Department of Transportation November 26, 2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-401 and - 402 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight event where isolation valve caution messages were received. This AD requires inspecting the fuse/shuttle valve serial numbers, and replacing certain fuse/shuttle valves, as specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing 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.

This action proposes to amend domestic Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-1, V-29, V-38, V-139, and V-286 in the eastern United States. The FAA is taking this action due to the planned decommissioning of the Salisbury, MD (SBY) VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) and the Snow Hill, MD (SWL), VORTAC. This action is in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that during manufacture of drag brace lower lock link assemblies for the main landing gear (MLG), a certain required inspection was not performed. This AD requires doing a check of maintenance records or an inspection to determine if certain drag brace lower lock link assemblies are installed, and applicable on-condition actions. This AD also prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-24-06, which applies to certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model BR700-710A1-10, BR700-710A2-20, and BR700-710C4-11 engines. AD 2022-24-06 requires initial and repetitive visual inspections of certain low-pressure compressor (LPC) rotor (fan) disks and replacement of any LPC rotor (fan) disk with cracks detected. AD 2022-24-06 also allows for modification of the engine in accordance with RRD service information as a terminating action to these inspections. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-24-06, the manufacturer published updated service information and revised the engine maintenance manual (EMM) to provide instructions for an improved ultrasonic inspection method, which prompted this AD. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive visual inspections of certain LPC rotor (fan) disks and replacement of any LPC rotor (fan) disk with cracks detected and would allow modification of the engine as a terminating action to the inspections, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST) announces a public meeting of the Transforming Transportation Advisory Committee (TTAC) on Friday, December 13, 2024. This notice announces the date, time, and location of the meeting, which will be virtually open to the public. The purpose of the TTAC is to provide information, advice, and recommendations to the Secretary on matters relating to transportation innovations.

This notice announces the calendar year 2025 drug and alcohol random testing rates for specific recipients of FTA financial assistance. The minimum random drug testing rate will remain at 50 percent, and the random alcohol testing rate will remain at 10 percent.

In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Department of Transportation (the Department) invites public comments on a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve modifications to a currently approved Information Collection Request (ICR). The forms have been updated to reflect efficiencies in the application process adopted by the Department, provide clarifying information, and make the forms easier for applicants to use. The general process of applying for credit assistance is not changing; applications are still accepted on a rolling basis. The ICR continues to be necessary for the Department to evaluate projects and project sponsors for credit program eligibility and creditworthiness as required by law.