Agency Information Collection Activities: Request for Comments; Clearance of a New Approval for Information Collection: Safety Management System Voluntary Program, 46364-46368 [2023-15203]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
46364
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 19, 2023 / Notices
Country
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
Taiwan ....................................
Thailand ..................................
Trinidad-Tobago .....................
Uruguay ..................................
Zimbabwe ...............................
The remainder of the in-quota quantity,
5,459 metric tons, is available for other
countries on a first-come, first-served
basis.
Raw cane sugar, refined and specialty
12,910
15,061 sugar, and sugar-containing products for
7,531 FY2024 TRQs may enter the United
7,258 States as of October 2, 2023.
FY2024 TRQ
allocations
(metric tons
raw value)
12,910
The allocations of the in-quota
quantities of the raw cane sugar TRQ to
countries that are net importers of sugar
are conditioned on receipt of the
appropriate verifications of origin.
Certificates for quota eligibility must
accompany imports from any country
for which an allocation has been
provided.
On July 5, 2023, the Administrator
also announced the establishment of the
in-quota quantity of the FY2024 refined
sugar TRQ at 232,000 MTRV, for which
the sucrose content, by weight in the
dry state, must have a polarimeter
reading of 99.5 degrees or more. This
amount includes the minimum level to
which the United States is committed
under the WTO Agreement (22,000
MTRV of which 1,656 MTRV is reserved
for specialty sugar) and an additional
210,000 MTRV for specialty sugars. The
U.S. Trade Representative is allocating
the refined sugar TRQ as follows: 10,300
MTRV to Canada, 2,954 MTRV to
Mexico, and 7,090 MTRV to be
administered on a first-come, firstserved basis.
Imports of all specialty sugar will be
administered on a first-come, firstserved basis in five tranches. The
Administrator has announced that the
total in-quota quantity of specialty sugar
will be the 1,656 MTRV reserved within
the WTO minimum commitment plus
an additional 210,000 MTRV. The first
tranche of 1,656 MTRV will open on
October 2, 2023. All types of specialty
sugars are eligible for entry under this
tranche. The second tranche of 60,000
MTRV will open on October 10, 2023.
The third tranche of 60,000 MTRV will
open on January 19, 2024. The fourth
tranche of 45,000 MTRV will open on
April 15, 2024. The fifth tranche of
45,000 MTRV will open on July 15,
2024. The second, third, fourth, and
fifth tranches will be reserved for
organic sugar and other specialty sugars
not currently produced commercially in
the United States or reasonably
available from domestic sources.
With respect to the in-quota quantity
of 64,709 metric tons of the TRQ for
imports of certain sugar-containing
products maintained under Additional
U.S. Note 8 to chapter 17 of the HTSUS,
the U.S. Trade Representative is
allocating 59,250 metric tons to Canada.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
00:36 Jul 19, 2023
Jkt 259001
Douglas McKalip,
Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the
United States Trade Representative.
[FR Doc. 2023–15295 Filed 7–18–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3390–F3–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
[Docket No. FAA–2023–0944]
Agency Information Collection
Activities: Request for Comments;
Clearance of a New Approval for
Information Collection: Safety
Management System Voluntary
Program
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice and request for
comments.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
invites public comments about our
intention to request the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB)
approval for an information collection
to support the analysis of safety data as
part of the Safety Management System
Voluntary Program (SMSVP). The data
collected will be used by the FAA Flight
Standards Service, Safety Management
System Program Office (SMSPO) to
evaluate certificate holders participating
in the voluntary program. This
Information Collection will enable the
FAA to ensure conformity with the
SMSVP Standard (voluntary program
guidelines and performance measures).
DATES: Written comments should be
submitted by September 18, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Please send written
comments:
By Electronic Docket:
www.regulations.gov (Enter docket
number into search field)
By mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building,
Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590,
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sean C. Denniston, Flight Standards
Safety Management System Program
Office (AFS–910), Federal Aviation
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00238
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Administration, 800 Independence Ave.
SW, 8W–624, Washington, DC 20591; by
email at: sean.denniston@faa.gov;
phone: 571–758–7362.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Public Comments Invited: You are
asked to comment on any aspect of this
information collection, including (a)
Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for FAA’s
performance; (b) the accuracy of the
estimated burden; (c) ways for FAA to
enhance the quality, utility and clarity
of the information collection; and (d)
ways that the burden could be
minimized without reducing the quality
of the collected information. The agency
will summarize and/or include your
comments in the request for OMB’s
clearance of this information collection.
OMB Control Number: 2120–XXXX.
Title: Safety Management System
Voluntary Program.
Form Numbers: None.
Type of Review: New Information
Collection.
Background: The International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO) it its
March 2006 Amendment No. 30 to
Annex 6, Part I, International
Commercial Air Transport—Aeroplanes,
established an international standard
requiring member states to mandate
Safety Management Systems (SMS) for
commercial operators. In July 2013,
SMS requirements were transferred to a
new ICAO Annex 19 Safety
Management. (An Annex 19 second
edition was issued in July 2016.) This
Annex provided Member States the
means to address safety risk proactively;
support application of safety
management in regulatory and
infrastructure developments; and
reinforce the role of the State in
managing safety and in coordination
with aviation product and service
providers. The Aviation Safety and
Federal Aviation Extension Act (2010)
directed the FAA to initiate rulemaking
requiring all certificate holders under 14
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part
119 authorized to conduct operations in
accordance with the requirements of 14
CFR part 121 implement an SMS. On
March 9, 2015, the final rule, Safety
Management Systems for Domestic,
Flag, and Supplemental Operations
Certificate Holders, became effective (80
FR 1307; January 8, 2015) (hereafter
‘‘the 2015 final rule’’). Three years later,
on March 9, 2018, all air carriers
authorized to conduct operations under
14 CFR part 121 met the final
compliance date to have an SMS
acceptable to the Administrator.
In 2018, the Flight Standards Service
Safety Management System Voluntary
E:\FR\FM\19JYN1.SGM
19JYN1
46365
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 19, 2023 / Notices
Program (SMSVP) replaced an earlier
SMS Pilot Project. While created
concurrently with the 2015 final rule,
SMSVP is a separate SMS initiative. Part
5 requires an SMS for air carriers
authorized to conduct operations under
part 121, while the SMSVP allows those
not required by FAA to have an SMS to
develop one. The reasons for this latter
group developing an SMS include
improving the safety of their aviationrelated activities, facilitating
On Demand Operations and Rules
Governing Persons on Board Such
Aircraft. However, there are other
certificate holders that participate, as
indicated in Table 1 below.
Respondents: As of September 2022,
holders of the following operating
certificates are participating in Safety
Management System Voluntary
Program:
international operations, reducing
insurance premiums, client
requirements, and enhanced
organizational safety. The SMSVP has
its own standard (voluntary program
guidelines and performance measures)
that must be successfully completed for
an FAA accepted SMS.1
The largest group of SMSVP
certificate holders are those conducting
operations under 14 CFR part 135,
Operating Requirements: Commuter and
TABLE 1—OPERATING CERTIFICATES IN SMSVP
Number of
certificate
holders
Operating certificate
Part 133/137—Rotorcraft External Load/Agricultural Aircraft Operations .......................................................................................
Part 135—Commuter and On Demand ...........................................................................................................................................
Part 141/142—Pilot Schools/Training Centers ................................................................................................................................
Part 145—Repair Stations ...............................................................................................................................................................
Number of Participants ....................................................................................................................................................................
Frequency: A certificate holder taking
part in the SMSVP may develop and
implement an SMS in any manner it
deems appropriate, but specific
requirements and steps must be
successfully completed for FAA SMS
acceptance (‘‘acceptance process’’). A
commitment letter is submitted with the
application and is a statement of the
company’s top management to establish
an SMS within the organization. A
schedule of events (SOE) must be
submitted by the certificate holder
within 90 days of the commitment
letter. The SOE commits certificate
holder and FAA resources to the
acceptance process. The certificate
holder must also submit a compliance
statement within 90 days of its
commitment letter. The compliance
statement addresses the SMSVP
Standard and where its requirements are
located in the certificate holder’s
manual system or documentation. The
certificate holder may also utilize FAA
SMS Custom Data Collection Tools (C
DCT) to perform a self-assessment of its
SMS development. The FAA uses both
design validation (how SMS is planned)
and design demonstration (how SMS
5
126
6
73
2 214
functions) C DCTs for agency SMS
acceptance.
Upon successful completion of the
validations and demonstrations, the
FAA will issue a letter acknowledging
applicant has an accepted SMS
recognized by the FAA. FAA
recognition also prepares an operator
who aspires to meet the ICAO SMS
requirements of a foreign civil aviation
authority.
Estimated Average Burden per
Response:
Respondents
TABLE 2—SUMMARY OF ANNUAL BURDEN FOR 14 CFR 133 AND 137 3
Summary
(annual numbers)
Reporting
Recordkeeping
Disclosure
# Of Respondents ....................................................................................................................
# Of Responses per respondent .............................................................................................
Time per Response (hours) .....................................................................................................
0
0
0
5
2
8
0
0
0
Total # of responses .........................................................................................................
Total burden (hours) .........................................................................................................
0
0
10
160
0
0
TABLE 3—SUMMARY OF ANNUAL BURDEN FOR 14 CFR 135
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
Summary
(annual numbers)
Reporting
Recordkeeping
Disclosure
# Of Respondents ....................................................................................................................
# Of Responses per respondent .............................................................................................
Time per Response (hours) .....................................................................................................
0
0
0
126
2
8
0
0
0
Total # of responses .........................................................................................................
Total burden (hours) .........................................................................................................
0
0
252
2,016
0
0
1 SMSVP guidance and requirements is found in
Order 8900.1, Volume 17, Chapter 2 Voluntary
Program.
2 Three SMSVP participants possess more than
one operating certificates totaling 214 certificates
for 210 participants.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
00:36 Jul 19, 2023
Jkt 259001
3 Calculated as burden hours × average labor rate
including benefits. The FAA used an average wage
including benefits of $65.81, which is the mean
average wage for Operations Research Analyst
($46.07) divided by the percent of total employer
costs of employee compensation represented by
PO 00000
Frm 00239
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
wages (70%) to account for benefits. (30%). Wages
and benefits information available at: https://
www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes152031.htm.
E:\FR\FM\19JYN1.SGM
19JYN1
46366
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 19, 2023 / Notices
TABLE 4—SUMMARY OF ANNUAL BURDEN FOR 14 CFR 141 AND 142
Summary
(annual numbers)
Reporting
Recordkeeping
Disclosure
# Of Respondents ....................................................................................................................
# Of Responses per respondent .............................................................................................
Time per Response (hours) .....................................................................................................
0
0
0
6
2
8
0
0
0
Total # of responses .........................................................................................................
Total burden (hours) .........................................................................................................
0
0
12
96
0
0
TABLE 5—SUMMARY OF ANNUAL BURDEN FOR 14 CFR 145
Summary
(annual numbers)
Reporting
Recordkeeping
Disclosure
# Of Respondents ....................................................................................................................
# Of Responses per respondent .............................................................................................
Time per Response (hours) .....................................................................................................
0
0
0
73
2
8
0
0
0
Total # of responses .........................................................................................................
Total burden (hours) .........................................................................................................
0
0
146
1,168
0
0
Labor Costs
TABLE 6—ESTIMATED LABOR COST FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SMS IN VOLUNTARY PROGRAM
Hourly Wage ........................................................................................................................................................................................
Hours Year 1 .......................................................................................................................................................................................
Hours Year 2 .......................................................................................................................................................................................
$65.81
16
8
TABLE 7—SUMMARY OF ANNUAL LABOR COST
Develop initial implementation—Analysis labor cost
14
14
14
14
CFR
CFR
CFR
CFR
Year 1
133/137 ......................................................................................................................................................
135 .............................................................................................................................................................
141/142 ......................................................................................................................................................
145 .............................................................................................................................................................
Total capital and start-up components
for a certificate holder in the SMSVP (90
days and until completion, on average
two years) includes commitment letter,
schedule of events, and compliance
statement. These are necessary for a
functioning Safety Management System.
Certificate holders in the SMSVP need
not start their SMS development from
scratch. They are encouraged to conduct
an analysis of their existing systems for
possible integration into the SMS. The
FAA sponsored Web-based Application
Tool (WBAT) provides a platform to
submit, manage, and analyze SMS
related reports.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
Part
Part
Part
Part
Year 1
133/137 .............................................
135 ....................................................
141/142 .............................................
145 ....................................................
$8,000
8,000
8,000
8,000
Estimated cost of schedule of events,
compliance statement, and SMS
documentation for an individual
certificate holder particpating in
SMSVP: 4
2-Year (to completion) cost
$16,000
$16,000
$16,000
$16,000
2
2
2
2
years,
years,
years,
years,
and
and
and
and
$8,000
$8,000
$8,000
$8,000
each
each
each
each
additional
additional
additional
additional
year.
year.
year.
year.
4 Based on data requirements and methods
described in Order 8900.1, Volume 17, Safety
Management System.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
00:36 Jul 19, 2023
Jkt 259001
PO 00000
Frm 00240
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
$2,632
66,336
3,159
38,433
Material Costs
TABLE 8—COST TO DEVELOP SMS PROGRAM DOCUMENTATION
Develop documentation
$5,265
132,673
6,318
76,866
Year 2
(or
completion)
E:\FR\FM\19JYN1.SGM
19JYN1
46367
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 19, 2023 / Notices
The FAA sponsors a Web-Based
Application Tool (WBAT) certificate
holders have the option of using for
SMS development, data analysis,
submitting information, and records
management. WBAT offers three
categories of service:
TABLE 9—WEB-BASED APPLICATION TOOL 5
Category
Services
Platform ................................
WBAT System delivery to Operator for purpose of supporting safety and reporting programs.
WBAT System delivery to Operator:
• Unlimited help desk support during business
hours.
• Unlimited scheduled training by webinar and
video on demand.
• Discounted rates for user conferences.
• Discounted rates for customization services.
• Semiannual executive review of Operator’s
WBAT platform.
Platform Plus (+) subscribers can purchase support for
one or more of the following services:
• Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP).
• Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA).
• SMS Services (safety assurance, safety risk
management, report processing).
• Customization services at discounted rate (e.g.,
onsite training, networking engineering/web
customization.
WBAT services include analysis, tracking, documentation, and consultation.
Platform Plus (+) ..................
Enterprise Services ..............
Cost
No cost.
Four level pricing tier based on number of active users.
From unlimited no cost support to 50% discount, depending on requested service.
Most certificate holders in the SMSVP
have opted for WBAT Platform Plus (+)
support.
TABLE 10—WBAT COSTS
WBAT cost
Annual cost
Notes
Small Certificate Holder Tier 1 (1–100 active
users).
$5,965/year ......................................................
Medium Certificate Holder Tier 2 (101–250 active users).
Medium Certificate Holder Tier 3 (251–700 active users).
Large Certificate Holder Tier 4 (>700 active
users).
$8,675/year ......................................................
$3,000 discount if operator has a fully executed FAA Aviation System Action program
(ASAP) Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU).
$3,000 discount if operator has a fully executed FAA ASAP MOU.
$3,000 discount if operator has a fully executed FAA ASAP MOU.
$3,000 discount if operator has a fully executed FAA ASAP MOU.
$15,180/year ....................................................
$15,180 + $10 additional user/year .................
TABLE 11—WBAT COST IF ASAP IS REQUIRED
Tier 1 (1–50 participants) ...................................
$3,000/year ......................................................
Tier 2 (51–100 participants) ...............................
$6,000 + $50 per participant >100/year ..........
Additional one-time $750 ASAP Service setup fee.
Additional one-time $750 ASAP Service setup fee.
TABLE 12—WBAT COST IF FOQA IS REQUIRED
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
Tier 1 (Basic) ......................................................
Tier 2 (Premium) ................................................
WBAT premium support is charged
by number of active users in the
operator’s organization.
$15,000/year ....................................................
$40,000/year ....................................................
The cost burden in implementing an
SMS in the SMSVP depends on the
organization’s operating certificate and
Cost does not include initial data mapping.
Cost does not include initial data mapping.
number of aviation related employees.
The FAA estimates that the initial cost
burden for a new part 133/137, part 135,
5 Universal Technical Resource Services (UTRS)
manages WBAT platform on behalf of FAA
(www.wbatsafety.com).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
00:36 Jul 19, 2023
Jkt 259001
PO 00000
Frm 00241
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
E:\FR\FM\19JYN1.SGM
19JYN1
46368
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 19, 2023 / Notices
part 141/142, part 145 ranges between
$31,695 and $69,180. The initial cost
burden is related to commitment letter/
entry into program, schedule of events,
compliance statement, and related
documentation (e.g., manuals, training,
self-assessment, and validation).
Issued in Washington, DC.
Wesley L. Mooty,
Acting Deputy Executive Director, Flight
Standards Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–15203 Filed 7–18–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA–2022–0180]
Entry-Level Driver Training: Robert
Towle; Application for Exemption
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of final disposition;
denial of application for exemption.
AGENCY:
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
VerDate Sep<11>2014
00:36 Jul 19, 2023
Jkt 259001
Viewing Comments and Documents
To view comments, go to
www.regulations.gov, insert the docket
number ‘‘FMCSA–2022–0180’’ in the
keyword box, and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next,
sort the results by ‘‘Posted (NewerOlder),’’ choose the first notice listed,
and click ‘‘View Related Comments.’’
To view documents mentioned in this
notice as being available in the docket,
go to www.regulations.gov, insert the
docket number ‘‘FMCSA–2022–0180’’ in
the keyword box, click ‘‘Search,’’ and
chose the document to review.
If you do not have access to the
internet, you may view the docket by
visiting Dockets Operations in Room
W12–140 on the ground floor of the
DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590,
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
To be sure someone is there to help you,
please call (202) 366–9317 or (202) 366–
9826 before visiting Dockets Operations.
II. Legal Basis
FMCSA announces its
decision to deny the exemption
application from Robert Towle, who
sought an exemption on behalf of
graduating students of the commercial
driver’s license (CDL) Prep Class of the
New Hampshire Department of
Corrections Special School District
Granite State High School (GSHS) from
two requirements in the entry-level
driver training (ELDT) regulations. Mr.
Towle requested an exemption from the
requirement that a training provider use
instructors who meet the definition of
‘‘theory instructor.’’ Mr. Towle also
requested an exemption from the
requirement that an individual who
applies for the first time for a Class A
or B CDL, or who upgrades to a Class
A or B CDL, complete training from a
provider listed on the Training Provider
Registry (TPR). FMCSA analyzed the
exemption application and public
comments and determined that the
application lacked evidence that the
exemption would likely achieve an
equivalent or greater level of safety than
would be achieved absent such
exemption.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
Richard Clemente, FMCSA Driver and
Carrier Operations Division; Office of
Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety
Standards; 202–366–2722 or
richard.clemente@dot.gov. If you have
questions on viewing or submitting
material to the docket, contact Docket
Services, telephone (202) 366–9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
I. Public Participation
FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C.
31136(e) and 31315(b) to grant
exemptions from certain Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).
FMCSA must publish a notice of each
exemption request in the Federal
Register (49 CFR 381.315(a)). The
Agency must provide the public an
opportunity to inspect the information
relevant to the application, including
any safety analyses that have been
conducted. The Agency must also
provide an opportunity for public
comment on the request.
The Agency reviews safety analyses
and public comments submitted, and
determines whether granting the
exemption would likely achieve a level
of safety equivalent to, or greater than,
the level that would be achieved by the
current regulation (49 CFR 381.305).
The decision of the Agency must be
published in the Federal Register (49
CFR 381.315(b)) with the reasons for
denying or granting the application and,
if granted, the name of the person or
class of persons receiving the
exemption, and the regulatory provision
from which the exemption is granted.
The notice must also specify the
effective period (up to 5 years) and
explain the terms and conditions of the
exemption. The exemption may be
renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)).
III. Background
Current Regulatory Requirements
The entry-level driver training (ELDT)
regulations, implemented on February
PO 00000
Frm 00242
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
7, 2022, and set forth in 49 CFR 380,
subparts F and G, established minimum
training standards for individuals
applying for certain CDLs and defined
curriculum standards for theory (i.e.,
classroom) and behind-the-wheel (BTW)
training. These regulations also
established an online training provider
registry (TPR), eligibility requirements
for providers to be listed on the TPR,
and requirements for training
instructors.
Under 49 CFR 380.703(a)(4), a
training provider must use instructors
who meet the definitions of ‘‘Theory
instructor’’ and ‘‘BTW instructor,’’ set
forth in 49 CFR 380.605, to be eligible
for listing on the TPR. The core
definitions of ‘‘Theory instructor’’ and
‘‘BTW instructor’’ in 49 CFR 380.605
require that instructors hold a CDL of
the same (or higher) class, with all
endorsements necessary to operate the
commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for
which training is to be provided, and
have either: (1) a minimum of 2 years
of experience driving a CMV requiring
a CDL of the same or higher class and/
or the same endorsement; or (2) at least
2 years of experience as a BTW CMV
instructor, and meet all applicable State
qualification requirements for CMV
instructors.
There are exceptions to these
requirements for theory instructors: (1)
an instructor is not required to hold a
CDL of the same (or higher) class and
with all endorsements necessary to
operate the CMV for which training is
to be provided, if the instructor
previously held a CDL of the same (or
higher) class and complies with the
other requirements set forth in the
definition; and (2) training providers
offering online content exclusively are
not required to meet State qualification
requirements for theory instructors. In
addition, if an instructor’s CDL has been
cancelled, suspended, or revoked due to
any of the disqualifying offenses
identified in 49 CFR 383.51, the
instructor is prohibited from engaging in
theory instruction for 2 years following
the date his or her CDL is reinstated.
Under 49 CFR 380.609, an individual
who applies, for the first time, for a
Class A or Class B CDL, who upgrades
to a Class A or B CDL, or is seeking to
obtain a passenger (P), school bus (S), or
hazardous materials (H) endorsement
for the first time must complete driver
training from a provider listed on the
TPR, as set forth in 49 CFR part 380,
subpart G.
Applicant’s Request
Mr. Towle seeks an exemption from
two provisions in the ELDT regulations:
(1) the definition of ‘‘theory instructor’’
E:\FR\FM\19JYN1.SGM
19JYN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 137 (Wednesday, July 19, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46364-46368]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-15203]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0944]
Agency Information Collection Activities: Request for Comments;
Clearance of a New Approval for Information Collection: Safety
Management System Voluntary Program
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) invites public comments about our
intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval
for an information collection to support the analysis of safety data as
part of the Safety Management System Voluntary Program (SMSVP). The
data collected will be used by the FAA Flight Standards Service, Safety
Management System Program Office (SMSPO) to evaluate certificate
holders participating in the voluntary program. This Information
Collection will enable the FAA to ensure conformity with the SMSVP
Standard (voluntary program guidelines and performance measures).
DATES: Written comments should be submitted by September 18, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Please send written comments:
By Electronic Docket: www.regulations.gov (Enter docket number into
search field)
By mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Room W12-140,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sean C. Denniston, Flight Standards
Safety Management System Program Office (AFS-910), Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence Ave. SW, 8W-624, Washington, DC 20591;
by email at: [email protected]; phone: 571-758-7362.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Public Comments Invited: You are asked to comment on any aspect of
this information collection, including (a) Whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary for FAA's performance; (b) the
accuracy of the estimated burden; (c) ways for FAA to enhance the
quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and (d)
ways that the burden could be minimized without reducing the quality of
the collected information. The agency will summarize and/or include
your comments in the request for OMB's clearance of this information
collection.
OMB Control Number: 2120-XXXX.
Title: Safety Management System Voluntary Program.
Form Numbers: None.
Type of Review: New Information Collection.
Background: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) it
its March 2006 Amendment No. 30 to Annex 6, Part I, International
Commercial Air Transport--Aeroplanes, established an international
standard requiring member states to mandate Safety Management Systems
(SMS) for commercial operators. In July 2013, SMS requirements were
transferred to a new ICAO Annex 19 Safety Management. (An Annex 19
second edition was issued in July 2016.) This Annex provided Member
States the means to address safety risk proactively; support
application of safety management in regulatory and infrastructure
developments; and reinforce the role of the State in managing safety
and in coordination with aviation product and service providers. The
Aviation Safety and Federal Aviation Extension Act (2010) directed the
FAA to initiate rulemaking requiring all certificate holders under 14
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 119 authorized to conduct
operations in accordance with the requirements of 14 CFR part 121
implement an SMS. On March 9, 2015, the final rule, Safety Management
Systems for Domestic, Flag, and Supplemental Operations Certificate
Holders, became effective (80 FR 1307; January 8, 2015) (hereafter
``the 2015 final rule''). Three years later, on March 9, 2018, all air
carriers authorized to conduct operations under 14 CFR part 121 met the
final compliance date to have an SMS acceptable to the Administrator.
In 2018, the Flight Standards Service Safety Management System
Voluntary
[[Page 46365]]
Program (SMSVP) replaced an earlier SMS Pilot Project. While created
concurrently with the 2015 final rule, SMSVP is a separate SMS
initiative. Part 5 requires an SMS for air carriers authorized to
conduct operations under part 121, while the SMSVP allows those not
required by FAA to have an SMS to develop one. The reasons for this
latter group developing an SMS include improving the safety of their
aviation-related activities, facilitating international operations,
reducing insurance premiums, client requirements, and enhanced
organizational safety. The SMSVP has its own standard (voluntary
program guidelines and performance measures) that must be successfully
completed for an FAA accepted SMS.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ SMSVP guidance and requirements is found in Order 8900.1,
Volume 17, Chapter 2 Voluntary Program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The largest group of SMSVP certificate holders are those conducting
operations under 14 CFR part 135, Operating Requirements: Commuter and
On Demand Operations and Rules Governing Persons on Board Such
Aircraft. However, there are other certificate holders that
participate, as indicated in Table 1 below.
Respondents: As of September 2022, holders of the following
operating certificates are participating in Safety Management System
Voluntary Program:
Table 1--Operating Certificates in SMSVP
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
Operating certificate certificate
holders
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 133/137--Rotorcraft External Load/Agricultural 5
Aircraft Operations..................................
Part 135--Commuter and On Demand...................... 126
Part 141/142--Pilot Schools/Training Centers.......... 6
Part 145--Repair Stations............................. 73
Number of Participants................................ \2\ 214
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frequency: A certificate holder taking part in the SMSVP may
develop and implement an SMS in any manner it deems appropriate, but
specific requirements and steps must be successfully completed for FAA
SMS acceptance (``acceptance process''). A commitment letter is
submitted with the application and is a statement of the company's top
management to establish an SMS within the organization. A schedule of
events (SOE) must be submitted by the certificate holder within 90 days
of the commitment letter. The SOE commits certificate holder and FAA
resources to the acceptance process. The certificate holder must also
submit a compliance statement within 90 days of its commitment letter.
The compliance statement addresses the SMSVP Standard and where its
requirements are located in the certificate holder's manual system or
documentation. The certificate holder may also utilize FAA SMS Custom
Data Collection Tools (C DCT) to perform a self-assessment of its SMS
development. The FAA uses both design validation (how SMS is planned)
and design demonstration (how SMS functions) C DCTs for agency SMS
acceptance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Three SMSVP participants possess more than one operating
certificates totaling 214 certificates for 210 participants.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upon successful completion of the validations and demonstrations,
the FAA will issue a letter acknowledging applicant has an accepted SMS
recognized by the FAA. FAA recognition also prepares an operator who
aspires to meet the ICAO SMS requirements of a foreign civil aviation
authority.
Estimated Average Burden per Response:
Respondents
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ Calculated as burden hours x average labor rate including
benefits. The FAA used an average wage including benefits of $65.81,
which is the mean average wage for Operations Research Analyst
($46.07) divided by the percent of total employer costs of employee
compensation represented by wages (70%) to account for benefits.
(30%). Wages and benefits information available at: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes152031.htm.
Table 2--Summary of Annual Burden for 14 CFR 133 and 137 \3\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary (annual numbers) Reporting Recordkeeping Disclosure
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Of Respondents.............................................. 0 5 0
# Of Responses per respondent................................. 0 2 0
Time per Response (hours)..................................... 0 8 0
-------------------------------------------------
Total # of responses...................................... 0 10 0
Total burden (hours)...................................... 0 160 0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 3--Summary of Annual Burden for 14 CFR 135
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary (annual numbers) Reporting Recordkeeping Disclosure
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Of Respondents.............................................. 0 126 0
# Of Responses per respondent................................. 0 2 0
Time per Response (hours)..................................... 0 8 0
-------------------------------------------------
Total # of responses...................................... 0 252 0
Total burden (hours)...................................... 0 2,016 0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 46366]]
Table 4--Summary of Annual Burden for 14 CFR 141 and 142
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary (annual numbers) Reporting Recordkeeping Disclosure
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Of Respondents.............................................. 0 6 0
# Of Responses per respondent................................. 0 2 0
Time per Response (hours)..................................... 0 8 0
-------------------------------------------------
Total # of responses...................................... 0 12 0
Total burden (hours)...................................... 0 96 0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 5--Summary of Annual Burden for 14 CFR 145
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary (annual numbers) Reporting Recordkeeping Disclosure
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Of Respondents.............................................. 0 73 0
# Of Responses per respondent................................. 0 2 0
Time per Response (hours)..................................... 0 8 0
-------------------------------------------------
Total # of responses...................................... 0 146 0
Total burden (hours)...................................... 0 1,168 0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor Costs
Table 6--Estimated Labor Cost for Implementation of SMS in Voluntary
Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hourly Wage............................................. $65.81
Hours Year 1............................................ 16
Hours Year 2............................................ 8
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 7--Summary of Annual Labor Cost
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Develop initial implementation--Analysis Year 2 (or
labor cost Year 1 completion)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 CFR 133/137.......................... $5,265 $2,632
14 CFR 135.............................. 132,673 66,336
14 CFR 141/142.......................... 6,318 3,159
14 CFR 145.............................. 76,866 38,433
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total capital and start-up components for a certificate holder in
the SMSVP (90 days and until completion, on average two years) includes
commitment letter, schedule of events, and compliance statement. These
are necessary for a functioning Safety Management System. Certificate
holders in the SMSVP need not start their SMS development from scratch.
They are encouraged to conduct an analysis of their existing systems
for possible integration into the SMS. The FAA sponsored Web-based
Application Tool (WBAT) provides a platform to submit, manage, and
analyze SMS related reports.
Material Costs
Estimated cost of schedule of events, compliance statement, and SMS
documentation for an individual certificate holder particpating in
SMSVP: \4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ Based on data requirements and methods described in Order
8900.1, Volume 17, Safety Management System.
Table 8--Cost To Develop SMS Program Documentation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-Year (to completion)
Develop documentation Year 1 cost
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 133/137................... $8,000 $16,000 2 years, and
$8,000 each additional
year.
Part 135....................... 8,000 $16,000 2 years, and
$8,000 each additional
year.
Part 141/142................... 8,000 $16,000 2 years, and
$8,000 each additional
year.
Part 145....................... 8,000 $16,000 2 years, and
$8,000 each additional
year.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 46367]]
The FAA sponsors a Web-Based Application Tool (WBAT) certificate
holders have the option of using for SMS development, data analysis,
submitting information, and records management. WBAT offers three
categories of service:
Table 9--Web-Based Application Tool \5\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Category Services Cost
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Platform.................... WBAT System delivery No cost.
to Operator for
purpose of
supporting safety
and reporting
programs.
Platform Plus (+)........... WBAT System delivery Four level pricing
to Operator: tier based on
Unlimited number of active
help desk support users.
during business
hours..
Unlimited
scheduled training
by webinar and
video on demand.
Discounted
rates for user
conferences.
Discounted
rates for
customization
services.
Semiannual
executive review of
Operator's WBAT
platform.
Enterprise Services......... Platform Plus (+) From unlimited no
subscribers can cost support to 50%
purchase support discount, depending
for one or more of on requested
the following service.
services:
Aviation
Safety Action
Program (ASAP)..
Flight
Operational Quality
Assurance (FOQA).
SMS
Services (safety
assurance, safety
risk management,
report processing).
Customization
services at
discounted rate
(e.g., onsite
training,
networking
engineering/web
customization.
WBAT services
include analysis,
tracking,
documentation, and
consultation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most certificate holders in the SMSVP have opted for WBAT Platform
Plus (+) support.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ Universal Technical Resource Services (UTRS) manages WBAT
platform on behalf of FAA (www.wbatsafety.com).
Table 10--WBAT Costs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WBAT cost Annual cost Notes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Certificate Holder $5,965/year......... $3,000 discount if
Tier 1 (1-100 active users). operator has a
fully executed FAA
Aviation System
Action program
(ASAP) Memorandum
of Understanding
(MOU).
Medium Certificate Holder $8,675/year......... $3,000 discount if
Tier 2 (101-250 active operator has a
users). fully executed FAA
ASAP MOU.
Medium Certificate Holder $15,180/year........ $3,000 discount if
Tier 3 (251-700 active operator has a
users). fully executed FAA
ASAP MOU.
Large Certificate Holder $15,180 + $10 $3,000 discount if
Tier 4 (>700 active users). additional user/ operator has a
year. fully executed FAA
ASAP MOU.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 11--WBAT Cost if ASAP Is Required
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tier 1 (1-50 participants).. $3,000/year......... Additional one-time
$750 ASAP Service
set-up fee.
Tier 2 (51-100 participants) $6,000 + $50 per Additional one-time
participant >100/ $750 ASAP Service
year. set-up fee.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 12--WBAT Cost if FOQA Is Required
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tier 1 (Basic).............. $15,000/year........ Cost does not
include initial
data mapping.
Tier 2 (Premium)............ $40,000/year........ Cost does not
include initial
data mapping.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WBAT premium support is charged by number of active users in the
operator's organization.
The cost burden in implementing an SMS in the SMSVP depends on the
organization's operating certificate and number of aviation related
employees. The FAA estimates that the initial cost burden for a new
part 133/137, part 135,
[[Page 46368]]
part 141/142, part 145 ranges between $31,695 and $69,180. The initial
cost burden is related to commitment letter/entry into program,
schedule of events, compliance statement, and related documentation
(e.g., manuals, training, self-assessment, and validation).
Issued in Washington, DC.
Wesley L. Mooty,
Acting Deputy Executive Director, Flight Standards Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-15203 Filed 7-18-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
