80_FR_53203 80 FR 53033 - Temporary Flight Restrictions in the Proximity of Launch and Reentry Operations

80 FR 53033 - Temporary Flight Restrictions in the Proximity of Launch and Reentry Operations

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 170 (September 2, 2015)

Page Range53033-53036
FR Document2015-21567

This proposed rulemaking would expand the temporary flight restriction provisions for launch, reentry, and amateur rocket operations and make such temporary flight restrictions applicable to all aircraft--including non-U.S. registered aircraft. The FAA also proposes revised language for consistency with other temporary flight restriction provisions and commercial space regulations and definitions. This proposed action would enhance safety in the affected airspace and would improve the readability of temporary flight restriction requirements.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 170 (Wednesday, September 2, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 170 (Wednesday, September 2, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 53033-53036]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-21567]



[[Page 53033]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 91

[Docket No.: FAA-2015-3304; Notice No. 15-07]
RIN 2120-AK66


Temporary Flight Restrictions in the Proximity of Launch and 
Reentry Operations

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This proposed rulemaking would expand the temporary flight 
restriction provisions for launch, reentry, and amateur rocket 
operations and make such temporary flight restrictions applicable to 
all aircraft--including non-U.S. registered aircraft. The FAA also 
proposes revised language for consistency with other temporary flight 
restriction provisions and commercial space regulations and 
definitions. This proposed action would enhance safety in the affected 
airspace and would improve the readability of temporary flight 
restriction requirements.

DATES: Send comments on or before November 2, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2015-3304 
using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30; U.S. 
Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room 
W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket 
Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251.
    Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments 
from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts 
these comments, without edit, including any personal information the 
commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system 
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.
    Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at 
http://www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions 
for accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 
of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical questions concerning 
this action, contact Paul Eure, Airspace Regulations Team, AJV-113, 
Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-8745; email 
[email protected].
    For legal questions concerning this action, contact Robert Frenzel, 
Operations Law Branch, AGC-220, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-
3073; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety is found in 
Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes 
the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation 
Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's authority.
    This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103, Sovereignty and use of 
airspace, and Subpart III, Section 44701, General requirements. Under 
section 40103, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to 
ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of the navigable 
airspace. Under section 44701, the FAA is charged with prescribing 
regulations to ensure safety in air commerce.
    This proposed regulation is within the scope of sections 40103 and 
44701 because restricting aircraft operations from the area in which 
launch, reentry, and amateur rocket operations occur supports aviation 
safety and the efficient use of navigable airspace.
    The Commercial Space Launch Act of 1984, as codified and amended at 
51 U.S.C. Subtitle V--Commercial Space Transportation, Ch. 509, 
Commercial Space Launch Activities, 51 U.S.C. 50901-50923 (Chapter 
509), authorizes the Department of Transportation and thus the FAA, 
through delegations, to oversee, license, and regulate commercial 
launch and reentry activities, and the operation of launch and reentry 
sites as carried out by U.S. citizens or within the United States. 51 
U.S.C. 50904, 50905. Chapter 509 directs the FAA to exercise this 
responsibility consistent with public health and safety, safety of 
property, and the national security and foreign policy interests of the 
United States. 51 U.S.C. 50905. The FAA is also responsible for 
encouraging, facilitating, and promoting commercial space launches by 
the private sector. 51 U.S.C. 50903.

I. Executive Summary

    14 CFR 91.143 authorizes the FAA to issue Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) 
prohibiting a person from operating any aircraft of U.S. registry in 
areas designated in the NOTAM for space flight operations. The FAA 
proposes to amend this provision to apply to all aircraft.
    At the time of the promulgation of Sec.  91.143, recovery 
operations were conducted outside of U.S. territorial boundaries, and 
therefore, the FAA could only restrict U.S. registered aircraft or 
aircraft flown by pilots using a FAA pilot certificate. This 
regulation, clarified in 1984, included launches (and potential 
emergency recovery operations) in support of the National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration (NASA) Space Shuttle program.
    However, the initial applicability of this regulation does not 
adequately address present day space launch and recovery operations 
that are increasingly conducted within the boundaries of U.S. 
territory. Therefore, the agency proposes to amend this rule to better 
address present day operations to ensure that all aircraft--not only 
U.S. registered aircraft or aircraft flown by pilots using a FAA pilot 
certificate--are restricted from operating in airspace designated for 
launch, reentry, or amateur rocket operations.
    Additionally, this amendment would allow the FAA to issue a NOTAM 
to designate a temporary flight restriction (TFR) for launch, reentry, 
or amateur rocket operations involving Class 2 or 3 amateur rockets 
when it determines a TFR is necessary to maintain safety.
    Lastly, the FAA proposes other language changes that would align 
the language used in Sec.  91.143 with the terminology used in Chapter 
509 and the FAA space transportation regulations and definitions. For 
example, the terms ``launch'' and ``reentry'' are defined in 14 CFR 
401.5 and are normally used to broadly categorize these types of 
operations. The FAA, therefore, proposes to replace ``space flight 
operations'' with ``launch, reentry, or amateur rocket operation.''

[[Page 53034]]

    The FAA believes these revisions would strengthen the 
understandability of these requirements while enhancing safety in the 
affected airspace.

II. Background

    The language of ``flight limitations in the proximity of space 
flight operations'' as utilized in 14 CFR 91.143 was first promulgated 
in 1964 to support NASA's Gemini and Apollo space operations. By 
restricting non-essential aircraft from the designated recovery area, 
the FAA intended to ensure the safe recovery of spacecraft while 
mitigating the risk of an aircraft collision. At the time this rule was 
promulgated most of these recovery operations occurred outside of U.S. 
territorial airspace and the FAA could restrict only U.S. registered 
aircraft or aircraft piloted under an FAA-issued airman certificate. 
These expanded regulations were clarified in 1984, to include launch 
operations (and potential emergency recovery operations) in support of 
NASA's space shuttle program.
    The FAA now issues TFRs only for the airspace over the territory of 
the United States extending out to 12 nautical miles from the 
coastline. Since rule promulgation in 1984, an increasing number of 
rocket launches now occur over U.S. territorial airspace. The FAA 
therefore believes it is necessary to update regulations to align them 
with current practice.
    In recent years, because technological changes have resulted in an 
increased growth of larger amateur rockets with greater power, the FAA 
has issued NOTAMs under Sec.  91.143 to designate TFRs to segregate 
Class 2 and 3 amateur rockets from all other users of the National 
Airspace System (NAS). Class 2 and 3 amateur rockets operated under 14 
CFR part 101 are capable of operating up to 93.2 miles with multiple 
stages. Persons intending to operate a Class 2 or 3 rocket in a manner 
that requires a waiver to 14 CFR part 101 subpart C, must submit a 
proposal for waiver or authorization to the FAA. This includes 
proposals to launch a Class 2 or 3 amateur rockets into controlled 
airspace, which may require the FAA to implement a TFR to ensure 
safety.
    The process for the development of a TFR is extensive. For example, 
commercial space operators are required to file an application for a 
permit or license in order to conduct commercial space operations. The 
FAA reviews the application to determine ground and airborne hazard 
areas. The FAA then analyzes these proposals for safety impact, and 
then issues a permit or license for the operation. This license or 
permit application includes a letter of agreement between the operator 
and Air Traffic Control that may include special provisions that 
determine the area covered by a TFR along with detailed operational 
directives. Accordingly, in these circumstances, the FAA issues a NOTAM 
to designate a TFR that encompasses the hazardous areas necessary to 
avoid collisions with other NAS users.
    While TFRs may impose an inconvenience to NAS users, they are 
necessary to provide the highest level of safety. From an efficiency 
standpoint, the FAA strives to integrate all operations into the NAS. 
The operations of most launch vehicles could result in scenarios that 
are hazardous to other NAS users that may be in the vicinity of the 
operation. The use of a TFR for the segregation of other NAS users from 
commercial space operations and Class 2 and 3 amateur rockets is key to 
ensuring safety--when it is determined that a TFR is required.
    Therefore, by expanding the applicability of the TFR provision to 
amateur rocket operations, this proposed rulemaking would codify the 
FAA's ability to establish a TFR for a Class 2 or 3 amateur rocket 
operation, when it determines a TFR is necessary to maintain safety.

III. Discussion of the Proposal

A. Applicability

    The FAA has frequently used, without incident or accident, TFRs to 
segregate hazardous launch, reentry, and amateur rocket operations from 
all other NAS users (operating by visual and instrument flight rules). 
While Sec.  91.143 was intended to support NASA and DOD space 
operations outside U.S. airspace (over the ocean), in recent years 
commercial space and amateur rocket operations have increased over U.S. 
territorial airspace. The FAA issues TFRs only for the airspace over 
the territory of the U.S. extending 12 nautical miles from the 
coastline. Applying restrictions to all aircraft within this area is 
within the FAA's statutory authority and is consistent with the purpose 
of these restrictions (i.e., to mitigate the risk of aircraft collision 
by segregating launch, reentry and amateur rocket operations from other 
NAS users).
    Although current practice restricts all aircraft from areas 
designated by TFRs for launch, reentry and amateur rocket operations, 
this proposed change would ensure the applicability of the flight 
restrictions to U.S. and non-U.S. registered aircraft from entering 
into areas designated by TFR for launch, reentry, and amateur rocket 
operations. Accordingly, the FAA proposes to expand the applicability 
of Sec.  91.143 to all aircraft in order to mitigate the safety risk of 
aircraft operations in proximity to launch, reentry, and Class 2 or 3 
amateur rocket operations.

B. Title and Regulatory Change

    The FAA proposes revisions to the title and content of Sec.  91.143 
for: (1) Consistency with other TFR provisions in 14 CFR part 91, (2) 
consistency with the commercial space regulations in 14 CFR chapter 
III, and (3) to include Class 2 and 3 amateur rockets.
    Specifically, the FAA proposes replacing the title of Sec.  91.143 
``Flight limitation in the proximity of space flight operations'' with 
``Temporary Flight Restrictions in the Proximity of Launch and Reentry 
Operations,'' a title that more accurately reflects current practice 
and includes the use of the terms ``temporary flight restrictions'' and 
``launch and reentry operations.''
    The FAA also proposes replacing terms in the content of Sec.  
91.143, such as ``space flight operations'' with ``launch, reentry, or 
amateur rocket operations.'' ``Launch'' and ``reentry'' are defined in 
14 CFR Sec.  401.5 and are normally used to describe launch or reentry 
vehicles going to or returning from orbit or outer space, or operations 
associated with orbital and suborbital flight. Current references to 
``space operations'' encompass both launch and reentry.
    Finally, to align regulatory language with current practice, the 
FAA proposes the inclusion of Class 2 and 3 amateur rockets for TFR 
issuance when the FAA determines the proposed operation presents a 
safety risk. A certificate of waiver or authorization for Class 2 or 3 
amateur rocket launch would identify the designated hazard area used to 
determine the area to be covered by the TFR.
    Although these revisions address commercial space and amateur 
rocket operations, TFR provisions would continue to be used for DOD and 
NASA space operations as originally intended.

IV. Regulatory Notices and Analyses

A. Regulatory Evaluation

    Changes to Federal regulations must undergo several economic 
analyses. First, Executive Order 12866 and Executive Order 13563 direct 
that each Federal agency shall propose or adopt a regulation only upon 
a reasoned determination that the benefits of the intended regulation 
justify its costs. Second, the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (Pub. 
L. 96-354) requires agencies to analyze the economic impact of 
regulatory changes on small

[[Page 53035]]

entities. Third, the Trade Agreements Act (Pub. L. 96-39) prohibits 
agencies from setting standards that create unnecessary obstacles to 
the foreign commerce of the United States. In developing U.S. 
standards, the Trade Act requires agencies to consider international 
standards and, where appropriate, that they be the basis of U.S. 
standards. Fourth, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 
104-4) requires agencies to prepare a written assessment of the costs, 
benefits, and other effects of proposed or final rules that include a 
Federal mandate likely to result in the expenditure by State, local, or 
tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 
million or more annually (adjusted for inflation with base year of 
1995). This portion of the preamble summarizes the FAA's analysis of 
the economic impacts of this proposed rule.
    Department of Transportation Order DOT 2100.5 prescribes policies 
and procedures for simplification, analysis, and review of regulations. 
If the expected cost impact is so minimal that a proposed or final rule 
does not warrant a full evaluation, this order permits that a statement 
to that effect and the basis for it to be included in the preamble if a 
full regulatory evaluation of the cost and benefits is not prepared. 
Such a determination has been made for this proposed rule. The 
reasoning for this determination follows.
    This proposed rule would expand the TFR provisions for launch, 
reentry, and amateur rocket operations. This proposed rule would 
formalize the current practice and apply the TFR to non-U.S. registered 
aircraft. No actions are required for U.S. entities. Since this 
proposed rule would merely amend language to improve the readability of 
the TFR requirements, formalize that current practice, and apply these 
restrictions to non-U.S. registered aircraft. The expected outcome 
would be a minimal impact with positive net benefits, and a regulatory 
evaluation was not prepared. The FAA requests comments with supporting 
justification about the FAA determination of minimal impact.
    The FAA has therefore, determined that this proposed rule is not a 
``significant regulatory action'' as defined in section 3(f) of 
Executive Order 12866, and is not ``significant'' as defined in DOT's 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Determination

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-354) (RFA) 
establishes ``as a principle of regulatory issuance that agencies shall 
endeavor, consistent with the objectives of the rule and of applicable 
statutes, to fit regulatory and informational requirements to the scale 
of the businesses, organizations, and governmental jurisdictions 
subject to regulation.'' To achieve this principle, agencies are 
required to solicit and consider flexible regulatory proposals and to 
explain the rationale for their actions to assure that such proposals 
are given serious consideration.'' The RFA covers a wide-range of small 
entities, including small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and 
small governmental jurisdictions.
    Agencies must perform a review to determine whether a rule will 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. If the agency determines that it will, the agency must 
prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis as described in the RFA.
    However, if an agency determines that a rule is not expected to 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities, section 605(b) of the RFA provides that the head of the 
agency may so certify and a regulatory flexibility analysis is not 
required. The certification must include a statement providing the 
factual basis for this determination, and the reasoning should be 
clear.
    Since all U.S. entities are covered by current practice, this 
proposed rule would expand the applicability of TFR provisions for 
launch, reentry and amateur rocket operations to all aircraft, 
including non-U.S. registered aircraft. The expected outcome would have 
only a minimal impact on any small entity affected by this rulemaking 
action. Therefore, as provided in section 605(b), the head of the FAA 
certifies that this rulemaking will not result in a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

C. International Trade Impact Assessment

    The Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-39), as amended by the 
Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Pub. L. 103-465), prohibits Federal 
agencies from establishing standards or engaging in related activities 
that create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United 
States. Pursuant to these Acts, the establishment of standards is not 
considered an unnecessary obstacle to the foreign commerce of the 
United States, so long as the standard has a legitimate domestic 
objective, such as the protection of safety, and does not operate in a 
manner that excludes imports that meet this objective. The statute also 
requires consideration of international standards and, where 
appropriate, that they be the basis for U.S. standards. The FAA has 
assessed the potential effect of this proposed rule and determined that 
it would responds to a domestic safety objective and not considered an 
unnecessary obstacle to trade.

D. Unfunded Mandates Assessment

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-
4) requires each Federal agency to prepare a written statement 
assessing the effects of any Federal mandate in a proposed or final 
agency rule that may result in an expenditure of $100 million or more 
(in 1995 dollars) in any one year by State, local, and tribal 
governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector; such a mandate 
is deemed to be a ``significant regulatory action.'' The FAA currently 
uses an inflation-adjusted value of $155 million in lieu of $100 
million. This proposed rule does not contain such a mandate; therefore, 
the requirements of Title II of the Act do not apply.

E. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)) requires 
that the FAA consider the impact of paperwork and other information 
collection burdens imposed on the public. The FAA has determined that 
there would be no new requirement for information collection associated 
with this proposed rule.

F. International Compatibility and Cooperation

    (1) In keeping with U.S. obligations under the Convention on 
International Civil Aviation, it is FAA policy to conform to 
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and 
Recommended Practices to the maximum extent practicable. The FAA has 
determined that there are no ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices 
that correspond to these proposed regulations.

G. Environmental Analysis

    FAA Order 1050.1F identifies FAA actions that are categorically 
excluded from preparation of an environmental assessment or 
environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy 
Act in the absence of extraordinary circumstances. The FAA has 
determined this rulemaking action qualifies for the categorical 
exclusion identified in paragraph 312f and involves no extraordinary 
circumstances.

[[Page 53036]]

V. Executive Order Determinations

A. Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    The FAA has analyzed this proposed rule under the principles and 
criteria of Executive Order 13132, Federalism. The agency has 
determined that this action would not have a substantial direct effect 
on the States, or the relationship between the Federal Government and 
the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among 
the various levels of government, and, therefore, would not have 
Federalism implications.

B. Executive Order 13211, Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy 
Supply, Distribution, or Use

    The FAA analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13211, 
Actions Concerning Regulations that Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use (May 18, 2001). The agency has determined that it 
would not be a ``significant energy action'' under the executive order 
and would not be likely to have a significant adverse effect on the 
supply, distribution, or use of energy.

C. Executive Order 13609, Promoting International Regulatory 
Cooperation

    Executive Order 13609, Promoting International Regulatory 
Cooperation, promotes international regulatory cooperation to meet 
shared challenges involving health, safety, labor, security, 
environmental, and other issues and to reduce, eliminate, or prevent 
unnecessary differences in regulatory requirements. The FAA has 
analyzed this action under the policies and agency responsibilities of 
Executive Order 13609, and has determined that this action would have 
no effect on international regulatory cooperation.

VI. Additional Information

A. Comments Invited

    The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this 
rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. The agency 
also invites comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, 
or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in 
this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion 
of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and 
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain 
duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written 
comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should 
submit only one time.
    The FAA will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well 
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this 
proposal, the FAA will consider all comments it receives on or before 
the closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed 
after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without 
incurring expense or delay. The agency may change this proposal in 
light of the comments it receives.
    Proprietary or Confidential Business Information: Commenters should 
not file proprietary or confidential business information in the 
docket. Such information must be sent or delivered directly to the 
person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of 
this document, and marked as proprietary or confidential. If submitting 
information on a disk or CD ROM, mark the outside of the disk or CD 
ROM, and identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific 
information that is proprietary or confidential.
    Under 14 CFR 11.35(b), if the FAA is aware of proprietary 
information filed with a comment, the agency does not place it in the 
docket. It is held in a separate file to which the public does not have 
access, and the FAA places a note in the docket that it has received 
it. If the FAA receives a request to examine or copy this information, 
it treats it as any other request under the Freedom of Information Act 
(5 U.S.C. 552). The FAA processes such a request under Department of 
Transportation procedures found in 49 CFR part 7.

B. Availability of Rulemaking Documents

    An electronic copy of rulemaking documents may be obtained from the 
Internet by--
    1. Searching the Federal eRulemaking Portal (http://www.regulations.gov);
    2. Visiting the FAA's Regulations and Policies Web page at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies or
    3. Accessing the Government Printing Office's Web page at http://www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys/.
    Copies may also be obtained by sending a request to the Federal 
Aviation Administration, Office of Rulemaking, ARM-1, 800 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202) 267-9677. 
Commenters must identify the docket or notice number of this 
rulemaking.
    All documents the FAA considered in developing this proposed rule, 
including economic analyses and technical reports, may be accessed from 
the Internet through the Federal eRulemaking Portal referenced in item 
(1) above.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 91

    Air traffic control, Aircraft, Airmen, Aviation safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration proposes to amend chapter I of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations as follows:

PART 91--GENERAL OPERATING AND FLIGHT RULES

0
1. The authority citation for part 91 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 1155, 40101, 40103, 40105, 
40113, 40120, 44101, 44111, 44701, 44704, 44709, 44711, 44712, 
44715, 44716, 44717, 44722, 46306, 46315, 46316, 46504, 46506-46507, 
47122, 47508, 47528-47531, 47534, articles 12 and 29 of the 
Convention on International Civil Aviation (61 Stat. 1180), (126 
Stat. 11).

0
2. Revise Sec.  91.143 to read as follows:


Sec.  91.143  Temporary flight restrictions in the proximity of launch 
and reentry operations.

    No person may operate an aircraft contrary to a Temporary Flight 
Restriction established by the Administrator in a Notice to Airman 
(NOTAM) within an area designated for a launch, reentry, or amateur 
rocket operation, unless authorized by ATC.

    Issued under authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40103(b), 
and 44701(a) in Washington, DC, on August 18, 2015.
Jodi S. McCarthy,
Director, Airspace Services.
[FR Doc. 2015-21567 Filed 9-1-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 170 / Wednesday, September 2, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          53033

                                                      DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                              Docket: Background documents or                     citizens or within the United States. 51
                                                                                                              comments received may be read at                      U.S.C. 50904, 50905. Chapter 509
                                                      Federal Aviation Administration                         http://www.regulations.gov at any time.               directs the FAA to exercise this
                                                                                                              Follow the online instructions for                    responsibility consistent with public
                                                      14 CFR Part 91                                          accessing the docket or go to the Docket              health and safety, safety of property,
                                                      [Docket No.: FAA–2015–3304; Notice No.                  Operations in Room W12–140 of the                     and the national security and foreign
                                                      15–07]                                                  West Building Ground Floor at 1200                    policy interests of the United States. 51
                                                                                                              New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                    U.S.C. 50905. The FAA is also
                                                      RIN 2120–AK66                                           DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday                 responsible for encouraging, facilitating,
                                                                                                              through Friday, except Federal holidays.              and promoting commercial space
                                                      Temporary Flight Restrictions in the
                                                                                                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For                  launches by the private sector. 51 U.S.C.
                                                      Proximity of Launch and Reentry
                                                                                                              technical questions concerning this                   50903.
                                                      Operations
                                                                                                              action, contact Paul Eure, Airspace                   I. Executive Summary
                                                      AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                Regulations Team, AJV–113, Federal
                                                      Administration (FAA), DOT.                              Aviation Administration, 800                             14 CFR 91.143 authorizes the FAA to
                                                      ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                   Independence Avenue SW.,                              issue Notices to Airmen (NOTAM)
                                                      (NPRM).                                                 Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202)                 prohibiting a person from operating any
                                                                                                              267–8745; email paul.eure@faa.gov.                    aircraft of U.S. registry in areas
                                                      SUMMARY:    This proposed rulemaking                      For legal questions concerning this                 designated in the NOTAM for space
                                                      would expand the temporary flight                       action, contact Robert Frenzel,                       flight operations. The FAA proposes to
                                                      restriction provisions for launch,                      Operations Law Branch, AGC–220,                       amend this provision to apply to all
                                                      reentry, and amateur rocket operations                  Federal Aviation Administration, 800                  aircraft.
                                                      and make such temporary flight                          Independence Avenue SW.,                                 At the time of the promulgation of
                                                      restrictions applicable to all aircraft—                Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202)                 § 91.143, recovery operations were
                                                      including non-U.S. registered aircraft.                 267–3073; email Robert.Frenzel@                       conducted outside of U.S. territorial
                                                      The FAA also proposes revised language                  faa.gov.                                              boundaries, and therefore, the FAA
                                                      for consistency with other temporary                                                                          could only restrict U.S. registered
                                                                                                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                      flight restriction provisions and                                                                             aircraft or aircraft flown by pilots using
                                                      commercial space regulations and                        Authority for This Rulemaking                         a FAA pilot certificate. This regulation,
                                                      definitions. This proposed action would                    The FAA’s authority to issue rules on              clarified in 1984, included launches
                                                      enhance safety in the affected airspace                 aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the           (and potential emergency recovery
                                                      and would improve the readability of                    United States Code. Subtitle I, Section               operations) in support of the National
                                                      temporary flight restriction                            106, describes the authority of the FAA               Aeronautics and Space Administration
                                                      requirements.                                           Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation                 (NASA) Space Shuttle program.
                                                      DATES:  Send comments on or before                      Programs, describes in more detail the                   However, the initial applicability of
                                                      November 2, 2015.                                       scope of the agency’s authority.                      this regulation does not adequately
                                                      ADDRESSES: Send comments identified                        This rulemaking is promulgated                     address present day space launch and
                                                      by docket number FAA–2015–3304                          under the authority described in                      recovery operations that are increasingly
                                                      using any of the following methods:                     Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section              conducted within the boundaries of U.S.
                                                        • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                   40103, Sovereignty and use of airspace,               territory. Therefore, the agency proposes
                                                      http://www.regulations.gov and follow                   and Subpart III, Section 44701, General               to amend this rule to better address
                                                      the online instructions for sending your                requirements. Under section 40103, the                present day operations to ensure that all
                                                      comments electronically.                                FAA is charged with prescribing                       aircraft—not only U.S. registered aircraft
                                                        • Mail: Send comments to Docket                       regulations to ensure the safety of                   or aircraft flown by pilots using a FAA
                                                      Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of                    aircraft and the efficient use of the                 pilot certificate—are restricted from
                                                      Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey                   navigable airspace. Under section                     operating in airspace designated for
                                                      Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West                          44701, the FAA is charged with                        launch, reentry, or amateur rocket
                                                      Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC                   prescribing regulations to ensure safety              operations.
                                                      20590–0001.                                             in air commerce.                                         Additionally, this amendment would
                                                        • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take                         This proposed regulation is within the             allow the FAA to issue a NOTAM to
                                                      comments to Docket Operations in                        scope of sections 40103 and 44701                     designate a temporary flight restriction
                                                      Room W12–140 of the West Building                       because restricting aircraft operations               (TFR) for launch, reentry, or amateur
                                                      Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey                         from the area in which launch, reentry,               rocket operations involving Class 2 or 3
                                                      Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9                   and amateur rocket operations occur                   amateur rockets when it determines a
                                                      a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through                         supports aviation safety and the                      TFR is necessary to maintain safety.
                                                      Friday, except Federal holidays.                        efficient use of navigable airspace.                     Lastly, the FAA proposes other
                                                        • Fax: Fax comments to Docket                            The Commercial Space Launch Act of                 language changes that would align the
                                                      Operations at 202–493–2251.                             1984, as codified and amended at 51                   language used in § 91.143 with the
                                                        Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C.                  U.S.C. Subtitle V—Commercial Space                    terminology used in Chapter 509 and
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                                                      553(c), DOT solicits comments from the                  Transportation, Ch. 509, Commercial                   the FAA space transportation
                                                      public to better inform its rulemaking                  Space Launch Activities, 51 U.S.C.                    regulations and definitions. For
                                                      process. DOT posts these comments,                      50901–50923 (Chapter 509), authorizes                 example, the terms ‘‘launch’’ and
                                                      without edit, including any personal                    the Department of Transportation and                  ‘‘reentry’’ are defined in 14 CFR 401.5
                                                      information the commenter provides, to                  thus the FAA, through delegations, to                 and are normally used to broadly
                                                      www.regulations.gov, as described in                    oversee, license, and regulate                        categorize these types of operations. The
                                                      the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–                  commercial launch and reentry                         FAA, therefore, proposes to replace
                                                      14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at                      activities, and the operation of launch               ‘‘space flight operations’’ with ‘‘launch,
                                                      www.dot.gov/privacy.                                    and reentry sites as carried out by U.S.              reentry, or amateur rocket operation.’’


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                                                      53034              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 170 / Wednesday, September 2, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                        The FAA believes these revisions                      agreement between the operator and Air                Accordingly, the FAA proposes to
                                                      would strengthen the understandability                  Traffic Control that may include special              expand the applicability of § 91.143 to
                                                      of these requirements while enhancing                   provisions that determine the area                    all aircraft in order to mitigate the safety
                                                      safety in the affected airspace.                        covered by a TFR along with detailed                  risk of aircraft operations in proximity
                                                                                                              operational directives. Accordingly, in               to launch, reentry, and Class 2 or 3
                                                      II. Background
                                                                                                              these circumstances, the FAA issues a                 amateur rocket operations.
                                                         The language of ‘‘flight limitations in              NOTAM to designate a TFR that
                                                      the proximity of space flight operations’’                                                                    B. Title and Regulatory Change
                                                                                                              encompasses the hazardous areas
                                                      as utilized in 14 CFR 91.143 was first                  necessary to avoid collisions with other                 The FAA proposes revisions to the
                                                      promulgated in 1964 to support NASA’s                   NAS users.                                            title and content of § 91.143 for: (1)
                                                      Gemini and Apollo space operations. By                    While TFRs may impose an                            Consistency with other TFR provisions
                                                      restricting non-essential aircraft from                 inconvenience to NAS users, they are                  in 14 CFR part 91, (2) consistency with
                                                      the designated recovery area, the FAA                   necessary to provide the highest level of             the commercial space regulations in 14
                                                      intended to ensure the safe recovery of                 safety. From an efficiency standpoint,                CFR chapter III, and (3) to include Class
                                                      spacecraft while mitigating the risk of                 the FAA strives to integrate all                      2 and 3 amateur rockets.
                                                      an aircraft collision. At the time this                 operations into the NAS. The operations                  Specifically, the FAA proposes
                                                      rule was promulgated most of these                      of most launch vehicles could result in               replacing the title of § 91.143 ‘‘Flight
                                                      recovery operations occurred outside of                 scenarios that are hazardous to other                 limitation in the proximity of space
                                                      U.S. territorial airspace and the FAA                   NAS users that may be in the vicinity                 flight operations’’ with ‘‘Temporary
                                                      could restrict only U.S. registered                     of the operation. The use of a TFR for                Flight Restrictions in the Proximity of
                                                      aircraft or aircraft piloted under an                   the segregation of other NAS users from               Launch and Reentry Operations,’’ a title
                                                      FAA-issued airman certificate. These                    commercial space operations and Class                 that more accurately reflects current
                                                      expanded regulations were clarified in                  2 and 3 amateur rockets is key to                     practice and includes the use of the
                                                      1984, to include launch operations (and                 ensuring safety—when it is determined                 terms ‘‘temporary flight restrictions’’
                                                      potential emergency recovery                            that a TFR is required.                               and ‘‘launch and reentry operations.’’
                                                      operations) in support of NASA’s space                    Therefore, by expanding the                            The FAA also proposes replacing
                                                      shuttle program.                                        applicability of the TFR provision to                 terms in the content of § 91.143, such as
                                                         The FAA now issues TFRs only for                     amateur rocket operations, this                       ‘‘space flight operations’’ with ‘‘launch,
                                                      the airspace over the territory of the                  proposed rulemaking would codify the                  reentry, or amateur rocket operations.’’
                                                      United States extending out to 12                       FAA’s ability to establish a TFR for a                ‘‘Launch’’ and ‘‘reentry’’ are defined in
                                                      nautical miles from the coastline. Since                Class 2 or 3 amateur rocket operation,                14 CFR § 401.5 and are normally used
                                                      rule promulgation in 1984, an                           when it determines a TFR is necessary                 to describe launch or reentry vehicles
                                                      increasing number of rocket launches                                                                          going to or returning from orbit or outer
                                                                                                              to maintain safety.
                                                      now occur over U.S. territorial airspace.                                                                     space, or operations associated with
                                                      The FAA therefore believes it is                        III. Discussion of the Proposal                       orbital and suborbital flight. Current
                                                      necessary to update regulations to align                                                                      references to ‘‘space operations’’
                                                                                                              A. Applicability
                                                      them with current practice.                                                                                   encompass both launch and reentry.
                                                         In recent years, because technological                  The FAA has frequently used, without
                                                                                                              incident or accident, TFRs to segregate                  Finally, to align regulatory language
                                                      changes have resulted in an increased
                                                                                                              hazardous launch, reentry, and amateur                with current practice, the FAA proposes
                                                      growth of larger amateur rockets with
                                                                                                              rocket operations from all other NAS                  the inclusion of Class 2 and 3 amateur
                                                      greater power, the FAA has issued
                                                                                                              users (operating by visual and                        rockets for TFR issuance when the FAA
                                                      NOTAMs under § 91.143 to designate
                                                                                                              instrument flight rules). While § 91.143              determines the proposed operation
                                                      TFRs to segregate Class 2 and 3 amateur
                                                                                                              was intended to support NASA and                      presents a safety risk. A certificate of
                                                      rockets from all other users of the
                                                                                                              DOD space operations outside U.S.                     waiver or authorization for Class 2 or 3
                                                      National Airspace System (NAS). Class
                                                                                                              airspace (over the ocean), in recent years            amateur rocket launch would identify
                                                      2 and 3 amateur rockets operated under
                                                                                                              commercial space and amateur rocket                   the designated hazard area used to
                                                      14 CFR part 101 are capable of operating
                                                                                                              operations have increased over U.S.                   determine the area to be covered by the
                                                      up to 93.2 miles with multiple stages.
                                                                                                              territorial airspace. The FAA issues                  TFR.
                                                      Persons intending to operate a Class 2
                                                                                                              TFRs only for the airspace over the                      Although these revisions address
                                                      or 3 rocket in a manner that requires a
                                                                                                              territory of the U.S. extending 12                    commercial space and amateur rocket
                                                      waiver to 14 CFR part 101 subpart C,
                                                                                                              nautical miles from the coastline.                    operations, TFR provisions would
                                                      must submit a proposal for waiver or
                                                                                                              Applying restrictions to all aircraft                 continue to be used for DOD and NASA
                                                      authorization to the FAA. This includes
                                                                                                              within this area is within the FAA’s                  space operations as originally intended.
                                                      proposals to launch a Class 2 or 3
                                                      amateur rockets into controlled                         statutory authority and is consistent                 IV. Regulatory Notices and Analyses
                                                      airspace, which may require the FAA to                  with the purpose of these restrictions
                                                                                                              (i.e., to mitigate the risk of aircraft               A. Regulatory Evaluation
                                                      implement a TFR to ensure safety.
                                                         The process for the development of a                 collision by segregating launch, reentry                Changes to Federal regulations must
                                                      TFR is extensive. For example,                          and amateur rocket operations from                    undergo several economic analyses.
                                                      commercial space operators are required                 other NAS users).                                     First, Executive Order 12866 and
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                                                      to file an application for a permit or                     Although current practice restricts all            Executive Order 13563 direct that each
                                                      license in order to conduct commercial                  aircraft from areas designated by TFRs                Federal agency shall propose or adopt a
                                                      space operations. The FAA reviews the                   for launch, reentry and amateur rocket                regulation only upon a reasoned
                                                      application to determine ground and                     operations, this proposed change would                determination that the benefits of the
                                                      airborne hazard areas. The FAA then                     ensure the applicability of the flight                intended regulation justify its costs.
                                                      analyzes these proposals for safety                     restrictions to U.S. and non-U.S.                     Second, the Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                                      impact, and then issues a permit or                     registered aircraft from entering into                of 1980 (Pub. L. 96–354) requires
                                                      license for the operation. This license or              areas designated by TFR for launch,                   agencies to analyze the economic
                                                      permit application includes a letter of                 reentry, and amateur rocket operations.               impact of regulatory changes on small


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                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 170 / Wednesday, September 2, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          53035

                                                      entities. Third, the Trade Agreements                   the objectives of the rule and of                     international standards and, where
                                                      Act (Pub. L. 96–39) prohibits agencies                  applicable statutes, to fit regulatory and            appropriate, that they be the basis for
                                                      from setting standards that create                      informational requirements to the scale               U.S. standards. The FAA has assessed
                                                      unnecessary obstacles to the foreign                    of the businesses, organizations, and                 the potential effect of this proposed rule
                                                      commerce of the United States. In                       governmental jurisdictions subject to                 and determined that it would responds
                                                      developing U.S. standards, the Trade                    regulation.’’ To achieve this principle,              to a domestic safety objective and not
                                                      Act requires agencies to consider                       agencies are required to solicit and                  considered an unnecessary obstacle to
                                                      international standards and, where                      consider flexible regulatory proposals                trade.
                                                      appropriate, that they be the basis of                  and to explain the rationale for their
                                                      U.S. standards. Fourth, the Unfunded                    actions to assure that such proposals are             D. Unfunded Mandates Assessment
                                                      Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L.                    given serious consideration.’’ The RFA
                                                                                                                                                                       Title II of the Unfunded Mandates
                                                      104–4) requires agencies to prepare a                   covers a wide-range of small entities,
                                                      written assessment of the costs, benefits,              including small businesses, not-for-                  Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4)
                                                      and other effects of proposed or final                  profit organizations, and small                       requires each Federal agency to prepare
                                                      rules that include a Federal mandate                    governmental jurisdictions.                           a written statement assessing the effects
                                                      likely to result in the expenditure by                     Agencies must perform a review to                  of any Federal mandate in a proposed or
                                                      State, local, or tribal governments, in the             determine whether a rule will have a                  final agency rule that may result in an
                                                      aggregate, or by the private sector, of                 significant economic impact on a                      expenditure of $100 million or more (in
                                                      $100 million or more annually (adjusted                 substantial number of small entities. If              1995 dollars) in any one year by State,
                                                      for inflation with base year of 1995).                  the agency determines that it will, the               local, and tribal governments, in the
                                                      This portion of the preamble                            agency must prepare a regulatory                      aggregate, or by the private sector; such
                                                      summarizes the FAA’s analysis of the                    flexibility analysis as described in the              a mandate is deemed to be a ‘‘significant
                                                      economic impacts of this proposed rule.                 RFA.                                                  regulatory action.’’ The FAA currently
                                                         Department of Transportation Order                      However, if an agency determines that              uses an inflation-adjusted value of $155
                                                      DOT 2100.5 prescribes policies and                      a rule is not expected to have a                      million in lieu of $100 million. This
                                                      procedures for simplification, analysis,                significant economic impact on a                      proposed rule does not contain such a
                                                      and review of regulations. If the                       substantial number of small entities,                 mandate; therefore, the requirements of
                                                      expected cost impact is so minimal that                 section 605(b) of the RFA provides that               Title II of the Act do not apply.
                                                      a proposed or final rule does not                       the head of the agency may so certify
                                                      warrant a full evaluation, this order                   and a regulatory flexibility analysis is              E. Paperwork Reduction Act
                                                      permits that a statement to that effect                 not required. The certification must
                                                                                                                                                                      The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
                                                      and the basis for it to be included in the              include a statement providing the
                                                                                                                                                                    (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)) requires that the
                                                      preamble if a full regulatory evaluation                factual basis for this determination, and
                                                                                                              the reasoning should be clear.                        FAA consider the impact of paperwork
                                                      of the cost and benefits is not prepared.
                                                                                                                 Since all U.S. entities are covered by             and other information collection
                                                      Such a determination has been made for
                                                                                                              current practice, this proposed rule                  burdens imposed on the public. The
                                                      this proposed rule. The reasoning for
                                                      this determination follows.                             would expand the applicability of TFR                 FAA has determined that there would
                                                         This proposed rule would expand the                  provisions for launch, reentry and                    be no new requirement for information
                                                      TFR provisions for launch, reentry, and                 amateur rocket operations to all aircraft,            collection associated with this proposed
                                                      amateur rocket operations. This                         including non-U.S. registered aircraft.               rule.
                                                      proposed rule would formalize the                       The expected outcome would have only                  F. International Compatibility and
                                                      current practice and apply the TFR to                   a minimal impact on any small entity                  Cooperation
                                                      non-U.S. registered aircraft. No actions                affected by this rulemaking action.
                                                      are required for U.S. entities. Since this              Therefore, as provided in section 605(b),               (1) In keeping with U.S. obligations
                                                      proposed rule would merely amend                        the head of the FAA certifies that this               under the Convention on International
                                                      language to improve the readability of                  rulemaking will not result in a                       Civil Aviation, it is FAA policy to
                                                      the TFR requirements, formalize that                    significant economic impact on a                      conform to International Civil Aviation
                                                      current practice, and apply these                       substantial number of small entities.                 Organization (ICAO) Standards and
                                                      restrictions to non-U.S. registered                     C. International Trade Impact                         Recommended Practices to the
                                                      aircraft. The expected outcome would                    Assessment                                            maximum extent practicable. The FAA
                                                      be a minimal impact with positive net                                                                         has determined that there are no ICAO
                                                      benefits, and a regulatory evaluation                     The Trade Agreements Act of 1979
                                                                                                                                                                    Standards and Recommended Practices
                                                      was not prepared. The FAA requests                      (Pub. L. 96–39), as amended by the
                                                                                                                                                                    that correspond to these proposed
                                                      comments with supporting justification                  Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Pub. L.
                                                                                                                                                                    regulations.
                                                      about the FAA determination of                          103–465), prohibits Federal agencies
                                                      minimal impact.                                         from establishing standards or engaging               G. Environmental Analysis
                                                         The FAA has therefore, determined                    in related activities that create
                                                      that this proposed rule is not a                        unnecessary obstacles to the foreign                     FAA Order 1050.1F identifies FAA
                                                      ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ as                    commerce of the United States.                        actions that are categorically excluded
                                                      defined in section 3(f) of Executive                    Pursuant to these Acts, the                           from preparation of an environmental
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                                                      Order 12866, and is not ‘‘significant’’ as              establishment of standards is not                     assessment or environmental impact
                                                      defined in DOT’s Regulatory Policies                    considered an unnecessary obstacle to                 statement under the National
                                                      and Procedures.                                         the foreign commerce of the United                    Environmental Policy Act in the
                                                                                                              States, so long as the standard has a                 absence of extraordinary circumstances.
                                                      B. Regulatory Flexibility Determination                 legitimate domestic objective, such as                The FAA has determined this
                                                        The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980                the protection of safety, and does not                rulemaking action qualifies for the
                                                      (Pub. L. 96–354) (RFA) establishes ‘‘as a               operate in a manner that excludes                     categorical exclusion identified in
                                                      principle of regulatory issuance that                   imports that meet this objective. The                 paragraph 312f and involves no
                                                      agencies shall endeavor, consistent with                statute also requires consideration of                extraordinary circumstances.


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                                                      53036              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 170 / Wednesday, September 2, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                      V. Executive Order Determinations                          The FAA will file in the docket all                eRulemaking Portal referenced in item
                                                                                                              comments it receives, as well as a report             (1) above.
                                                      A. Executive Order 13132, Federalism
                                                                                                              summarizing each substantive public
                                                         The FAA has analyzed this proposed                                                                         List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 91
                                                                                                              contact with FAA personnel concerning
                                                      rule under the principles and criteria of               this proposed rulemaking. Before acting                Air traffic control, Aircraft, Airmen,
                                                      Executive Order 13132, Federalism. The                  on this proposal, the FAA will consider               Aviation safety.
                                                      agency has determined that this action                  all comments it receives on or before the             The Proposed Amendment
                                                      would not have a substantial direct                     closing date for comments. The FAA
                                                      effect on the States, or the relationship               will consider comments filed after the                  In consideration of the foregoing, the
                                                      between the Federal Government and                      comment period has closed if it is                    Federal Aviation Administration
                                                      the States, or on the distribution of                   possible to do so without incurring                   proposes to amend chapter I of title 14,
                                                      power and responsibilities among the                    expense or delay. The agency may                      Code of Federal Regulations as follows:
                                                      various levels of government, and,                      change this proposal in light of the
                                                      therefore, would not have Federalism                    comments it receives.                                 PART 91—GENERAL OPERATING AND
                                                      implications.                                              Proprietary or Confidential Business               FLIGHT RULES
                                                                                                              Information: Commenters should not
                                                      B. Executive Order 13211, Regulations                                                                         ■ 1. The authority citation for part 91 is
                                                                                                              file proprietary or confidential business
                                                      That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,                                                                      revised to read as follows:
                                                                                                              information in the docket. Such
                                                      Distribution, or Use                                    information must be sent or delivered                   Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 1155,
                                                         The FAA analyzed this proposed rule                  directly to the person identified in the              40101, 40103, 40105, 40113, 40120, 44101,
                                                      under Executive Order 13211, Actions                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
                                                                                                                                                                    44111, 44701, 44704, 44709, 44711, 44712,
                                                                                                                                                                    44715, 44716, 44717, 44722, 46306, 46315,
                                                      Concerning Regulations that                             section of this document, and marked as               46316, 46504, 46506–46507, 47122, 47508,
                                                      Significantly Affect Energy Supply,                     proprietary or confidential. If submitting            47528–47531, 47534, articles 12 and 29 of the
                                                      Distribution, or Use (May 18, 2001). The                information on a disk or CD ROM, mark                 Convention on International Civil Aviation
                                                      agency has determined that it would not                 the outside of the disk or CD ROM, and                (61 Stat. 1180), (126 Stat. 11).
                                                      be a ‘‘significant energy action’’ under                identify electronically within the disk or
                                                                                                                                                                    ■   2. Revise § 91.143 to read as follows:
                                                      the executive order and would not be                    CD ROM the specific information that is
                                                      likely to have a significant adverse effect             proprietary or confidential.                          § 91.143 Temporary flight restrictions in
                                                      on the supply, distribution, or use of                     Under 14 CFR 11.35(b), if the FAA is               the proximity of launch and reentry
                                                      energy.                                                 aware of proprietary information filed                operations.
                                                                                                              with a comment, the agency does not                      No person may operate an aircraft
                                                      C. Executive Order 13609, Promoting                     place it in the docket. It is held in a
                                                      International Regulatory Cooperation                                                                          contrary to a Temporary Flight
                                                                                                              separate file to which the public does                Restriction established by the
                                                        Executive Order 13609, Promoting                      not have access, and the FAA places a                 Administrator in a Notice to Airman
                                                      International Regulatory Cooperation,                   note in the docket that it has received               (NOTAM) within an area designated for
                                                      promotes international regulatory                       it. If the FAA receives a request to                  a launch, reentry, or amateur rocket
                                                      cooperation to meet shared challenges                   examine or copy this information, it                  operation, unless authorized by ATC.
                                                      involving health, safety, labor, security,              treats it as any other request under the
                                                                                                                                                                      Issued under authority provided by 49
                                                      environmental, and other issues and to                  Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C.                  U.S.C. 106(f), 40103(b), and 44701(a) in
                                                      reduce, eliminate, or prevent                           552). The FAA processes such a request                Washington, DC, on August 18, 2015.
                                                      unnecessary differences in regulatory                   under Department of Transportation                    Jodi S. McCarthy,
                                                      requirements. The FAA has analyzed                      procedures found in 49 CFR part 7.
                                                                                                                                                                    Director, Airspace Services.
                                                      this action under the policies and
                                                                                                              B. Availability of Rulemaking                         [FR Doc. 2015–21567 Filed 9–1–15; 8:45 am]
                                                      agency responsibilities of Executive
                                                                                                              Documents                                             BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                      Order 13609, and has determined that
                                                      this action would have no effect on                       An electronic copy of rulemaking
                                                      international regulatory cooperation.                   documents may be obtained from the
                                                                                                              Internet by—                                          CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY
                                                      VI. Additional Information                                1. Searching the Federal eRulemaking                COMMISSION
                                                      A. Comments Invited                                     Portal (http://www.regulations.gov);
                                                                                                                2. Visiting the FAA’s Regulations and               16 CFR Part 1211
                                                        The FAA invites interested persons to                 Policies Web page at http://
                                                      participate in this rulemaking by                                                                             [Docket No. CPSC–2015–0025]
                                                                                                              www.faa.gov/regulations_policies or
                                                      submitting written comments, data, or                     3. Accessing the Government Printing                Safety Standard for Automatic
                                                      views. The agency also invites                          Office’s Web page at http://                          Residential Garage Door Operators
                                                      comments relating to the economic,                      www.gpo.gov/fdsys/.
                                                      environmental, energy, or federalism                      Copies may also be obtained by                      AGENCY: U.S. Consumer Product Safety
                                                      impacts that might result from adopting                 sending a request to the Federal                      Commission.
                                                      the proposals in this document. The                     Aviation Administration, Office of                    ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
                                                      most helpful comments reference a                       Rulemaking, ARM–1, 800 Independence
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                                                      specific portion of the proposal, explain               Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591, or                  SUMMARY:   The Consumer Product Safety
                                                      the reason for any recommended                          by calling (202) 267–9677. Commenters                 Commission (‘‘Commission’’ or ‘‘CPSC’’)
                                                      change, and include supporting data. To                 must identify the docket or notice                    is proposing to amend the regulations
                                                      ensure the docket does not contain                      number of this rulemaking.                            for Safety Standard for Automatic
                                                      duplicate comments, commenters                            All documents the FAA considered in                 Residential Garage Door Operators to
                                                      should send only one copy of written                    developing this proposed rule,                        reflect changes made by Underwriters
                                                      comments, or if comments are filed                      including economic analyses and                       Laboratories, Inc. (‘‘UL’’), in the
                                                      electronically, commenters should                       technical reports, may be accessed from               entrapment protection provisions in
                                                      submit only one time.                                   the Internet through the Federal                      UL’s standard UL 325, Sixth Edition,


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Document Created: 2018-02-26 10:10:46
Document Modified: 2018-02-26 10:10:46
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesSend comments on or before November 2, 2015.
ContactFor technical questions concerning this action, contact Paul Eure, Airspace Regulations Team, AJV-113, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-8745; email [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 53033 
RIN Number2120-AK66
CFR AssociatedAir Traffic Control; Aircraft; Airmen and Aviation Safety

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