Department of Transportation 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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 notice rescinds a declaration of compliance (DOC) for the DJI Mavic Pro Platinum unmanned aircraft with the assigned tracking number RID000000111 that the FAA-accepted on January 19, 2023, effective immediately.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-04-16, which applies to certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 900EX airplanes. AD 2023-04-16 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-04-16, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2023-04-16 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.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) (type certificate previously held by Turbomeca S.A.) Model Arrius 2R engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of inconsistencies between the torque (TQ) and measured gas temperature (MGT) conformation values recorded in the avionics and the TQ and MGT conformation values recorded on the engine log cards following replacement of the M01 and M02 modules installed on the engine. This proposed AD would require a one-time check of the consistency between the TQ and MGT conformation values recorded in the avionics and the values recorded on the engine log cards, and, if necessary, recalibrating the values and updating the engine logs, 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.

Under the provisions of the United States Code (U.S.C.), notice is being given that the FAA is considering a request from the Northeast Alabama Regional Airport Authority to waive the requirement that a 150 acre parcel of airport property, located at Northeast Alabama Regional Airport (GAD) in Gadsden, Alabama, be used for aeronautical purposes.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) (type certificate previously held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.) Model M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, H75-100, H80-100, and H85-100 engines. This AD is prompted by reports of multiple failures of the needle bearing installed in propeller governors having part numbers (P/Ns) P-W11-1 or P-W11-2, caused by self-generated debris from the needle bearing, which led to oil contamination. This AD requires replacement of the affected propeller governors with a redesigned propeller governor and prohibits installation of the affected propeller governors, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

On June 15, 2023, the FAA published a final rule titled ``High Elevation Airport Operations''. That document made amendments to certain airworthiness regulations applicable to cabin pressurization systems and oxygen dispensing equipment on transport category airplanes, to facilitate certification of those airplanes, systems, and equipment for operation at high elevation airports, and inadvertently identified the Amendment No. as 25-148. The correct Amendment No. is 25-151. This document makes that correction.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-300F airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the installation requirements were not followed for the first observer seat in the flight deck. This AD requires installing placards in various locations of the flight deck to indicate the proper position for the first observer seat during taxi, takeoff, and landing, and revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

On May 1, 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a Request for comments seeking input on its review of four key considerations of its civil aviation noise policy, in the context of noise metrics and noise thresholds. The civil aviation noise policy sets forth how the FAA analyzes, explains, and publicly presents changes in noise exposure from aviation activity. The comment period for the request for comments was scheduled to end on July 31, 2023. FAA received several requests to extend the comment period. The FAA is extending the comment period for the request for comments by 60 days.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-26-10, which applies to certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model RB211-524G2-19, RB211-524G3-19, RB211-524H-36, and RB211-524H2-19 engines. AD 2013-26-10 requires a one-time reduction in the cyclic life of certain high-pressure compressor (HPC) rotor stage 1 and stage 2 disks, and removal of disks that exceed the reduced cycle life. Since the FAA issued AD 2013-26-10, the manufacturer has revised the engine time limits manual (TLM), introducing new and more restrictive instructions. This proposed AD would require revisions to the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the operator's existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 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 Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON 900EX, FALCON 2000, and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of the wing anti-icing (WAI) system leaking in the wing leading edge. This proposed AD would require 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 proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action amends the Class E airspace at Devils Lake, ND. This action is the result of an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the Devils Lake very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) as part of the VOR Minimum Operating Network (MON) Program. The geographic coordinates of the airport are also being updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-02-15, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, and 747SR series airplanes. AD 2021-02-15 requires repetitive replacement of certain parts; an inspection to determine production configuration for certain parts; repetitive lubrication of certain parts and a repetitive inspection of certain parts for any exuding grease; repetitive inspections of certain parts for loose or missing attachment bolts, cracks or bushing migration, cracks or gouges, or broken, binding, or missing rollers; repetitive inspections of certain parts for cracks or corrosion; repetitive lubrication; and on-condition actions if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-02-15, the FAA determined that certain compliance times must be reduced in order to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions specified in AD 2021-02-15 with certain reduced compliance times. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 13 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.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 12 individuals for an exemption from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

FMCSA announces its decision to deny the application from one individual treated with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) who requested an exemption from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) prohibiting operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce by persons with a current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or any other cardiovascular disease of a variety known to be accompanied by syncope (transient loss of consciousness), dyspnea (shortness of breath), collapse, or congestive heart failure.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) announces the first public meeting of the Peer Review Group (PRG). The PRG was established pursuant to the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and its implementing regulations to plan for the decommissioning and disposition of the Nuclear Ship Savannah (NSS). PRG membership is comprised of officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation, MARAD, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), the Maryland State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), and other consulting parties. The public meeting affords the public an opportunity to participate in PRG activities, including reviewing and providing comments on draft deliverables. MARAD encourages public participation and provides the PRG meeting information below.

In accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and its implementing regulations, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) has developed and executed a Programmatic Agreement (PA) among the U.S. Department of Transportation, MARAD, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), and the Maryland State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) for the Decommissioning and Disposition of the Nuclear Ship Savannah (NSS). The PA executed on March 17, 2023, outlines the process for the decommissioning and disposition of the NSS. The PA is available for review on the MARAD docket located at www.regulations.gov under docket id ``MARAD-2020-0133.'' Stipulation II of the PA establishes a Peer Review Group (PRG) and affords the public an opportunity to participate in PRG activities, including attending meetings and reviewing draft deliverables developed as part of the PA. MARAD encourages public participation and is providing the preliminary PRG meeting schedule for 2023 and 2024 in the DATES section below.

This action proposes to revoke Colored Federal airway Green 4 (G-4) in the vicinity of Dillingham, AK due to the pending decommissioning of the Wood River (BTS) Non-directional Beacon (NDB).

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-8 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of stress corrosion cracking in certain stringers and end stringer splice assemblies. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the stringers and end stringer splice assemblies for any crack, shim, or gap, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPS) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure procedures (ODPs) 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 safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

This NPRM proposes to adopt a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) to require automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems on heavy vehicles, i.e., vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds). This notice also proposes to amend FMVSS No. 136 to require nearly all heavy vehicles to have an electronic stability control system that meets the equipment requirements, general system operational capability requirements, and malfunction detection requirements of FMVSS No. 136. An AEB system uses multiple sensor technologies and sub-systems that work together to sense when the vehicle is in a crash imminent situation and automatically applies the vehicle brakes if the driver has not done so or automatically applies more braking force to supplement the driver's applied braking. This NPRM follows NHTSA's 2015 grant of a petition for rulemaking from the Truck Safety Coalition, the Center for Auto Safety, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety and Road Safe America, requesting that NHTSA establish a safety standard to require AEB on certain heavy vehicles. This NPRM also responds to a mandate under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, directing the Department to prescribe an FMVSS that requires heavy commercial vehicles with FMVSS-required electronic stability control systems to be equipped with an AEB system, and also promotes DOT's January 2022 National Roadway Safety Strategy to initiate a rulemaking to require AEB on heavy trucks. This NPRM also proposes Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations requiring the electronic stability control and AEB systems to be on during vehicle operation.