Department of Transportation – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain MD Helicopters, LLC (MDHI), Model 369, 369A, 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a seized and damaged roller bearing in the pilot interconnecting cyclic torque tube (torque tube) assembly. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the torque tube assembly for corrosion and cracks and the roller bearings for corrosion and degradation. This proposed AD would also require repetitively inspecting the torque tube assembly for freedom- of-movement. Depending on the results, this proposed AD would require replacing parts or accomplishing additional inspections. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to amend domestic Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-16, V-103, V-375, and V- 473 in the eastern United States. The FAA is taking this action due to the planned decommissioning of the Roanoke, VA (ROA), VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME). This action is in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program.

DOT published the names of the persons selected to serve on Departmental PRBs.

The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that was published in the Federal Register. That AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. As published, the AD number referenced throughout the final rule is incorrect. This document corrects that error. In all other respects, the original document remains the same.

Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the National Grain Car Council (NGCC), pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

This document provides the public with notice that, on June 4, 2024, and July 22, 2024, Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) submitted a request for amendment (RFA) to its FRA-approved Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP). As this RFA involves a request for FRA's approval of proposed material modifications to an FRA-certified positive train control (PTC) system, FRA is publishing this notice and inviting public comment on the railroad's RFA to its PTCSP.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The collection involves information on voluntary airport noise compatibility programs. The information to be collected is necessary because noise compatibility program measures are eligible for Federal grants in-aid if they are provided to FAA for review and approval in advance. The respondents are airport sponsors/operators that voluntarily submit noise exposure maps and noise compatibility programs to the FAA for review and approval.

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 action proposes to amend Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for Gainesville Regional Airport, Gainesville, FL, as new instrument approach procedures have been designed for Shands Cair Heliport and Shands Helistop Heliport, Gainesville, FL. This action would also replace the terms Notice to Airmen with Notice to Air Missions and Airport/Facility Directory with Chart Supplement in the Class D and Class E descriptions.

On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The BIL provides historic appropriations for railroad transportation grant programs administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and authorizes new programs to enhance rail safety and to repair, restore, improve, and expand the nation's rail network. Among those new programs is the Corridor Identification and Development Program (CID Program), which creates a new framework to facilitate the development of new, enhanced, and restored intercity passenger rail corridors throughout the country. Railroad Operations Analysis (OA) uses data to assess changes to railroad operations and/or capital project improvements to railroad infrastructure and is frequently part of the planning process for rail projects. OA involves the collaboration of various rail stakeholders and the sharing of data and information. As a result of the CID Program, there is an increased need for FRA and rail stakeholders to participate in OA and evaluate OA results. FRA finds value in conducting OA in a collaborative manner to promote increased confidence in the OA among stakeholders and support Federal FRA investments in infrastructure projects. In this RFI, FRA seeks public comments on the challenges involved in OA, how FRA may address those challenges, and how FRA may improve OA for Federally funded railroad projects.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for Mission Hospitals, Asheville, NC, as new instrument approach procedures have been designed for Mission Hospitals. This action would also update the coordinates for Mission Hospitals.

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 2133-0517 (Approval of Underwriters for Marine Hull Insurance) will be used to provide approval of foreign underwriters based on an assessment of their financial condition, the regulatory regime under which they operate, and a statement attesting to a lack of discrimination in their country against U.S. hull insurers. The regulations also require that American underwriters be given an opportunity to compete for every placement, thereby necessitating in some cases certification that such opportunity was offered. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.

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 2133-0018 (Title XI Obligations Guarantees) will be used to evaluate an applicant's project and capabilities, make the required determinations, and administer any agreements executed upon approval of loan guarantees. This collection is being updated to include minor changes to the instructions to streamline the data collection process through electronic submission capability. There is also a reduction in the public burden since the last renewal. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. A 60-day Federal Register Notice soliciting comments on this information collection was published on May 3, 2024 (Federal Register (FR) 36847, Vol. 89, No. 87) indicating comments should be submitted on or before July 2, 2024. No comments were received.

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.

A final rule was published in the Federal Register on June 4, 2024, establishing Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for Rockingham County NC Shiloh Airport, Reidsville, NC, to accommodate new area navigation (RNAV) global positioning system (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures serving the airport. The FAA has determined that withdrawal of the final rule is warranted since this action should be considered an amendment.

This action proposes to amend restricted area R-5801 and revoke R-5803 at United States (U.S.) Army, Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD), Chambersburg, PA. The purpose of this proposal is to extend the time of designation for R-5801 to include Saturdays from 0800-1600 local time, and to return R-5803 to the National Airspace System (NAS).

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. This proposed 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 proposed AD would require 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 proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected parts. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), Council on Environmental Quality NEPA- implementing regulations, and FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the draft Tiered Environmental Assessment for SpaceX Starship/Super Heavy Vehicle Increased Cadence at the Boca Chica Launch Site in Cameron County, Texas (Draft EA). The Draft EA will analyze SpaceX's proposal to increase the cadence of operations up to 25 annual Starship/Super Heavy orbital launches, up to 25 annual landings of Starship, up to 25 annual landings of Super Heavy, and addresses vehicle upgrades.

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, FRA seeks approval of the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below. Before submitting this ICR to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified in the ICR.

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.

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.

This action amends the Class E airspace at Chanute, KS. This action is the result of an airspace review conducted due to the decommissioning of the Chanute 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 Covenant Transport Inc. and Landair Transport Inc., jointly doing business as Covenant Logistics, an exemption from the requirement for a commercial learner's permit (CLP) holder, while operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), to be accompanied by a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements seated in the front seat of the CMV. The exemption allows a CLP holder, who has passed the skills test but not yet received their CDL document, to drive a Covenant Logistics' CMV while accompanied by a CDL holder who is not in the passenger seat, provided the driver has documentation of passing the skills test. FMCSA has analyzed the exemption application and public comments and determined that the exemption, subject to the terms and conditions imposed, will maintain a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.