Search Results for agency_names:"Transportation Department"

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, announced that the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) submitted an updated Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP) on October 30, 2024. TRE seeks approval for its Interoperable Electronic Train Management System (I-ETMS) to be certified as a "mixed" positive train control system. The FRA invites the public to comment on this request by February 10, 2025, to help guide their decision making. Comments can be submitted online, and the FRA will consider them before making final decisions, although responses to every comment are not guaranteed.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule that updates and replaces a previous directive concerning the safety of certain airplane and helicopter seatbelt buckles. This change is in response to new information about manufacturing issues that could cause buckles to crack, potentially preventing passengers from unbuckling during an emergency. The rule requires inspections of these buckles, provides guidance for corrective actions, and includes exemption criteria such as buckles made of metal or marked with a blue logo. This action aims to ensure passenger safety by addressing weaknesses in the affected buckle systems.

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 Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 airplanes. This directive is based on safety information from Swiss aviation authorities and addresses potential safety issues. It requires changes to the aircraft maintenance manual, specifically introducing inspections for the flap pivot arm assemblies and wing angle brackets, and updates to the maintenance of the oxygen system. These changes are aimed at preventing reduced structural integrity and maintaining safety standards for the aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain models of Yaborã Indústria Aeronáutica airplanes. This directive was prompted by issues with the automatic takeoff thrust control system that provides incorrect calculations under certain conditions. To address this safety concern, the AD requires updating the software in the engine control systems to prevent potential performance issues during takeoff. The directive is effective from March 30, 2021, and aims to ensure safety by mandating these updates for the affected aircraft models.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) targeting certain ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes made by ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional. This action comes following reports of potential use of incorrect materials in key airplane parts, which could compromise the structural integrity of these aircraft. The directive, effective May 2, 2025, demands thorough inspections, necessary repairs, and replacement of certain parts to ensure safety, in alignment with a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) directive. The FAA has evaluated the situation and decided that these steps are essential for maintaining safe conditions.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, has announced a public meeting of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC) scheduled for March 23, 2021. This will be an online-only event, with no physical gathering, and instructions for attendance will be available on the COMSTAC website. The meeting aims to discuss updates and recommendations regarding U.S. commercial space transportation. The public can participate and provide comments, but must register by March 9, 2021, and submit any special accommodation requests by March 16, 2021.

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 U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program for fiscal year 2021. This program provides federal financial assistance to important transportation projects, focusing on enhancing highway and freight infrastructure of national or regional importance. Key objectives for project selection include promoting economic growth, addressing climate change, advancing racial equity, and encouraging innovation. The deadline for submitting applications through the Grants.gov platform is March 19, 2021.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a notice to gather public input on the Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, L.L.C.'s request for a special permit. This permit would allow the company to avoid certain Federal pipeline safety regulations for a section of their pipeline in Angelina County, Texas. The pipeline's classification has changed, and granting this permit would prevent the need for replacing the pipe or reducing pressure. PHMSA invites comments on the potential safety and environmental impacts of this request.