Department of Transportation 2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-01- 07, AD 2018-19-33, AD 2019-21-01, AD 2021-26-20, AD 2022-13-09, AD 2022-14-06, AD 2023-09-05, and AD 2023-26-06, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and AD 2020-23-11, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A300 and A300-600 series airplanes. AD 2018-01-07, AD 2018-19-33, AD 2019-21-01, AD 2021-26-20, AD 2022-13-09, AD 2022-14-06, AD 2023-09-05, and AD 2023-26-06 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. AD 2020-23-11 required repetitive inspections for discrepancies of certain areas in and around the fuselage and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require certain actions specified in the superseded ADs, and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations; as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 incorporated by reference. This AD also removes the Model A300 series airplanes from the applicability. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-11-01, which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). AD 2022-11-01 requires a detailed inspection (DET) of the main landing gear (MLG) support rib 5 lower flange, a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) around the spot facing of certain fastener holes if necessary, and applicable corrective actions. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-11-01, it was determined additional airplanes are affected. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2022-11-01 and add airplanes to the applicability, 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 Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a main rotor gearbox (MGB) flange assembly coupling (coupling) that was incorrectly assembled. This AD requires a one-time visual inspection to determine correct assembly of each sliding flange installed on each MGB coupling, and if necessary, further corrective actions. This AD also prohibits installing certain MGB couplings or any MGB equipped with certain MGB couplings on any helicopter. These requirements are 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.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 12 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.

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 10 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 11 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Austin Airport, Austin, NV. The airport is transitioning from visual flight rules (VFR) to instrument flight rules (IFR), and these actions would support the safety and management of IFR operations at the airport.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of loose tail rotor duplex bearing locking nuts, possibly caused by improper installation. This AD requires disassembling certain tail rotor duplex bearings and reassembling them in accordance with updated procedures. This AD also prohibits installing certain tail rotor duplex bearing housings and pitch change slider assemblies. These actions are 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 FHWA, on behalf of the FDOT, is issuing this notice to announce actions taken by FDOT and other Federal agencies that are final agency actions. These actions relate to the proposed Interstate 75 (I-75) Improvements Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study (Financial Management Number 452074-2). The proposed I-75 Improvements project will reduce congestion and improve reliability on I-75 from south of State Road (S.R.) 44 to S.R. 200, a distance of approximately 22.5 miles. Improvements consist of adding auxiliary lanes between interchanges, bridge overpass replacement and widening, and the construction of stormwater management facilities. These actions grant licenses, permits, or approvals for the project.

The FHWA has forwarded the information collection request described in this notice to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a new information collection. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

The FHWA, along with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office), invites public comment on this request for information (RFI) regarding the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Electric Charging Technologies and Infrastructure Needs. This RFI seeks input in four areas to support medium and heavy-duty (MHD) battery electric vehicles (EV) (DOT vehicle classes 4 through 8) including: unique EV charger and station needs; vehicle charging patterns; MHD EV charger technology and standardization; and workforce, supply chain, and manufacturing to support charging of MHD battery EVs. The goal is to inform appropriate future Federal Government activities to support the development and deployment of EV chargers to support the anticipated needs of MHD EV original equipment manufacturers, fleet operators, drivers, charging station operators, and electric utilities. Comments should also address how to balance advances in technology with the need to expeditiously build out the national EV charging infrastructure, including support for MHD segments.

This notice announces actions taken by the FHWA that are final. The action relates to the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) plans to build and operate a light rail Operations and Maintenance Facility in its South Corridor (OMF South). The facility will meet Sound Transit's needs for an expanded fleet of light rail vehicles (LRVs) and will support the expansion of the Link light rail system. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) project is located in the City of Federal Way in King County, in the State of Washington, and is adjacent to the Interstate 5 (I-5) right-of-way. Portions of OMF South will be accommodated within or will affect the I- 5 right-of-way, which requires Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approval.

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 February 21, 2024. The collection involves aircraft operators seeking specific operational approval to conduct Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) operations who must submit application to the FAA for RVSM specific approval. Specific approval is required when aircraft operators intend to operate outside the United States (U.S.) or their aircraft are not equipped with Automatic Dependent SurveillanceBroadcast (ADS-B) Out.

In accordance with the procedures governing the application for, and the processing of, special permits from the Department of Transportation's Hazardous Material Regulations, notice is hereby given that the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety has received the application described herein.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) invites public comments on our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed collection OMB 2133-0025 (Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) System) is used to maintain a current plot of U.S.-Flag and U.S.-owned vessels. Since the last renewal, there was an increase in the total respondents to this collection, which has resulted in more responses and higher burden hours. There are no other changes to this collection. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.

FMCSA announces that the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has applied for a limited exemption from the commercial driver's license (CDL) rules concerning acceptable proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency for citizens of Freely Associated States (FAS) who now reside in Hawaii and wish to obtain a CDL. The FAS are the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. If the exemption is granted, HDOT would be allowed to issue standard commercial learner permits (CLPs) and CDLs to FAS citizens, rather than issuing non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs. FMCSA requests public comment on the applicant's request and on the question of whether FMCSA should grant the exemption to all State Driver's Licensing Agencies (SDLAs).

This action proposes special conditions for the Airbus Model A350-941 airplane. This airplane, as modified by Aerocon Engineering Company (Aerocon), will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. This design feature is an installation of a lower lobe crew rest (LLCR) compartment located under the passenger cabin floor in the cargo compartment. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

On August 12, 2024, Student Transportation of America, Inc. (STA), a noncarrier, and its parent entities (collectively, Applicants) filed an application seeking authority for STA to acquire all voting securities of West Point Tours, Inc. (WPT), a passenger motor carrier that holds operating authority issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The Board is tentatively approving and authorizing the transaction, and, if no opposing comments are timely filed, this notice will be the final Board action.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of debonding on the leading edge protection of certain part-numbered main rotor blades (MRBs). This AD requires repetitively tap inspecting the MRB and, depending on the results, taking corrective action. This AD also prohibits installing an affected MRB on any helicopter unless its requirements are met. These actions are 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.

FMCSA announces its decision to grant a limited 5-year exemption to the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA) on behalf of motor carriers in Wisconsin to use cargo securement methods that do not comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for securing shortwood logs transported lengthwise in crib-type vehicles that have been modified or manufactured without front structures, rear structures, or which have a center-mounted crane for loading and unloading. The Agency has determined that the use of the alternate cargo securement method will likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than the level of safety achieved by the current regulation.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-20-12, AD 2018-17-21, and AD 2019-14-04, which apply to certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2019- 14-04 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations and terminates the provisions of AD 2018-17-21, which in turn terminates the provisions of AD 2016-20-12. Since the FAA issued AD 2019-14-04, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD 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.

On April 1, 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a final rule in the Federal Register to incorporate certain Airman Certification Standards and Practical Test Standards by reference into the certification requirements for pilots, flight instructors, flight engineers, aircraft dispatchers, and parachute riggers. That final rule incorrectly set forth certain regulatory text that includes duplicative requirements. This correction remedies the error. This correction does not make any substantive revisions to the regulations.

This action amends the Class E airspace at Beloit, KS. This action is the result of an airspace review conducted due to the decommissioning of the Mankato 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. This action brings the airspace into compliance with FAA orders to support instrument flight rule (IFR) operations.

FMCSA announces its decision to grant an exemption to the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) to allow commercial driver's license (CDL) holders with a passenger (P) endorsement to operate a school bus without holding a school bus (S) endorsement, provided an adult chaperone is present on the bus who is responsible for ensuring the safe loading and unloading of children. This exemption applies to drivers operating traditional school buses, i.e., buses designed to be school buses, and to motorcoaches and vans not designed to be school buses. Drivers operating a traditional school bus must have an S endorsement commercial learner's permit (CLP) and obtain their full S endorsement within 90 days of the date they obtained the S endorsement CLP. Drivers operating motorcoaches or vans not designed to be a school bus must operate between designated central locations, such as parks or parking lots, and school or school-sponsored events.