Department of Transportation 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This action establishes Class E airspace at Uvalde, TX. The FAA is taking this action to support new public instrument procedures.

This rulemaking would revise the Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR), Robinson R-22/44 Special Training and Experience Requirements, to provide consistency with other FAA regulatory requirements, training, and testing publications. The rulemaking would remove the low gravity (low G) dual flight instruction requirement to align the SFAR with current aircraft placard requirements and the limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual/Pilot Operating Handbook (RFM/POH) set forth by Airworthiness Directives (ADs). This proposed revision would also update the SFAR so it mirrors the terminology currently used in the Helicopter Flying Handbook and Practical Test Standards (PTS). This rulemaking proposes to clarify the awareness training endorsement and flight review requirements for less experienced pilots, remove legacy dates, and update the applicability section to include ground and flight training, including flight reviews provided by authorized flight instructors. Additionally, the FAA proposes to add an expiration date to the SFAR to allow the FAA time to review and refine the R-22 and R-44 requirements for ground training, aeronautical experience, including flight training, and flight reviews, before moving them to a permanent location in a separate subchapter.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-18- 09, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, - 114, -115, -131, -132, and -133; A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, - 232, -233, -251N, and -271N; and A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, - 213, -231, -232, -251N, and -253N airplanes. AD 2022-18-09 continued to require the actions in AD 2019-26-01 and AD 2021-23-15, and added airplanes to the applicability. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-18-09, it was determined that additional airplanes and galleys are subject to the unsafe condition, and a compliance time for certain airplanes should be extended. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2022-18-09 and requires expanding the applicability, obtaining and following additional instructions for certain modified airplanes, and extending the compliance time for certain airplanes, 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 Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-2A12 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that some of the multi-function spoiler (MFS) anti-rotation plates failed in-service due to a thin wall design. This AD requires replacing the MFS anti-rotation plates, inspecting the MFS anti-rotation plates for cracking and hinge bolts for evidence of rotation, accomplishing applicable corrective actions, and performing a functional test of the MFS control surfaces. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This notice announces actions taken by FHWA and other Federal agencies that are final within the meaning of the statute. The actions relate to a proposed highway project, State Route (SR) 32 (US-321) from SR-73 at Cosby to North of Wilton Springs Road in Cocke County, Tennessee. Those actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the project. The FHWA's Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) provides details on the Selected Alternative for the proposed improvements.

FMCSA revises the emergency exemption rules to narrow the scope of safety regulations from which relief is automatically provided for motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance when an emergency has been declared. This rule ensures that the relief granted through emergency declarations is appropriate and tailored to the specifics of the circumstances and emergencies being addressed. This rule also revises the process for extending automatic emergency regulatory relief where circumstances warrant and allows for potential reporting requirements when FMCSA issues an extension or modification.

This action extends the comment period for the NPRM published on June 12, 2023, titled ``U.S. Agents for Service on Individuals with Foreign Addresses Who Hold or Apply for Certain Certificates, Ratings, or Authorizations.'' The FAA is extending the comment period to allow commenters to review the Privacy Impact Assessment conducted by the Department of Transportation.

The FAA is withdrawing a previously published NPRM, ``Compliance with applicable regulations,'' that proposed excluding its applicability to import products that have been type certificated outside of the United States by a foreign civil aviation authority bilateral partner. These products are validated by FAA consistent with the requirements in the rulemaking, ``Issue of type certificate: import products.'' The NPRM proposed to eliminate the requirement for redundant compliance statements by both the foreign civil aviation authority and the foreign applicant.

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 system diagram maps, described below.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that a new airworthiness limitation is necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to establish a new life limit for a certain main landing gear (MLG) retract actuator piston rod. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This notice announces actions taken by TxDOT and Federal agencies that are final. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for these projects are being, or have been, carried out by TxDOT pursuant to an assignment agreement executed by FHWA and TxDOT. The actions relate to various proposed highway projects in the State of Texas. These actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the projects.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, the FAA's exemption process. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, the FAA's exemption process. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain CFM International, S.A. (CFM) Model LEAP-1A23, LEAP-1A24, LEAP-1A24E1, LEAP-1A26, LEAP-1A26CJ, LEAP-1A26E1, LEAP-1A29, LEAP- 1A29CJ, LEAP-1A30, LEAP-1A32, LEAP-1A33, LEAP-1A33B2, and LEAP-1A35A engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of multiple aborted takeoffs and air turn-backs (ATBs) caused by high-pressure compressor (HPC) stall, which was induced by high levels of non-synchronous vibration (NSV). Additional manufacturer investigation revealed that wear on the No. 3 bearing spring finger housing can lead to high levels of NSV. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive calculations of the levels of NSV, inspection of the stage 2 high- pressure turbine (HPT) nozzle assembly honeycomb and HPT stator stationary seal honeycomb and, depending on the results of the calculations and inspections, replacement of certain parts. This proposed AD would also require replacement of the No. 3 bearing spring finger housing. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMCSA announces its decision to provisionally renew a U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc. (USCHI) exemption from the ``K'' intrastate restriction on commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for custom harvester drivers operating in interstate commerce for a two-year period, with additional terms and conditions. FMCSA's regulations currently provide an exception to the minimum age requirements for drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) controlled and operated by a person engaged in interstate custom harvesting. However, under the Agency's CDL regulations, States may include an intrastate-only (or ``K'') restriction for these drivers. This provisional renewal of the exemption continues relief from the CDL provision for two years.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Lajitas, TX. The FAA is proposing this action to support new instrument procedures at this airport.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various airplanes modified with a certain configuration of the Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System installed per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. SA01866WI. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an un-commanded automatic pitch trim runaway when the autopilot was first engaged. This proposed AD would require updating the applicable Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System software for your airplane and would prohibit installing earlier versions of that software. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Notice is being given that the FAA is considering a request from the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) to change 79.23 acres of airport property from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use for commercial development at Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport in Jacksonville, Florida. The surplus property land is no longer required for aviation use. The land has been designated for non-aeronatucal use on the Airport Layout Plan. JAA will enter into a land lease agreement with a commercial developer, which will generate non-aeronautical revenue to be used for the operation and maintenance of the airport.

In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval of a new information collection related to the nation's battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)collectively referred to electric vehicles (EVs). The information collected will be used to produce national statistics on the characteristics and uses of EVs as well as the charging patterns and preferences related to EVs. A summary report of survey findings will also be published by BTS on the BTS web page: www.bts.gov.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 16 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

This action amends Class D and Class E surface airspace for Northeast Philadelphia Airport, Philadelphia, PA, by updating the airport's description headers and making editorial changes. This action does not change the airspace boundaries or operating requirements.

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 the engine fire extinguishing control and indication system did not illuminate correctly. This AD requires installing a software update to the integrated cockpit control panel (ICCP) remote data concentrator (RDC), 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) 2021-10- 20, which applied to certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes. AD 2021-10-20 required revising the existing aircraft flight manual (AFM) and applicable corresponding operational procedures to update a systems limitation, limiting dispatch with certain equipment inoperative, performing an operational test of a certain contactor and an electrical test of a certain battery toggle switch, and performing corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by new procedures for modifying the wiring and replacing the battery toggle switch that have been developed that would terminate the AD requirements. This AD continues to require certain actions in AD 2021-10-20, and requires modifying the battery toggle switch wiring and replacing the battery toggle switch, and revises the applicability to include additional airplanes, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.