National Transportation Safety Board – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On June 25, 2012, the NTSB published a request for information stating it was undertaking a review of all its regulations. 77 FR 37865. The NTSB indicated this review would occur as a result of Executive Order 13579, ``Regulation and Independent Regulatory Agencies,'' issued July 11, 2011, (76 FR 41587, July 14, 2011), which directs agencies to review all regulations to ensure they are up-to- date and comply with the principles articulated in Executive Order 13579. The NTSB stated it would specifically analyze all regulations within 49 CFR part 831, concerning accident investigation procedures, and publish a document setting forth its plan for proceeding with updates to its regulations. The NTSB collected comments from the public concerning its regulations, and herein notifies the public of its plan to update all NTSB regulations.

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.

The NTSB conducted a comprehensive review of previously published notices describing the systems of records it maintains pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974. The NTSB is revising and republishing all its systems of records (systems) notices as a result of this review. The systems revisions are minor corrective and administrative changes that do not meet the threshold criteria established by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for either a new or altered system of records.

This notice is in accordance with OMB Circular A-11, Section 210.3(b), Consultation and Outreach, which requires that the NTSB solicits comments on the proposed strategic plan to be published by October 2012. All interested parties are invited to submit comments regarding this proposed strategic plan. As background, the NTSB's 2010-2015 strategic plan was published in January 2010. This document updates that plan, incorporating a revised mission statement, expanded core values including diversity and inclusion in the workplace, streamlined strategic goals and objectives, and updated key priority performance indicators to measure overall success of agency objectives. You can view a copy of the draft strategic plan on the NTSB Web site at https://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/agency_reports/Strategic-Plan_ 2013-2016.pdf.

Pursuant to Executive Order 13579, ``Regulation and Independent Regulatory Agencies,'' issued July 11, 2011, the NTSB is announcing it is undertaking a review of all NTSB regulations. The purpose of Executive Order 13579 is to ensure all agencies adhere to the key principles found in Executive Order 13563, ''Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' issued January 18, 2011, which include promoting public participation in rulemaking, improving integration and innovation, promoting flexibility and freedom of choice, and ensuring scientific integrity during the rulemaking process in order to create a regulatory system that protects public health, welfare, safety, and the environment while promoting economic growth, innovation, competitiveness, and job creation. The NTSB is committed to ensuring its regulations remain updated and comply with these principles, and in accordance with Executive Order 13579, will review all NTSB regulations to ensure adherence to the principles. This notice describes the plan of review the NTSB will undertake.

The NTSB is announcing that it has submitted an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This ICR described completion of a Web-based form used to collect reports of certain resolution advisories (RAs), in accordance with 49 CFR 830.5(a)(10). This Notice informs the public that it may submit comments concerning the NTSB's proposed collection of information to the NTSB Desk Officer at the OMB.

The NTSB proposes various amendments to our regulations, which sets forth rules of procedure for the NTSB's review of certificate actions taken by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and 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 has carefully considered comments submitted in response to the ANPRM concerning these procedural rules. This document contains both a discussion of the comments and explanations for the changes proposed herein.