Search Results for agency_names:"Transportation Department"

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking public comments on its plan to extend and modify a currently approved information collection related to crash data studies. These studies include the Crash Investigation Sampling System (CISS) and Special Crash Investigation (SCI), aimed at enhancing motor vehicle and highway safety data collection. NHTSA intends to increase the number of data collection sites and expand its focus to include more types of crashes, such as those involving non-motorists and large vehicles. The agency estimates the total annual burden for respondents to be 17,521 hours, with no associated costs beyond labor.

The FAA is proposing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters models SA341G and SA342J. This is in response to reports of corrosion on components related to the tail rotor drive shaft, which could lead to loss of control. The proposed rule would require regular inspections and possible replacements of these parts. Comments on this proposal are due by March 3, 2025.

The FAA released a new airworthiness directive (AD) targeting specific models of Bombardier airplanes, namely the BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11. This rule demands updates to the current maintenance and inspection programs to introduce stricter limits for brake accumulators, as these components may exceed their lifespan and fail, potentially causing loss of brake function. Affected airplanes must comply with these new standards by early 2025, and operators have 90 days from the directive's effective date to update their procedures accordingly. The rule is necessary to prevent unsafe conditions that might lead to accidents or runway excursions.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a final rule delaying the effective date of its "Rulemaking Procedures Update" to March 21, 2021. This decision follows a memorandum from January 20, 2021, by the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, to give time for the President's appointees or designees to review the rule. The delay aims to ensure thorough consideration of any questions concerning facts, law, or policy before the rule becomes effective. Normally, agencies have to provide notice and allow comments before implementing rules, but this requirement is waived if deemed impracticable or against public interest.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), part of the Department of Transportation, announced the withdrawal of a previous notice about agency information collection activities. This notice was initially published in the Federal Register on December 30, 2024. For those needing more information, Jazmyne Lewis is the contact person at the FHWA. The notice was officially withdrawn on April 8, 2025, as documented in the recent Federal Register entry.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced that the Association of American Railroads (AAR) has requested an extension of relief from certain safety regulations for rail cars with end-of-car cushioning units. The AAR wants to keep using these rail cars even if they show minor leaks, as long as a condition indicator shows the cushioning unit is still working. They argue that this waiver has helped protect workers and avoid unnecessary repairs. The public can submit their comments on this request until April 2, 2025, through the official regulations website.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule concerning certain General Electric (GE) aircraft engines. It requires the replacement of specific cooling plates on these engines because they may not meet safety guidelines, potentially leading to an unsafe condition. This rule affects 228 engines in the U.S. registry and aims to prevent possible engine failures that could lead to damage. The rule will be effective from April 8, 2025, ensuring that planes equipped with these engines continue to operate safely.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new rule that affects various models of Airbus A300-600 series airplanes. This proposed rule wants to add new, stricter maintenance and inspection requirements due to concerns about the safety risks from aging aircraft systems. These changes are based on recommendations by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and will replace some previous maintenance instructions. The public can comment on this proposal until May 9, 2025.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued a notice regarding applications for modifications to existing special permits concerning the transportation of hazardous materials. The public is invited to comment on these applications by April 10, 2025. Interested parties can inspect copies of the applications at the PHMSA office or online. This notice is part of the procedures under federal hazardous materials law to ensure public input and compliance.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule concerning the Boeing 737-800 airplanes converted to freighters. This rule mandates earlier ultrasonic inspections of the airplane's skin under the drag link assembly to address any potential cracking issues. These inspections are essential because undetected cracks could lead to rapid decompression and compromise the airplane’s structural integrity. The rule is based on prior assessments indicating that the previous inspection deadlines were inadequate for ensuring safety.