV), Simferopol (UKFV), and Odesa (UKOV) FIRs, as well as the Kyiv Upper Information Region (UIR) (UKBU). NOTAM KICZ A0004/22, together with NOTAMs KICZ A0003/22 and A0005/22, reflects the FAA's current assessment of the safety-of-flight risks the Russia- Ukraine conflict presents to U.S. civil aviation operations.

BMW of North America, LLC, a subsidiary of BMW AG, Munich, Germany, (collectively ``BMW''), has determined that certain Model Year (MY) 2018-2021 BMW K 1600 motorcycles do not fully comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 123, Motorcycle Controls and Displays. BMW filed an original noncompliance report dated March 18, 2021, and, subsequently, BMW petitioned NHTSA on April 9, 2021, for a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety. This notice announces the grant of BMW's petition.

Mercedes-Benz AG (``MBAG'') and Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, (``MBUSA'') (collectively, ``Mercedes-Benz'') have determined that certain model year (MY) 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz motor vehicles do not fully comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, Light Vehicle Brake Systems. Mercedes-Benz filed a noncompliance report dated August 14, 2020. Mercedes-Benz subsequently petitioned NHTSA on September 4, 2020, for a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety. This notice announces denial of Mercedes-Benz's petition.

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 information collections of the Joint Notice of Intent to Arbitrate and Notice of Availability for Arbitrator Roster, as described separately below.