[Federal Register: November 30, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 228)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 62516-62518]
[DOCID:fr30no09-16]

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Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-1116; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-061-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model
PIAGGIO P-180 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as: Cracks have been detected on the upper flange (cap) of
several ``0'' pressure bulkheads on the production line; none of the
cracks had spread across the thickness of material. Investigation
revealed that all ``0'' pressure bulkheads installed on aircraft from
MSN 1106 up to 1189 could have the same cracks.
    The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address
the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 14,
2010.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas
City, Missouri 64106; telephone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2009-1116;
Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-061-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD
No. 2009-0211, dated October 6, 2009 (referred to after this as ``the
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The
MCAI states:

    Cracks have been detected on the upper flange (cap) of several
``0'' pressure bulkheads on the production line; none of the cracks
had spread across the thickness of material.
    Investigation revealed that all ``0'' pressure bulkheads
installed on aircraft from MSN 1106 up to 1189 could have the same
cracks.
    Although calculations confirm the low stress level in that area,
a reinforcement of the ``0'' pressure bulkhead is suggested to avoid
crack growth and the eventual failure of the bulkhead.
    For the reasons stated above, this new Airworthiness Directive
(AD) mandates a non-destructive inspection and a reinforcement--by
installation of doublers--of the ``0'' pressure bulkhead. This AD
also includes a reporting requirement of the inspection results.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. has issued Service Bulletin
(Mandatory) N.: SB-80-0267Rev.0, dated May 19, 2009; and Service
Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: SB-80-0267Rev.1, dated June 16, 2009. The
actions described in this service information are intended to correct
the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type
design.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service
Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information

provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a Note within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 63 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 120 work-hours per
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The
design approval holder is providing warranty credit for parts and up to
120 work-hours of labor.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on
U.S. operators to be $0.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA-2009-1116;
Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-061-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by January 14, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model PIAGGIO P-180 airplanes,
manufacturer's serial numbers 1106 through 1189, certificated in any
category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 53:
Fuselage.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
    Cracks have been detected on the upper flange (cap) of several
``0'' pressure bulkheads on the production line; none of the cracks
had spread across the thickness of material.
    Investigation revealed that all ``0'' pressure bulkheads
installed on aircraft from MSN 1106 up to 1189 could have the same
cracks.
    Although calculations confirm the low stress level in that area,
a reinforcement of the ``0'' pressure bulkhead is suggested to avoid
crack growth and the eventual failure of the bulkhead.
    For the reasons stated above, this new Airworthiness Directive
(AD) mandates a non-destructive inspection and a reinforcement--by
installation of doublers--of the ``0'' pressure bulkhead. This AD
also includes a reporting requirement of the inspection results.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) As of the effective date of this AD, when the airplane
reaches a total of 3,600 hours time-in-service or within the next 30
days after the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs later,
inspect the ``0'' pressure bulkhead for cracks using a dye-penetrant
inspection method. Do the inspection in accordance with Part A of
the Accomplishment Instructions in PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A
Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: SB-80-0267Rev.0, dated May 19,
2009; or PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory)
N.: SB-80-0267Rev.1, dated June 16, 2009.
    (2) Before further flight after the inspection required in
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD (whether or not cracks were found),
install doublers on the ``0'' pressure bulkhead. Do the modification
in accordance with Part B and Part C of the Accomplishment
Instructions in PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Service Bulletin
(Mandatory) N.: SB-80-0267Rev.0, dated May 19, 2009; or PIAGGIO AERO
INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: SB-80-0267Rev.1,
dated June 16, 2009.
    (3) Within 30 days after doing the inspection required in
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, report all inspection results, negative
or positive, to Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.a., Via Cibrario, 4--
16154 Genoa, Italy; fax: +39 010 6481 881; e-mail:
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
FAA AD Differences

    Note:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send
information to ATTN: Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to ensure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
U.S.C. 3501 et.seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has
approved the information collection

requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.
2009-0211, dated October 6, 2009; PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A.
Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: SB-80-0267Rev.0, dated May 19,
2009; and PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin
(Mandatory) N.: SB-80-0267Rev.1, dated June 16, 2009, for related
information.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 20, 2009.
Margaret Kline,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-28585 Filed 11-27-09; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


[Federal Register: December 30, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 250)]
[Notices]
[Page 79874-79875]
[DOCID:fr30de08-76]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP07-417-005]

Texas Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Amendment

December 19, 2008.
    Take notice that on December 15, 2008, Texas Gas Transmission, LLC
(Texas Gas), 3800 Frederica Street, Owensboro, Kentucky 42301, filed an
amendment, pursuant to section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act, to its
existing authorization issued to Texas Gas by the Commission on May 2,
2008.\1\ Specifically, Texas Gas is requesting authorization to
construct, own and operate a second directional drill crossing of the
Little Red River in White County, Arkansas, utilizing the original 36-
inch pipeline design already authorized, all as more fully set forth in
the application which is on file with the Commission and open for
public inspection. This filing is available for review at the
Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the
Commission's Web site at http://www.ferc.gov using the ``eLibrary''
link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the
docket number field to access the document. For assistance, please
contact FERC Online Support at<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or toll free
at<PHONE_NUMBER>, or for TTY, contact<PHONE_NUMBER>.
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    \1\ Texas Gas Transmission, LLC, 123 FERC ] 61,118 (2008).
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    Any questions regarding this Application should be directed to
Kathy D. Fort, Manager of Certificates and Tariffs, Texas Gas
Transmission, LLC, 3800 Frederica Street, Owensboro, Kentucky 42301 or
by telephone at<PHONE_NUMBER> or fax at<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    Pursuant to section 157.9 of the Commission's rules, 18 CFR 157.9,
within 90 days of this Notice the Commission staff will either:
complete its environmental assessment (EA) and place it into the
Commission's public record (eLibrary) for this proceeding, or issue a
Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review. If a Notice of Schedule
for Environmental Review is issued, it will indicate, among other
milestones, the anticipated date for the Commission staff's issuance of
the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) or EA for this
proposal. The filing of the EA in the Commission's public record for
this proceeding or the issuance of a Notice of Schedule for
Environmental Review will serve to notify federal and state agencies of
the timing for the completion of all necessary reviews, and the
subsequent need to complete all federal authorizations within 90 days
of the date of issuance of the Commission staff's FEIS or EA.
    There are two ways to become involved in the Commission's review of
this project. First, any person wishing to obtain legal status by
becoming a party to the proceedings for this project should, on or
before the below listed comment date, file with the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, a
motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of the
Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.214 or
385.211) and the Regulations under the NGA (18 CFR 157.10). A person
obtaining party status will be placed on the service list maintained by
the Secretary of the Commission and will receive copies of all
documents filed by the applicant and by all other parties. A party must
submit 14 copies of filings made with the Commission and must mail a
copy to the applicant and to every other party in the proceeding. Only
parties to the proceeding can ask for court review of Commission orders
in the proceeding.
    However, a person does not have to intervene in order to have
comments considered. The second way to participate is by filing with
the Secretary of the Commission, as soon as possible, an original and
two copies of comments in support of or in opposition to this project.
The Commission will

consider these comments in determining the appropriate action to be
taken, but the filing of a comment alone will not serve to make the
filer a party to the proceeding. The Commission's rules require that
persons filing comments in opposition to the project provide copies of
their protests only to the party or parties directly involved in the
protest.
    Persons who wish to comment only on the environmental review of
this project should submit an original and two copies of their comments
to the Secretary of the Commission. Environmental commenters will be
placed on the Commission's environmental mailing list, will receive
copies of the environmental documents, and will be notified of meetings
associated with the Commission's environmental review process.
Environmental commenters will not be required to serve copies of filed
documents on all other parties. However, the non-party commenters will
not receive copies of all documents filed by other parties or issued by
the Commission (except for the mailing of environmental documents
issued by the Commission) and will not have the right to seek court
review of the Commission's final order.
    Motions to intervene, protests and comments may be filed
electronically via the internet in lieu of paper; see, 18 CFR
385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site
under the ``e-Filing'' link. The Commission strongly encourages
electronic filings.
    Comment Date: December 29, 2008.

Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8-30928 Filed 12-29-08; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 50 (Monday, March 16, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13665-13667]
[FR Doc No: 2015-05831]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Petition for Exemption From the Vehicle Theft Prevention
Standard; Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of
Transportation.

ACTION: Grant of petition for exemption.

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SUMMARY: This document grants in full the Volkswagen Group of America,
Inc.'s (Volkswagen's) petition for exemption of the Audi TT vehicle
line in accordance with 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from the Theft
Prevention Standard. This petition is granted because the agency has
determined that the antitheft device to be placed on the line as
standard equipment is likely to be as effective in reducing and
deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with the parts-marking
requirements of 49 CFR part 541, Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention
Standard (Theft Prevention Standard).

DATES: The exemption granted by this notice is effective beginning with
the 2016 model year (MY).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Deborah Mazyck, Office of
International Policy, Fuel Economy and Consumer Programs, NHTSA, West
Building, W43-443, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Ms. Mazyck's phone number is<PHONE_NUMBER>. Her fax number is (202)
493-2990.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a petition dated January 9, 2015,
Volkswagen requested an exemption from the parts-marking requirements
of the Theft Prevention Standard for the Audi TT vehicle line beginning
with MY 2016. The petition requested an exemption from parts-marking
pursuant to 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from Vehicle Theft Prevention
Standard, based on the installation of an antitheft device as standard
equipment for the entire vehicle line.
    Under 49 CFR part 543.5(a), a manufacturer may petition NHTSA to
grant an exemption for one vehicle line per model year. In its
petition, Volkswagen provided a detailed description and diagram of the
identity, design, and location of the components of the antitheft
device for the Audi TT vehicle line. Volkswagen stated that the MY 2016
Audi TT will be installed with its fifth generation, transponder-based
electronic engine immobilizer antitheft device as standard equipment on
the entire vehicle line. Volkswagen stated that its immobilizer device
is aimed to actively incorporate the engine control unit and the
automatic gearbox into the evaluation and monitoring processes. Key
components of the antitheft device will include an engine control unit,
instrument cluster, gateway, automatic gearbox, and an adapted
transponder ignition key (key fob). Volkswagen stated that keyless
entry and locking control will be available as standard equipment on
the entire Audi TT vehicle line. Volkswagen stated that the keyless
entry and locking control uses a transponder key that allows the doors
to be locked by touching a button on the outside door handle of the
vehicle, or to be opened by touching the outside door handle when the
key fob is near the door. Volkswagen also stated that its antitheft
device will include an audible and visible alarm system as standard
equipment on the entire line. Volkswagen's submission is considered a
complete petition as required by 49 CFR 543.7, in that it meets the
general requirements contained in Sec.  543.5 and the specific content
requirements of Sec.  543.6.
    Volkswagen stated that the immobilizer device is activated
automatically after the engine is switched off. Deactivation of the
immobilizer device occurs when the ignition is turned on or the key fob
is recognized by the immobilizer control unit. Specifically, when
turning on the ignition on/off switch, the key transponder sends a
fixed code to the immobilizer control unit. If this is identified as
the correct code, a variable code is generated in the immobilizer
control unit and sent to the transponder. A secret arithmetic process
is then started according to a set of specific equations. The results
of the computing process are evaluated in the control unit and, if
verified, the vehicle key is acknowledged as correct. The engine
control unit and the automatic gearbox then sends a variable code to
the immobilizer control unit for mutual identification. If all the data
matches, start-up of the vehicle is enabled. Volkswagen stated that a
new variable code is generated every time the immobilizer goes through
the secret computing process. Therefore, Volkswagen stated that it
believes the code is undecipherable.
    Activation of the audible and visible alarm system occurs when the
``lock'' button on the key fob is pressed, the driver's door is locked,
or when the vehicle is locked by using the keyless entry and locking
control. When the system is activated, the horn will sound and the
vehicle's exterior lights will flash when unauthorized entry is
attempted by opening the hood, doors, or luggage compartment.
Volkswagen also stated that deactivation of the audible and visible
alarm system is performed by unlocking the vehicle doors with the key
fob, using the mechanical key in the driver's door lock cylinder, or
opening the vehicle using the keyless entry and locking control.
    In addressing the specific content requirements of 543.6,
Volkswagen provided information on the reliability and durability of
its proposed device. To ensure reliability and durability of the
device, Volkswagen stated that the antitheft device has been tested for
compliance to its corporate requirements, including those for
electrical and electronic assemblies in motor vehicles related to
performance.
    In support of its belief that its antitheft device will be as or
more effective in reducing and deterring vehicle theft than the parts-
marking requirement, Volkswagen referenced the effectiveness of
immobilizer devices installed on other vehicles for which NHTSA has
granted exemptions. Specifically, Volkswagen referenced information
from the Highway Loss Data Institute that showed that BMW vehicles
experienced theft loss reductions resulting in a 73% decrease in
relative claim frequency and a 78% lower average loss payment per claim
for vehicles equipped with an immobilizer. Additionally, Volkswagen
stated that the proposed device is similar to the antitheft device
installed on its Audi A3, A4, and Q3 vehicle lines. The agency granted
in full the petition for the Audi A3 vehicle line beginning with model
year 2010, (see 74 FR 10984, March 13, 2009), the Audi A4 vehicle line
(see 71 FR 4966, January 30, 2006), and the Audi Q3 vehicle line
beginning with model year 2015 (see 78 FR 50489, August 19, 2013). The
agency notes that the average theft rate for the Audi A3 and A4 vehicle
lines using three MYs' data (MYs 2010 through 2012) are 1.1974 and
0.6096 respectively. Current theft rate data is not available for the
Audi Q3 vehicle line. Volkswagen also submitted information showing
that the theft rates published by NHTSA indicated that the Audi TT had
very low theft rates for MYs 2010 through 2012. Specifically, theft
rates for the Audi TT vehicle line for MYs 2010 through 2012 are
0.8326, 0.000, and 0.000 respectively.
    The agency agrees that the device is substantially similar to
devices installed on other vehicle lines for which the agency has
already granted exemptions.
    Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 33106 and 49 CFR 543.7 (b), the agency grants
a petition for exemption from the parts-marking requirements of Part
541, either in whole or in part, if it determines that, based upon
substantial evidence, the standard equipment antitheft device is likely
to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as
compliance with the parts-marking requirements of Part 541. The agency
finds that Volkswagen has provided adequate reasons for its belief that
the antitheft device for the Audi TT vehicle line is likely to be as
effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance
with the parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard
(49 CFR part 541). This conclusion is based on the information
Volkswagen provided about its antitheft device.
    Based on the evidence submitted by Volkswagen, the agency believes
that the antitheft device for the Audi TT vehicle line is likely to be
as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as
compliance with the parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention
Standard (49 CFR 541). The agency concludes that the device will
provide four of the five types of

performance listed in Sec.  543.6(a)(3): Promoting activation,
preventing defeat or circumvention of the device by unauthorized
persons, preventing operation of the vehicle by unauthorized entrants,
and ensuring the reliability and durability of the device.
    For the foregoing reasons, the agency hereby grants in full
Volkswagen's petition for exemption for the Volkswagen Audi TT vehicle
line from the parts-marking requirements of 49 CFR part 541. The agency
notes that 49 CFR part 541, Appendix A-1, identifies those lines that
are exempted from the Theft Prevention Standard for a given model year.
49 CFR part 543.7(f) contains publication requirements incident to the
disposition of all Part 543 petitions. Advanced listing--including the
release of future product nameplates, the beginning model year for
which the petition is granted, and a general description of the
antitheft device--is necessary in order to notify law enforcement
agencies of new vehicle lines exempted from the parts-marking
requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard.
    NHTSA notes that if Volkswagen wishes in the future to modify the
device on which this exemption is based, the company may have to submit
a petition to modify the exemption. Part 543.7(d) states that a Part
543 exemption applies only to vehicles that belong to a line exempted
under this part and equipped with the antitheft device on which the
line's exemption is based. Further, Part 543.9(c)(2) provides for the
submission of petitions ``to modify an exemption to permit the use of
an antitheft device similar to but differing from the one specified in
that exemption.''
    The agency wishes to minimize the administrative burden that Part
543.9(c)(2) could place on exempted vehicle manufacturers and itself.
The agency did not intend in drafting Part 543 to require the
submission of a modification petition for every change to the
components or design of an antitheft device. The significance of many
such changes could be de minimis. Therefore, NHTSA suggests that if the
manufacturer contemplates making any changes, the effects of which
might be characterized as de minimis, it should consult the agency
before preparing and submitting a petition to modify.
    Under authority delegated in 49 CFR part 1.95.

Raymond R. Posten,
Associate Administrator for Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 2015-05831 Filed 3-13-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P


[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 3, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14308-14309]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06679]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

[Summary Notice No. 2018-018]

Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received; Neptune
Aviation Transport Services, Inc.

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief
from specified requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations. The
purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and
participation in, the FAA's exemption process. Neither publication of
this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary
is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final
disposition.

DATES: Comments on this petition must identify the petition docket
number and must be received on or before April 23, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2018-0212
using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
     Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30; U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room
W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket
Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9

a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments
from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts
these comments, without edit, including any personal information the
commenter provides, to http://www.regulations.gov, as described in the
system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at
http://www.dot.gov/privacy.
    Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at
http://www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions
for accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140
of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Keira Jones,<PHONE_NUMBER>, Office of
Rulemaking, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue
SW, Washington, DC 20591.
    This notice is published pursuant to 14 CFR 11.85.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 28, 2018.

Dale Bouffiou,
Deputy Executive Director, Office of Rulemaking.

Petition for Exemption

    Docket No.: FAA-2018-0212.
    Petitioner: Neptune Aviation Transport Services, Inc.
    Section(s) of 14 CFR Affected: Sec. Sec.  125.225(d)(1), and
125.226(a)(12),(13), and (14).
    Description of Relief Sought: The petitioner seeks an exemption
from Sec. Sec.  125.225(d)(1), and 125.226(a)(12),(13), and (14) to
allow Neptune Aviation Transport Services to operate an Avro RJ100A
with a flight data recorder incapable of recording three of the
mandatory 34 inputs required by regulation for a period not to exceed
two years. The Avro RJ100A was recently purchased from a foreign entity
and had previously operated under European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) regulations until February 2018.

[FR Doc. 2018-06679 Filed 4-2-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P