Report on DOT Significant Rulemakings

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Table of Contents

Federal Aviation Administration

1. Retrofit of Improved Seats in Air Carrier Transport Category Airplanes

2. Drug Enforcement Assistance

3. Aging Aircraft Safety

4. Corrosion Prevention and Control Program

5. National Air Tour Safety Standards

6. Revision of Emergency Evacuation Demonstration Procedures to Improve Participant Safety

7. Flight Crewmember Duty Limitations and Rest Requirements

8. False and Misleading Statements Regarding Aircraft Parts

9. Noise Limitations for Aircraft Operations in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park

10. Licensing and Safety Requirements for Launch

11. Child Restraint Systems

12. Revision of Air Carrier Crewmember & Training Regulations

13. Training in the Recognition of Hazardous Material

14. Revisions to Digital Flight Data Recorder Regulations for B-737 Airplanes and for Part 125 Operators

15. Flight Simulation Device Qualification

16. Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft

17. Transponder Continuous Operation

18. Security Considerations for the Flightdeck on Foreign Operated Transport Category Airplanes

19. Picture Identification Requirements

20. Ineligibility for an Airman Certificate Based on Security Grounds

21. Revisions to Cockpit Voice Recorder and Digital Flight Data Recorder Regulations

22. Flight Deck Security on Large Cargo Airplanes

23. Stage 4 Aircraft Noise Standards

24. Extended Operations (ETOPS) of Multi-engine Airplanes

25. Aging Aircraft Program (Widespread Fatigue Damage)

26. Flightdeck Door Monitoring and Crew Discreet Alerting System

27. Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area

28. Process for Requesting Waiver of Mandatory Separation Age for Certain FAA Air Traffic Control Specialists

29. Fuel Tank Safety Compliance Extension (Final Rule) and Aging Airplane Program Update (Notice)

30. Transport Airplane Fuel Tank Flammability Reduction

31. Enhanced Airworthiness Program for Airplane Systems (EAPAS) and SFAR 88

Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Aviation Administration
1. 
Retrofit of Improved Seats in Air Carrier Transport Category Airplanes Red
Popular Title: Retrofit of Improved Seats
RIN 2120-AC84
Stage: Final Rule
Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 05/17/1988; End of Comment Period 10/14/1988; Reopening of Comment Period 10/30/1998; End of Reopened Comment Period 01/09/1999. SNPRM: Publication Date 10/04/2002; End of Comment Period 12/03/2002; Extension of Comment Period 12/03/2002; End of Extended Comment Period 03/03/2003.
Abstract: This rulemaking implements a congressional mandate of the Airport and Airway Safety Act of 1987 that the Department initiate a rulemaking by April 28, 1988, to consider requiring all air carrier aircraft to replace existing seats with new designs that would be more crashworthy.
Effects:
  Regulatory Flexibility Act
Prompting action: Statute
Legal Deadline:  NPRM : 04/28/1988
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 12/30/1987
Dates for Final Rule:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 06/25/2004  12/01/2004   
To OMB 07/26/2004  01/03/2005   
OMB Clearance 10/26/2004  04/04/2005   
Publication Date 11/09/2004  04/09/2005   
Explanation for any delay: Additional coordination necessary
Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None


Federal Aviation Administration
2. 
Drug Enforcement Assistance Black
Popular Title: Drug Enf Assistance
RIN 2120-AD16
Stage: Undetermined
Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 03/12/1990; End of Comment Period 05/11/1990.
Abstract: This rulemaking revises certain requirements covering registration of aircraft, certification of pilots, and penalties associated with registration and certification violations. This rulemaking also responds to the Federal Aviation Administration Drug Enforcement Act of 1988 (the revised requirements will assist law enforcement agencies' efforts to stop drug trafficking in general aviation aircraft).
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: Statute
Legal Deadline:  Final Rule : 09/18/1989
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 11/18/1988
Dates for Undetermined:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST      
To OMB      
OMB Clearance      
Publication Date      
End of Comment Period      
Explanation for any delay: N/A
Federal Register Citation for Undetermined: None


Federal Aviation Administration
3. 
Aging Aircraft Safety Green
Popular Title: Aging Aircraft
RIN 2120-AE42
Stage: Final Rule
Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 10/05/1993; End of Comment Period 02/02/1994; Reopening Comment Period 02/08/1994; End of Reopened Comment Period 3/04/1994. NPRM/2: Publication Date 4/02/1999; End of Comment Period 8/02/1999; Reopening of Comment Period 8/18/1999; End of Reopened Comment Period 10/08/1999. Interim Final Rule: Publication Date 12/06/2002; End of Comment Period 02/04/2003. Publication Date for Extension of Comment Period 02/04/2003; End of Extension of Comment Period 05/05/2003.
Abstract: This rulemaking would require airplanes operated under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121, U.S.-registered multiengine airplanes operated under 14 CFR part 129, and multiengine airplanes used in scheduled operations under 14 CFR part 135 to undergo inspections and records reviews by the Administrator or a designated representative after their 14th year in service and at specified intervals thereafter. These inspections and records reviews will ensure that the maintenance of these airplanes' age-sensitive parts and components has been adequate and timely. This rulemaking would also prohibit operation of these airplanes after specified deadlines unless damage-tolerance-based inspections and procedures are included in their maintenance or inspection programs. Operators of airplanes initially certificated with nine or fewer passenger seats, however, may incorporate service-history-based inspections instead of damage-tolerance-based inspections and procedures in those airplanes' maintenance or inspection programs. This rulemaking does not apply to airplanes operated between any point within the State of Alaska and any other point within the State of Alaska. This rulemaking represents a critical step toward compliance with the Aging Aircraft Safety Act of 1991 and helps to ensure the continuing airworthiness of aging airplanes operating in scheduled service.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: Statute
Legal Deadline:  Initiate rulemaking by : 04/24/1992
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 10/28/1991
Dates for Final Rule:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 02/11/2005  06/25/2004   
To OMB 03/11/2005  07/23/2004   
OMB Clearance 06/10/2005  10/22/2004   
Publication Date 06/24/2005  11/05/2004   
Explanation for any delay: N/A
Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None


Federal Aviation Administration
4. 
Corrosion Prevention and Control Program Green
Popular Title: Corrosion Control
RIN 2120-AE92
Stage: Withdrawal
Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 10/03/2002; End of Comment Period 04/01/2003.
Abstract: This rulemaking would require that the maintenance or inspection programs for all airplanes operated under part 121 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, all U.S. -registered multiengine airplanes operated in common carriage by foreign air carriers or foreign persons under 14 CFR part 129, and all multiengine airplanes used in scheduled operations under 14 CFR part 135 include FAA-approved corrosion prevention and control programs. Such programs are needed because existing maintenance and inspection programs may not provide comprehensive, systematic measures to prevent and control corrosion. The rulemaking would form a part of the FAA's response to the Aging Aircraft Safety Act of 1991. These actions are intended to control the detrimental effects of corrosion and the resulting airplane structural material loss. The FAA believes that the safety objectives of this rule can be accomplished by other means, including other rulemakings.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: Statute
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 10/28/1991
Dates for Withdrawal:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST   06/02/2004  05/26/2004 
Publication Approved   09/27/2004   
Publication Date   10/01/2004   
Explanation for any delay: N/A
Federal Register Citation for Withdrawal: None


Federal Aviation Administration
5. 
National Air Tour Safety Standards Red
Popular Title: Air Tour Safety
RIN 2120-AF07
Stage: NPRM
Previous Stage:None
Abstract: In this rulemaking, the FAA will respond to NTSB recommendations. FAA is seeking information on air tour and sightseeing operations that are currently allowed to operate under less stringent regulations than those applied to other types of commercial operations. Over the past decade, the number of these operations, and the number of accidents and incidents associated with these operations, has increased. Hot air balloons and gliders would not be included. (Note: This rulemaking was formerly called "Sightseeing Operations.") This rulemaking has been downgraded to Nonsignificant and will be removed from future reports.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: None
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 04/25/1994
Dates for NPRM:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 03/01/2002  01/31/2003  02/10/2003 
To OMB 04/01/2002  05/02/2003  07/10/2003 
OMB Clearance 07/01/2002  10/10/2003  10/08/2003 
Publication Date 07/03/2002  10/17/2003  10/22/2003 
End of Comment Period 09/09/2002    01/20/2004 
Explanation for any delay: Unanticipated issues requiring further analysis
Federal Register Citation for NPRM: 68 FR 60572


Federal Aviation Administration
6. 
Revision of Emergency Evacuation Demonstration Procedures to Improve Participant Safety Red
Popular Title: Emergency Evacuation
RIN 2120-AF21
Stage: Final Rule
Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 07/18/1995; Correction 08/25/1995; End of Comment Period 10/16/1995.
Abstract: This final rule would improve participant safety during full-scale emergency evacuation demonstrations of transport category airplanes by permitting certain alternative procedures that would allow a person conducting the demonstrations to react more readily should a mishap occur. This rule would not impose any additional cost. The purpose of the rule is to make full-scale emergency evacuation demonstrations safer for participants, to codify existing practices, and to ensure that each operator demonstrates the effectiveness of crewmember training by conducting at least a partial evacuation demonstration.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: None
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 05/08/1995
Dates for Final Rule:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 12/01/2002  05/28/2004  05/06/2004 
To OMB 01/02/2003  06/25/2004   
OMB Clearance 04/02/2003  09/24/2004   
Publication Date 04/09/2003  10/01/2004   
Explanation for any delay: Unanticipated issues requiring further analysis
Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None


Federal Aviation Administration
7. 
Flight Crewmember Duty Limitations and Rest Requirements Red
Popular Title: Flight Crewmember Duty Time
RIN 2120-AF63
Stage: Undetermined
Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 12/20/1995; End of Comment Period 03/19/1996; Comment Period Extended 3/20/1996; End of Extended Comment Period 6/19/1996.
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the pilot rest and duty requirements for pilots by ensuring they receive adequate rest opportunities while assigned to reserve status and by preventing lengthy duty periods that could contribute to acute and cumulative fatigue. The rulemaking would propose a definition of "rest period." FAA previously planned to publish an SNPRM by 3/31/02.
Effects:
  Regulatory Flexibility Act
Prompting action: None
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 11/28/1995
Dates for Undetermined:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST      
To OMB      
OMB Clearance      
Publication Date      
End of Comment Period      
Explanation for any delay: Unanticipated issues requiring further analysis
Federal Register Citation for Undetermined: None


Federal Aviation Administration
8. 
False and Misleading Statements Regarding Aircraft Parts Green
Popular Title: False Statements Plane Parts
RIN 2120-AG08
Stage: Final Rule
Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 05/05/2003; End of Comment Period 08/04/2003.
Abstract: This action proposes additional rules that would prohibit certain false or misleading statements regarding civil aircraft, airframes, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, component parts, and materials, including standard parts that are used, or may be used, on civil aircraft. The proposal would also permit increased inspection by the FAA of records regarding the quality of aircraft parts.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: None
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 08/22/1994
Dates for Final Rule:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 07/27/2004  07/07/2004   
To OMB 08/24/2004  08/01/2004   
OMB Clearance 11/24/2004  11/01/2004   
Publication Date 12/10/2004  11/18/2004   
Explanation for any delay: N/A
Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None


Federal Aviation Administration
9. 
Noise Limitations for Aircraft Operations in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park Green
Popular Title: GCNP Phaseout rule
RIN 2120-AG34
Stage: Final Rule
Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 12/31/1996; End of Comment Period 03/31/1997. SNPRM: Publication Date 03/24/2003; End of Comment Period 06/23/2003.
Abstract: This action is one part of an overall strategy to reduce further the impact of aircraft noise on the environment of Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) and to help the National Park Service achieve its statutory mandate imposed by Public Law 100-91 to provide for the substantial restoration of natural quiet and experience at GCNP. This rulemaking would establish a reasonably achievable standard for quiet technology to comply with the congressional mandate imposed by section 804 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (Public Law 106-181).
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: Statute
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 12/31/1996
Dates for Final Rule:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 06/30/2004  09/02/2004   
To OMB 09/29/2004  09/30/2004   
OMB Clearance 12/28/2004  12/30/2004   
Publication Date 01/06/2005  01/23/2005   
Explanation for any delay: N/A
Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None


Federal Aviation Administration
10. 
Licensing and Safety Requirements for Launch Red
Popular Title: Licensing Space Launches
RIN 2120-AG37
Stage: SNPRM/2
Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 10/25/2000; End of Comment Period 2/22/2001. SNPRM: Publication Date 07/30/2002; End of Comment Period 10/28/2002.
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the commercial space transportation regulations governing licensing and safety requirements for launch from Federal and non-Federal launch sites.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: None
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 01/17/1999
Dates for SNPRM/2:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 05/21/2003  06/01/2004   
To OMB 06/20/2003  07/09/2004   
OMB Clearance 09/19/2003  10/01/2004   
Publication Date 09/26/2003  10/11/2004   
End of Comment Period 12/26/2003  01/05/2005   
Explanation for any delay: Additional coordination necessary
Federal Register Citation for SNPRM/2: None


Federal Aviation Administration
11. 
Child Restraint Systems Black
Popular Title: Child Restraint Systems
RIN 2120-AG43
Stage: Undetermined
Previous Stage: ANPRM: Publication Date 02/18/1998; End of Comment Period 6/18/1998.
Abstract: This rulemaking would consider the use of child restraint systems in aircraft during all phases of flight (i.e., taxi, takeoff, landing, or any other time the seat belt sign is illuminated). Specifically, the agency would consider information about existing child restraint systems, the development of new and improved child restraint systems, and the ease with which existing or new child restraint systems can be used. The Department is currently considering and coordinating options for appropriate action.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: None
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 10/29/1997
Dates for Undetermined:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST      
To OMB      
OMB Clearance      
Publication Date      
End of Comment Period      
Explanation for any delay: N/A
Federal Register Citation for Undetermined: None


Federal Aviation Administration
12. 
Revision of Air Carrier Crewmember & Training Regulations Green
Popular Title: Subparts N & O Air Carrier Training
RIN 2120-AG57
Stage: NPRM
Previous Stage:None
Abstract: This action would revise title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations part 121 subparts N, O, and P. It would address Advanced Qualification Programs and additional training programs. The rulemaking is needed to enhance traditional training programs by including additional requirements in areas that are critical to safety. The rulemaking is intended to contribute significantly to reducing aviation accidents. The rulemaking also would reorganize and rewrite training and qualification requirements to make them easier to use.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: None
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 02/10/1998
Dates for NPRM:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 05/07/2005     
To OMB 06/04/2005     
OMB Clearance 09/03/2005     
Publication Date 11/21/2005     
End of Comment Period 01/20/2006     
Explanation for any delay: N/A
Federal Register Citation for NPRM: None


Federal Aviation Administration
13. 
Training in the Recognition of Hazardous Material Red
Popular Title: Hazmat Training Requirements
RIN 2120-AG75
Stage: NPRM
Previous Stage:None
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the FAA's hazardous materials (hazmat) training requirements for air carriers and commercial operators certificated to operate under part 121 or part 135. In addition, the rulemaking would propose that repair stations certificated under part 145 document for the FAA that persons handling hazmat for transportation have been trained as required by the Department of Transportation's Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs). The FAA is updating its regulations because hazmat transport and the aviation industry have changed significantly since the FAA promulgated its current hazmat training standards to ensure uniform compliance with training requirements.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: None
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 02/18/1999
Dates for NPRM:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 12/15/1999    02/08/2002 
Resubmitted to OST     06/20/2002 
Returned to Mode     11/08/2002 
Resubmitted to OST/2     11/18/2002 
Returned to Mode/2     12/09/2002 
Resubmitted to OST/3     12/20/2002 
To OMB   11/20/2002  01/28/2003 
OMB Clearance 01/20/2000  04/28/2003  04/28/2003 
Publication Date 01/20/2000  05/01/2003  05/08/2003 
End of Comment Period   08/01/2003  07/07/2003 
Extension of Comment Period     07/07/2003 
End of Extended Comment Period     09/05/2003 
Explanation for any delay: Unanticipated issues requiring further analysis
Federal Register Citation for NPRM: 68 FR 24809


Federal Aviation Administration
14. 
Revisions to Digital Flight Data Recorder Regulations for B-737 Airplanes and for Part 125 Operators Red
Popular Title: Digital Flight Data Recorder/B-737
RIN 2120-AG87
Stage: Final Rule
Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 11/18/1999; End of Comment Period 12/20/1999.
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the digital flight data recorder (DFDR) regulations for transport category airplanes to add a requirement for all Boeing 737 (B-737) series airplanes to record additional flight data parameters. It is based on safety recommendations issued by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) following the investigations of two accidents and other incidents involving B-737 aircraft.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: None
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 02/15/1999
Dates for Final Rule:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 05/29/2000  11/03/2000  10/25/2000 
To OMB 06/28/2000  12/04/2000  12/26/2000 
Returned by OMB     09/18/2001 
Resubmitted to OST/2   04/30/2004  05/04/2004 
Resubmitted to OMB/2   06/15/2004   
OMB Clearance 07/28/2000  09/16/2004   
Publication Date 08/11/2000  09/23/2004   
Explanation for any delay: Unanticipated issues requiring further analysis
Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None


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