Department of Transportation 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is considering a proposal to change 1.423 acres of airport land from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use of airport property located at Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis, Indiana. The aforementioned land is not needed for aeronautical use. The land is made up of one parcel and is located along the White River, just west of downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. It was the site of a decommissioned outer marker which has been removed and the land is vacant with no future aeronautical use. The Sponsor is proposing to release and ultimately sell the land to the City of Indianapolis in its revitalization efforts of Belmont Beach.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190-100 STD, -100 LR, -100 IGW, -200 STD, -200 LR, and -200 IGW airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary and a determination by the design approval holder (DAH) that some structural elements are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, and for certain airplanes would require a structural modification of the wing lower skin panels, as specified in an Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

NHTSA, on behalf of the Department of Transportation (DOT), is proposing new fuel economy standards for passenger cars and light trucks and fuel efficiency standards for model years (MYs) 2027-31 that increase at a rate of 2 percent per year for passenger cars and 4 percent per year for light trucks, and new fuel efficiency standards for heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans (HDPUVs) for MYs 2030-2035 that increase at a rate of 10 percent per year. NHTSA is also setting forth proposed augural standards for MY 2032 passenger cars and light trucks, that would increase at 2 percent and 4 percent year over year, respectively, as compared to the prior year's standards. NHTSA currently projects that the proposed standards would require an industry fleet-wide average for passenger cars and light trucks of roughly 58 miles per gallon (mpg) in MY 2032 and an industry fleet-wide average for HDPUVs of roughly 2.6 gallons per 100 miles in MY 2038. NHTSA further projects that the proposed standards would reduce average fuel outlays over the lifetimes of passenger cars and light trucks by $1,043 and of HDPUVs by $439. These proposed standards are directly responsive to the agency's statutory mandate to improve energy conservation and reduce the nation's energy dependence on foreign sources.

The FHWA, on behalf of Caltrans, is issuing this notice to announce actions taken by Caltrans, that are final. The actions relate to a proposed highway project, the South Fresno State Route 99 Corridor Project on State Route 99, from post mile 12.5 to 19.1 in the County of Fresno, in the State of California. Those actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the project.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A318-112 airplanes; Model A319-115, -132, - 133, -151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, - 231, -232, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and Model A321-112 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the fatigue life limit of the motoreductor installed on the on- board entrance stairs, is not demonstrated for the complete airplane design service goal (DSG). This proposed AD would require repetitive replacement of the motoreductor for on-board entrance stairs, and limit the installation of affected parts 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.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, -203, -301, -302, and -303 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion and cracks found on engine inlet attach fittings. This AD requires an inspection to determine whether affected engine inlet attach fittings are installed, and replacement of those affected engine inlet attach fittings or replacement with and inlet cowl having no affected engine inlet attach fittings, 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.

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.

On July 25, 2023, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) published a notice in the Federal Register providing how to apply to MARAD's Tanker Security Program (TSP). By this follow-on notice, MARAD is extending the application period for eligible candidates for one TSP Operating Agreement and is republishing the same information soliciting applications. The FY21 NDAA authorized the Secretary of Transportation to establish a fleet of active, commercially viable, militarily useful, privately owned product tank vessels of the United States. The fleet will meet national defense and other security requirements and maintain a United States presence in international commercial shipping. The FY22 NDAA made minor adjustments related to the participation of long-term charters in the TSP. This request for applications provides, among other things, application criteria and a deadline for submitting applications for the enrollment of one vessel in the TSP.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. (Piaggio) Model P-180 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion-induced cracking on the horizontal tail trim actuator (HTTA) fitting assembly. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the HTTA fitting assembly for corrosion and cracking until the HTTA fitting assembly is replaced with a new part. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

On June 27, 2023, PHMSA published a notice of proposed rulemaking, titled ``Hazardous Materials: FAST Act Requirements for Real-Time Train Consist Information (HM-263),'' proposing amendments to the Hazardous Materials Regulations to require all railroads to generate in electronic form, maintain, and provide to first responders, emergency response officials, and law enforcement personnel, certain information regarding hazardous materials in rail transportation to enhance emergency response and investigative efforts. In response to a request for an extension of the comment period submitted by the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), PHMSA is extending the comment period for the HM-263 notice by an additional 60 days. Comments to the HM-263 notice will now be due by October 27, 2023.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD- 500-1A11 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of mechanical wear damage on the motive flow fuel-feed tubes that were secured by bonding clamps and clamp blocks inside the collector tank. This proposed AD would require repetitive operational checks of the gravity cross flow shut-off valve and, for certain airplanes, a one- time inspection of the motive flow fuel-feed tubes at the clamp blocks location, and corrective action if necessary, as specified in a Transport Canada 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 has determined to extend through October 28, 2023, the limited, conditional waiver of the minimum usage requirement that applies to Operating Authorizations or ``slots'' at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) due to post-pandemic effects on Air Traffic Controller (ATC) staffing at the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility (N90) the FAA has already made available through September 15, 2023. Carriers will be permitted to voluntarily turn in up to 10 percent of their slots held at JFK and LGA as well as impacted slots at DCA for the period from September 16, 2023, through October 28, 2023. In addition, the FAA has determined to extend through October 28, 2023, the limited policy for prioritizing returned operations at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) due to post-pandemic effects on ATC staffing at N90 for purposes of establishing a carrier's operational baseline in the next corresponding season. Carriers will be permitted to voluntarily turn in up to 10 percent of their approved operating timings at EWR for the period from September 16, 2023, through October 28, 2023. These extensions through October 28, 2023, are available on the same conditions and limitations as the relief that the FAA already has announced through September 15, 2023. Carriers seeking to take advantage of this relief must identify the slots and approved operating timings they wish to return to the FAA before September 2, 2023.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B16 (601-3A, 601-3R, and 604 Variants) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports from the supplier that sensing elements of the bleed air leak detection system were manufactured with insufficient salt fill, which can result in an inability to detect hot bleed air leaks. This proposed AD would require testing of all affected overheat detection sensing elements of the bleed air leak detection system, and replacement if necessary. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected parts. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-23-10, which applies to certain Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON and FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes. AD 2020- 23-10 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-23-10, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2020-23-10 and would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional 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 FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATRGIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42- 500 and ATR72-212A airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of loose fasteners and cracks in the horizontal stabilizer (HS) left- and right-hand leading edge lateral ribs, the box in between, the center box upper panel, and HS forward back-up fitting. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the HS affected areas for discrepancies and applicable corrective action, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), 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 amend Class D airspace, remove Class D airspace, amend Class E surface airspace, and amend Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class D surface area at Capital City Airport, Harrisburg, PA. In addition, this action would make administrative updates.

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.

This action proposes to amend Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V-44, V-128, and V-493, and United States Area Navigation (RNAV) routes T-315 and T-323. The FAA is proposing this action due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the York, KY (YRK), VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigational aid (NAVAID). The York VOR is being decommissioned in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

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 DOT 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 FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-02-13, which applies to certain Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes. AD 2020-02- 13 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-02-13, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would continue to require certain actions in AD 2020- 02-13 and 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.

This action proposes to modify the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Minden-Tahoe Airport, Minden, NV. Additionally, this action proposes administrative amendments to update the airport's existing Class E airspace legal description. These actions would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

This action amends the Class E airspace at Rush City, MN. This action is the result of an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the Rush City non-directional beacon (NDB). The geographic coordinates of the airport are also being updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.