Department of Transportation June 2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announces its decision to grant an application from Brent Higgins Trucking, Inc. (Higgins, USDOT #717434) for an exemption to allow it to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) equipped with a module manufactured by Intellistop, Inc. (Intellistop). The Intellistop module is designed to pulse the required rear clearance, identification, and brake lamps from a lower-level lighting intensity to a higher-level lighting intensity 4 times in 2 seconds when the brakes are applied and then return the lights to a steady-burning state while the brakes remain engaged. The Agency has determined that granting the exemption to Higgins would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved by the regulation.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announces its decision to grant an application from Meiborg Brothers, Inc. (Meiborg, USDOT #190639) for an exemption to allow it to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) equipped with a module manufactured by Intellistop, Inc. (Intellistop). The Intellistop module is designed to pulse the required rear clearance, identification, and brake lamps from a lower-level lighting intensity to a higher-level lighting intensity 4 times in 2 seconds when the brakes are applied and then return the lights to a steady-burning state while the brakes remain engaged. The Agency has determined that granting the exemption to Meiborg would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved by the regulation.

In response to a Petition for Reconsideration of an August 1, 2023, technical correction rule, PHMSA is issuing additional corrections codifying a decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) regarding the final rule titled "Pipeline Safety: Requirement of Valve Installation and Minimum Rupture Detection Standards."

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Lycoming Engines (Lycoming) model engines that have a certain connecting rod assemblies installed. This proposed AD was prompted by several reports of connecting rod failures, which resulted in uncontained engine failure and in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs). This proposed AD would require repetitive oil inspections for bronze metal particulates and, if found, additional inspections of the connecting rod bushings for damage, proper fit, movement, and wear, and replacement if necessary. As terminating action to the connecting rod bushing inspections, this proposed AD would require replacement of the connecting rod bushings with parts eligible for installation. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This document provides the public with notice that, on June 19, 2024, Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain) submitted a request for amendment (RFA) to its FRA-approved Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP) to support material modifications to its positive train control (PTC) system and Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) operations by modifying its PTC system software version 6.5.4.0, including changes to the PTC Penalty and Emergency Brake Output Change and Phase Break Function. As this RFA involves a request for FRA's approval of proposed material modifications to an FRA-certified PTC system, FRA is publishing this notice and inviting public comment on Caltrain's RFA to its PTCSP.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 12 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 its decision to renew exemptions for 10 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 13 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.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on March 25, 2024. The collection involves two distinct methods of collecting. The first method of collecting uses the traditional paper/hardcopy forms which is limited in scope. The second method is more expansive and uses online web-based forms or Application Programming Interface (API) upload functionality. The information can then be shared with a potential employer to aid them in their hiring decision-making process. The information collected can be release to a hiring employer by the pilot. Disclosure of their information is not possible unless the pilot first authorizes the release. The information to be collected will be used to and/or is necessary because before allowing an individual to begin service as a pilot, and air carrier or operator shall receive and evaluate all relevant information pertaining to the individual.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by several reports of failed clutch actuators and failed rivets attaching the belt tension clutch actuator brackets (bracket) to the fan scroll housing. This proposed AD would require inspecting each bracket and, depending on the results, accomplishing additional inspections or taking any necessary corrective actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action establishes United States Area Navigation Routes (RNAV) Q-143 and T-467 in southern Utah. The FAA is taking this action to provide alternative routing around the TIPET and SEVIER Air Traffic Control Assigned Airspaces (ATCAA) and the White Elk and Gandy Military Operations Areas (MOA).

This notice announces two virtual meetings of the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for The Boeing Company Model 757-200 airplanes modified by particular supplemental type certificates. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the structure in and around the lavatory service panel. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the lavatory service panel, access pan, and attaching structure for cracks; reinforcing the attaching structure; and if necessary, replacing the access pan or repairing cracked parts. 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 The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of multiple engine indicating and crew alerting system messages during the potable water servicing for a Model 777 freighter airplane after the water leaked onto the electronics equipment cooling air filter. Since the Model 767 passenger airplanes are similar in design, we are issuing an AD against the Model 767 passenger airplanes. This proposed AD would require installation of hoseducts around the left-side section 43 potable water supply hoses and connections, a potable water system leakage test, and applicable corrective actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This notice sets forth the reasons for the denial of a petition submitted to NHTSA on August 18, 2022, requesting that the agency commence an investigation of collisions of passenger vehicles and vulnerable road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists) with van-type (also known as box) semi-trailers that result in significant injuries or death due to a lack of effective rear impact guards. On January 17, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition DP22-004 to evaluate petitioners' request. After consideration of the petition and other information, NHTSA believes that the issues raised here are best addressed through its recent rulemaking and the ongoing actions under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Accordingly, the agency has denied the petition.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-300F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that certain cargo compartment insulation blankets do not adequately fit some locations and allow smoke to migrate past the cargo compartment sidewall liners and upward into the main cabin. This proposed AD would require replacing cargo compartment insulation blankets. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) announces that due to scheduling conflicts, the previously planned July 16, 2024, public meeting of the Peer Review Group (PRG) will not take place. The next PRG public meeting will take place on September 17, 2024. 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), and the Maryland State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and other consulting parties.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The information will determine if applicant proposals for conducting commercial space launches can be accomplished according to regulations issued by the Office of the Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation.

This action revokes Colored Federal Airway Blue 9 (B-9) in the eastern United States. The FAA is taking this action due to the decommissioning of the Marathon, FL (MTH), Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB).

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -800 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the protective spiral wrap used on certain galley wire bundles does not have the correct flammability properties. This proposed AD would require inspecting certain galleys to determine part numbers, inspecting for an existing galley modification placard and marking on galleys with affected part numbers, and replacing wire bundle spiral wrap sleeving as applicable. 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.

NHTSA, on behalf of the Department of Transportation (DOT), is finalizing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks that increase at a rate of 2 percent per year for passenger cars in model years (MYs) 2027-31, 0 percent per year for light trucks in model years 2027-28, and 2 percent per year for light trucks in model years 2029-31. NHTSA is also finalizing fuel efficiency standards for heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans (HDPUVs) for model years 2030-32 that increase at a rate of 10 percent per year and model years 2033-35 that increase at a rate of 8 percent per year.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew information collection. The collection enables the FAA to monitor the general aviation fleet to anticipate and meet demand for National Airspace System (NAS) facilities and services, assess the impact of regulatory changes on the fleet, and implement measures to assure the safe operation of all aircraft in the NAS. The data are also used by other government agencies, the general aviation industry, trade associations, and private businesses to identify safety problems and to form the basis for research and analysis of general aviation issues.