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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a notice regarding a petition from the Czechmate L-39 Demo Team. The team is seeking an exemption from a specific aviation regulation to permit flying their L-39 aircraft over a densely populated area during an event at Michigan Stadium on August 30, 2025. The notice aims to increase public engagement in the FAA's exemption process by inviting comments on the petition, which must be submitted by April 29, 2025. For more information, individuals can contact Nia Daniels at the FAA Office of Rulemaking.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has decided to exempt 20 individuals from the hearing requirement to drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. This exemption means that people who are hard of hearing or deaf can legally drive CMVs across state lines until January 22, 2023, provided they meet specific conditions, such as reporting crashes and keeping a copy of the exemption while driving. The decision was based on an assessment that shows these drivers can maintain a safety level equivalent to or greater than that of drivers without such exemptions.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) proposes a rule to update brake system safety standards for trains that use an electronic air brake slip (eABS) system. This new system would allow certain rail cars to travel longer distances between brake tests, specifically up to 2,500 miles rather than the current 1,500 miles, provided the cars meet specific criteria. The proposal includes maintaining extended records of the cars' brake tests and allowing the swapping of blocks of cars in trains without additional tests. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and reduce employee injury risks while still ensuring train safety.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has decided to withdraw a proposed rule from October 29, 2024, concerning updates to procedures for waivers and safety-related proceedings. These updates aimed to clarify what is meant by "in the public interest" and "consistent with railroad safety" in the waiver standards. The FRA cited resource constraints and existing guidance on the topic as reasons for the withdrawal but emphasized their commitment to engaging with stakeholders on rail safety issues. The FRA may consider similar regulations in the future and appreciates the input received from stakeholders during this process.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is considering changes to regulations concerning charter services provided by recipients of federal financial assistance. This proposed rule aims to remove specific outdated programs and guidance listed in appendices, update citations, and clarify regulations without making substantive changes. Key revisions include relocating certain information to the FTA website, removing the outdated appendix A list of Federal programs, and clarifying which human service organizations need to register to receive charter services. The proposed changes are intended to streamline processes and reduce administrative burdens without significantly affecting current requirements or imposing economic impacts.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is looking for nominees to join the Commercial Air Tour Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) to help increase the safety of commercial air tours. This committee was set up in response to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and will provide advice and recommendations for creating new safety regulations. Nominees must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as representing the industry or having expertise in aviation safety. Nominations must be submitted by February 28, 2025, and should include a resume, a statement of how the nominee can contribute, and relevant experience or credentials.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking public comments on its plan to renew the collection of information from air carriers. This information is used to create aviation war risk insurance policies with the FAA, which is essential for carriers when such insurance is not available from commercial sources. Air carriers must submit an initial application and provide updates if their insurance policies change or if they need to add new aircraft to the policy. The FAA uses this data to determine eligibility for insurance and ensure coverage terms are met.

The Maritime Administration is considering a waiver request for the vessel Euphoria, which would allow it to carry up to twelve passengers for hire, despite not being built in the U.S., as usually required by coastwise trade laws. The vessel, a 70-foot motor yacht, is intended for ecological studies of seals mating in California and Baja Mexico. Public comments on the waiver request can be submitted until February 25, 2021. The Maritime Administration will decide on the waiver based on various criteria, including its potential impact on U.S. vessel builders and businesses using U.S.-flagged vessels.