[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 170 (Friday, August 31, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44690-44691]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18882]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments;
Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Certification:
Pilots and Flight Instructors

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA
invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information
collection. The revision of this collection involves the logging of
training time in aviation training devices under the provisions of
regulations specified in the background of this document, and the
logging of flight time as a second in command (SIC) under the
provisions of regulations specified in the background of this document.

DATES: Written comments should be submitted by October 1, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on
the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget. Comments should be
addressed to the attention of the Desk Officer, Department of
Transportation/FAA, and sent via electronic mail to
[email protected], or faxed to

(202) 395-6974, or mailed to the Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Docket Library, Room 10102,
725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503.
    Public Comments Invited: You are asked to comment on any aspect of
this information collection, including (a) Whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary for FAA's performance; (b) the
accuracy of the estimated burden; (c) ways for FAA to enhance the
quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and (d)
ways that the burden could be minimized without reducing the quality of
the collected information. The agency will summarize and/or include
your comments in the request for OMB's clearance of this information
collection.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Hall at<PHONE_NUMBER>, or by
email at: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    OMB Control Number: 2120-0021.
    Title: Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors.
    Form Numbers: 8710-1, 8710-13.
    Type of Review: This is a revision of an existing information
collection.
    Background: The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment
period soliciting comments on the following collection of information
was published on June 14, 2018 (83 FR 27822). On June 27, 2018, the FAA
published the final rule Regulatory Relief, Aviation Training devices;
Pilot Certification, Training, and Pilot Schools; and Other Provisions
(83 FR 30232). In that rule, the FAA is reducing the burden for
instrument currency requirements under Sec.  61.57 for those pilots
that use aviation training devices. Prior to that final rule, Sec.
61.57(c)(3) required persons using an aviation training device to
establish instrument experience to complete the required tasks within
the preceding 2 calendar months. Persons using an aircraft, full flight
simulator, flight training device, or a combination, however, were
required to establish instrument experience within the preceding 6
calendar months. 14 CFR 61.57(c)(1)-(2). The final rule amends Sec.
61.57(c) to allow pilots to accomplish instrument experience in
aviation training devices by performing the same tasks required for
flight simulation training devices and aircraft, and at the same 6-
month interval allowed for flight simulation training devices and
aircraft.
    The FAA estimates that, of the 102,811 active pilots with an
instrument rating, that approximately 50% are maintaining currency. It
is likely that only 15% of those pilots (approximately 15,422 pilots)
are using an aviation training device exclusively to maintain their
instrument currency. For those pilots, this change will reduce the
recordkeeping requirements of logging time from 6 times a year to two
times a year, when logging instrument currency exclusively in an
aviation training device. The FAA estimates this burden reduction to be
6168.8 hours annually.
    Additionally, the final rule amends Sec.  135.99 by adding
paragraph (c) to allow a certificate holder to receive approval of a
second in command (SIC) professional development program (SIC PDP) via
operations specifications (Ops Specs) to allow the certificate holder's
pilots to log SIC time in operations conducted under part 135 in an
airplane or operation that does not otherwise require a SIC.
Specifically, with this final rule, Sec.  61.159(c) allows pilots to
log SIC time in part 135 operations in a single engine turbine-powered
airplane or a multi-engine airplane that otherwise does not require an
SIC. This will require the pilot to obtain a logbook endorsement from
the pilot in command for each individual flight to log this time as
SIC. The FAA estimates that of the 76,957 Commercial Pilots with
airplane and instrument privileges that approximately 10% (7,696) may
actively pursue a SIC position with a Part 135 operator that is
approved for logging SIC time as described for this provision. However,
because of the limited number of operators (approximately 457 operators
as of September 28, 2017) that would qualify or actually pursue this
authorization, the FAA estimates that only 15% (1,154 pilots) might
actually become qualified annually to log SIC time under this
provision. This additional record keeping requirement will be reflected
in Section 61.159, Aeronautical experience. The FAA estimates this SIC
training program burden increase is 1,154 hours annually.
    Respondents: The total number of respondents in the airman
certification program is estimated to be approximately 25 percent of
the population of active certificated pilots and instructors. Given a
population of 825,000, the result is approximately 206,250 respondents
providing data on an annual basis. The total number of applicants for a
remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating is estimated to be
39,229 annually.
    Frequency: As needed.
    Estimated Average Burden per Response: For the hour burdens
resulting from the application requirements of the collection of
information other than remote pilots with small UAS ratings, the FAA
estimates that forms are submitted for these certificates and ratings
at an average preparation time of 15 minutes (0.25 hrs) each. The
average time estimate of 0.25 hours assumes that many individual
applicants will submit an 8710-1 form more than once for various
reasons, and that most of the information provided on the form likely
will not have changed. For Part 107 we estimate that an average of
39,229 forms are submitted annually that require an average preparation
time of 0.25 hours to complete.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: The total number of annual responses
for the airman certification program is estimated to be 1,196,653. The
FAA estimates the total reporting burden hours to be 43,157 hours. The
FAA estimates the total recordkeeping burden hours to be 311,329 hours.
The FAA estimates the burden for the collection of information to be
354,486 hours annually.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 23, 2018.
Barbara Hall,
FAA Information Collection Clearance Officer, IT Enterprises Business
Services Division, ASP-110.
[FR Doc. 2018-18882 Filed 8-30-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 244 (Thursday, December 21, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 88483-88485]
[FR Doc No: 2023-28148]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

Approval of Noise Compatibility Program Update; Westfield-Barnes
Regional Airport (BAF), Westfield, Massachusetts

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its
findings on the Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) Update submitted by
the City of Westfield, Massachusetts, through its Aviation Department,
for Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport. The Final Noise Compatibility
Program (NCP) was submitted to FAA for review and approval on May 26,
2023. The NCP was found to be sufficient for consideration by the FAA,
and a Federal Register noticed appeared on July 11, 2023. The required
60-day public comment period expired on September 9, 2023. The NEM was
previously determined to be in compliance on June 13, 2019, and is
still valid. The NCP contained 10 noise abatement measures, nine land
use measures, and four program management measures. Of the 23 measures
proposed, 12 were approved, 9 were approved as voluntary, one requires
no action at this time, and one was disapproved for purposes of part
150.

DATES: The applicable start date of the FAA's approval is December 14,
2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Quaine, Federal Aviation
Administration, New England Regional Office Environmental Protection
Specialist, Airports Division, Federal Aviation Administration, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803. Phone number: 781-
238-7613.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice announces that the FAA's
approval of the NCP Update for the Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport.
Per United States Code section 47504 (49 U.S.C. 47504) and Title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 150, an airport sponsor who
previously

submitted a noise exposure map (NEM) may submit to the FAA a noise
compatibility program which sets forth the measures taken or proposed
by the airport sponsor for the reduction of existing non-compatible
land uses and prevention of additional non-compatible land uses within
the area covered by the NEMs. As required by 49 U.S.C. 47504, such
programs must be developed in consultation with interested and affected
parties including local communities, government agencies, airport
users, and the FAA. The FAA does not substitute its judgment for that
of the airport sponsor with respect to which measures should be
recommended for action. The FAA approval or disapproval of an airport
sponsor's recommendations in their noise compatibility program are made
in accordance with the requirements and standards pursuant to 49 U.S.C.
47504 and 14 CFR part 150, which is limited to the following
determinations:
    a. The noise compatibility program was developed in accordance with
the provisions and procedures of 14 CFR 150.23;
    b. Program measures are reasonably consistent with achieving the
goals of reducing existing non-compatible land uses around the airport
and preventing the introduction of additional noncompatible land uses;
    c. Program measures would not create an undue burden on interstate
or foreign commerce, unjustly discriminate against types or classes of
aeronautical uses, violate the terms of airport grant agreements, or
intrude into areas preempted by the Federal Government; and
    d. Program measures relating to the use of flight procedures can be
implemented within the period covered by the program without derogating
safety, adversely affecting the efficient use and management of the
navigable airspace and air traffic control systems, or adversely
affecting other powers and responsibilities of the Administrator
prescribed by law.
    Specific limitations of FAA's approval of NCPs are delineated in 14
CFR 150.5. Approval is not a determination concerning the acceptability
of land uses under Federal, state, or local law. Approval does not by
itself constitute an FAA implementing action. A request for Federal
action or approval to implement specific noise compatibility measures
may be required, and an FAA decision on the request may require an
environmental assessment of the proposed action. Approval does not
constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the
implementation of the noise compatibility program nor a determination
that all measures covered by the NCP are eligible for grant-in-aid
funding from the FAA. Where federal funding is sought, requests must be
submitted to the FAA New England Regional Office at 1200 District Ave.,
Burlington, MA 01803.
    The City of Westfield submitted the noise exposure maps,
descriptions, and other documentation produced during the noise
compatibility planning study to the FAA and the FAA determined that the
NEMs for BAF were in compliance with applicable requirements under 14
CFR 150, effective June 3, 2019 (Noise Exposure Map Notice; Westfield-
Barnes Regional Airport, Westfield, Massachusetts, volume 84, Federal
Register, pages 35177-8, July 22, 2019). The airport operator requested
that the FAA review the submitted material and that the noise
mitigation measures, to be implemented jointly by the airport and
surrounding communities, be approved as an NCP. The formal review
period, limited by law to a maximum of 180 days, was initiated on May
26, 2023. Notice of the intent to review the NCP was published in the
Federal Register on July 11, 2023 (Notice of Receipt of Noise
Compatibility Program Update and Request for Review, volume 88, Federal
Register, pages 44182-3, July 11, 2023). The Federal Register Notice
also announced the start of a 60- day period of public review for the
NCP documentation. The FAA received no comments during the public
review.
    It was requested that the FAA evaluate and approve this material as
a noise compatibility program as described in 49 U.S.C. 47504. The FAA
began its review and was required by a provision of 49 U.S.C. 47504 to
approve or disapprove the program within 180 days, other than the use
of new or modified flight procedures for noise control. The submitted
program contained 23 proposed measures to minimize impacts of aviation
noise on and off the airport. The FAA completed its review and
determined that the procedural and substantive requirements of the 49
U.S.C. 47504 and 14 CFR part 150 were satisfied. A Record of Approval
for the overall program was issued by the FAA effective December 14,
2023.
    The specific program elements and their individual determinations
are as follows:
    NA-1--Maintain Runway Heading to East Mountain Ridge after
Departing Runway 15. Approved as voluntary.
    NA-2--Prohibit the Use of Intersection Departures on Runway 33.
Approved as voluntary.
    NA-3--Turn to 360-degrees Heading after Departing Runway 02. No
action at this time.
    NA-4--Barnes ANG Preferential Runway Use Program. Approved as
voluntary.
    NA-5: Barnes ANG Fighter Aircraft ``High Initial'' Approach
Procedures. Disapproved for Purposes of Part 150.
    NA-6: Barnes ANG Noise Abatement Departure Procedures. Approved as
voluntary.
    NA-7: Helicopter Noise Abatement Approach Procedures to Runway 02.
Approved as voluntary.
    NA-8: Helicopter Noise Abatement Departure Procedures from Runway
02. Approved as voluntary.
    NA-9: Helicopter Noise Abatement Approach Procedures to Runways 15
and 33. Approved as voluntary.
    NA-10: Helicopter Noise Abatement Departure Procedures to Runways
15 and 33. Approved as voluntary.
    LU-1: Sound Insulate Noise-Sensitive Structures. Approved.
    LU-2: Acquire Non-Compatible Residential Property. Approved.
    LU-3: Acquire Avigation Easements. Approved.
    LU-4: Modify Local Land Use Zoning. Approved.
    LU-5: Modify Local Subdivision Regulations. Approved.
    LU-6: Review Proposed Land Use Development within the 65 dB DNL
Contour and Higher Contours. Approved.
    LU-7: Voluntary Acquisition of Undeveloped Land. Approved.
    LU-8: Real Estate Disclosure. Approved.
    LU-9: Acquire the Arbor Mobile Home Park. Approved.
    PM-1: Re-establish and Maintain a Noise Mitigation Advisory
Committee. Approved.
    PM-2: Continue the Community Awareness Program. Approved.
    PM-3: Expand the Fly Quiet Program. Approved as Voluntary.
    PM-4: Periodically Evaluate Noise Exposure. Approved.
    These determinations are set forth in detail in the Record of
Approval signed by the FAA Airports New England Deputy Director on
December 14, 2023. The Record of Approval, as well as other evaluation
materials and the documents comprising the submittal, are available for
review at the FAA office listed above. The Record of Approval will also
be available on the internet on the FAA's website at http://www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/airport_noise/part_150/states/ and
the City of Westfield Airport's website at www.barnesairport.com.

    Issued in New England Regional Office, Burlington, MA, on
December 14, 2023.
Julie Seltsam-Wilps,
Deputy Director, ANE-600.
[FR Doc. 2023-28148 Filed 12-20-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P