Rules of Practice in Air Safety Proceedings, 63242-63245 [2012-25421]
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63242
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 200 / Tuesday, October 16, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
Finally, the Commission exempted
from the Telephone Consumer
Protection Act requirements prerecorded calls to residential lines made
by health-care-related entities governed
by the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996.
Federal Communications Commission.
Gloria J. Miles,
Federal Register Liaison, Office of the
Secretary, Office of Managing Director.
[FR Doc. 2012–25316 Filed 10–15–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION
SAFETY BOARD
49 CFR Part 821
[Docket No. NTSB–GC–2011–0001]
Rules of Practice in Air Safety
Proceedings
AGENCY:
National Transportation Safety
Board.
Interim final rule; request for
comments.
ACTION:
The National Transportation
Safety Board (NTSB or Board) amends
portions of its regulations, which set
forth rules of procedure for the NTSB’s
review of certificate actions taken by the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
as a result of the recent enactment of the
Pilot’s Bill of Rights.
DATES: This rule is effective October 16,
2012. Comments must be received by
December 17, 2012. Comments received
after the deadline will be considered to
the extent possible.
ADDRESSES: A copy of this interim final
rule, published in the Federal Register
(FR), is available for inspection and
copying in the NTSB’s public reading
room, located at 490 L’Enfant Plaza SW.,
Washington, DC 20594–2003.
Alternatively, a copy is available on the
government-wide Web site on
regulations at https://
www.regulations.gov (Docket ID Number
NTSB–GC–2011–0001).
You may send comments identified
by Docket ID Number NTSB–GC–2011–
0001 using any of the following
methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Send comments to NTSB Office
of General Counsel, 490 L’Enfant Plaza
East SW., Washington, DC 20594–2003.
Facsimile: Fax comments to 202–314–
6090.
Hand Delivery: Bring comments to
490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW., 6th Floor,
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SUMMARY:
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Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For more information on the rulemaking
process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section of this document.
Privacy: We will post all comments
we receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Tochen, General Counsel, (202)
314–6080.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The NTSB previously issued an
advance notice of proposed rulemaking
(ANPRM), 75 FR 80452 (Dec. 22, 2010),
and a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM), 77 FR 6760 (Feb. 9, 2012),
concerning 49 CFR parts 821 and 826.
(Part 826 sets forth rules of procedure
concerning applications for fees and
expenses under the Equal Access to
Justice Act of 1980.) Prior to the NTSB’s
issuance of a final rule concerning parts
821 and 826, Congress enacted the
Pilot’s Bill of Rights, Public Law 112–
53, 126 Stat. 1159 (August 3, 2012),
which implemented statutory changes
for, among other things: (1) The FAA to
disclose its enforcement investigative
report (EIR) to each respondent in an
aviation certificate enforcement case; (2)
the NTSB to apply the Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure and Federal Rules of
Evidence to each case; and (3) litigants
now to have the option of appealing the
Board’s orders to either a Federal
district court or a Federal court of
appeals. The Board therefore issues this
interim final rule in response to these
legislative changes. Elsewhere in today’s
Federal Register, the NTSB published a
final rule concerning those portions of
its February 2012 NPRM not affected by
enactment of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights.
II. Rulemaking Procedure
As a result of enactment of the Pilot’s
Bill of Rights and to ensure compliance
with it, the NTSB is immediately
changing its Rules of Practice applicable
to air safety proceedings. The statute is
effective immediately, thus requiring
the NTSB to promulgate regulatory
changes without delay. As a result, the
NTSB believes the statute constitutes
good cause for issuance of an interim
final rule. The NTSB will consider
comments received during the comment
period, and will alter the interim final
rule issued herein if the comments
warrant alteration.
III. Statutory Changes
Pursuant to subsection 2(a) of the
Pilot’s Bill of Rights, the Federal Rules
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of Evidence and Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure, to the extent practicable, are
applicable to all NTSB proceedings
conducted under 49 CFR part 821,
subparts C (rules applicable to
proceedings under 49 U.S.C. 44703,
which governs airman certificates), D
(rules applicable to proceedings under
49 U.S.C. 44709, which governs
amendments, modifications,
suspensions, and revocations of
certificates), and F (rules applicable to
hearings conducted under 49 CFR part
821).
Subsection 2(b) of the statute requires
the FAA provide ‘‘timely, written
notification’’ to individuals who are the
subject of an FAA enforcement action
regarding the ‘‘nature of the
investigation.’’ The FAA must inform
the individual he or she need not
respond to an FAA letter of
investigation and will not be adversely
affected if he or she elects not to
respond. The statute requires the
Administrator of the FAA to make
available the releasable portions of the
EIR to each individual, and provide
certain air traffic data. The statute
further provides that the Administrator
may delay this notification if the FAA
determines the notification would
threaten the integrity of the
investigation.
In addition, subsection 2(c) of the
statute strikes from 49 U.S.C.
44703(d)(2), 44709(d)(3), and
44710(d)(1) the phrase, ‘‘but is bound by
all validly adopted interpretations of
laws and regulations the Administrator
carries out unless the Board finds an
interpretation is arbitrary, capricious, or
otherwise not according to law.’’ The
statute also strikes from 49 U.S.C.
44709(d)(3) and 44710(d)(1) the
language stating the Board is bound by
FAA policy guidance concerning
sanctions for violations.
Subsection 2(d) of the statute provides
individuals with the option of appealing
a Board order to a Federal district court
or a Federal court of appeals.
Previously, only the Federal courts of
appeals had jurisdiction to review
appeals of Board orders on certificate
actions. Additionally, the statute states,
absent a stay from the Board, an
emergency order the Administrator
issues under 49 U.S.C. 44709(e)(2) will
remain in effect pending the exhaustion
of the appeal to Federal district court.
Regarding review of orders, the statute
requires Federal district courts to give
‘‘full independent review’’ of the
Administrator’s decision; and in the
case of emergency orders, the statute
requires Federal district courts to give
‘‘substantive independent and
expedited review’’ of the
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Administrator’s decision to make the
order immediately effective.
Other provisions of the Pilot’s Bill of
Rights involve notices to airmen
(section 3) and the FAA medical
certification process (section 4). These
provisions do not directly affect the
Board’s Rules of Practice and therefore
do not require changes to the Board’s
rules.
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IV. Regulatory Changes
As a result of these statutory
provisions, the Board herein
implements the following changes to 49
CFR part 821. As indicated above, the
NTSB will consider all comments
concerning this rulemaking received by
the deadline, but will only alter any
provisions implemented in this rule if
the comments establish such alteration
is necessary.
A. Section 821.5: Procedural Rules
The NTSB herein adds a new section,
821.5, entitled ‘‘Procedural rules’’
within Subpart B of part 821. This new
section will state, ‘‘In proceedings under
subparts C, D, and F, for situations not
covered by a specific Board rule, the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure will be
followed to the extent they are
consistent with sound administrative
practice.’’ The NTSB considers the
phrase, ‘‘to the extent they are
consistent with sound administrative
practice,’’ to preclude the application of
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure that are
obviously inapplicable. For example,
Federal administrative agencies do not
conduct jury trials. See, e.g., Atlas
Roofing Co., Inc. v. OSHRC, 430 U.S.
442, 455 (1977). Likewise, rules
concerning class actions are
inapplicable. Overall, the NTSB has
reviewed the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure and notes the inapplicability
of the following rules: 5.1
(‘‘Constitutional Challenge to a
Statute—Notice, Certification, and
Intervention’’), 5.2 (‘‘Privacy Protection
for Filings Made with the Court’’), 13
(‘‘Counterclaim and Crossclaim’’), 14
(‘‘Third-Party Practice’’), 35 (‘‘Physical
and Mental Examinations’’), 38 (‘‘Right
to a Jury Trial; Demand’’), 39 (‘‘Trial by
Jury or by the Court’’), 47 (‘‘Selecting
Jurors’’), 48 (‘‘Number of Jurors; Verdict;
Polling’’), 49 (‘‘Special Verdict; General
Verdict and Questions’’), 50 (‘‘Judgment
as a Matter of Law in a Jury Trial;
Related Motion for a New Trial;
Conditional Ruling’’), 51 (‘‘Instructions
to the Jury; Objections; Preserving a
Claim of Error’’), 53 (‘‘Masters’’), and the
Rules contained in Titles IV (‘‘Parties’’),
VIII (‘‘Provisional and Final Remedies’’),
IX (‘‘Special Proceedings’’), X (‘‘District
Courts and Clerks; Conducting Business;
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Issuing Orders’’), and ‘‘Supplemental
Rules for Admiralty or Maritime Claims
and Asset Forfeiture Actions’’ of the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Furthermore, the NTSB considers the
rules contained in subpart B of 49 CFR
part 821 (‘‘General Rules Applicable to
Petitions for Review, Appeals to the
Board, and Appeals from Law Judges’
Initial Decisions and Appealable
Orders’’) analogous to local rules, as
referenced in various parts of the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. In this
regard, the NTSB will consider its rules
in subpart B of part 821 to supplement
the overarching applicable Federal
Rules of Civil Procedure. To the extent
the timelines for filing or responding, as
well as procedural processes such as for
discovery or subpoenas, differ slightly
from the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure, the NTSB will consider the
rules in subpart B as the local rules
followed in practice before the Board.
The NTSB believes this new section
adequately provides notice to parties of
the application of the Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure, yet still complies with
the statutory directive in section 2(a) of
the Pilot’s Bill of Rights—that the
Board’s Rules of Practice adopt the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure ‘‘to the
extent practicable.’’ Notably, most
sections within subpart B of the Board’s
Rules of Practice have a Federal Rule
counterpart. Sections 821.7 (‘‘Filing of
documents with the Board’’) and 821.8
(‘‘Service of documents’’) of the Board’s
Rules of Practice are supplemental to
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP)
5 (‘‘Serving and Filing Pleadings and
Other Papers’’) and 7 (‘‘Pleadings
Allowed; Form of Motions and Other
Papers’’), respectively. Concerning
sections 821.10 (‘‘Computation of time’’)
and 821.11 (‘‘Extensions of time’’),
FRCP 6 (‘‘Computing and Extending
Time; Time for Motion Papers’’) is also
applicable. Similarly, section 821.12(a)
will function as a supplement to FRCP
15 (‘‘Amended and Supplemental
Pleadings’’), and section 821.12(b) will
function as a supplement to FRCP 41(a)
(‘‘Dismissal of Actions’’). The NTSB will
read Title III (‘‘Pleadings and Motions’’)
of the FRCPs in conjunction with
section 821.14, concerning motion
practice before the Board. Sections
821.24 and 821.30, both entitled
‘‘[i]nitiation of proceeding,’’ will
function as supplements to FRCP 3,
which simply states, ‘‘[a] civil action is
commenced by filing a complaint with
the court.’’ Likewise, section 821.40,
concerning the record of the proceeding
before the NTSB law judge, will
function as a supplement to FRCP 44
(‘‘Proving an Official Record’’).
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63243
B. Section 821.19: Depositions and
Other Discovery
As a general matter, the Board
encourages parties to resolve discovery
disputes on their own. In cases where
parties seek a ruling from an NTSB law
judge on a discovery dispute, the NTSB
encourages parties to articulate clearly
their position by relying on the Federal
Rules of Civil Procedure as read in
conjunction with the Board’s Rules of
Practice.
1. Subsection (a)
Subsection 821.19(a), entitled
‘‘Depositions,’’ will now include a
reference to the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure within the second sentence,
to read as follows: ‘‘Reasonable notice
shall be given in writing to the other
parties, stating the name of the witness
and the time and place of the taking of
the deposition, in accordance with the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.’’
Federal Rules 30 (‘‘Depositions by Oral
Exam’’) and 31 (‘‘Depositions by Written
Questions’’) address deposition
testimony, and require such written
notice. The Board believes subsection
821.19(a) is fully consistent with FRCPs
30 and 31; therefore, the Board intends
to retain the text of subsection (a) and
simply add a reference to the Federal
Rules.
2. Subsection (b)
Subsection (b), entitled ‘‘[e]xchange of
information by the parties,’’ is amended
to state: ‘‘The parties must exchange
information in accordance with the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Copies
of discovery requests and responses
shall be served on the law judge to
whom the proceeding has been assigned
or, if no law judge has been assigned, on
the Case Manager. In the event of a
dispute, either the assigned law judge or
another law judge delegated this
responsibility (if a law judge has not yet
been assigned or if the assigned law
judge is unavailable) may issue an
appropriate order, including an order
directing compliance with any ruling
previously made with respect to
discovery.’’ The NTSB herein strikes the
previous language at the beginning of
subsection (b), which allowed parties to
set their own discovery schedules, as
this language is not consistent with
FRCPs 26 (‘‘Duty to Disclose; General
Provisions Governing Discovery’’) and
34 (‘‘Producing Documents,
Electronically Stored Information, and
Tangible Things, or Entering onto Land,
for Inspections and Other Purposes’’).
3. Subsection (c)
Subsection 821.19(c) is entitled ‘‘[u]se
of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,’’
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and describes the NTSB’s use of the
Federal Rules as instructive, rather than
mandatory. The NTSB herein strikes
that subsection, and recodifies the
previous subsection (d), entitled,
‘‘Failure to provide or preserve
evidence,’’ as new subsection (c). The
text of that subsection will remain
unchanged. The NTSB will read this
subsection in conjunction with FRCP 11
(‘‘Signing Pleadings, Motions, and Other
Papers; Representations to the Court;
Sanctions’’), which provides sanction
for noncompliance with discovery
obligations.
4. Subsection (d)
Subsection 2(b)(2)(E) of the Pilot’s Bill
of Rights requires the FAA to make
available the releasable portions of its
EIR concerning each individual against
whose certificate it takes action. The
disclosure must occur in a timely
manner, unless doing so would threaten
the integrity of the investigation. The
FAA’s guidance to its inspectors
concerning implementation of Pilot’s
Bill of Rights’ provisions indicates the
FAA intends to release the EIRs
contemporaneously with the FAA’s
letters of investigation. FAA Notice N
8900.195 (Aug. 8, 2012), available at
https://fsims.faa.gov/wdocs/notices/
n8900_195.htm (to be incorporated in
FAA Order 8900.1).
In order to implement this provision
of the statute, the NTSB herein adds
new subsection 821.19(d), entitled
‘‘Motion to dismiss for failure to include
copy of releasable portion of
Enforcement Investigative Report (EIR).’’
This new subsection states as follows:
‘‘(1) Where the FAA fails to provide the
releasable portion of its EIR with its
required notification to the respondent,
the respondent may move to dismiss the
complaint and, unless the Administrator
establishes good cause for that failure,
the law judge shall dismiss the
complaint. The law judge may accept
arguments from the parties on the issue
of whether a dismissal resulting from
failure to provide the releasable portions
of the EIR should be deemed to occur
with or without prejudice. (2) The
releasable portion of the EIR shall
include all information in the EIR,
except for the following: (i) Information
that is privileged; (ii) Information that is
an internal memorandum, note or
writing prepared by a person employed
by the FAA or another government
agency; (iii) Information that would
disclose the identity of a confidential
source; (iv) Information of which
applicable law prohibits disclosure; (v)
Information about which the law judge
grants leave to withhold as not relevant
to the subject matter of the proceeding
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or otherwise, for good cause shown; or
(vi) Sensitive security information, as
defined at 49 U.S.C. 40119 and 49 CFR
15.5. (3) Nothing in this section shall be
interpreted as preventing the
Administrator from releasing to the
respondent information in addition to
that which is contained in the releasable
portion of the EIR.’’
The NTSB will only enforce the
statutory mandate for the FAA to make
available the releasable portions of the
EIR in cases coming within the purview
of the Board’s jurisdiction. Therefore,
the NTSB implements this requirement
by way of a motion to dismiss, rather
than as a predicate to a respondent’s
filing of an appeal.
C. Section 821.38: Evidence
The NTSB herein changes the text of
section 821.38, concerning evidence, to
read as follows: ‘‘In any proceeding
under the rules in this part, all evidence
which is relevant, material, reliable and
probative, and not unduly repetitious or
cumulative, shall be admissible. All
other evidence shall be excluded.
Unless inconsistent with the
requirements of the Administrative
Procedure Act, the Federal Rules of
Evidence will be applied in these
proceedings.’’ This change is consistent
with section 2(a) of the Pilot’s Bill of
Rights, which mandates the Federal
Rules of Evidence be applied to NTSB
proceedings under part 821, subparts C,
D, and F ‘‘to the extent practicable.’’
The previous version of section
821.38 permitted hearsay evidence.
Under the provision in the Pilot’s Bill of
Rights requiring application of the
Federal Rules of Evidence ‘‘to the extent
practicable,’’ the NTSB believes NTSB
law judges must exclude hearsay
evidence unless an exception to the
hearsay rule applies. Therefore, the
language from the previous rule
permitting hearsay (to include hearsay
within hearsay) is stricken from the
rule.
D. Section 821.64: Judicial Review
Subsection 3(d), paragraph (1) of the
Pilot’s Bill of Rights provides for
judicial review in either a Federal
district court or a Federal court of
appeals. Subsection 821.64(a) of the
Board’s Rules of Practice previously
informed parties they may seek judicial
review ‘‘by the filing of a petition for
review with the appropriate United
States Court of Appeals within 60 days
of the date of entry (i.e., service date) of
the Board’s order.’’ The Board herein
adds ‘‘or United States District Court’’ to
the first sentence, in accordance with
the Pilot’s Bill of Rights.
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V. Regulatory Analysis
This rule is not a ‘‘significant
regulatory action’’ under section 3(f) of
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory
Planning and Review, and does not
require an assessment of the potential
costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3)
of that Order. As such, the Office of
Management and Budget has not
reviewed this rule under Executive
Order 12866. Likewise, this rule does
not require an analysis under the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2
U.S.C. 1501–1571, or the National
Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C.
4321–4347.
In addition, the NTSB has considered
whether this rule would have a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities,
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
U.S.C. 601–612). The NTSB certifies
under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule
would not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small
entities. Moreover, in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 605(b), the NTSB will submit this
certification to the Chief Counsel for
Advocacy at the Small Business
Administration.
Moreover, the NTSB does not
anticipate this rule will have a
substantial, direct effect on state or local
governments or will preempt state law;
as such, this rule does not have
implications for federalism under
Executive Order 13132, Federalism.
This rule also complies with all
applicable standards in sections 3(a)
and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988,
Civil Justice Reform, to minimize
litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and
reduce burden. In addition, the NTSB
has evaluated this rule under: Executive
Order 12630, Governmental Actions and
Interference with Constitutionally
Protected Property Rights; Executive
Order 13045, Protection of Children
from Environmental Health Risks and
Safety Risks; Executive Order 13175,
Consultation and Coordination with
Indian Tribal Governments; Executive
Order 13211, Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use; and
the National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act, 15 U.S.C. 272 note.
The NTSB has concluded that this rule
does not contravene any of the
requirements set forth in these
Executive Orders or statutes, nor does
this rule prompt further consideration
with regard to such requirements.
The NTSB invites comments relating
to any of the foregoing determinations
and notes the most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any
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recommended change, and include
supporting data.
List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 821
Administrative practice and
procedure, Airmen, Aviation safety.
For the reasons discussed in the
preamble, the NTSB amends 49 CFR
part 821 as follows:
PART 821—RULES OF PRACTICE IN
AIR SAFETY PROCEEDINGS
1. The authority citation for 49 CFR
part 821 is revised to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 1101–1155, 44701–
44723, 46301, Pub. L. 112–153, unless
otherwise noted.
2. Add § 821.5 to Subpart B to read as
follows:
■
§ 821.5
Procedural rules.
In proceedings under subparts C, D,
and F of this part, for situations not
covered by a specific Board rule, the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure will be
followed to the extent they are
consistent with sound administrative
practice.
■ 3. Revise § 821.19 to read as follows:
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§ 821.19
Depositions and other discovery.
(a) Depositions. After a petition for
review or a complaint is filed, any party
may take the testimony of any person,
including a party, by deposition, upon
oral examination or written questions,
without seeking prior Board approval.
Reasonable notice shall be given in
writing to the other parties, stating the
name of the witness and the time and
place of the taking of the deposition, in
accordance with the Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure. A copy of any notice of
deposition shall be served on the law
judge to whom the proceeding has been
assigned or, if no law judge has been
assigned, on the Case Manager. In other
respects, the taking of any deposition
shall be compliance with the provisions
of 49 U.S.C. 46104(c).
(b) Exchange of information by the
parties. The parties must exchange
information in accordance with the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Copies
of discovery requests and responses
shall be served on the law judge to
whom the proceeding has been assigned
or, if no law judge has been assigned, on
the Case Manager. In the event of a
dispute, either the assigned law judge or
another law judge delegated this
responsibility (if a law judge has not yet
been assigned or if the assigned law
judge is unavailable) may issue an
appropriate order, including an order
directing compliance with any ruling
previously made with respect to
discovery.
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(c) Failure to provide or preserve
evidence. The failure of any party to
comply with a law judge’s order
compelling discovery, or to cooperate
with a timely request for the
preservation of evidence, may result in
a negative inference against that party
with respect to the matter sought and
not provided or preserved, a preclusion
order, dismissal or other relief deemed
appropriate by the law judge.
(d) Motion to dismiss for failure to
include copy of releasable portion of
Enforcement Investigative Report (EIR).
(1) Where the FAA fails to provide the
releasable portion of its EIR with its
required notification to the respondent,
the respondent may move to dismiss the
complaint and, unless the Administrator
establishes good cause for that failure,
the law judge shall dismiss the
complaint. The law judge may accept
arguments from the parties on the issue
of whether a dismissal resulting from
failure to provide the releasable portions
of the EIR should be deemed to occur
with or without prejudice.
(2) The releasable portion of the EIR
shall include all information in the EIR,
except for the following:
(i) Information that is privileged;
(ii) Information that is an internal
memorandum, note or writing prepared
by a person employed by the FAA or
another government agency;
(iii) Information that would disclose
the identity of a confidential source;
(iv) Information of which applicable
law prohibits disclosure;
(v) Information about which the law
judge grants leave to withhold as not
relevant to the subject matter of the
proceeding or otherwise, for good cause
shown; or
(vi) Sensitive security information, as
defined at 49 U.S.C. 40119 and 49 CFR
15.5.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be
interpreted as preventing the
Administrator from releasing to the
respondent information in addition to
that which is contained in the releasable
portion of the EIR.
■ 4. Revise § 821.38 to read as follows:
§ 821.38
Evidence.
In any proceeding under the rules in
this part, all evidence which is relevant,
material, reliable and probative, and not
unduly repetitious or cumulative, shall
be admissible. All other evidence shall
be excluded. Unless inconsistent with
the requirements of the Administrative
Procedure Act, the Federal Rules of
Evidence will be applied in these
proceedings.
■ 5. In § 821.64, revise paragraph (a) to
read as follows:
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§ 821.64
63245
Judicial review.
(a) General. Judicial review of a final
order of the Board may be sought as
provided in 49 U.S.C. 1153 and 46110
by the filing of a petition for review
with the appropriate United States
Court of Appeals or United States
District Court within 60 days of the date
of entry (i.e., service date) of the Board’s
order. Under the applicable statutes, any
party may appeal the Board’s decision.
The Board is not a party in interest in
such appellate proceedings and,
accordingly, does not typically
participate in the judicial review of its
decisions. In matters appealed by the
Administrator, the other parties should
anticipate the need to make their own
defense.
*
*
*
*
*
Deborah A.P. Hersman,
Chairman.
[FR Doc. 2012–25421 Filed 10–15–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION
SAFETY BOARD
49 CFR Parts 821 and 826
[Docket No. NTSB–GC–2011–0001]
Rules of Practice in Air Safety
Proceedings; Rules Implementing the
Equal Access to Justice Act of 1980
National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB or Board).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The NTSB amends its
regulations which set forth rules of
procedure for the NTSB’s review of
certificate actions taken by the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA); and its
regulations which set forth rules of
procedure concerning applications for
fees and expenses under the Equal
Access to Justice Act of 1980 (EAJA).
The NTSB previously issued an advance
notice of proposed rulemaking
(ANPRM) and a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) and has carefully
considered comments submitted in
response to both documents. In a
separate interim final rule published
elsewhere in this issue of the Federal
Register, the NTSB is implementing
regulatory changes as a result of the
recently enacted Pilot’s Bill of Rights.
DATES: This final rule is effective
November 15, 2012.
ADDRESSES: A copy of the NPRM,
published in the Federal Register (FR),
is available for inspection and copying
in the NTSB’s public reading room,
located at 490 L’Enfant Plaza SW.,
Washington, DC 20594–2003.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\16OCR1.SGM
16OCR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 200 (Tuesday, October 16, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63242-63245]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-25421]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD
49 CFR Part 821
[Docket No. NTSB-GC-2011-0001]
Rules of Practice in Air Safety Proceedings
AGENCY: National Transportation Safety Board.
ACTION: Interim final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB or Board)
amends portions of its regulations, which set forth rules of procedure
for the NTSB's review of certificate actions taken by the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), as a result of the recent enactment of
the Pilot's Bill of Rights.
DATES: This rule is effective October 16, 2012. Comments must be
received by December 17, 2012. Comments received after the deadline
will be considered to the extent possible.
ADDRESSES: A copy of this interim final rule, published in the Federal
Register (FR), is available for inspection and copying in the NTSB's
public reading room, located at 490 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC
20594-2003. Alternatively, a copy is available on the government-wide
Web site on regulations at https://www.regulations.gov (Docket ID Number
NTSB-GC-2011-0001).
You may send comments identified by Docket ID Number NTSB-GC-2011-
0001 using any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and
follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Mail: Send comments to NTSB Office of General Counsel, 490 L'Enfant
Plaza East SW., Washington, DC 20594-2003.
Facsimile: Fax comments to 202-314-6090.
Hand Delivery: Bring comments to 490 L'Enfant Plaza East SW., 6th
Floor, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays.
For more information on the rulemaking process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section of this document.
Privacy: We will post all comments we receive, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information
provided.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Tochen, General Counsel, (202)
314-6080.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The NTSB previously issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking
(ANPRM), 75 FR 80452 (Dec. 22, 2010), and a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM), 77 FR 6760 (Feb. 9, 2012), concerning 49 CFR parts
821 and 826. (Part 826 sets forth rules of procedure concerning
applications for fees and expenses under the Equal Access to Justice
Act of 1980.) Prior to the NTSB's issuance of a final rule concerning
parts 821 and 826, Congress enacted the Pilot's Bill of Rights, Public
Law 112-53, 126 Stat. 1159 (August 3, 2012), which implemented
statutory changes for, among other things: (1) The FAA to disclose its
enforcement investigative report (EIR) to each respondent in an
aviation certificate enforcement case; (2) the NTSB to apply the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Federal Rules of Evidence to each
case; and (3) litigants now to have the option of appealing the Board's
orders to either a Federal district court or a Federal court of
appeals. The Board therefore issues this interim final rule in response
to these legislative changes. Elsewhere in today's Federal Register,
the NTSB published a final rule concerning those portions of its
February 2012 NPRM not affected by enactment of the Pilot's Bill of
Rights.
II. Rulemaking Procedure
As a result of enactment of the Pilot's Bill of Rights and to
ensure compliance with it, the NTSB is immediately changing its Rules
of Practice applicable to air safety proceedings. The statute is
effective immediately, thus requiring the NTSB to promulgate regulatory
changes without delay. As a result, the NTSB believes the statute
constitutes good cause for issuance of an interim final rule. The NTSB
will consider comments received during the comment period, and will
alter the interim final rule issued herein if the comments warrant
alteration.
III. Statutory Changes
Pursuant to subsection 2(a) of the Pilot's Bill of Rights, the
Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, to the
extent practicable, are applicable to all NTSB proceedings conducted
under 49 CFR part 821, subparts C (rules applicable to proceedings
under 49 U.S.C. 44703, which governs airman certificates), D (rules
applicable to proceedings under 49 U.S.C. 44709, which governs
amendments, modifications, suspensions, and revocations of
certificates), and F (rules applicable to hearings conducted under 49
CFR part 821).
Subsection 2(b) of the statute requires the FAA provide ``timely,
written notification'' to individuals who are the subject of an FAA
enforcement action regarding the ``nature of the investigation.'' The
FAA must inform the individual he or she need not respond to an FAA
letter of investigation and will not be adversely affected if he or she
elects not to respond. The statute requires the Administrator of the
FAA to make available the releasable portions of the EIR to each
individual, and provide certain air traffic data. The statute further
provides that the Administrator may delay this notification if the FAA
determines the notification would threaten the integrity of the
investigation.
In addition, subsection 2(c) of the statute strikes from 49 U.S.C.
44703(d)(2), 44709(d)(3), and 44710(d)(1) the phrase, ``but is bound by
all validly adopted interpretations of laws and regulations the
Administrator carries out unless the Board finds an interpretation is
arbitrary, capricious, or otherwise not according to law.'' The statute
also strikes from 49 U.S.C. 44709(d)(3) and 44710(d)(1) the language
stating the Board is bound by FAA policy guidance concerning sanctions
for violations.
Subsection 2(d) of the statute provides individuals with the option
of appealing a Board order to a Federal district court or a Federal
court of appeals. Previously, only the Federal courts of appeals had
jurisdiction to review appeals of Board orders on certificate actions.
Additionally, the statute states, absent a stay from the Board, an
emergency order the Administrator issues under 49 U.S.C. 44709(e)(2)
will remain in effect pending the exhaustion of the appeal to Federal
district court. Regarding review of orders, the statute requires
Federal district courts to give ``full independent review'' of the
Administrator's decision; and in the case of emergency orders, the
statute requires Federal district courts to give ``substantive
independent and expedited review'' of the
[[Page 63243]]
Administrator's decision to make the order immediately effective.
Other provisions of the Pilot's Bill of Rights involve notices to
airmen (section 3) and the FAA medical certification process (section
4). These provisions do not directly affect the Board's Rules of
Practice and therefore do not require changes to the Board's rules.
IV. Regulatory Changes
As a result of these statutory provisions, the Board herein
implements the following changes to 49 CFR part 821. As indicated
above, the NTSB will consider all comments concerning this rulemaking
received by the deadline, but will only alter any provisions
implemented in this rule if the comments establish such alteration is
necessary.
A. Section 821.5: Procedural Rules
The NTSB herein adds a new section, 821.5, entitled ``Procedural
rules'' within Subpart B of part 821. This new section will state, ``In
proceedings under subparts C, D, and F, for situations not covered by a
specific Board rule, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure will be
followed to the extent they are consistent with sound administrative
practice.'' The NTSB considers the phrase, ``to the extent they are
consistent with sound administrative practice,'' to preclude the
application of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure that are obviously
inapplicable. For example, Federal administrative agencies do not
conduct jury trials. See, e.g., Atlas Roofing Co., Inc. v. OSHRC, 430
U.S. 442, 455 (1977). Likewise, rules concerning class actions are
inapplicable. Overall, the NTSB has reviewed the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure and notes the inapplicability of the following rules: 5.1
(``Constitutional Challenge to a Statute--Notice, Certification, and
Intervention''), 5.2 (``Privacy Protection for Filings Made with the
Court''), 13 (``Counterclaim and Crossclaim''), 14 (``Third-Party
Practice''), 35 (``Physical and Mental Examinations''), 38 (``Right to
a Jury Trial; Demand''), 39 (``Trial by Jury or by the Court''), 47
(``Selecting Jurors''), 48 (``Number of Jurors; Verdict; Polling''), 49
(``Special Verdict; General Verdict and Questions''), 50 (``Judgment as
a Matter of Law in a Jury Trial; Related Motion for a New Trial;
Conditional Ruling''), 51 (``Instructions to the Jury; Objections;
Preserving a Claim of Error''), 53 (``Masters''), and the Rules
contained in Titles IV (``Parties''), VIII (``Provisional and Final
Remedies''), IX (``Special Proceedings''), X (``District Courts and
Clerks; Conducting Business; Issuing Orders''), and ``Supplemental
Rules for Admiralty or Maritime Claims and Asset Forfeiture Actions''
of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Furthermore, the NTSB considers the rules contained in subpart B of
49 CFR part 821 (``General Rules Applicable to Petitions for Review,
Appeals to the Board, and Appeals from Law Judges' Initial Decisions
and Appealable Orders'') analogous to local rules, as referenced in
various parts of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. In this regard,
the NTSB will consider its rules in subpart B of part 821 to supplement
the overarching applicable Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. To the
extent the timelines for filing or responding, as well as procedural
processes such as for discovery or subpoenas, differ slightly from the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the NTSB will consider the rules in
subpart B as the local rules followed in practice before the Board.
The NTSB believes this new section adequately provides notice to
parties of the application of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, yet
still complies with the statutory directive in section 2(a) of the
Pilot's Bill of Rights--that the Board's Rules of Practice adopt the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure ``to the extent practicable.''
Notably, most sections within subpart B of the Board's Rules of
Practice have a Federal Rule counterpart. Sections 821.7 (``Filing of
documents with the Board'') and 821.8 (``Service of documents'') of the
Board's Rules of Practice are supplemental to Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure (FRCP) 5 (``Serving and Filing Pleadings and Other Papers'')
and 7 (``Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions and Other Papers''),
respectively. Concerning sections 821.10 (``Computation of time'') and
821.11 (``Extensions of time''), FRCP 6 (``Computing and Extending
Time; Time for Motion Papers'') is also applicable. Similarly, section
821.12(a) will function as a supplement to FRCP 15 (``Amended and
Supplemental Pleadings''), and section 821.12(b) will function as a
supplement to FRCP 41(a) (``Dismissal of Actions''). The NTSB will read
Title III (``Pleadings and Motions'') of the FRCPs in conjunction with
section 821.14, concerning motion practice before the Board. Sections
821.24 and 821.30, both entitled ``[i]nitiation of proceeding,'' will
function as supplements to FRCP 3, which simply states, ``[a] civil
action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court.'' Likewise,
section 821.40, concerning the record of the proceeding before the NTSB
law judge, will function as a supplement to FRCP 44 (``Proving an
Official Record'').
B. Section 821.19: Depositions and Other Discovery
As a general matter, the Board encourages parties to resolve
discovery disputes on their own. In cases where parties seek a ruling
from an NTSB law judge on a discovery dispute, the NTSB encourages
parties to articulate clearly their position by relying on the Federal
Rules of Civil Procedure as read in conjunction with the Board's Rules
of Practice.
1. Subsection (a)
Subsection 821.19(a), entitled ``Depositions,'' will now include a
reference to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure within the second
sentence, to read as follows: ``Reasonable notice shall be given in
writing to the other parties, stating the name of the witness and the
time and place of the taking of the deposition, in accordance with the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.'' Federal Rules 30 (``Depositions by
Oral Exam'') and 31 (``Depositions by Written Questions'') address
deposition testimony, and require such written notice. The Board
believes subsection 821.19(a) is fully consistent with FRCPs 30 and 31;
therefore, the Board intends to retain the text of subsection (a) and
simply add a reference to the Federal Rules.
2. Subsection (b)
Subsection (b), entitled ``[e]xchange of information by the
parties,'' is amended to state: ``The parties must exchange information
in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Copies of
discovery requests and responses shall be served on the law judge to
whom the proceeding has been assigned or, if no law judge has been
assigned, on the Case Manager. In the event of a dispute, either the
assigned law judge or another law judge delegated this responsibility
(if a law judge has not yet been assigned or if the assigned law judge
is unavailable) may issue an appropriate order, including an order
directing compliance with any ruling previously made with respect to
discovery.'' The NTSB herein strikes the previous language at the
beginning of subsection (b), which allowed parties to set their own
discovery schedules, as this language is not consistent with FRCPs 26
(``Duty to Disclose; General Provisions Governing Discovery'') and 34
(``Producing Documents, Electronically Stored Information, and Tangible
Things, or Entering onto Land, for Inspections and Other Purposes'').
3. Subsection (c)
Subsection 821.19(c) is entitled ``[u]se of the Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure,''
[[Page 63244]]
and describes the NTSB's use of the Federal Rules as instructive,
rather than mandatory. The NTSB herein strikes that subsection, and
recodifies the previous subsection (d), entitled, ``Failure to provide
or preserve evidence,'' as new subsection (c). The text of that
subsection will remain unchanged. The NTSB will read this subsection in
conjunction with FRCP 11 (``Signing Pleadings, Motions, and Other
Papers; Representations to the Court; Sanctions''), which provides
sanction for noncompliance with discovery obligations.
4. Subsection (d)
Subsection 2(b)(2)(E) of the Pilot's Bill of Rights requires the
FAA to make available the releasable portions of its EIR concerning
each individual against whose certificate it takes action. The
disclosure must occur in a timely manner, unless doing so would
threaten the integrity of the investigation. The FAA's guidance to its
inspectors concerning implementation of Pilot's Bill of Rights'
provisions indicates the FAA intends to release the EIRs
contemporaneously with the FAA's letters of investigation. FAA Notice N
8900.195 (Aug. 8, 2012), available at https://fsims.faa.gov/wdocs/notices/n8900_195.htm (to be incorporated in FAA Order 8900.1).
In order to implement this provision of the statute, the NTSB
herein adds new subsection 821.19(d), entitled ``Motion to dismiss for
failure to include copy of releasable portion of Enforcement
Investigative Report (EIR).'' This new subsection states as follows:
``(1) Where the FAA fails to provide the releasable portion of its EIR
with its required notification to the respondent, the respondent may
move to dismiss the complaint and, unless the Administrator establishes
good cause for that failure, the law judge shall dismiss the complaint.
The law judge may accept arguments from the parties on the issue of
whether a dismissal resulting from failure to provide the releasable
portions of the EIR should be deemed to occur with or without
prejudice. (2) The releasable portion of the EIR shall include all
information in the EIR, except for the following: (i) Information that
is privileged; (ii) Information that is an internal memorandum, note or
writing prepared by a person employed by the FAA or another government
agency; (iii) Information that would disclose the identity of a
confidential source; (iv) Information of which applicable law prohibits
disclosure; (v) Information about which the law judge grants leave to
withhold as not relevant to the subject matter of the proceeding or
otherwise, for good cause shown; or (vi) Sensitive security
information, as defined at 49 U.S.C. 40119 and 49 CFR 15.5. (3) Nothing
in this section shall be interpreted as preventing the Administrator
from releasing to the respondent information in addition to that which
is contained in the releasable portion of the EIR.''
The NTSB will only enforce the statutory mandate for the FAA to
make available the releasable portions of the EIR in cases coming
within the purview of the Board's jurisdiction. Therefore, the NTSB
implements this requirement by way of a motion to dismiss, rather than
as a predicate to a respondent's filing of an appeal.
C. Section 821.38: Evidence
The NTSB herein changes the text of section 821.38, concerning
evidence, to read as follows: ``In any proceeding under the rules in
this part, all evidence which is relevant, material, reliable and
probative, and not unduly repetitious or cumulative, shall be
admissible. All other evidence shall be excluded. Unless inconsistent
with the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act, the Federal
Rules of Evidence will be applied in these proceedings.'' This change
is consistent with section 2(a) of the Pilot's Bill of Rights, which
mandates the Federal Rules of Evidence be applied to NTSB proceedings
under part 821, subparts C, D, and F ``to the extent practicable.''
The previous version of section 821.38 permitted hearsay evidence.
Under the provision in the Pilot's Bill of Rights requiring application
of the Federal Rules of Evidence ``to the extent practicable,'' the
NTSB believes NTSB law judges must exclude hearsay evidence unless an
exception to the hearsay rule applies. Therefore, the language from the
previous rule permitting hearsay (to include hearsay within hearsay) is
stricken from the rule.
D. Section 821.64: Judicial Review
Subsection 3(d), paragraph (1) of the Pilot's Bill of Rights
provides for judicial review in either a Federal district court or a
Federal court of appeals. Subsection 821.64(a) of the Board's Rules of
Practice previously informed parties they may seek judicial review ``by
the filing of a petition for review with the appropriate United States
Court of Appeals within 60 days of the date of entry (i.e., service
date) of the Board's order.'' The Board herein adds ``or United States
District Court'' to the first sentence, in accordance with the Pilot's
Bill of Rights.
V. Regulatory Analysis
This rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under section
3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and does
not require an assessment of the potential costs and benefits under
section 6(a)(3) of that Order. As such, the Office of Management and
Budget has not reviewed this rule under Executive Order 12866.
Likewise, this rule does not require an analysis under the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1501-1571, or the National Environmental
Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347.
In addition, the NTSB has considered whether this rule would have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities,
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612). The NTSB
certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule would not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Moreover, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 605(b), the NTSB will submit this
certification to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the Small Business
Administration.
Moreover, the NTSB does not anticipate this rule will have a
substantial, direct effect on state or local governments or will
preempt state law; as such, this rule does not have implications for
federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism. This rule also
complies with all applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of
Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation,
eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden. In addition, the NTSB has
evaluated this rule under: Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions
and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights;
Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks; Executive Order 13175, Consultation and
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments; Executive Order 13211,
Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use; and the National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act, 15 U.S.C. 272 note. The NTSB has concluded that this
rule does not contravene any of the requirements set forth in these
Executive Orders or statutes, nor does this rule prompt further
consideration with regard to such requirements.
The NTSB invites comments relating to any of the foregoing
determinations and notes the most helpful comments reference a specific
portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any
[[Page 63245]]
recommended change, and include supporting data.
List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 821
Administrative practice and procedure, Airmen, Aviation safety.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the NTSB amends 49 CFR
part 821 as follows:
PART 821--RULES OF PRACTICE IN AIR SAFETY PROCEEDINGS
0
1. The authority citation for 49 CFR part 821 is revised to read as
follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 1101-1155, 44701-44723, 46301, Pub. L.
112-153, unless otherwise noted.
0
2. Add Sec. 821.5 to Subpart B to read as follows:
Sec. 821.5 Procedural rules.
In proceedings under subparts C, D, and F of this part, for
situations not covered by a specific Board rule, the Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure will be followed to the extent they are consistent with
sound administrative practice.
0
3. Revise Sec. 821.19 to read as follows:
Sec. 821.19 Depositions and other discovery.
(a) Depositions. After a petition for review or a complaint is
filed, any party may take the testimony of any person, including a
party, by deposition, upon oral examination or written questions,
without seeking prior Board approval. Reasonable notice shall be given
in writing to the other parties, stating the name of the witness and
the time and place of the taking of the deposition, in accordance with
the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. A copy of any notice of
deposition shall be served on the law judge to whom the proceeding has
been assigned or, if no law judge has been assigned, on the Case
Manager. In other respects, the taking of any deposition shall be
compliance with the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 46104(c).
(b) Exchange of information by the parties. The parties must
exchange information in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure. Copies of discovery requests and responses shall be served
on the law judge to whom the proceeding has been assigned or, if no law
judge has been assigned, on the Case Manager. In the event of a
dispute, either the assigned law judge or another law judge delegated
this responsibility (if a law judge has not yet been assigned or if the
assigned law judge is unavailable) may issue an appropriate order,
including an order directing compliance with any ruling previously made
with respect to discovery.
(c) Failure to provide or preserve evidence. The failure of any
party to comply with a law judge's order compelling discovery, or to
cooperate with a timely request for the preservation of evidence, may
result in a negative inference against that party with respect to the
matter sought and not provided or preserved, a preclusion order,
dismissal or other relief deemed appropriate by the law judge.
(d) Motion to dismiss for failure to include copy of releasable
portion of Enforcement Investigative Report (EIR). (1) Where the FAA
fails to provide the releasable portion of its EIR with its required
notification to the respondent, the respondent may move to dismiss the
complaint and, unless the Administrator establishes good cause for that
failure, the law judge shall dismiss the complaint. The law judge may
accept arguments from the parties on the issue of whether a dismissal
resulting from failure to provide the releasable portions of the EIR
should be deemed to occur with or without prejudice.
(2) The releasable portion of the EIR shall include all information
in the EIR, except for the following:
(i) Information that is privileged;
(ii) Information that is an internal memorandum, note or writing
prepared by a person employed by the FAA or another government agency;
(iii) Information that would disclose the identity of a
confidential source;
(iv) Information of which applicable law prohibits disclosure;
(v) Information about which the law judge grants leave to withhold
as not relevant to the subject matter of the proceeding or otherwise,
for good cause shown; or
(vi) Sensitive security information, as defined at 49 U.S.C. 40119
and 49 CFR 15.5.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as preventing the
Administrator from releasing to the respondent information in addition
to that which is contained in the releasable portion of the EIR.
0
4. Revise Sec. 821.38 to read as follows:
Sec. 821.38 Evidence.
In any proceeding under the rules in this part, all evidence which
is relevant, material, reliable and probative, and not unduly
repetitious or cumulative, shall be admissible. All other evidence
shall be excluded. Unless inconsistent with the requirements of the
Administrative Procedure Act, the Federal Rules of Evidence will be
applied in these proceedings.
0
5. In Sec. 821.64, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:
Sec. 821.64 Judicial review.
(a) General. Judicial review of a final order of the Board may be
sought as provided in 49 U.S.C. 1153 and 46110 by the filing of a
petition for review with the appropriate United States Court of Appeals
or United States District Court within 60 days of the date of entry
(i.e., service date) of the Board's order. Under the applicable
statutes, any party may appeal the Board's decision. The Board is not a
party in interest in such appellate proceedings and, accordingly, does
not typically participate in the judicial review of its decisions. In
matters appealed by the Administrator, the other parties should
anticipate the need to make their own defense.
* * * * *
Deborah A.P. Hersman,
Chairman.
[FR Doc. 2012-25421 Filed 10-15-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P