Underwater Locating Devices (Acoustic) (Self-Powered), 13174-13175 [2012-5213]

Download as PDF 13174 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 43 / Monday, March 5, 2012 / Notices Compliance Program Manager, Federal Aviation Administration, Airports Division, Federal Register Comment, P.O. Box 92007, Los Angeles, CA 90009–2007. In addition, one copy of the comment submitted to the FAA must be mailed or delivered to Mr. Colby Cataldi, Assistant Director, Economic Development Agency/ Aviation, 3403 10 Street, Suite 500, Riverside, CA 92501. In accordance with the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21), Public Law 10–181 (Apr. 5, 2000; 114 Stat. 61), this notice must be published in the Federal Register 30 days before the Secretary may waive any condition imposed on a federally obligated airport by surplus property conveyance deeds or grant agreements. The following is a brief overview of the request: Riverside County Economic Development Agency requested a modification of the conditions in the Quitclaim Deed and Grant Agreement Assurances to permit non-aeronautical use of approximately 829 acres of land at Blythe Airport. The subject property is located northeast of the airfield. The land is presently unused and undeveloped. The land will be redeveloped for a solar farm. Riverside County Economic Development Agency proposes to lease the property under the terms of a long-term lease for a solar farm since the land is not needed for aeronautical purposes. Reuse of the land for a solar farm will not impede future development of the airport, which has an abundance of land. The lease rate will be based on the appraised market value and the lease proceeds will be deposited in the airport account and used for airport purposes. The use of the property for a solar farm represents a compatible use. Construction and operations of the solar farm will not interfere with airport operations. The land will become revenue-producing property, which will enhance the selfsustainability of the airport and, thereby, serve the interests of civil aviation. erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Issued in Hawthorne, California, on February 28, 2012. Brian Armstrong, Manager, Safety and Standards Branch, Airports Division, Western-Pacific Region. [FR Doc. 2012–5299 Filed 3–2–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:06 Mar 02, 2012 Jkt 226001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Underwater Locating Devices (Acoustic) (Self-Powered) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of revocation of Technical Standard Orders (TSO) C–121 and C–121a, Underwater Locating Devices (ULD). AGENCY: This is a confirmation notice for the planned revocation of all Technical Standard Order authorizations issued for the production of Underwater Locating Devices (Acoustic) (Self-Powered) manufactured to the TSO–C121 and TSO–C121a specifications. These actions are necessary because the planned issuance of TSO–C121b, Underwater Locating Devices (Acoustic) (Self-Powered), minimum performance standard (MPS) will increase the minimum operating life of Underwater Locating Devices from 30 days to 90 days. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Gregory Borsari, AIR–130, Federal Aviation Administration, 470 L’Enfant Plaza, Suite 4102, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone (202) 385–4578, fax (202) 385–4651, email to: gregory.borsari@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Background On August 23, 2011, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a Notice in the Federal Register, Volume 76, page 52734, announcing the planned revocation of TSO–C121 and TSO–C121a authorizations and requested comments. The FAA proposed revising TSO–C121a to invoke the new SAE standard AS8045A which improves ULD performance, including increasing the battery operating life from 30 days to 90 days. When TSO–C121b is published, the FAA proposed withdrawing TSO– C121 and TSO–C121a authorizations no later than March 1, 2014. All Underwater Locating Devices (Acoustic) (Self-Powered) equipment manufacturers seeking TSO authorization would then need to obtain a new authorization to manufacture in accordance with TSO–C121b. Comments The FAA received four comments in response to the August 23, 2011, Federal Register Notice. The first comment, by Boeing Commercial Airplanes (Boeing), stated that the effective date of the planned PO 00000 Frm 00105 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 withdrawal, March 1, 2014, appeared to have been calculated to provide two years between the publication date of the new TSO (approximately March 2012) and the withdrawal of the TSO authorizations. In order to allow orderly compliance, however, Boeing stated that industry needs the FAA to ensure at least three full years will be provided. Boeing stated that three years is the minimal time required for affected industry to address technical, business, and certification aspects of a new underwater locating device (ULD) before the existing devices can no longer be manufactured. Boeing urged the FAA take into consideration the fact that there are multiple flight data recorder suppliers with varying procurement methods and contractual details that will be necessary to address. Additionally, Boeing noted that the new SAE performance standards referenced in proposed TSO–C121b include new testing requirements. Boeing commented that one ULD manufacturer has already indicated that its existing 90-day ULD will not meet the requirements of the new SAE specification called out in the TSO, and therefore, a complete re-design of the unit will be necessary. The FAA agrees with Boeing’s comment. TSO–C121b was published on February 28, 2012 and as such we have changed the withdrawal date to March 1, 2015. Boeing also stated that the effect of the planned TSO revocation would be to eliminate the manufacture of ULDs based on an older SAE Aerospace Standard that calls for a 30-day life, and requires the use of only ULDs based on a newer SAE standard that calls for a 90day life. While Boeing recognized the current 14 CFR part 25 design regulations applicable to ULDs specified in 14 CFR 25.1457(g)(3) do not require a specific battery life, Boeing noted that the associated 14 CFR part 121 operating rules states in § 121.359(c)(2)(iii), the aircraft have an ‘‘approved’’ underwater locating device. By revising the TSO to require different performance standards of the new SAE specification, Boeing argued that it appears the FAA may essentially be implementing a new operating requirement without rulemaking to precede it. Boeing asked the FAA to review this process and clarify the intent. The FAA acknowledges this comment. The TSO process is one method to gain approval for an underwater locating device, but not the only method. The FAA notes that it is within its authority to revoke, or withdraw, previous TSO–C121 and E:\FR\FM\05MRN1.SGM 05MRN1 erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 43 / Monday, March 5, 2012 / Notices TSO–C121a approvals. The intent of revoking TSO–C121 and TSO–C121a and only authorizing TSO–C121b is to enable future ULD designs that have a minimum operating life of 90 days. The FAA expects attrition of TSO–C121 and TSO–C121a approved ULDs to occur as older ULDs are replaced by TSO–C121b approved ULDs. L–3 Communications Aviation Recorders (L–3) commented that a ULD designed to meet the 90-day performance criteria in SAE AS8045A will have a lithium battery large enough that it will be considered hazardous material. L–3 stated that it will need to follow DOT Hazardous Material Class 9 regulations to ship recorders outfitted with the 90-day beacon. L–3 noted this places considerable constraints on available carriers and the destinations to which they will ship. L–3 stated this would negatively impact their customers. The FAA acknowledges that shipping regulations for hazardous material with regard to lithium batteries will need to be complied with. L–3 Communications indicated its concern with the FAA plan of attrition for the 30-day beacon and what repercussions this has for configuration control for thousands of recorder part numbers and the field reparability of their beacons. Since it may take up to 6 years to replace a beacon battery, L– 3 estimated that there will be years of both 30-day and 90-day beacons in service once the new TSO–C121b is in effect and TSO–C121 and TSO–C121a authorizations are revoked. In the event of a crash, L–3 noted that there will be unnecessary time required to determine if a 90-day beacon was onboard to warrant an extended search effort. The FAA disagrees with this comment. Regardless whether or a not a planned retrofit program was invoked, both pre and post TSO–C121b configuration, control documentation requirements and process remain the same. The FAA acknowledges that today’s action will introduce a mixed ULD equipage across the fleet. However, manufacturers currently produce both a 30-day and 90-day ULD that is recorded in the configuration control documentation. The FAA believes that no additional burden is imposed, to identify if a 30-day or a 90-day ULD is installed on an aircraft for an operator during an over-water accident investigation. Conclusion Based on the comments received, the FAA will revise TSO–C121a to invoke the SAE Minimum Performance Standard AS8045A, dated August 2011. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:06 Mar 02, 2012 Jkt 226001 Once TSO–C121b is published, the FAA will revoke TSO–C121 and TSO–C121a authorizations no later than March 1, 2015. Issued in Washington, DC, on February 29, 2012. Susan J. M. Cabler, Assistant Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–5213 Filed 3–2–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Bureau of the Public Debt Proposed Collection: Comment Request Notice and request for comments. ACTION: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). Currently the Bureau of the Public Debt within the Department of the Treasury is soliciting comments concerning Application for Relief on Account of Loss, Theft, or Destruction of United States Savings and Retirement Securities and Supplemental Statement Concerning United States Securities. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before May 1, 2012 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Bureau of the Public Debt, Bruce A. Sharp, 200 Third Street A4–A, Parkersburg, WV 26106–1328, or bruce.sharp@bpd.treas.gov. The opportunity to make comments online is also available at www.pracomment.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies should be directed to Bruce A. Sharp, Bureau of the Public Debt, 200 Third Street A4–A, Parkersburg, WV 26106–1328, (304) 480–8150. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Titles: Claim For Lost, Stolen or Destroyed United States Savings and Retirement Securities and Supplemental Statement Concerning United States Securities. OMB Number: 1535–0013. Form Number: PD F 1048 and PD F 2243. Abstract: The information is requested to issue owners substitute SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00106 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 13175 securities or payment in lieu of lost, stolen or destroyed securities. Current Actions: None. Type of Review: Extension. Affected Public: Individuals or Households. Estimated Number of Respondents: 72,000. Estimated Time per Respondent: 20 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 24,000. Request for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Dated: February 28, 2012. Bruce A. Sharp, Bureau Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2012–5179 Filed 3–2–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–39–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Bureau of the Public Debt Proposed Collection: Comment Request Notice and request for comments. ACTION: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). Currently the Bureau of the Public Debt within the Department of the Treasury is soliciting comments concerning the Request By Fiduciary For Distribution of United States Treasury Securities SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\05MRN1.SGM 05MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 43 (Monday, March 5, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13174-13175]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-5213]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Underwater Locating Devices (Acoustic) (Self-Powered)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of revocation of Technical Standard Orders (TSO) C-121 
and C-121a, Underwater Locating Devices (ULD).

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

SUMMARY: This is a confirmation notice for the planned revocation of 
all Technical Standard Order authorizations issued for the production 
of Underwater Locating Devices (Acoustic) (Self-Powered) manufactured 
to the TSO-C121 and TSO-C121a specifications. These actions are 
necessary because the planned issuance of TSO-C121b, Underwater 
Locating Devices (Acoustic) (Self-Powered), minimum performance 
standard (MPS) will increase the minimum operating life of Underwater 
Locating Devices from 30 days to 90 days.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Gregory Borsari, AIR-130, Federal 
Aviation Administration, 470 L'Enfant Plaza, Suite 4102, Washington, DC 
20024. Telephone (202) 385-4578, fax (202) 385-4651, email to: 
gregory.borsari@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On August 23, 2011, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 
published a Notice in the Federal Register, Volume 76, page 52734, 
announcing the planned revocation of TSO-C121 and TSO-C121a 
authorizations and requested comments. The FAA proposed revising TSO-
C121a to invoke the new SAE standard AS8045A which improves ULD 
performance, including increasing the battery operating life from 30 
days to 90 days. When TSO-C121b is published, the FAA proposed 
withdrawing TSO-C121 and TSO-C121a authorizations no later than March 
1, 2014. All Underwater Locating Devices (Acoustic) (Self-Powered) 
equipment manufacturers seeking TSO authorization would then need to 
obtain a new authorization to manufacture in accordance with TSO-C121b.

Comments

    The FAA received four comments in response to the August 23, 2011, 
Federal Register Notice. The first comment, by Boeing Commercial 
Airplanes (Boeing), stated that the effective date of the planned 
withdrawal, March 1, 2014, appeared to have been calculated to provide 
two years between the publication date of the new TSO (approximately 
March 2012) and the withdrawal of the TSO authorizations. In order to 
allow orderly compliance, however, Boeing stated that industry needs 
the FAA to ensure at least three full years will be provided. Boeing 
stated that three years is the minimal time required for affected 
industry to address technical, business, and certification aspects of a 
new underwater locating device (ULD) before the existing devices can no 
longer be manufactured. Boeing urged the FAA take into consideration 
the fact that there are multiple flight data recorder suppliers with 
varying procurement methods and contractual details that will be 
necessary to address. Additionally, Boeing noted that the new SAE 
performance standards referenced in proposed TSO-C121b include new 
testing requirements. Boeing commented that one ULD manufacturer has 
already indicated that its existing 90-day ULD will not meet the 
requirements of the new SAE specification called out in the TSO, and 
therefore, a complete re-design of the unit will be necessary. The FAA 
agrees with Boeing's comment. TSO-C121b was published on February 28, 
2012 and as such we have changed the withdrawal date to March 1, 2015. 
Boeing also stated that the effect of the planned TSO revocation would 
be to eliminate the manufacture of ULDs based on an older SAE Aerospace 
Standard that calls for a 30-day life, and requires the use of only 
ULDs based on a newer SAE standard that calls for a 90-day life. While 
Boeing recognized the current 14 CFR part 25 design regulations 
applicable to ULDs specified in 14 CFR 25.1457(g)(3) do not require a 
specific battery life, Boeing noted that the associated 14 CFR part 121 
operating rules states in Sec.  121.359(c)(2)(iii), the aircraft have 
an ``approved'' underwater locating device. By revising the TSO to 
require different performance standards of the new SAE specification, 
Boeing argued that it appears the FAA may essentially be implementing a 
new operating requirement without rulemaking to precede it. Boeing 
asked the FAA to review this process and clarify the intent.
    The FAA acknowledges this comment. The TSO process is one method to 
gain approval for an underwater locating device, but not the only 
method. The FAA notes that it is within its authority to revoke, or 
withdraw, previous TSO-C121 and

[[Page 13175]]

TSO-C121a approvals. The intent of revoking TSO-C121 and TSO-C121a and 
only authorizing TSO-C121b is to enable future ULD designs that have a 
minimum operating life of 90 days. The FAA expects attrition of TSO-
C121 and TSO-C121a approved ULDs to occur as older ULDs are replaced by 
TSO-C121b approved ULDs.
    L-3 Communications Aviation Recorders (L-3) commented that a ULD 
designed to meet the 90-day performance criteria in SAE AS8045A will 
have a lithium battery large enough that it will be considered 
hazardous material. L-3 stated that it will need to follow DOT 
Hazardous Material Class 9 regulations to ship recorders outfitted with 
the 90-day beacon. L-3 noted this places considerable constraints on 
available carriers and the destinations to which they will ship. L-3 
stated this would negatively impact their customers.
    The FAA acknowledges that shipping regulations for hazardous 
material with regard to lithium batteries will need to be complied 
with.
    L-3 Communications indicated its concern with the FAA plan of 
attrition for the 30-day beacon and what repercussions this has for 
configuration control for thousands of recorder part numbers and the 
field reparability of their beacons. Since it may take up to 6 years to 
replace a beacon battery, L-3 estimated that there will be years of 
both 30-day and 90-day beacons in service once the new TSO-C121b is in 
effect and TSO-C121 and TSO-C121a authorizations are revoked. In the 
event of a crash, L-3 noted that there will be unnecessary time 
required to determine if a 90-day beacon was onboard to warrant an 
extended search effort.
    The FAA disagrees with this comment. Regardless whether or a not a 
planned retrofit program was invoked, both pre and post TSO-C121b 
configuration, control documentation requirements and process remain 
the same. The FAA acknowledges that today's action will introduce a 
mixed ULD equipage across the fleet. However, manufacturers currently 
produce both a 30-day and 90-day ULD that is recorded in the 
configuration control documentation. The FAA believes that no 
additional burden is imposed, to identify if a 30-day or a 90-day ULD 
is installed on an aircraft for an operator during an over-water 
accident investigation.

Conclusion

    Based on the comments received, the FAA will revise TSO-C121a to 
invoke the SAE Minimum Performance Standard AS8045A, dated August 2011. 
Once TSO-C121b is published, the FAA will revoke TSO-C121 and TSO-C121a 
authorizations no later than March 1, 2015.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on February 29, 2012.
Susan J. M. Cabler,
Assistant Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-5213 Filed 3-2-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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