Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, 30939-30940 [2017-13931]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 126 / Monday, July 3, 2017 / Notices In an April 19, 2011 Federal Register notice (76 FR 21938), the FAA in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS) provided notice of its intent to develop an EA for the ATMP at Big Cypress National Preserve, pursuant to the National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106–181) and its implementing regulations contained in 14 CFR part 136, subpart B, National Parks Air Tour Management. The ATMP process for Big Cypress National Preserve was initiated based on receipt of an application for operating authority from an existing commercial air tour operator to conduct commercial air tour operations over this park unit. In accordance with NPATMA and based on the existing level of operations at the time of the application, the FAA issued interim operating authority (IOA) to the commercial air tour operator to conduct an annual total of 1,260 commercial air tours over the park until such time as an ATMP was developed. The FAA and NPS began preparing an EA to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (Pub. L. 91–190), which requires Federal agencies to consider the environmental impacts associated with a major federal action. The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112–95) amended various provisions of NPATMA. One provision provided that as an alternative to an ATMP, to manage commercial air tour operations over a national park, the NPS and the FAA, may enter into a voluntary agreement with a commercial air tour operator (including a new entrant commercial air tour operator and an operator that has IOA) that has applied to conduct commercial air tour operations over a national park. The FAA and NPS entered into voluntary agreements with one existing and one new entrant commercial air tour operator for tours over Big Cypress National Preserve. The voluntary agreements became effective in December 2015. Copies of the voluntary agreements can be found at: https:// www.faa.gov/about/office_org/ headquarters_offices/arc/programs/air_ tour_management_plan/park_specific_ plans/big_cypress/. As the agencies and the operators entered into voluntary agreements for commercial air tour operations over Big Cypress National Preserve, an ATMP is no longer required. Therefore, the FAA, in cooperation with the NPS, has stopped work and discontinued the preparation of the ATMP and EA for Big Cypress National Preserve. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:53 Jun 30, 2017 Jkt 241001 Issued in Lawndale, California, on June 26, 2017. Keith Lusk, Program Manager, Special Programs Staff, Western-Pacific Region. [FR Doc. 2017–13992 Filed 6–30–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0384] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for five individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The renewed exemptions were effective on the dates stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates stated in the discussions below. Comments must be received on or before August 2, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, 202–366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64– 224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366–9826. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA– 2014–0384 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00124 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 30939 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number(s) for this notice. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below for further information. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to https:// www.regulations.gov at any time or Room W12–140 on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments online. Privacy Act: 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 https://www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.dot.gov/ privacy. I. Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption for two years if it finds ‘‘such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.’’ The statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the two-year period. The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person: First perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5–1951. E:\FR\FM\03JYN1.SGM 03JYN1 30940 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 126 / Monday, July 3, 2017 / Notices 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) was adopted in 1970, with a revision in 1971 to allow drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 1971). The five individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of their exemptions from the hearing standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), in accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES II. Request for Comments Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon application. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the twelve applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement (80 FR 57032; 80 FR 60747). In addition, for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) and the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver’s Licensing Agency (SDLA). These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce. The five drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the Agency and have not exhibited any medical issues that would compromise their ability to safely operate a CMV during the previous two-year exemption period. FMCSA has concluded that renewing the exemptions for each of these applicants is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Therefore, FMCSA has decided to renew each exemption for a two-year period. In accordance with 49 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:53 Jun 30, 2017 Jkt 241001 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each driver has received a renewed exemption. As of June 10, 2017, the following five drivers have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving CMVs in interstate commerce (78 FR 22708). DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Thomas Carr (PA) Robert Knapp (WI) Keith Miller (PA) Jeffrey Webber (OK) Michael Wilkes (MA) AGENCY: The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) Each driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in 49 CFR 390.5; and (2) report all citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR part 383 and 49 CFR 391 to FMCSA. In addition, the driver must also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. The driver is prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce. The exemption does not exempt the individual from meeting the applicable CDL testing requirements. Each exemption will be valid for two years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. V. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the nine exemption applications, FMCSA renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41 (b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Issued on: June 22, 2017. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2017–13931 Filed 6–30–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P Fmt 4703 Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 49 individuals from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions were effective on May 31, 2017. The exemptions expire on May 31, 2019. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64– 113, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: IV. Conditions and Requirements Frm 00125 [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0031] Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. The drivers were included in FMCSA–2014–0384. The exemptions were effective on June 10, 2017, and will expire on June 10, 2019. PO 00000 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Sfmt 4703 I. Electronic Access You may see all the comments online through the Federal Document Management System (FDMS) at: https:// www.regulations.gov. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to https:// www.regulations.gov and/or Room W12–140 on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Privacy Act: 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 www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. II. Background On April 27, 2017, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal diabetes exemption applications from 50 individuals and requested comments from the public (82 FR 19438). The E:\FR\FM\03JYN1.SGM 03JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 126 (Monday, July 3, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30939-30940]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-13931]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0384]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for five 
individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier 
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle 
(CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf 
individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

DATES: The renewed exemptions were effective on the dates stated in the 
discussions below and will expire on the dates stated in the 
discussions below. Comments must be received on or before August 2, 
2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, 
Medical Programs Division, 202-366-4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, 
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64-224, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have 
questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, 
contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0384 using any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the 
docket number(s) for this notice. Note that all comments received will 
be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any 
personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below 
for further information.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to https://www.regulations.gov at any time or Room W12-140 
on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 
days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your 
comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard 
or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting 
comments online.
    Privacy Act: 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 https://www.regulations.gov, as described in 
the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed 
at https://www.dot.gov/privacy.

I. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
for two years if it finds ``such exemption would likely achieve a level 
of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be 
achieved absent such exemption.'' The statute also allows the Agency to 
renew exemptions at the end of the two-year period.
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing 
found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically 
qualified to drive a CMV if that person:

    First perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at 
not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if 
tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average 
hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 
1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the 
audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard 
(formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5-1951.


[[Page 30940]]


    49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) was adopted in 1970, with a revision in 1971 
to allow drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a 
hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 
1971).
    The five individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal 
of their exemptions from the hearing standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), 
in accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated 
these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend 
each exemption for a renewable two-year period.

II. Request for Comments

    Interested parties or organizations possessing information that 
would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not 
currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately 
notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted 
and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption 
would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the 
exemption of a driver.

III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no 
longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon 
application. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of 
the twelve applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for 
obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement (80 FR 57032; 80 FR 
60747). In addition, for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders, the 
Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) and the Motor 
Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) are searched for crash 
and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving 
records from the State Driver's Licensing Agency (SDLA). These factors 
provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver's ability to 
continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce.
    The five drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the 
Agency and have not exhibited any medical issues that would compromise 
their ability to safely operate a CMV during the previous two-year 
exemption period. FMCSA has concluded that renewing the exemptions for 
each of these applicants is likely to achieve a level of safety equal 
to that existing without the exemption. Therefore, FMCSA has decided to 
renew each exemption for a two-year period. In accordance with 49 
U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each driver has received a renewed 
exemption.
    As of June 10, 2017, the following five drivers have satisfied the 
renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing 
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving CMVs in interstate 
commerce (78 FR 22708).

Thomas Carr (PA)
Robert Knapp (WI)
Keith Miller (PA)
Jeffrey Webber (OK)
Michael Wilkes (MA)

    The drivers were included in FMCSA-2014-0384. The exemptions were 
effective on June 10, 2017, and will expire on June 10, 2019.

IV. Conditions and Requirements

    The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: 
(1) Each driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in 49 
CFR 390.5; and (2) report all citations and convictions for 
disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR part 383 and 49 CFR 391 to FMCSA. 
In addition, the driver must also have a copy of the exemption when 
driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local 
enforcement official. The driver is prohibited from operating a 
motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce. The exemption 
does not exempt the individual from meeting the applicable CDL testing 
requirements. Each exemption will be valid for two years unless 
rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The 
person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; 
(2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was 
maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption 
would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315.

V. Conclusion

    Based upon its evaluation of the nine exemption applications, FMCSA 
renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the hearing 
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41 (b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315, each exemption will be valid for two years unless 
revoked earlier by FMCSA.

    Issued on: June 22, 2017.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017-13931 Filed 6-30-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.