Department of Transportation 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702), CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a manufacturing quality escape concerning the installation of the Halon metering device on certain cargo fire extinguisher containers. This AD requires the inspection of cargo fire extinguisher container serial numbers and the replacement of the affected containers. This AD would also limit the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-18- 12, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A330-841 and -941 airplanes. AD 2022-18-12 required installing serviceable engine electronic control (EEC) software or EEC units having the serviceable software, limiting certain parts installation configurations, and prior or concurrent modification of EEC software. This AD was prompted by a determination that engine crystal icing protection could be (temporarily) lost if an erroneous total pressure value is provided by the airplane system, which is addressed through EEC software. This AD continues to require certain actions in AD 2022-18-12 and requires adding new limitations for intermixing of certain EEC software standards and a new operational limitation for engines with certain EEC software installed, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits the installation of certain engines under certain conditions. 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 Airbus SAS Model A320-214, A320-216, A320-251N, A320-271N, and A321-253NX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a quality review of the forward cargo door frame-to-fuselage skin panel assembly identified several fastener holes that deviated from the manufacturing requirements. This proposed AD would require repetitive special detailed inspections of the affected area for discrepancies and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, 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 seven 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.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-202, A330-203, A330-223, A330-243, and A330-841 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that the cold working process was partially completed on a certain circumferential joint. This AD requires modification of the circumferential joint, 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) Model CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, CF6-80C2B6F, CF6-80C2B7F, and CF6-80C2K1F engines. This AD was prompted by an uncontained engine fire and consequent manufacturer investigation, which revealed that certain bearings were installed improperly. This AD requires inspection of the magnetic chip detector (MCD) probe tip for metallic particles and, if necessary, removal of the engine from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action extends the comment period for the NPRM titled ``Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification,'' that was published on July 24, 2023. In that document, the FAA proposed to amend rules for the manufacture, certification, operation, maintenance, and alteration of light-sport aircraft. The proposed amendments would enable enhancements in safety and performance and would increase privileges under a number of sport pilot and light-sport aircraft rules. These enhancements include increasing suitability for flight training, limited aerial work, and personal travel. This proposed rule would expand what aircraft sport pilots may operate. The NPRM also proposed to amend the special purpose operations for restricted category aircraft; amend the duration, eligible purposes, and operating limitations for experimental aircraft; and add operating limitations applicable to experimental aircraft engaged in space support vehicle flights to codify statutory language. The FAA is extending the comment period for this NPRM to allow commenters additional time to analyze the proposed rule and prepare a response.

This action proposes to amend Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway V-9 in Arkansas. V-9 currently exists as three separate route segments, and this proposed amendment would connect two of the route segments to create a longer contiguous airway.

This action proposes to amend Jet Route J-133 by revoking a portion of the airway and establishing Canadian Area Navigation Route (RNAV) Q-801 in the vicinity of Anchorage, AK. The proposed amendment of J-133 is due to the pending decommissioning of several Navigational Aids (NAVAID) that provide course guidance along the airway. The proposed establishment of RNAV route Q-801 serves as a mitigation to J- 133 and provides additional routing to the southeast for aircraft traveling to Canada or to the Pacific Northwest United States.

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.

This notice announces a meeting of the Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee (Committee).

The purpose of this notice is to inform the public about FRA's regulations permitting railroads to temporarily reroute a train equipped with a positive train control (PTC) system onto a track not equipped with a PTC system, in the event an emergency prevents usage of the regularly used track. This notice contains information about the process a railroad must follow to notify FRA and/or obtain FRA's approval, depending on the duration of the rerouting.

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.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, PHMSA invites comments on two information collections pertaining to hazardous materials transportation for which PHMSA intends to request renewal from the Office of Management and Budget.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-21- 11, which applied to all Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) Model PW4074D, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 engines with a low-pressure compressor (LPC) fan hub, part number (P/N) 51B821 or P/N 52B521, installed. AD 2018-21-11 required performing repetitive eddy current inspections (ECIs) and fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) for cracks in certain LPC fan hubs and removing LPC fan hubs from service that fail any inspection. Since the FAA issued AD 2018-21-11, the FAA determined that affected LPC fan hub assemblies can meet the published certificated life limit without the need for the required repetitive FPI inspections in AD 2018-21-11, and the repetitive ECI inspections require shortened intervals. Based on a report of another incident, the FAA determined that the unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on additional LPC fan hub assemblies and PW model engines. This AD expands the applicability to include Model PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 engines with any part number LPC fan hub assembly installed and requires performing repetitive ECIs of the LPC fan hub assembly and, depending on the results of the inspections, removing the LPC fan hub assembly from service. 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 Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON 900EX, FALCON 2000, and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of the wing anti-icing (WAI) system leaking in the wing leading edge. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the WAI system, and 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 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to determine if there is interest from private entities in offering a U.S. commercial enhanced Long Range Navigation (eLoran) service to the general public in the United States on a fee-for-service basis without any Federal investment, subsidy, procurement commitment or other commitment of credit or budgetary resources. If respondent has an interest in offering a U.S.-based commercial eLoran service on a fee-for-service basis, identify what impediments stand in the way of respondent offering a U.S. commercial eLoran service. If lack of access to any federally-controlled assets and non-budgetary assistance related to utilizing such federally- controlled assets are identified as impediments to offering such a service, a subsequent Request for Information may be issued to obtain additional data.

The FHWA announces a solicitation of Membership to the Federal System Funding Alternative Advisory Board (Advisory Board). Advisory Board members will serve for 2 years after the date on which the Advisory Board is established, with the potential for reappointment. The Advisory Board will assist with providing the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) with recommendations related to the structure, scope, and methodology for developing and implementing the national motor vehicle per-mile user fee pilot program; assist with carrying out a public awareness campaign; assist with developing reports to Congress analyzing the national motor vehicle per-mile user fee pilot program; and coordinate in the development of the recommendations and a report to Congress required under the Strategic Innovation for Revenue Collection Pilot Program.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A330-200 series airplanes; Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; Model A330-300 series airplanes; Model A330-800 series airplanes; Model A330-900 series airplanes; Model A340-200 series airplanes; and Model A340-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks found in the fuel control unit housing assembly of a Honeywell GTCP331-350 auxiliary power unit (APU), which caused fuel leakage in the APU compartment. This AD requires replacing any affected APU fuel control unit or affected APU, 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 under certain conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-19-22 for all British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Jetstream Series 3101 and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. AD 2017-19-22 required incorporating BAE Systems' Corrosion Prevention and Control program into the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the existing instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) for your airplane, which added new and more restrictive inspections for corrosion that include inspecting the door hinges/supporting structure and attachment bolts for the main spar joint and engine support, and the rudder hinge location on the vertical stabilizer, and applicable corrective actions. Since the FAA issued AD 2017-19-22, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of the United Kingdom (UK) superseded the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) to correct an unsafe condition on these products. This AD requires revising the ALS of the existing ICA for your airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

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 nor omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition.

This action extends the comment period for a SNPRM titled ``Interior Parts and Components Fire Protection for Transport Category Airplanes'' that was published on August 17, 2023. In that document, the FAA provided additional information on its proposed elimination of a smoke emissions testing requirement. The FAA also changed its calculations related to the proposed rule's costs and benefits. The FAA is extending the comment period closing date to allow commenters additional time to analyze the proposed rule and prepare a response.

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, FRA seeks approval of the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below. Before submitting this ICR to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified in the ICR.

The FAA is requesting public comment on the Iberia Parish Airport Authority's proposal to change 233 acres of airport property at Acadiana Regional Airport in New Iberia, Louisiana from aeronautical to non-aeronautical use. This acreage was federally conveyed through the Surplus Property Act of 1944.