Organization, functions, and authority delegations: Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee,

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Federal Register: June 19, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 118)NoticesPage 33758From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

DOCID:fr19jn98-134

[Page 33758]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee; Aircraft Certification Procedures Issues--Revised Task

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of revised task assignment for the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee.

SUMMARY: Notice is given of a change in a task previously assigned to and accepted by the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC). This notice informs the public of the activities of ARAC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Brian A. Yanez, Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Certification Service (AIR-110), 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591, telephone: (202) 267-9588; fax: (202) 267-5340.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established an Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) to provide advice and recommendations to the FAA Administrator, through the Associate Administrator for Regulation and Certification, on the full range of the FAA's rulemaking activities with respect to aviation- related issues. This includes obtaining advice and recommendations on the FAA's commitment to harmonize its Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) and practices with its trading partners in Europe and Canada.

One area of the ARAC deals with is aircraft certification procedures, which involve the procedures for aircraft certification found in 14 CFR parts 21, 39, and 183 and Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 36 (SFAR 36), and which are the responsibility of the Director, Aircraft Certification Service.

The Revised Task

This notice is to inform the public that the FAA has revised a task previously assigned to ARAC and supported by the Delegation System Working Group. The revision was requested by ARAC.

Review the current system of delegation functions to determine what would improve the safety, quality, and effectiveness of the system, and making recommendations concerning new or revised rules and advisory, guidance, and other (including legislative and training) collateral materials. The FAA is seeking a comprehensive, up-to-date, systematic approach for delegating certification functions to both individuals and organizations, a smooth transition from the delegation systems currently used to the system recommended, and a system as compatible as practicable with the systems used by the civilian aviation authorities of other countries. Specifically, the FAA desires to consolidate the delegation regulations in subparts J and M of part 21, SFAR 36, and section 183.33, into a new subpart. Revise section 183.15 to reflect a change in duration of delegations and in addition, the designation system would be expanded to include organizations designated to issue operating certificates under 14 CFR parts 133 and 137, air agency certificates under CFR part 141, and training center certificates under 14 CFR part 142.

While the examiners delegation functions relative to certification of aircraft and operations have been added to the overall list of delegations, the FAA does not intend to approve designations for functions that are related to air carrier operations at this time. Some examples of functions of which delegation will not be designated include, (1) Training center certificates for approval of air carrier training programs (14 CFR part 142), (2) determination of operational suitability, (3) approval of master minimum equipment lists, (4) approval of air carrier minimum equipment lists, (5) issuance of repair station certificates (14 CFR part 145), (6) approval of flight crew operating manuals, (7) instructions for continued airworthiness which includes the Maintenance Review Board and associated maintenance documents, and other items deemed inappropriate by the Administrator.

The Secretary of Transportation has determined that the formation and use of ARAC are necessary and in the public interest, in connection with the performance of duties of the FAA. Meetings of ARAC to consider aircraft certification procedures issues will be open to the public. Meetings of the Delegation System Working Group are not open to the public, except to the extent that individuals with an interest and expertise are selected to participate. No public announcement of working group meetings will be made.

Issued in Washington, DC, on June 15, 1996. Brian A. Yanez, Assistant Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Procedures Issues, Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee.

FR Doc. 98-16357Filed6-18-98; 8:45 amBILLING CODE 3410-02-M

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