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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is considering an application for a medical exemption for a commercial motor vehicle driver named Matthew Wackt. The exemption would allow Wackt to operate a commercial vehicle despite his implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), which is usually prohibited under safety regulations due to risks like syncope. The FMCSA seeks public comments on this exemption request to ensure that granting it would maintain or exceed current safety standards. Comments on this matter need to be submitted by March 11, 2021.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new rule to amend the current Airworthiness Directive for specific CFM International, S.A. engines. This rule aims to replace more engine parts at risk due to issues with the material they were made from, which could lead to potential engine failure. The FAA is inviting public comments on this proposal by February 6, 2025, to ensure that new safety measures are properly evaluated and implemented.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. engines, specifically the PW535E and PW535E1 models. This directive is in response to findings from a design review that showed some bolts on the engines might crack due to low-cycle fatigue, which poses a safety risk. The AD mandates routine inspections and potential replacements of these bolts to prevent any danger to the aircraft. Compliance with these rules is required by April 23, 2025, and aims to ensure the continued safe operation of aircraft using these engines.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established a new rule for ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. This rule requires replacing faulty Angle of Attack (AoA) probes that may not activate the stick pusher, a safety mechanism, in a timely manner, especially at low airspeeds and when flaps are extended. This condition could potentially lead to a loss of airplane control. The rule, effective April 4, 2025, aligns with a directive from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and prohibits installing the affected parts in these aircraft.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a part of the Department of Transportation, has extended the comment period by 90 days for a proposed update to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, which deals with child restraint systems. This extension follows requests from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, who needed more time due to COVID-19 related challenges and the necessity for in-depth evaluations of the new testing methods. The proposed changes include using a new test sled assembly and other modernized test procedures. The public can submit comments until April 5, 2021, through various methods such as an online portal or mail.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has received applications from 10 individuals seeking exemptions from the hearing requirements that are typically needed to operate commercial motor vehicles interstate. If approved, these exemptions would allow hard of hearing and deaf individuals to drive commercial vehicles across state lines. The public is invited to comment on these exemption requests by January 27, 2025, using various methods, such as online submission, mail, or fax. The FMCSA will review all submissions to determine if the exemptions maintain an equivalent or greater level of safety.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has finalized a rule changing the 5.9 GHz band to support cellular-vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology, which is intended to improve transportation safety and efficiency. By 2027, existing systems using older technology known as Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) must transition to C-V2X, as the DSRC licenses will no longer be issued. The rule outlines technical guidelines for both roadside and vehicle units, emphasizes message priority for safety communications, and does not require compensation for entities transitioning to the new technology. The FCC expects these changes to enhance traffic safety while supporting the development of new transportation technologies.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has received applications from 12 individuals seeking exemptions from a rule that generally prohibits people with epilepsy or related conditions from driving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. These individuals, who have had seizures but are currently under medication and seizure-free, want to be allowed to drive CMVs. The FMCSA is evaluating their qualifications and inviting public comments on these exemption requests by January 27, 2025. This notice reflects ongoing efforts to balance regulatory safety standards with opportunities for drivers managing medical conditions to legally operate CMVs.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule regarding a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A330 airplanes. This directive was prompted by contamination issues in the engine pylon fire detectors, which could lead to an undetected fire. The rule requires replacing the contaminated parts and bans the installation of any affected parts. This action is based on a European directive and aims to prevent safety hazards and ensure the safe operation of these aircraft within the United States.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued an emergency order that mandates the wearing of face masks by railroad personnel to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as directed by the CDC. This order, effective March 1, 2021, applies to all freight rail operations and certain passenger rail operations under FRA’s jurisdiction, though not in areas already covered by the TSA’s mask requirements. The FRA’s decision follows inconsistent mask-wearing practices observed by inspectors and aims to protect railroad workers, inspectors, and public health. Non-compliance may result in penalties, and specific exemptions exist for certain situations and individuals.