Search Results for agency_names:"Transportation Department"

In response to a Congressional requirement from the SUPPORT Act, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is proposing a new rule to include mechanical (MECH) employees, who test or inspect railroad equipment, under its alcohol and drug regulations. This proposed rule aims to extend current regulations, initially designed for maintenance-of-way and covered service employees, to MECH employees. FRA believes that enforcing random and pre-employment drug tests could deter substance misuse among MECH employees, thereby enhancing safety. The proposed changes would also include guidelines for small railroads and contractors to ensure compliance and minimize burdens.

In a final rule published on November 18, 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) made corrections to its regulations by addressing two specific errors. The first correction involves handling a wrongly stayed section, with the agency providing new instructions to revise and stay that section until January 16, 2026. The second correction fixes a typographical error involving an incorrect reference in a section definition. These changes aim to improve clarity and consistency within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking public comments on its plan to renew the information collection required for certifying air carriers and commercial operators under Federal Aviation Regulation part 119. Organizations seeking certification must report necessary information, which the FAA uses to ensure compliance with aviation regulations. Public comments on the necessity, accuracy, and ways to improve or reduce the burden of the information collection are invited until March 22, 2021.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new rule aimed at improving safety for certain Boeing 767 airplane models. This is in response to significant changes in limitations related to preventing fuel tank ignition and updating the nitrogen generation system. The proposed rule would require changes to maintenance programs for these aircraft to address potential safety hazards. The FAA is seeking public comments on this proposal by April 12, 2021.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposed a rule change to allow individuals with vision impairments in one eye to operate commercial motor vehicles without needing an exemption. Currently, these individuals need an exemption to drive interstate. The new rule suggests using a standard that includes a road test instead of requiring three years of intrastate driving experience. This change aims to simplify the qualification process and improve employment opportunities for drivers while maintaining safety standards.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking public feedback on potential new rules to protect airline passengers from financial losses caused by flight disruptions. These rules could require airlines to provide cash compensation, free rebooking, and amenities like meals and lodging when flights are significantly delayed or canceled due to reasons within the airline's control. The DOT is also considering how to ensure passengers quickly receive accurate information about their rights and options in these situations. The goal is to offer clear and automatic processes for passengers to obtain compensation and services, especially for travelers with disabilities who may face additional challenges.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued a notice regarding the collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice informs the public that the FRA is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an Information Collection Request (ICR) regarding hours of service regulations for railroad employees. The public is invited to comment on this request by March 31, 2025. The request seeks to continue collecting data related to train employee work schedules to ensure safe working conditions and reduce fatigue-related accidents.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) affecting various models of Airbus Helicopters, prompted by the in-flight loss of a sliding door. This AD mandates an inspection of the sliding doors' upper rail and front roller, requiring replacement or service removal if faults are detected. The rule is to prevent potential harm to the helicopter or people on the ground, with compliance required within 30 hours of service use from the rule's effective date, March 3, 2021. Comments on the directive are requested by April 2, 2021.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new regulation for certain Leonardo S.p.a. helicopters—specifically the A109E, A109S, and AW109SP models—due to reports of incorrect installation of specific motor cables and bonding braids connected to engine fire extinguisher bottles. This proposal aims to ensure these components are correctly installed to prevent potential engine fire hazards that could result in loss of helicopter control. Feedback from the public is invited on this proposal, with comments due by March 24, 2025. The directive is intended to address and correct these unsafe conditions, as recognized by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule that updates the process for requesting special flight authorizations for supersonic aircraft in the U.S. This rule simplifies the application procedure for testing these aircrafts at speeds over Mach 1, mainly for purposes like checking airworthiness and reducing sonic boom impacts. While the rule streamlines administrative requirements, it does not change the long-standing general ban on routine overland supersonic flight. The FAA still heavily focuses on ensuring these tests consider potential environmental impacts, following regulations like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).