Search Results for agency_names:"Transportation Department"

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has finalized a rule to update Class E airspace in Ahoskie, NC. This change adds new airspace for the ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Heliport and updates information for the Tri-County at Henry Joyner Field Airport. The amendments ensure airspace compliance with FAA standards and support new instrument approach procedures needed for the safety of flight operations. These updates will help manage air traffic more efficiently and safely in the area starting from April 17, 2025.

Norfolk Southern Corporation has requested a waiver from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to operate trains without specific cab signal system equipment on a section of the Port Road Line in Pennsylvania. They wish to use locomotives equipped with a different technology called positive train control (PTC) in this area, covering up to 39.7 miles. The public can view the petition online and submit comments until April 5, 2021. The FRA is currently not planning a public hearing but will consider requests if provided reasons for holding one.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), acting on behalf of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), has announced final decisions regarding a highway project in California. The project involves extending the eastbound truck climbing lane on Interstate 10, covering areas in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. These decisions include granting necessary licenses and approvals, and the public has until July 29, 2021, to file any legal challenges. The actions comply with several environmental regulations, ensuring no significant impact from the project.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking public feedback on renewing the information collection for the Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996 and the Pilot Record Database. This collection helps ensure air carriers thoroughly check a pilot's background before hiring. The process involves traditional forms and online methods, and it allows pilots to control who sees their records. Comments can be submitted until March 31, 2025, by mail, fax, or electronically via regulations.gov.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule regarding Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190-400 airplanes, replacing a previous directive due to the need for updated compliance requirements. The new rule addresses an unsafe condition caused by unexpected wear on the wing hinge bearing assembly of the ailerons, which could lead to excessive backlash and limit cycle oscillation, reducing airplane controllability. The FAA's action follows a related directive from the Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) in Brazil, and comments on the rule are being accepted until February 28, 2025. This rule is effective from January 29, 2025.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposes a voluntary program called the ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP) for vehicles with automated driving systems (ADS). The program aims to review and oversee these vehicles, focusing on safety and public transparency. Participants can apply to perform specific operations or seek exemptions from certain safety standards. The program is designed to help NHTSA monitor the safe development of ADS while collecting data that could inform future safety standards.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule to address safety concerns related to the emergency escape hatch on certain ATR model airplanes. The rule was prompted by a report that the hatch was difficult to open due to incorrect parts being used. This could impede a flightcrew's ability to evacuate in an emergency. The rule mandates inspections and corrective actions to fix any discrepancies, thereby ensuring these planes are safe for operation.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the Department of Transportation, is seeking public comments on a new Information Collection Request (ICR) related to medical documentation needed for employees requesting reasonable accommodations. This ICR requires health professionals to submit medical examinations to assess if applicants meet certain medical qualifications. The form, labeled MCSA-3962.1, facilitates determining if FMCSA can offer accommodations without imposing undue hardship. Public comments are invited on the necessity, accuracy, and potential improvements for the data collection process before February 4, 2025.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is updating a previous directive concerning Rolls-Royce Deutschland Model Trent 1000 engines to include more restrictive maintenance tasks and limits for certain parts. This action is in response to revised guidelines from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which aim to prevent engine failures that could lead to the loss of airplane control. The new rule goes into effect on January 6, 2025, and affects two engines registered in the U.S. with specific requirements for adjusting the maintenance programs within 30 days. The rule allows for necessary safety adjustments while not significantly impacting small entities or intrastate aviation.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a new rule aimed at improving air travel for people with disabilities who use wheelchairs. This rule strengthens regulations to prevent mishandling of wheelchairs and improper transfers, thus ensuring safety and dignity for wheelchair users. Airlines are now required to provide better assistance, offer loaner wheelchairs with customizations, and communicate effectively with passengers if their wheelchairs are mishandled. Additionally, the rule mandates annual hands-on training for airline staff and requires airlines to publish information about cargo hold dimensions to better inform passengers about their travel options.