80 FR 59674 - Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 191 (October 2, 2015)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 191 (October 2, 2015)
| Page Range | 59674-59690 | |
| FR Document | 2015-24841 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 191 (Friday, October 2, 2015)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 59674-59690] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-24841] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 147 [Docket No. FAA-2015-3901; Notice No. 15-10] RIN 2120-AK48 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to amend the regulations governing the curriculum and operations of FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools. These amendments would modernize and reorganize the required curriculum subjects in the appendices of the current regulations. They would also remove the course content items currently located in the appendices and require that they be placed in each school's operations specifications so they could more easily be amended when necessary. The amendments are needed because the existing curriculums are outdated, do not meet current industry needs, and can be changed only through notice and comment rulemaking. These amendments would ensure that aviation maintenance technician students receive up- to-date foundational training to meet the demanding and consistently changing needs of the aviation industry. DATES: Send comments on or before December 31, 2015. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2015-3901 using any of the following methods:Federal Rulemaking 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. [[Page 59675]] 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 Robert W. Warren, Aircraft Maintenance Division, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-1711; email Robert.W.Warren@faa.gov. For legal questions concerning this action, contact Edmund Averman, Office of the Chief Counsel (AGC-210), Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-3147; email Ed.Averman@faa.gov. 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 Title 49, Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Chapter 401, Section 40113 (prescribing general authority of the Administrator of the FAA, with respect to aviation safety duties and powers, to prescribe regulations); and Subpart III, Chapter 447, Sections 44701 (general authority of the Administrator to prescribe regulations and minimum standards in the interest of safety for inspecting, servicing, and overhauling aircraft, engines, propellers, and appliances, including for other practices, methods, and procedures necessary for safety in air commerce); 44702 (authority of the Administrator to issue air agency certificates); 44707 (authority of the Administrator to examine and rate air agencies, including civilian schools giving instruction in repairing, altering, and maintaining aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances, on the adequacy of instruction, the suitability and airworthiness of equipment, and the competency of instructors); and 44709 (authority of the Administrator to amend, modify, suspend, and revoke air agency and other FAA-issued certificates). This proposed regulation is within the scope of that authority. I. Executive Summary a. Summary of the Proposed Rule This proposed rule would amend the regulations governing Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (14 CFR part 147) to both update the existing curriculums and provide an efficient means of changing specific course items under each main subject heading, when needed, by including them in each school's operations specifications. The proposal sets forth both a description of operations specifications and a process for amending, suspending, or terminating them. In addition, the proposed amendments would clarify existing requirements, remove gender- specific references, and eliminate duplication found in some sections of the current rules. The FAA has updated its regulations governing aviation maintenance technician schools only infrequently since 1962, when they were re- codified from the former Civil Air Regulations (CAR) part 53 into current Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 147. (27 FR 6669, Jul. 19, 1962). The agency last amended part 147 in 2011 to add a new Sec. 147.8 that placed restrictions on the employment of former FAA employees, however the agency has made no curriculum changes since 1992. Based on recent studies and reports (which are discussed below in more detail), the FAA has determined that the current school curriculums are dated and do not provide students with the skills necessary for maintaining modern aircraft. When the FAA first shaped the basic training curriculum during the 1962 recodification, the use of advanced materials, advanced electronic operating systems, computers, high bypass propulsion systems, and smart aircraft did not exist in civilian aviation. Since the 1992 rule changes, the industry has produced larger, state of the art transport aircraft (such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A380) that incorporate very advanced technologies and complex systems. Similar advancements in technology have also evolved in all other levels of aircraft such as general aviation aircraft and business aircraft. The FAA has also not updated part 147 to account for recent advances in rotorcraft technology, composites, unmanned aerial vehicles, glass panels, light sport aircraft (LSA), and the spread of electronics into every other aspect of aircraft. In view of the expected continued rapid pace of technological change in the aviation industry, part 147 curriculums will need to be updated frequently and quickly. However, because these curriculums are currently specified in the part 147 appendices, the FAA can change them only through notice and comment rulemaking, which is a time-consuming and inefficient means of modernizing the curriculum. As a consequence, without the proposed changes, the school curriculums will always be several years behind what is needed to effectively train aviation maintenance technician students. By including the curriculums in each school's operations specifications, they may be updated expeditiously to keep pace with emerging technologies. b. Summary of Costs and Benefits The FAA finds the proposed rule's benefits would accrue from changing curriculum hours, which would lower the more costly laboratory/workshop time (while offset by increasing classroom time) and also from eliminating the exemptions currently issued for aviation mechanic testing requirements. The estimated total benefits of this rule are about $10 million ($7 million, present value at 7%). The two major compliance costs of the rule are initial curriculum revisions and subsequent curriculum revisions. The latter may be divided into FAA-proposed recommendations for amendments to the technician school curriculum, and technician school submissions to request amendments to their curriculum. The estimated total costs are about $4 million ($3 million, present value at 7%). Net benefits equal approximately $7 million ($3 million, present value at 7%). II. Background a. History of Part 147 Part 147 specifies the requirements for the certification and operations of FAA- [[Page 59676]] certificated aviation maintenance technician schools, including the course curriculums they must provide. Part 147 originated as Civil Air Regulations (CAR) part 53. As a result of the recodification of the CARs in 1962, CAR part 53 became 14 CFR part 147. In 1970, the FAA revised part 147 to increase the required core curriculum hours from 1,500 to 1,900 and to further define the subject content and teaching guidelines. A minor revision to the curriculum requirements adopted in 1992 included the use of computers in the training environment, composite materials, an introduction to unducted fans, and auxiliary power units. There have been no further revisions. b. General Accounting Office Report and Part 147 Working Group While not the only studies/reports that addressed the issues supporting this proposed rulemaking, two were instrumental to its development. First, in March 2003, the General Accounting Office (GAO) \1\ issued a report titled Aviation Safety-FAA Needs To Update the Curriculum and Certification Requirements for Aviation Mechanics (GAO 03-317, March 2003) (GAO Report). The report detailed the following: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ In 2004, the GAO Human Capital Reform Act of 2004, Public Law 108-271, 118 Stat. 811 (2004), changed GAO's legal name from the General Accounting Office to the Government Accountability Office. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Serious and growing gaps between the minimum training curriculum required by part 147 and the current and forecast levels of aircraft technology. 2. Concerns that the required curriculums at FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician schools are outdated and are primarily geared to smaller, less complex aircraft that do not transport a significant number of passengers, and may not be relevant to most of the aircraft flown today. 3. Limitations of basic courses that should prepare students to maintain and repair the body and engines of modern commercial aircraft. The GAO recommended the FAA review the minimum Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) curriculums required for certificated schools to identify courses that do not reflect widely used aircraft technology and materials on commonly flown commercial aircraft. The GAO also recommended that changes to the curriculums be reflected on the mechanic's certification examination. This would ensure the same standards applied to all candidates for the A&P certificate. Growing recognition of these issues prompted the second study and report instrumental to this rulemaking. In 2007, the FAA tasked the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) to form the Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools Curriculum and Operating Requirements Working Group (the Part 147 Working Group). The ARAC subsequently tasked the Part 147 Working Group to study some of the issues raised in the GAO report and to make recommendations to address them. In December 2008, the Part 147 Working Group issued its Final Report (the ARAC Report). The ARAC Report suggested a solution that could help expedite keeping course content current. The report referenced the process used by training centers certificated by the FAA under 14 CFR part 142 to control course content and other matters related to the centers' providing flight-related training to airmen. Section 142.3 provides for and defines ``training specifications'' as a document issued by the FAA to a training center that ``prescribes that center's training, checking, and testing authorizations and limitations, and specifies training program requirements.'' Training specifications are similar to ``operations specifications'' issued by the FAA to certificate holders in other venues (e.g., air carriers) that document basic information and limitations that govern the allowable operations of the certificate holder. Operations specifications are mutually agreed upon between the FAA and the specific certificate holder, and may be amended by procedures specified in the regulations. Amending training or operations specifications is a more efficient and expeditious means of making changes to a certificate holder's operations than is the process of notice and comment rulemaking for rules of general applicability. The ARAC Report recommended that aviation maintenance technician schools' curriculum procedures documents be placed in what would be new training specifications. These would function similar to operations specifications, thereby facilitating their updating by means of the amendment process. The FAA is proposing that each certificated aviation maintenance technician school would use operations specifications (in lieu of the suggested training specifications) to manage its operations, including its training curriculum. This proposal addresses several of the recommendations in the ARAC Report,\2\ including: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ A copy of the ARAC Report has been placed in the docket. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Placing the subject course items in operations specifications while keeping the required subject area headings in the appendices; Updating some of the subject areas and the items under the subject course headings; Revising the distribution of curriculum hours among the General, the Airframe, and the Powerplant curriculums; Incorporating a distance learning option; and Creating a new provision to allow students to take the General written test after completing that curriculum but before meeting the experience requirements of Sec. 65.77. III. Discussion of the Proposal Consistent with the recommendations in both the GAO Report and the ARAC Report, and with the FAA's own awareness that the current course curriculums set forth in the part 147 appendices are long overdue to be updated, the FAA proposes to amend some of the subject headings in part 147 appendices B-D to better reflect their appropriate course content. The agency also proposes to remove the course content items currently found under each subject heading in the appendices and include them in each school's operations specifications under the identical subject headings that would remain in the appendices. We also propose to amend some of these course content items to update them and to better reflect the areas to be taught within each subject area. As discussed above, if the course content items are contained in the schools' operations specifications, they can, when necessary, be more easily amended through the process provided by this proposal for amending operations specifications. a. Curriculum Hours (Sec. 147.21) Section 147.21(b) contains the total minimum number of curriculum hours of instruction (1,900 hours) for the combined Airframe and Powerplant ratings. The ARAC Report recommended retaining this 1,900 hour minimum. The FAA agrees with that recommendation, and also with the report's recommendation that the number of instruction hours for the Airframe and Powerplant ratings should be redistributed as follows: [[Page 59677]] General--from 400 hours to 450 hours. Airframe--from 750 hours to 800 hours. Powerplant--from 750 hours to 650 hours. With changes in aircraft technologies increasingly emphasizing electricity, electronics, and advanced materials, the FAA concurs with the ARAC Report that adding hours to the General and Airframe curriculum is appropriate. The FAA also agrees that revising the list of required subjects and updating the course content items within the major subject headings would be an important step in meeting industry needs for aviation maintenance technicians who have been trained in up- to-date aircraft materials and systems. The FAA also proposes to include an option for competency-based training utilizing minimum credit hours based on typical higher education accreditation criteria. The minimum number of credit hours (equivalent to 1,900 training hours) would total 43 credit hours. This would be the combined credit hours for Airframe and Powerplant requirements, which include a minimum of 10 credit hours for the General curriculum, 18 credit hours for the Airframe curriculum, and 15 credit hours for the Powerplant curriculum. Each school would have the option to be approved for either an instructional hours curriculum or a credit hours curriculum, but not both. A credit hour is a unit of measure that gives value to the level of instruction, academic rigor, and time requirements for a course taken at an educational institution. At its most basic, a credit hour is a proxy measure of a quantity of student learning. The higher education community has long used the credit hour, as defined by the ``Carnegie unit,'' as part of a process to establish a standard measure of faculty workloads, costs of instruction, and rates of educational efficiencies, as well as a measure of student work for transfer students. A credit hour for purposes of part 147 is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates some minimum amount of student work reflective of the amount of work expected in a Carnegie unit. A school that chooses to use a credit hour curriculum would be required to determine the clock-to-credit-hour conversion requirements and credit hours to be awarded for coursework under that option. No matter which of the two options a school would select, it would have to ensure equivalent comprehensive coverage of the General, Airframe, and Powerplant curriculum subjects areas, including the course content items under them. b. General Curriculum Subjects Headings (Appendix B) As proposed, the ``General Curriculum Subjects'' headings, including proposed new and revised subject headings, would remain in Appendix B of part 147. In addition, those same subject headings would be included in each school's Operations Specification B002, captioned ``General Curriculum Subjects.'' The FAA proposes to delete the course content items currently included under each curriculum subject heading in the appendix. These course content items, as well as new course content items for the new and revised subject headings, would be included in each school's operations specifications, as recommended by the ARAC Report. These items would be listed in each school's Operations Specification B002 under the corresponding subject heading. Once the course content items were included in a school's Operations Specifications, the FAA and the school could amend them as needed to keep pace with ongoing changes in technology. The proposed ``General Curriculum Subjects'' headings are as follows: A. Fundamental Electricity and Electronics B. Aircraft Drawings C. Weight and Balance D. Fluid Lines and Fittings E. Aircraft Materials, Hardware, and Processes F. Ground Operations and Servicing G. Cleaning and Corrosion Control H. Mathematics I. Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications J. Physics for Aviation K. Inspection Concepts and Techniques L. Mechanic Privileges and Limitations M. Human Factors N. Foreign Object Elimination (FOE) O. Alerts, Cautions, and Warning Indications The above proposed ``General Curriculum Subjects'' headings differ from the existing subject headings as follows: Proposed subject heading ``A'' (``Fundamental Electricity and Electronics'') would be a change from the existing subject heading ``A'' (``Basic Electricity''). This revision is needed to better reflect evolving technological changes, with emphasis on electronics required for maintaining current and newer aircraft types. Proposed subject heading ``E'' (``Aircraft Materials, Hardware, and Processes'') would be a change from the existing subject heading ``E'' (``Materials and Processes''). This revision is needed to highlight the differences between aircraft materials, hardware, and specific processes, such as new nondestructive testing methods and techniques. Proposed subject heading ``I'' (``Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications'') would be a change from the existing subject heading ``I'' (``Maintenance Forms and Records''). Items to be covered would include completing miscellaneous forms, using appropriate terminologies, and familiarization with pertinent records and publications. This would also help ensure that students have the ability to read and understand publications and FAA regulations. This heading would also encompass what is in the current subject heading ``K'' (``Maintenance Publications).'' Accordingly, ``Maintenance Publications'' would be deleted as a separate subject heading. Proposed subject heading ``J'' (``Physics for Aviation'') would be a change from the existing subject heading ``J'' (``Basic Physics''). This change would better reflect the specifics of aviation physics that should be taught. A new subject heading ``K'' is proposed entitled ``Inspection Concepts and Techniques.'' This would replace the current subject heading ``K'' (``Maintenance Publications''), which is now part of proposed subject heading ``I.'' Inspections are a key element in any good maintenance practice and require a high degree of knowledge and practical application. Inspections vary from nondestructive testing to general visual and detailed visual inspections--all of which must be performed in accordance with approved or acceptable data. A new subject heading ``M'' is proposed entitled ``Human Factors.'' Aviation maintenance is always in a state of flux. Evolving aircraft design and manufacturing contain materials, powerplants, and electronic subsystems that did not exist in earlier models. This situation is compounded by the growing number of aging aircraft. Technicians are working longer hours and different shifts. Maintenance technicians are increasingly using sophisticated equipment and procedures to maintain modern aircraft. Human error is the primary, or a contributing factor, in 80% (or more) of aviation incidents/ accidents. Workers routinely commit errors that result in injuries, damage to equipment, regulatory non-compliance, breaches of flight safety, and more. The goal of introducing human factors training into the schools' General curriculum is to help aviation technicians recognize the situations that can lead to error. This training would [[Page 59678]] help identify and address the human factors hazards that jeopardize workers and the safety of flight. The requirement would also help harmonize FAA rules with those of other international authorities. A new subject heading ``N'' is proposed entitled ``Foreign Object Elimination (FOE).'' Foreign objects have been a major cause of aircraft damage and ad hoc maintenance. This damage has led to disastrous aviation accidents. Raising the awareness of foreign object elimination principals and techniques in a school's curriculum is a positive first step in foreign object damage elimination. A new subject heading ``O'' is proposed entitled ``Alerts, Cautions, and Warning Indications.'' Current and future flight deck designs incorporate sophisticated flight crew alerting systems. The existing curriculums do not take into consideration this state of the art technology, or associated safety and implementation issues associated with maintaining these alerting systems. c. Airframe Curriculum Subjects Headings (Appendix C) Similar to the General Curriculum Subjects headings amendments proposed above, the Airframe Curriculum Subject headings, including proposed new and revised subject headings, would remain in part 147, in this case, in Appendix C. In addition, those same subject headings would be included in each school's Operations Specification B003, captioned ``Airframe Curriculum Subjects.'' The FAA proposes to delete the course content items currently included under each curriculum subject heading in the appendix. These course content items, as well as new course content items for the new and revised subject headings, would be included in each school's operations specifications, as recommended by the ARAC Report. These items would be listed in each school's Operations Specification B003 under the corresponding subject heading. Once the course content items were included in a school's operations specifications, the FAA and the school could amend them as needed to keep pace with ongoing changes in technology. The FAA proposes to eliminate the two Appendix C sub-headings: ``I. Airframe Structures'' and ``II. Airframe Systems and Components.'' Instead, all subject headings would be included under the main Appendix C heading ``Airframe Curriculum Subjects.'' The proposed ``Airframe Curriculum Subjects'' headings are as follows: A. Metallic Structures B. Non-Metallic Structures C. Flight Controls D. Airframe Inspection E. Landing Gear Systems F. Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems G. Environmental Systems H. Aircraft Instrument Systems I. Communication and Navigation Systems J. Aircraft Fuel Systems K. Aircraft Electrical Systems L. Ice and Rain Control Systems M. Airframe Fire Protection Systems N. Rotorcraft Fundamentals O. Water and Waste Systems The above proposed ``Airframe Curriculum Subjects'' headings differ from the existing subject headings as follows: The proposed new subject heading ``Metallic Structures'' (proposed subject ``A'') would be a change from the existing subject heading (``Wood Structures''--current subject ``I.A''). This revision, along with the proposed revision to subject I.B (proposed ``Non- Metallic Structures''--proposed subject ``B''), is necessary to reflect a more useful division between metallic structures and non-metallic (including wood) structures. Metallic structures would cover aviation- related sheet metals, rivets, hardware, special fasteners, heat treatments, welding, forming, and the importance of using the Structural Repair Manual. The proposed new subject heading ``Non-Metallic Structures'' (proposed subject ``B'') would be a change from the existing subject heading (``Aircraft Covering''--current subject ``I.B''). This section would incorporate wood structures, aircraft coverings, composites, plastics, and glass. The subject matters currently included in the existing subject heading ``Aircraft Finishes'' (current subject ``I.C'') would be covered in the proposed subject heading ``G'' titled ``Cleaning and Corrosion Control'' in the General Curriculum Subjects in Appendix B. The FAA proposes a new subject heading to read ``Flight Controls'' (proposed subject ``C''). This subject heading would cover topics such as primary and secondary flight controls, structure alignment, and control surface indicators. It would also include the assembly and rigging subject matter that is currently listed as subject ``I.F'' (``Assembly and Rigging'') in Appendix C. Accordingly, ``Assembly and Rigging'' would be deleted as a separate subject heading. The subject matters included in the current subject heading ``Sheet Metal and Non-Metallic Structures'' (current subject ``I.D'') would be covered in the proposed new subject headings ``Metallic Structures'' and ``Non-Metallic Structures'' (discussed above). Therefore, the agency proposes to remove that subject heading. The subject matters included in the current subject heading ``Welding'' (current subject ``I.E'') would be covered in the proposed subject heading ``Metallic Structures'' (discussed above). Therefore, the agency proposes to remove that subject heading. While the subject matters included in the current heading ``Airframe Inspection'' would remain in Appendix C, they would no longer be in subject heading ``I.G.'' Under this proposal, they would be moved to subject heading ``D.'' While the subject matters included in the current heading ``Aircraft Landing Gear Systems'' would remain in Appendix C, they would no longer be in subject heading ``II.A.'' Under this proposal, they would move to subject heading ``E,'' which would be captioned ``Landing Gear Systems.'' While the subject matters included in the current heading ``Hydraulic and Pneumatic Power Systems'' would remain in Appendix C, they would no longer be in subject heading ``II.B.'' Under this proposal, they would move to subject heading ``F,'' which would be captioned ``Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems.'' While the subject matters included in the current heading ``Cabin Atmosphere Control Systems'' would remain in Appendix C, they would no longer be in subject heading ``II.C.'' Under this proposal, they would move to subject heading ``G,'' which would be captioned ``Environmental Systems.'' This title better describes the course content, which covers cabin environmental systems, including the inspection, servicing, and troubleshooting of oxygen systems and instrument cooling systems. While the subject matters included in the current heading ``Aircraft Instrument Systems'' would remain in Appendix C, they would no longer be in subject heading ``II.D.'' Under this proposal, they would move to subject heading ``H.'' While the subject matters included in the current heading ``Communication and Navigation Systems'' would remain in Appendix C, they would no longer be in subject heading ``II.E.'' Under this proposal, they would move to subject heading ``L.'' While the subject matters included in the current heading ``Aircraft Fuel Systems'' would remain in Appendix C, they would no longer be in subject heading ``II.F.'' Under this proposal, they would move to subject heading ``J.'' While the subject matters included in the current heading ``Aircraft [[Page 59679]] Electrical Systems'' would remain in Appendix C, they would no longer be in subject heading ``II.G.'' Under this proposal, they would move to subject heading ``K.'' While the subject matters included in the current heading ``Position and Warning Systems'' would remain in Appendix C, they would no longer be in subject heading ``II.H.'' Under this proposal, they would be included in proposed subject heading ``E'' (``Landing Gear Systems'') because its course content items are appropriate to be covered in that subject. Accordingly, ``Position and Warning Systems'' would be deleted as a separate subject heading. While the subject matters included in the current heading ``Ice and Rain Control Systems'' would remain in Appendix C, they would no longer be in subject heading ``II.I.'' Under this proposal, they would move to subject heading ``L.'' While the subject matters included in the current heading ``Fire Protection Systems'' would remain in Appendix C, they would no longer be in subject heading ``II.J.'' Under this proposal, they would move to subject heading ``M'' and be retitled ``Airframe Fire Protection Systems.'' The FAA proposes to add a new subject heading entitled ``Rotorcraft Fundamentals'' (new subject heading ``N'') to address maintenance items such as rotorcraft fundamentals, transmissions, and operation of rotor systems. The FAA proposes to add a new subject heading entitled ``Water and Waste Systems'' (new subject heading ``O'') to address the advances in potable water and lavatory waste systems. Additionally, there is the potential for the accumulation of ice if the systems are not operated, maintained, or serviced properly. This ice could detach from the aircraft causing damage to the aircraft and raising safety issues on the ground. d. Powerplant Curriculum Subjects Headings (Appendix D) Similar to the General and the Airframe curriculum subjects headings amendments proposed above, the ``Powerplant Curriculum Subjects'' headings, including proposed new and revised subject headings, would remain in part 147, in this case, in Appendix D. In addition, those same subject headings would be included in each school's Operations Specification B004, captioned ``Powerplant Curriculum Subjects.'' The FAA proposes to delete the course content items currently included under each curriculum subject heading in the appendix. These course content items, as well as new course content items for the new and revised subject headings, would be included in each school's operations specifications, as recommended by the ARAC Report. These items would be listed in each school's Operations Specification B004 under the corresponding subject heading. Once the course content items were included in a school's operations specifications, the FAA and the school could amend them as needed to keep pace with ongoing changes in technology. The FAA proposes to eliminate the two Appendix D sub-headings: ``I. Powerplant Theory and Maintenance'' and ``II. Powerplant Systems and Components.'' Instead, all subject headings would be included under the main Appendix D heading ``Powerplant Curriculum Subjects.'' The proposed ``Powerplant Curriculum Subjects'' headings are as follows: A. Reciprocating Engines B. Turbine engines C. Engine Inspection D. Engine Instrument Systems E. Engine Fire Protection Systems F. Engine Electrical Systems G. Lubrication Systems H. Ignition and Starting Systems I. Fuel Metering Systems J. Reciprocating Engine Induction and Cooling Systems K. Turbine Engine Air Systems L. Engine Exhaust and Reverser Systems M. Propellers The above proposed ``Powerplant Curriculum Subjects'' headings differ from the existing subject headings as follows: The FAA is proposing to combine the existing subject headings ``Fuel Metering Systems'' (current subject ``II.F'') and ``Engine Fuel Systems'' (current subject ``II.G'') under a new subject heading: ``Fuel Metering Systems'' (proposed subject ``I''). The FAA is proposing to combine the existing subject headings of ``Induction and Engine Airflow Systems'' (current subject ``II.H'') and ``Engine Cooling Systems'' (current subject ``II.I'') under a new subject heading: ``Reciprocating Engine Induction and Cooling Systems'' (proposed subject ``J''). This revised subject would incorporate induction and cooling systems designs, components, and inspection practices. The FAA proposes to add a new subject heading: ``Turbine Engine Air Systems'' (proposed subject ``K''). This section would address engine anti ice systems, compressor bleed systems, and turbine case cooling. The FAA proposes to remove the subject ``Unducted Fans'' (current subject ``II.L'') from the Powerplant Curriculum Subjects of Appendix D. In the late 1970's, the unducted fan engine (a type of aircraft engine related in concept to both the turboprop and turbofan, but different from both) was under consideration for use on commercial airliners because of its fuel economy benefits. Since fuel costs became an increasingly significant aspect for commercial aviation, engine designers felt the unducted fan would become a viable solution. For that reason, the FAA added unducted fans to the aviation maintenance technician school powerplant curriculum in 1992. Because unducted fan technology never became popular, the FAA is proposing to remove this subject from the powerplant curriculum. e. Curriculum Course Content One of the primary objectives of this proposed rulemaking is to establish a regulatory basis for the FAA to issue operations specifications to aviation maintenance technician schools as a tool for their management and oversight. As discussed above, in order to facilitate keeping the schools' curriculums up-to-date, the FAA proposes to remove the course content items listed under each subject heading in Appendices B-D and place them in each school's operations specifications. Current Sec. 147.5 provides for the FAA to issue operations specifications to certificate holders who meet the requirements of part 147, and we are not proposing to change that. We are, however, proposing to amend Sec. 147.3 to provide that no person may operate as an aviation maintenance technician school without or in violation of a certificate, rating, or operations specifications. And, the FAA is proposing a new Sec. 147.9 that would provide, among other things, that each school's operations specifications contain its complete curriculum and the descriptions required under each of the subjects specified in the part 147 appendices. In addition, in order to facilitate keeping course content and other items included in the schools' operations specifications up to date, we are proposing a new Sec. 147.10 that would provide processes for amending, suspending, or terminating operations specifications, including processes for petitioning for reconsideration of a decision adverse to the certificate holder. Whenever a proposed process states the submission must be written or in writing, the FAA contemplates that the submission could be a paper submission, one filed electronically, or both. In a case where the certificate-holding district office found, under proposed [[Page 59680]] Sec. 147.10(f), that an emergency existed that required immediate action with respect to safety in air transportation or air commerce, the above-referenced administrative processes would not apply. The affected certificate holder could appeal the action that amended, suspended, or terminated the operation specification to the appropriate United States Court of Appeals as a final order of the Administrator under 49 U.S.C. 46110(a). Because the FAA is proposing to remove the course curriculum items from the appendices of part 147 and require that all course curriculum items be placed in each school's operations specifications, all certificated aviation maintenance technician schools would be required to submit new curriculums to the FAA for approval. Current FAA Advisory Circular AC 147-3A (Certification and Operation of Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools) lists the course curriculum items from the appendices, and suggests acceptable options to the curriculums. This Advisory Circular is currently undergoing revision by the FAA. If this proposed rule becomes final, the FAA will further revise this Advisory Circular to provide guidance on how the schools can develop the required curriculums based on the existing course content items in the current appendices, and also on developing new course content items for the proposed new and revised subject headings. We are also proposing in Sec. 147.21(a) to permit, with FAA approval, a school to teach approved curriculum subjects at levels exceeding those specified in the school's operations specifications. This change reflects that the FAA's rules are considered minimum standards that certificate holders may exceed. It also is consistent with the provision in current Sec. 147.21(c) that the course content items must be taught to at least the indicated level of proficiency defined in appendix A. In order to facilitate future curriculum updates, the FAA is considering the creation of a Maintenance Training Review Board (MTRB) that would assess evolving industry needs on a recurring basis. The MTRB would review and recommend subsequent amendments to the curriculums. Under the procedures in proposed Sec. 145.10, certificate holders and the FAA could agree upon appropriate curriculum changes when needed, and the operations specifications could be amended accordingly. f. Distance Learning (Sec. 147.31(g)) A form of information sharing for educational purposes using computer systems away from the traditional classroom setting has become known as ``distance learning.'' Distance learning (also known by other terms such as E-learning, home study, self-guided training, virtual classroom, distributed training, computer-based training (CBT) and Web- based training (WBT)) can be an effective means of teaching that affords a low cost alternative to classroom training when applied to a select group of curriculum subject areas. It is also an alternative that is timely and appropriate in today's challenging economic environment. Therefore, the FAA is proposing a new paragraph (g) to Sec. 147.31 to provide the option for distance learning instruction under certain circumstances approved by the FAA. g. Change Instructor Requirements (Sec. 147.23) The FAA proposes to revise the instructor requirements for certificated aviation maintenance technician schools to allow specially qualified instructors, who may not be FAA-certificated technicians, to teach certain courses when approved by the FAA. This proposed amendment would alleviate the limitation for non-FAA-certificated instructors to teach only in the General curriculum. This proposal would allow qualified non-FAA-certificated instructors to teach not only in the General curriculum, but also the Airframe, and/or Powerplant curriculums if deemed qualified and subsequently approved by the FAA. Each school would be required to maintain and keep in its operations specifications an up-to-date list of the names and qualifications of all its instructors. h. Written Knowledge Test (Sec. 147.31) The FAA proposes to add a new paragraph (f) to Sec. 147.31 that would permit a student who had successfully completed the General curriculum to take the general written knowledge test even if the student had not met the experience requirements of 14 CFR 65.77. Section 65.75(a) provides that applicants for a mechanic certificate or rating must, after meeting the applicable experience requirements of Sec. 65.77, pass a written test. Under this proposal, whenever a certificated aviation maintenance technician school demonstrates to an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) with oversight responsibility for the school that a student has made satisfactory progress at the school, the student could take the aviation mechanic written general knowledge test. i. Change of Location Requirements (Sec. 147.41) The FAA proposes to amend Sec. 147.41 to retain the requirement that an aviation maintenance technician school certificate holder may not change the school's physical location unless the change is approved in advance by the FAA, and that an application for the change must be made 30 days in advance of the contemplated move. However, the agency proposes to remove the current text that states if a school changes its location without FAA approval, ``the certificate is revoked.'' All certificate holders are entitled to due process before a certificate action could be final. Accordingly, we propose to remove existing text that states: ``If he [the certificate holder] changes its location without approval, the certificate is revoked.'' Because each certificate holder's operations specifications would include the physical address of the primary location of the school, we are proposing that new Sec. 147.41 contain the requirement that the new location be listed in the school's operations specifications. Also, and as discussed below, we propose to remove gender-specific language from this section (e.g., ``he'') and from other sections of part 147. j. Inspection Requirements (Sec. 147.43) The FAA proposes to amend Sec. 147.43 for clarity and to remove inappropriate text related to FAA inspection policies (e.g., on expected frequency of and procedures related to inspections of aviation maintenance technician schools). The section, as proposed, would require only that a school allow the FAA to inspect it at any time to determine compliance with the applicable regulations. k. Advertising (Sec. 147.45) The FAA proposes to remove this section in its entirety. The FAA believes that Federal and State laws adequately protect the public from false and misleading advertising. Moreover, the FAA's mandate is to regulate aviation safety, not the advertising of the entities it regulates. l. Duration of Certificate (Sec. 147.7) The FAA proposes to revise Sec. 147.7 to add a requirement that an aviation maintenance technician school certificate surrender is not complete until the FAA accepts it for cancellation. This new surrender requirement would codify existing FAA policy, and would prevent a school under investigation from attempting to circumvent a possible enforcement action that could result in a revocation [[Page 59681]] of the school's certificate by surrendering the certificate to stop the investigation before it could be completed. m. Gender References The FAA proposes to amend several sections of part 147 (specifically, Sec. Sec. 147.13, 147.15, 147.17, 147.31(c), and 147.41) to remove gender-specific language (``he'') from the current text, and revise the text to use gender-neutral terms. n. Miscellaneous The FAA proposes to remove current Sec. Sec. 147.36, 147.37, and 147.38 because they are unnecessary in light of the corresponding initial certification requirements, which are continuing and ongoing. For example, current Sec. Sec. 147.13, 147.21, and 147.23 each require an ``applicant'' to have or provide certain things, whereas the sections that would be removed require the continuation the initial requirement. We also propose to revise Sec. Sec. 147.13, 147.21, 147.23, and others, where pertinent, to read: ``Each certificated aviation maintenance technician school must . . . .'' Those requirements then would apply to an applicant for a certificate and would continue to apply to the school while in operation. We are also proposing minor, non-substantive revisions throughout part 147 for clarity. 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 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, this 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. We suggest readers seeking greater detail read the full regulatory evaluation, a copy of which we have placed in the docket for this rulemaking. In conducting these analyses, the FAA has determined that this proposed rule: (1) Has benefits that justify its costs, (2) is not an economically ``significant regulatory action'' as defined in section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, (3) is ``significant'' as defined in DOT's Regulatory Policies and Procedures; (4) would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; (5) would not create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United States; and (6) would not impose an unfunded mandate on state, local, or tribal governments, or on the private sector by exceeding the threshold identified above. These analyses are summarized below. 1. Total Benefits and Costs of This Rule Benefits would accrue from changing curriculum hours, which would lower the more costly laboratory time (while offset by increasing classroom time) and also from eliminating the exemptions currently issued for aviation mechanic testing requirements. The estimated total benefits of this rule are about $10 million ($7 million, present value at 7%). The two compliance costs of the rule are initial curriculum revisions and subsequent curriculum revisions, The estimated total costs are about $4 million ($3 million, present value at 7%). Net benefits equal approximately $7 million ($3 million, present value at 7%). Net Benefits -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Benefits Cost ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exemptions Changes to Net Present Year --------------------------- the Total Initial Subsequent Total benefits value net Private curriculum benefits curriculum curriculum costs benefits sector Government hours revisions revisions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2016-2025...................... $63,429 $185,403 $10,206,000 $10,454,831 $3,456,430 $315,801 $3,772,230 $6,682,601 $3,346,000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Who is potentially affected by this rule? Aviation maintenance technician schools and the FAA. 3. Assumptions The analysis is conducted in constant dollars with 2014 as the base year. We calculated the present value of the potential benefit stream by discounting the monetary values using a 7 percent interest rate from 2016 to 2025. This final rule will become effective in 2016. We assume the compliance date will be one year after the effective date (2017). We assume no growth in the number of Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools. As per DOT guidance, we assume that there will be a 1.18 percent projected annual increase in real wages. 4. Benefits From 2016 to 2025, the estimated total benefits of this rule to aviation maintenance technician schools, and the FAA are about $10 million ($7 million, present value at 7%). 5. Costs From 2016 to 2025, the estimated total costs are about $4 million ($3 million, present value at 7%). 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, [[Page 59682]] 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. The FAA identified a total of 20 proprietary technician schools with less than 1,500 employees which are classified as small entities. The FAA believes that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of entities for the following reason: The FAA estimates that their ratio of annualized costs to annual revenue is between 0.004% and 0.599%, which is not considered a significant economic impact. 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 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 the objective would only affect domestic firms therefore would not create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United States. 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 $151 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. According to the 1995 amendments to the Paperwork Reduction Act (5 CFR 1320.8(b)(2)(vi)), an agency may not collect or sponsor the collection of information, nor may it impose an information collection requirement unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. This proposed rule would impose the following amended information collection requirements. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)), the FAA has submitted these information collection amendments to OMB for its review. Notice of OMB approval for these information collections will be published in a future Federal Register document. Summary: The FAA proposes to amend the regulations governing the curriculum and operations of FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS). These amendments would modernize and reorganize the required curriculum subjects in the appendices of the current regulations. They would also remove the course content items currently located in the appendices and require that they be placed in each AMTS's operations specifications so they could more easily be amended when necessary. Respondents (including number of): There are 162 technician schools affected by this rule. I. Private Sector Costs and Cost-Savings A. Initial Curriculum Revisions All active certificated technician schools will be required to submit a new curriculum to the FAA and issue updated OpSpecs. We assumed: 162 technician schools. 320 hours for a manager and 80 hours for an administrative assistant for the initial revision. 32 hours for a manager and 8 hours for an administrative assistant for subsequent revisions. 10 percent of the curriculums would be rejected in every submission. Subsequent submissions would occur in the same year when curriculums are rejected. First Year Costs Cost = $0. Time = 0. Second Year Costs Cost = (162 x ((320 hours x $40.79) + (80 hours x $20.05))) + (18 x ((32 hours x $40.79) + (8 hours x $20.05))) = $2,400,523. Time = (162 x (320 hours + 80 hours)) + (18 x (32 hours + 8 hours)) = 65,520 hours. Subsequent Year Costs Cost = $0. Time = 0. Total Over 10 years Cost = $2,400,523. Time = 65,520 hours. Average Per Year Cost = $2,400,523/10 = $240,052. Time = 65,520 hours/10 = 6,552 hours. B. Subsequent Curriculum Revisions B.1. Requests for Amendments to the Curriculums Technician schools would submit requests for amendments to their curriculums. We assumed: 9 requests per year. We estimate a technician school manager and an administrative assistant would need 3 hours each. A technician school director would need one hour to review and sign each amendment request. For the wages we assume that there will be a 1.18 percent annual increase in real wages. First Year Costs Cost = $0. [[Page 59683]] Time = 0. Second Year Costs Cost = $0. Time = 0. Third Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((3 hours x $41.27) + (3 hours x $20.29) + (1 hour x $103.46)) = $2,593. Time = 9 x (3 hours + 3 hours + 1 hour) = 63 hours. Fourth Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((3 hours x $41.75) + (3 hours x $20.52) + (1 hour x $104.68)) = $2,624. Time = 9 x (3 hours + 3 hours + 1 hour) = 63 hours. Fifth Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((3 hours x $42.25) + (3 hours x $20.77) + (1 hour x $105.92)) = $2,655. Time = 9 x (3 hours + 3 hours + 1 hour) = 63 hours. Sixth Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((3 hours x $42.74) + (3 hours x $21.01) + (1 hour x $107.17)) = $2,686. Time = 9 x (3 hours + 3 hours + 1 hour) = 63 hours. Seventh Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((3 hours x $43.25) + (3 hours x $21.26) + (1 hour x $108.43)) = $2,718. Time = 9 x (3 hours + 3 hours + 1 hour) = 63 hours. Eight Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((3 hours x $43.76) + (3 hours x $21.51) + (1 hour x $109.71)) = $2,750. Time = 9 x (3 hours + 3 hours + 1 hour) = 63 hours. Ninth Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((3 hours x $44.28) + (3 hours x $21.76) + (1 hour x $111.01)) = $2,782. Time = 9 x (3 hours + 3 hours + 1 hour) = 63 hours. Tenth Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((3 hours x $44.80) + (3 hours x $22.02) + (1 hour x $112.32)) = $2,815. Time = 9 x (3 hours + 3 hours + 1 hour) = 63 hours. Total Over 10 Years Cost = $2,593 + $2,624 + $2,655 + $2,686 + $2,718 + $2,750 + $2,782 + $2,815 = $21,622. Time = 8 x 63 hours = 504 hours. Average Per Year Cost = $21,622/10 = $2,162. Time = 504 hours/10 = 50 hours. B.2. Curriculum Revisions Once the amendments are approved, the technician school curriculums would have to be revised. We assumed: 9 curriculums per year would be revised. We estimate a technician school manager and an administrative assistant would need 32 hours and 8 hours, respectively to revise their curriculums. For the wages we assume that there will be a 1.18 percent annual increase in real wages. First Year Costs Cost = $0. Time = 0. Second Year Costs Cost = $0. Time = 0. Third Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((32 hours x $41.27) + (8 hours x $20.29)) = $13,345. Time = 9 x (32 hours + 8 hours) = 360 hours. Fourth Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((32 hours x $41.75) + (8 hours x $20.52)) = $13,503. Time = 9 x (32 hours + 8 hours) = 360 hours. Fifth Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((32 hours x $42.25) + (8 hours x $20.77)) = $13,662. Time = 9 x (32 hours + 8 hours) = 360 hours. Sixth Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((32 hours x $42.74) + (8 hours x $21.01)) = $13,823. Time = 9 x (32 hours + 8 hours) = 360 hours. Seventh Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((32 hours x $43.25) + (8 hours x $21.26)) = $13,986. Time = 9 x (32 hours + 8 hours) = 360 hours. Eight Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((32 hours x $43.76) + (8 hours x $21.51)) = $14,151. Time = 9 x (32 hours + 8 hours) = 360 hours. Ninth Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((32 hours x $44.28) + (8 hours x $21.76)) = $14,318. Time = 9 x (32 hours + 8 hours) = 360 hours. Tenth Year Costs Cost = 9 x ((32 hours x $44.80) + (8 hours x $22.02)) = $14,487. Time = 9 x (32 hours + 8 hours) = 360 hours. Total Over 10 Years Cost = $13,345 + $13,503 + $13,662 + $13,823 + $14,986 + $14,151 + $14,318 + $14,487 = $111,277. Time = 8 x 360 hours = 2,880 hours. Average Per Year Cost = $111,277/10 = $11,128. Time = 2,880 hours/10 = 288 hours. C. Exemptions The proposed rule would eliminate exemptions currently issued for aviation mechanic testing requirements. We assumed: 30 exemptions/extensions per year. For each exemption/extension, we estimate 3 hours each for a technician school manager and an administrative assistant to write the exemption/extension letter and for a technician school director 1 hour to review and sign the exemption/extension letter. For the wages we assume that there will be a 1.18 percent annual increase in real wages. First Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = $0. Time = 0. Second Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = $0. Time = 0. Third Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = $0. Time = 0. Fourth Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = 30 x ((3 hours x $41.75) + (3 hours x $20.52) + (1 hour x $104.68)) = $8,745. Time = 30 x (3 hours + 3 hours + 1 hour) = 210 hours. Fifth Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = 30 x ((3 hours x $42.25) + (3 hours x $20.77) + (1 hour x $105.92)) = $8,849. Time = 30 x (3 hours + 3 hours + 1 hour) = 210 hours. Sixth Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = 30 x ((3 hours x $42.74) + (3 hours x $21.01) + (1 hour x $107.17)) = $8,953. Time = 30 x (3 hours + 3 hours + 1 hour) = 210 hours. Seventh Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = 30 x ((3 hours x $43.25) + (3 hours x $21.26) + (1 hour x $108.43)) = $9,059. Time = 30 x (3 hours + 3 hours + 1 hour) = 210 hours. [[Page 59684]] Eight Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = 30 x ((3 hours x $43.76) + (3 hours x $21.51) + (1 hour x $109.71)) = $9,166. Time = 30 x (3 hours + 3 hours + 1 hour) = 210 hours. Ninth Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = 30 x ((3 hours x $44.28) + (3 hours x $21.76) + (1 hour x $111.01)) = $9,274. Time = 30 x (3 hours + 3 hours + 1 hour) = 210 hours. Tenth Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = 30 x ((3 hours x $44.80) + (3 hours x $22.02) + (1 hour x $112.32)) = $9,383. Time = 30 x (3 hours + 3 hours + 1 hour) = 210 hours. Total Over 10 Years Cost-savings = $8,745 + $8,849 + $8,953 + $9,059 + $9,166 + $9,274 + $9,383 = $63,429. Time = 7 x 210 hours = 1,470 hours. Average Per Year Cost-savings = $63,429/10 = $6,343. Time = 1,470 hours/10 = 147 hours. II. Government Costs and Cost-Savings A. Initial Curriculum Revisions FSDOs will have to review and approve the technician school curriculums. We assumed: 162 curriculums would be submitted. 80 hours for a principal inspector to review the curriculums the first time and 16 hours for subsequent revisions. 10 percent of the curriculums would be rejected in every submission. Subsequent submissions would occur in the same year when curriculums are rejected. First Year Costs Cost = $0. Time = 0. Second Year Costs Cost = (162 x 80 hours x $79.70) + ((16 + 2) x 16 hours x $79.70) = $1,055,907. Time = (162 x 80 hours) + ((16 + 2) x 16 hours) = 13,248 hours. Subsequent Year Costs Cost = $0. Time = 0. Total Over 10 Years Cost = $1,056,907. Time = 13,248 hours. Average Per Year Cost = $1,055,907/10 = $105,591. Time = 13,248 hours/10 = 1,325 hours. B. Subsequent Curriculum Revisions B.1. FAA To Approve or Reject the Requests The FAA would review and approve every request for amendments. We assumed: The FAA would review and approve 9 requests per year. A principal inspector would need 16 hours for each review. 10 percent of the curriculums would be rejected in every submission. For the wages we assume that there will be a 1.18 percent annual increase in real wages. First Year Costs Cost = $0. Time = 0. Second Year Costs Cost = $0. Time = 0. Third Year Costs Cost = 9 x 16 hours x $80.64 = $11,613. Time = 9 x 16 hours = 144 hours. Fourth Year Costs Cost = 9 x 16 hours x $81.60 = $11,750. Time = 9 x 16 hours = 144 hours. Fifth Year Costs Cost = 9 x 16 hours x $82.56 = $11,888. Time = 9 x 16 hours = 144 hours. Sixth Year Costs Cost = 9 x 16 hours x $83.53 = $12,029. Time = 9 x 16 hours = 144 hours. Seventh Year Costs Cost = 9 x 16 hours x $84.52 = $12,171. Time = 9 x 16 hours = 144 hours. Eight Year Costs Cost = 9 x 16 hours x $85.52 = $12,314. Time = 9 x 16 hours = 144 hours. Ninth Year Costs Cost = 9 x 16 hours x $86.52 = $12,459. Time = 9 x 16 hours = 144 hours. Tenth Year Costs Cost = 9 x 16 hours x $87.55 = $12,607. Time = 9 x 16 hours = 144 hours. Total Over 10 Years Cost = $11,613 + $11,750 + $11,888 + $12,029 + $12,171 + $12,314 + $12,459 + $12,607 = $96,830. Time = 8 x 144 hours = 1,152 hours. Average Per Year Cost = $96,830/10 = $9,683. Time = 1,152 hours/10 = 115 hours. B.2. Curriculum Revisions The FAA would need to approve the technician school curriculums. We assumed: 8 curriculums per year would be approved. A principal inspector would need 16 hours for each review. 10 percent of the curriculums would be rejected in every submission. For the wages we assume that there will be a 1.18 percent annual increase in real wages. First Year Costs Cost = $0. Time = 0. Second Year Costs Cost = $0. Time = 0. Third Year Costs Cost = 8 x 16 hours x $80.64 = $10,322. Time = 8 x 16 hours = 128 hours. Fourth Year Costs Cost = 8 x 16 hours x $81.60 = $10,444. Time = 8 x 16 hours = 128 hours. Fifth Year Costs Cost = 9 x 16 hours x $82.56 = $10,567. Time = 8 x 16 hours = 128 hours. Sixth Year Costs Cost = 9 x 16 hours x $83.53 = $10,692. Time = 8 x 16 hours = 128 hours. Seventh Year Costs Cost = 9 x 16 hours x $84.52 = $10,818. Time = 8 x 16 hours = 128 hours. Eight Year Costs Cost = 9 x 16 hours x $85.52 = $10,946. Time = 8 x 16 hours = 128 hours. Ninth Year Costs Cost = 9 x 16 hours x $86.52 = $11,075. Time = 8 x 16 hours = 128 hours. Tenth Year Costs Cost = 9 x 16 hours x $87.55 = $11,206. Time = 8 x 16 hours = 128 hours. Total Over 10 Years Cost = $10,322 + $10,444 + $10,567 + $10,692 + $10,818 + $10,946 + $11,075 + $11,206 = $86,071. Time = 8 x 128 hours = 1,024 hours. Average Per Year Cost = $86,071/10 = $8,607. Time = 1,024 hours/10 = 102 hours. C. Exemptions The proposed rule would eliminate exemptions currently issued for aviation mechanic testing requirements. We assumed: 30 exemptions/extensions per year. 1 hour each for a Rule making director, an Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) director and a Rule making manager. [[Page 59685]] 2 hours each for an FAA attorney, a Rule making analyst, and an OPR administrative assistant 4 hours for a Rule making administrative assistant. For the wages we assume that there will be a 1.18 percent annual increase in real wages. First Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = $0. Time = 0. Second Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = $0. Time = 0. Third Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = $0. Time = 0. Fourth Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = 30 x ((4 hours x $33.23) + (2 hours x $55.50) + (1 hour x $97.51) + (1 hour x $124.59) + (2 hours x $97.51) + (1 hour x $124.59) + (2 hours x $33.23)) = $25,563. Time = 30 x (4 hours + 2 hours + 1 hour + 1 hour + 2 hours + 1 hour + 2 hours) = 390 hours. Fifth Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = 30 x ((4 hours x $33.62) + (2 hours x $56.15) + (1 hour x $98.66) + (1 hour x $126.06) + (2 hours x $98.66) + (1 hour x $126.06) + (2 hours x $33.62)) = $25,865. Time = 30 x (4 hours + 2 hours + 1 hour + 1 hour + 2 hours + 1 hour + 2 hours) = 390 hours. Sixth Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = 30 x ((4 hours x $34.02) + (2 hours x $56.82) + (1 hour x $99.83) + (1 hour x $127.55) + (2 hours x $99.83) + (1 hour x $127.55) + (2 hours x $34.02)) = $26,170. Time = 30 x (4 hours + 2 hours + 1 hour + 1 hour + 2 hours + 1 hour + 2 hours) = 390 hours. Seventh Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = 30 x ((4 hours x $34.42) + (2 hours x $57.49) + (1 hour x $101.01) + (1 hour x $129.06) + (2 hours x $101.01) + (1 hour x $129.06) + (2 hours x $34.42)) = $26,479. Time = 30 x (4 hours + 2 hours + 1 hour + 1 hour + 2 hours + 1 hour + 2 hours) = 390 hours. Eight Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = 30 x ((4 hours x $34.83) + (2 hours x $58.16) + (1 hour x $102.20) + (1 hour x $130.58) + (2 hours x $102.20) + (1 hour x $130.58) + (2 hours x $34.83)) = $26,791. Time = 30 x (4 hours + 2 hours + 1 hour + 1 hour + 2 hours + 1 hour + 2 hours) = 390 hours. Ninth Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = 30 x ((4 hours x $35.24) + (2 hours x $58.85) + (1 hour x $103.40) + (1 hour x $132.12) + (2 hours x $103.40) + (1 hour x $132.12) + (2 hours x $35.24)) = $27,107. Time = 30 x (4 hours + 2 hours + 1 hour + 1 hour + 2 hours + 1 hour + 2 hours) = 390 hours. Tenth Year Cost-Savings Cost-saving = 30 x ((4 hours x $35.65) + (2 hours x $59.55) + (1 hour x $104.63) + (1 hour x $133.68) + (2 hours x $104.63) + (1 hour x $133.68) + (2 hours x $35.65)) = $27,427. Time = 30 x (4 hours + 2 hours + 1 hour + 1 hour + 2 hours + 1 hour + 2 hours) = 390 hours. Total Over 10 Years Cost-savings = $25,563 + $25,865 + $26,170 + $26,479 + $26,791 + $27,107 + $27,427 = $185,403. Time = 7 x 390 hours = 2,730 hours. Average Per Year Cost-savings = $185,403/10 = $18,540. Time = 2,730 hours/10 = 273 hours. Summary The total paperwork impact averages $352,340, taking 8,013 hours annually, as shown in the following table. Summary Table ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Over 10 years Average per year ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Private sector Government Total Private sector Government Total ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Total Total Total Total Total Cost time Cost time Cost time Cost time Cost time Cost time ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A. Initial Curriculum revisions....................... $2,400,523 65,520 $1,055,907 13,248 $3,456,430 78,768 $240,032 6,552 $105,591 1,325 $345,643 7,877 B. Subsequent Curriculum revisions: B.1 Requests...................................... 21,622 504 96,830 1,152 118,452 1,656 2,162 50 9,683 115 11,845 166 B.2 Curriculum Revisions.......................... 111,277 2,880 86,071 1,024 197,349 3,904 11,128 288 8,607 102 19,735 390 C. Exemptions (Savings)............................... -63,429 -1,470 -185,403 -2,730 -248,831 -4,200 -6,343 -147 -18,540 -273 -24,883 -420 Total......................................... 2,469,993 67,434 1,053,406 12,694 3,523,399 80,128 246,999 6,743 105,341 1,269 352,340 8,013 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ F. International Compatibility and Cooperation 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 reviewed the corresponding ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices and has identified no differences with these proposed regulations. G. Environmental Analysis FAA Order 1050.1E 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 312d and involves no extraordinary circumstances. 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 [[Page 59686]] likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. 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) 267-9680. 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 147 Aircraft, Airmen, Educational facilities, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Schools. 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 147--AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS 0 1. The authority citation for part 147 would read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701-44702, 44707, 44709. 0 2. Revise Sec. 147.1 to read as follows: Sec. 147.1 Applicability. This part describes how to obtain an aviation maintenance technician school certificate and associated ratings. This part also contains the rules each FAA-certificated school must follow in conducting its operations. 0 3. Revise Sec. 147.3 to read as follows: Sec. 147.3 Certificate and operations specifications requirements. No person may operate as a certificated aviation maintenance technician school without, or in violation of, an aviation maintenance technician school certificate, rating, or operations specifications issued under this part. 0 4. Revise Sec. 147.5 to read as follows: Sec. 147.5 Application and issue. (a) An application for a certificate and rating, or for an additional rating, must be made in a format acceptable to the FAA and must include the following: (1) A description of the proposed curriculum; (2) A list of the facilities, including their physical addresses, and the materials and equipment to be used; (3) A list of the instructors to be used, including the kind of certificate and ratings held by each, and their certificate numbers; and (4) The maximum number of students to be enrolled at any one time. (b) An applicant who meets the requirements of this part is entitled to an aviation maintenance technician school certificate and associated ratings prescribing such operations specifications and limitations as are necessary in the interest of safety. 0 5. Amend Sec. 147.7 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows: Sec. 147.7 Duration of certificate. (a) An aviation maintenance technician school certificate or rating is effective from the date of issue until the certificate holder surrenders the certificate and the FAA accepts it for cancellation, or the FAA suspends or revokes it. * * * * * 0 6. Add Sec. 147.9 to read as follows: Sec. 147.9 Operations Specifications. (a) Except for operations specifications paragraphs specifying ratings, operations specifications are not part of a certificate. (b) The operations specifications issued to an aviation maintenance technician school must be available at the school for inspection by the public and the FAA at the address required by paragraph (c)(1) of this section. (c) Each certificate holder's operations specifications must contain-- (1) The physical address of the certificate holder's primary location for operation of the school. The address shall also serve as the address for mailed paper correspondence between the FAA and the certificate holder. (2) The ratings held. (3) The complete curriculum and the descriptions required under each of the subjects specified in the appendices. (4) Any exemption granted by the FAA to the school. (5) Lists of the facilities, equipment, and materials used by the school to meet the requirements of Sec. Sec. 147.15 through 147.19. (6) The maximum number of students to be enrolled at any one time. (7) A current list of instructors and their qualifications. [[Page 59687]] (8) Any other information the Administrator determines is necessary. 0 7. Add Sec. 147.10 to read as follows: Sec. 147.10 Amendment, suspension, and termination of operations specifications. (a) The FAA may amend any operations specifications issued under this part if-- (1) The operations specification was issued erroneously; (2) The FAA revises the operations specifications template; (3) The FAA determines that safety in air commerce and the public interest require the amendment; or (4) The certificate holder applies for the amendment and the FAA determines that safety in air commerce and the public interest allows the amendment. (b) Except for an amendment involving a rating, which would be considered a certificate action, the FAA may amend, suspend, or terminate any operations specification issued under this part if the certificate-holding district office determines that safety in air commerce and the public interest require the amendment, suspension, or termination. (c) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section for an amendment, suspension, or termination of an operations specification in which the certificate-holding district office finds that an emergency exists requiring immediate action, when the FAA initiates an amendment, suspension, or termination of an operations specification, the following procedure applies: (1) The certificate-holding district office notifies the certificate holder in writing of the proposed amendment, suspension, or termination. (2) The certificate-holding district office sets a reasonable period (but not less than 7 days) within which the certificate holder may submit written information, views, and arguments on the proposed amendment, suspension, or termination. (3) After considering the material presented, the certificate- holding district office notifies the certificate holder of-- (i) The adoption of the proposed amendment, suspension, or termination; (ii) The partial adoption of the proposed amendment, suspension, or termination; or (iii) The withdrawal of the proposed amendment, suspension, or termination. (4) If the certificate-holding district office issues an amendment, suspension, or termination of an operations specification, it becomes effective not less than 30 days after the certificate holder receives notice of it unless-- (i) The certificate-holding district office finds under paragraph (f) of this section that there is an emergency requiring immediate action with respect to safety in air commerce; or, (ii) The certificate holder petitions for reconsideration of the amendment, suspension, or termination under paragraph (e) of this section. (d) If the certificate holder applies for an amendment to its operations specifications, the following procedure applies: (1) The certificate holder must file an application to amend its operations specifications at least 30 days before the date proposed by the applicant for the amendment to become effective. (2) The application must be submitted to the certificate-holding district office in a form and manner prescribed by the FAA. (3) After considering the material presented, the certificate- holding district office notifies the certificate holder of-- (i) The adoption of the applied for amendment; (ii) The partial adoption of the applied for amendment; or (iii) The denial of the applied for amendment. The certificate holder may petition for reconsideration of a denial or partial adoption under paragraph (e) of this section. (4) If the certificate-holding district office approves the amendment following coordination with the certificate holder regarding its implementation, the amendment is effective on the date the FAA approves it. (e) When a certificate holder seeks reconsideration of a decision from the certificate-holding district office concerning the denial or partial adoption of the certificate holder's applied for amendment, or of an FAA-initiated amendment, suspension, or termination of an operations specification, the following procedure applies: (1) The certificate holder must petition for reconsideration of that decision within 30 days of the date that the certificate holder receives a notice of denial or partial adoption of the applied for amendment to its operations specifications, or of the date it receives notice of an FAA-initiated amendment, suspension, or termination of one or more of its operations specifications, whichever circumstance applies. (2) The certificate holder must address its petition to the applicable Flight Standards Regional Division Manager. (3) A petition for reconsideration, if filed within the 30-day period, suspends the effectiveness of any amendment, suspension, or termination issued by the certificate-holding district office unless the certificate-holding district office has found, under paragraph (f) of this section, that an emergency exists requiring immediate action with respect to safety in air transportation or air commerce. (4) If a petition for reconsideration is not filed within 30 days, the effective date of the amendment, suspension, or termination shall be as specified under paragraphs (c) or (d) of this section. (f) If the certificate-holding district office finds that an emergency exists requiring immediate action with respect to safety in air commerce or air transportation that makes the procedures set out in paragraphs (c) and (e) of this section impracticable or contrary to the public interest: (1) The certificate-holding district office amends, suspends, or terminates the operations specification(s) and makes the amendment, suspension, or termination effective on the day the certificate holder receives notice of it. (2) In the notice to the certificate holder, the certificate- holding district office specifies the reasons for its finding that an emergency exists requiring immediate action with respect to safety in air commerce and air transportation or that makes it impracticable or contrary to the public interest to stay the effectiveness of the amendment, suspension, or termination. 0 8. Revise Sec. 147.13 to read as follows: Sec. 147.13 Facilities, equipment, and material requirements. (a) Each certificated aviation maintenance technician school must provide and maintain at least the facilities, equipment, and materials specified in Sec. Sec. 147.15 through 147.19 that are appropriate to the ratings held. (b) A school may not make a significant change to its facilities, equipment, or materials used to comply with paragraph (a) of this section unless the change is approved in advance by the FAA. The approved changes must be listed in the certificate holder's operations specifications. 0 9. Amend Sec. 147.15 by revising the introductory paragraph and paragraph (f) to read as follows: Sec. 147.15 Space requirements. Each certificated aviation maintenance technician school must provide and maintain properly heated, lighted, and ventilated facilities for the rating or ratings held that the FAA determines are appropriate for the [[Page 59688]] maximum number of students expected to be taught at any time for the following areas and classrooms: * * * * * (f) A suitable area and space with adequate equipment, including benches, tables, and test equipment, to disassemble, service, and inspect: * * * * * 0 10. Amend Sec. 147.17 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows: Sec. 147.17 Instructional equipment requirements. (a) Each certificated aviation maintenance technician school must provide and maintain the following instructional equipment appropriate to the ratings held: * * * * * 0 11. Revise Sec. 147.19 to read as follows: Sec. 147.19 Materials, special tools, and shop equipment requirements. Each certificated aviation maintenance technician school must provide and maintain an adequate supply of materials, special tools, and shop equipment appropriate to the school's FAA-approved curriculum that are used in constructing and maintaining aircraft, to assure that each student will be properly instructed. The special tools and shop equipment must be in satisfactory working condition for their intended purpose. 0 12. Revise Sec. 147.21 to read as follows: Sec. 147.21 General curriculum requirements. (a) Each certificated aviation maintenance technician school must have and use an FAA-approved curriculum that meets the minimum requirements set forth in the school's operations specifications. The curriculum must be designed to qualify students to meet the minimum requirements of subpart D of 14 CFR part 65. With FAA approval, a school may teach approved curriculum subjects at levels exceeding those specified in the school's operations specifications. (b) The curriculum required by paragraph (a) of this section must offer at least the number of instructional hours or credit hours for the rating sought as set forth in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) as follows: (1) For instructional hours, each instruction unit hour may not be less than 50 minutes-- (i) Airframe--1,250 hours (450 general plus 800 airframe). (ii) Power plant--1,100 hours (450 general plus 650 power plant). (iii) Combined airframe and power plant--1,900 hours (450 general plus 800 airframe and 650 powerplant). (2) For credit hours, each credit unit hour must be based on higher education accreditation criteria-- (i) Airframe--28 credit hours (10 general credit hours plus 18 credit hours airframe). (ii) Powerplant--25 credit hours (10 general credit hours plus 15 credit hours power plant) (iii) Combined airframe and power plant--43 credit hours (10 credit hours general plus 18 credit hours airframe and 15 credit hours power plant). (c) The curriculum must cover the subjects and items prescribed in appendices B, C, or D, and the items included under those subject headings in each school's operations specifications as applicable for the school's ratings. Each item must be taught to at least the indicated level of proficiency, defined in Appendix A and set forth in the corresponding operations specification item. (d) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section and Sec. 147.11, the holder of a certificate issued under subpart B of this part may apply for and receive approval of special courses in the performance of special inspection and preventive maintenance programs for a primary category aircraft type certificated under Sec. 21.24(b) of this chapter. The school may also issue certificates of competency to persons successfully completing such courses provided that all other requirements of this part are met and the certificate of competency specifies the aircraft make and model to which the certificate applies. 0 13. Revise Sec. 147.23 to read as follows: Sec. 147.23 Instructor requirements. Each certificated aviation maintenance technician school must provide the number of instructors holding appropriate mechanic certificates and ratings that the FAA determines necessary to provide adequate instruction and supervision of the students, including at least one FAA-certificated instructor for each 25 students in each shop or class. However, a school may, with FAA approval, provide specially qualified instructors who are not FAA certificated mechanics to teach general, airframe, powerplant, or specialized subjects. This provision does not relieve the school from having one instructor who holds an FAA mechanic certificate with ratings for Airframe, Powerplant, or both, as appropriate for each 25 students. Each school must maintain and keep current a list of the names and qualifications of all its instructors in its operations specifications. 0 14. Amend Sec. 147.31 by revising paragraphs (c) through (e) and adding new paragraph (f) to read as follows: Sec. 147.31 Attendance and enrollment, test, and credit for prior instruction or experience. * * * * * (c) A school may not graduate a student unless the student has completed all of the appropriate curriculum requirements. However, the school may credit a student with instruction or previous experience as follows: (1) A school may credit a student with instruction satisfactorily completed at-- (i) An accredited university, college, community college, or junior college; (ii) An accredited vocational, technical, trade, or high school; (iii) A military technical school, or (iv) A certificated aviation maintenance technician school. (2) A school may determine the amount of credit to be allowed-- (i) By an entrance test equal to one given to the students who complete a comparable required curriculum subject at the crediting school; (ii) By an evaluation of an authenticated transcript from the student's former school; or (iii) In the case of a student from a non-accredited military technical school, credit allowed may be determined based only on the successful completion of an entrance test. (3) A school may credit a student with previous aviation maintenance experience comparable to required curriculum subjects. It must determine the amount of credit to be allowed by documents verifying that experience, and by giving the student a test equal to the one given to students who complete the comparable required curriculum subject at the school. (4) A school may credit a student seeking an additional rating with previous satisfactory completion of the general portion of another school's curriculum. (d) A school may not have more students enrolled at any one time than the number of students specified on its FAA-issued operations specifications. (e) A school must use an FAA-approved system for determining final course grades and for recording student attendance. The system must show hours of absence allowed, and show how the missed material and hours will be made available to the student. (f) Whenever an aviation maintenance technician school demonstrates to the FAA that a student has made satisfactory progress at the school, the student may take the aviation mechanic [[Page 59689]] written general knowledge test after completing the corresponding portion of the curriculum, even if the student has not met the experience requirements of Sec. 65.77. The school must prepare and issue a Certificate of Completion to identify students who are eligible to take the written general knowledge test. An official of the school must authenticate the certificate. The certificate must show the completion date and the approved curriculum title under which the student was enrolled. (g) A certificated aviation maintenance technician school may use distance learning as an alternative instructional delivery method under certain circumstances approved by the FAA. Prior to implementation, the school must obtain initial and final FAA approval of the distance learning training program and must adopt policies and procedures for managing its distance learning program. The distance learning program must show that it will achieve a level of competency equal to, or greater than, that required by Sec. 145.37. 0 15. Revise Sec. 147.33 to read as follows: Sec. 147.33 Records. (a) Each certificated aviation maintenance technician school must keep current records for each student enrolled, showing-- (1) The student's attendance, tests, and grades received on the subjects required by this part; (2) The instruction credited to the student under Sec. 147.31(c), if any; and (3) The authenticated transcript of the student's grades from that school. (b) Each school must retain the records required by paragraph (a) for at least two years after the end of the student's enrollment, and must make each record available for inspection by the FAA during that period. (c) Each school must keep a current progress chart or individual progress record for each of its students, showing the practical projects or laboratory work completed, or to be completed, by the student in each subject. 0 16. Revise Sec. 147.35 to read as follows: Sec. 147.35 Transcripts and graduation certificates. (a) Each certificated aviation maintenance technician school must, upon request by a student who has graduated from the school, or by a student who leaves the school before being graduated, provide a transcript of the student's grades to the student. An official of the school must authenticate the transcript. The transcript must state the curriculum in which the student was enrolled, whether the student satisfactorily completed that curriculum, and the final grades the student received. (b) Each school must provide a graduation certificate or certificate of completion to every student it graduates. An official of the school must authenticate the certificate. The certificate must show the date of graduation and the approved curriculum. Sec. 147.36 [Removed and Reserved]. 0 17. Remove and reserve Sec. 147.36. 0 18. Revise Sec. 147.37 to read as follows: Sec. 147.37 Quality of instruction. (a) Each certificated aviation maintenance technician school must provide instruction of sufficient quality that its graduates achieve the pass rates described in this section. For the school's graduates who apply for a mechanic certificate or for an additional rating within 60 days after they are graduated, the percentage of those passing the applicable FAA written tests on their first attempt during any period of 24 calendar months must be at least the percentage figured as follows: (1) For a school graduating fewer than 51 students during that period--the national passing norm minus the number 20. (2) For a school graduating at least 51, but fewer than 201, students during that period--the national passing norm minus the number 15. (3) For a school graduating more than 200 students during that period--the national passing norm minus the number 10. (b) The failure of a school to maintain the quality of instruction specified in paragraph (a) of this section may be the basis for suspending or revoking that school's certificate. (c) As used in this section, ``national passing norm'' is the number representing the percentage of all graduates (of a curriculum for a particular rating) of all certificated aviation maintenance technician schools who apply for a mechanic certificate or additional rating within 60 days after they are graduated and pass the applicable FAA written tests on their first attempt during the period of 24 calendar months described in this section. Sec. Sec. 147.38 and 147.38(a) [Removed and Reserved]. 0 19. Remove and reserve Sec. Sec. 147.38 and 147.38(a). 0 20. Revise Sec. 147.39 to read as follows: Sec. 147.39 Display of certificates. Each certificated aviation maintenance technician school must display the school's certificate, along with its associated ratings, at a place in the school that is normally accessible to the public and where its view is not obscured. The certificate must be available for inspection by the FAA. 0 21. Revise Sec. 147.41 to read as follows: Sec. 147.41 Change of location. The holder of an aviation maintenance technician school certificate may not make any change in the school's physical location unless the change is approved by the FAA in advance. If the certificate holder desires to change the school's location, the holder must notify the FAA, in writing, at least 30 days before the date of the contemplated change. The new location must be listed in the certificate holder's operations specifications. 0 22. Revise Sec. 147.43 to read as follows: Sec. 147.43 FAA Inspection. A certificated aviation maintenance technician school must allow the FAA to inspect the school at any time to determine compliance with this part. Sec. 147.45 [Removed and Reserved]. 0 24. Remove and reserve Sec. 147.45. 0 25. Amend Appendix A by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows: Appendix A to Part 147--Curriculum Requirements This Appendix Defines Terms Used in Appendices B, C, and D of This Part, and Describes the Levels of Proficiency at Which Items Under Each Subject in Each Curriculum Must Be Taught * * * * * (c) Teaching Materials and Equipment. The curriculum may be presented utilizing currently accepted educational materials and equipment, including but not limited to: calculators, computers, distance learning delivery equipment/methods and audio-visual equipment. * * * * * 0 26. Revise Appendix B to read as follows: A. Fundamental Electricity and Electronics B. Aircraft Drawings C. Weight and Balance D. Fluid Lines and Fittings E. Aircraft Material, Hardware, and Processes F. Ground Operations and Servicing G. Cleaning and Corrosion Control H. Mathematics I. Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications J. Physics for Aviation K. Mechanic Privileges and Limitations L. Inspection Concepts and Techniques M. Human Factors N. Foreign Object Elimination (FOE) O. Alerts, Cautions, and Warning Indications 0 27. Revise Appendix C to read as follows: [[Page 59690]] A. Metallic Structures B. Non-Metallic Structures C. Flight Controls D. Airframe Inspection E. Landing Gear Systems F. Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems G. Environmental Systems H. Aircraft Instrument Systems I. Communication and Navigation Systems J. Aircraft Fuel Systems K. Aircraft Electrical Systems L. Ice and Rain Control Systems M. Airframe Fire Protection Systems N. Rotorcraft Fundamentals O. Water and Waste Systems 0 28. Revise Appendix D to read as follows: A. Reciprocating Engines B. Turbine engines C. Engine Inspection D. Engine Fire Protection Systems E. Engine Instrument Systems F. Engine Electrical Systems G. Lubrication Systems H. Ignition and Starting Systems I. Fuel Metering Systems J. Reciprocating Engine Induction and Cooling Systems K. Turbine Engine Air System L. Engine Exhaust and Reverser Systems M. Propellers Issued under authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 44701(a), and 44707 in Washington, DC, on 22 September, 2015. John Duncan, Director, Flight Standards Office. [FR Doc. 2015-24841 Filed 10-1-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![59674 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 191 / Friday, October 2, 2015 / Proposed Rules
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS (v) If the cumulative length of cracks at any 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington,
DIRECTIVES TRF mount strut location is greater than or MA. For information on the availability of
equal to 0.20 inches, but less than 0.25 this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 inches, repeat the inspection within 280
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
continues to read as follows: CSLI.
September 24, 2015.
(vi) If the cumulative length of cracks at
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. any TRF mount strut location is 0.25 inches Colleen M. D’Allesandro,
or greater, replace the TRF with a part Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller
§ 39.13 [Amended] eligible for installation before further flight. Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding (2) For Engines that have Not Applied CFM [FR Doc. 2015–24729 Filed 10–1–15; 8:45 am]
the following new airworthiness SB No. CFM56–5B S/B 72–0308: BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
directive (AD): (i) Prior to accumulating 32,000 CSN on
the TRF of the LPT frame assembly or within
CFM International S.A.: Docket No. FAA–
150 cycles after the effective date of this AD,
2015–2983; Directorate Identifier 2015– DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NE–20–AD. whichever occurs later, perform an initial ECI
or FPI of the TRF mount struts on the LPT
(a) Comments Due Date
Federal Aviation Administration
frame assembly.
We must receive comments by December 1, (ii) For engines with unknown CSN on the
TRF of the LPT frame assembly, perform the 14 CFR Part 147
2015.
initial inspection required by this AD within [Docket No. FAA–2015–3901; Notice No.
(b) Affected ADs 150 cycles-in-service after the effective date 15–10]
None. of this AD.
(iii) Use paragraph 3.B. in the RIN 2120–AK48
(c) Applicability Accomplishment Instructions of CFM SB No.
This AD applies to CFM International S.A. CFM56–5B S/B 72–0850, dated December 19, Aviation Maintenance Technician
(CFM) CFM56–5B engines with turbine rear 2012, to do the ECI and paragraph 3.C. in the Schools
frame (TRF), part number (P/N) 338–102– Accomplishment Instructions of CFM SB No.
907–0 or P/N 338–102–908–0, installed. CFM56–5B S/B 72–0850, to do the FPI. Do AGENCY: Federal Aviation
not include TRF mount strut crack lengths Administration (FAA), DOT.
(d) Unsafe Condition
towards the cumulative crack length after the ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
This AD was prompted by a corrected cracks are repaired. (NPRM).
lifing analysis by the engine manufacturer (iv) If no cracks are found on any of the
that shows the need for an initial and three TRF mount struts, or the cumulative SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to amend
repetitive inspection of certain P/N TRFs on length of cracks at any TRF mount strut the regulations governing the
the low-pressure turbine (LPT) frame location is less than 0.20 inches, repeat the
assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent
curriculum and operations of FAA-
inspection within 2,500 CSLI.
failure of the TRF on the LPT frame (v) If the cumulative length of cracks at any
certificated Aviation Maintenance
assembly, which could lead to engine TRF mount strut location is greater than or Technician Schools. These amendments
separation, damage to the engine, and equal to 0.20 inches and less than 0.25 would modernize and reorganize the
damage to the airplane. inches, repeat the inspection within 370 required curriculum subjects in the
(e) Compliance CSLI. appendices of the current regulations.
(vi) If the cumulative length of cracks at They would also remove the course
Comply with this AD within the any TRF mount strut location is 0.25 inches content items currently located in the
compliance times specified, unless already or greater, replace the TRF with a part
done.
appendices and require that they be
eligible for installation before further flight. placed in each school’s operations
(1) For Engines that have Applied CFM
Service Bulletin (SB) No. CFM56–5B S/B 72– (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance specifications so they could more easily
0308: (AMOCs) be amended when necessary. The
(i) Prior to accumulating 25,000 cycles The Manager, Engine Certification Office, amendments are needed because the
since new (CSN) on the TRF of the LPT frame FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use existing curriculums are outdated, do
assembly or within 150 cycles after the the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to not meet current industry needs, and
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs make your request. You may email your can be changed only through notice and
later, perform an initial eddy current request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov. comment rulemaking. These
inspection (ECI) or a fluorescent penetrant
inspection (FPI) of the TRF mount struts on (g) Related Information amendments would ensure that aviation
the LPT assembly. (1) For more information about this AD, maintenance technician students
(ii) For engines with unknown CSN on the contact Kyle Gustafson, Aerospace Engineer, receive up-to-date foundational training
TRF of the LPT frame assembly, perform the Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & to meet the demanding and consistently
initial inspection required by this AD within Propeller Directorate, 12 New England changing needs of the aviation industry.
150 cycles-in-service after the effective date Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; DATES: Send comments on or before
of this AD. phone: 781–238–7183; fax: 781–238–7199; December 31, 2015.
(iii) Use paragraph 3.B. in the email: kyle.gustafson@faa.gov.
Accomplishment Instructions of CFM SB No. (2) CFM SB No. CFM56–5B S/B 72–0850, ADDRESSES: Send comments identified
CFM56–5B S/B 72–0850, dated December 19, dated December 19, 2012, and CFM SB No. by docket number FAA–2015–3901
2012, to do the ECI and paragraph 3.C. in the CFM56–5B S/B 72–0308, Revision 5, dated using any of the following methods:
Accomplishment Instructions of CFM SB No. October 12, 2007, can be obtained from CFM • Federal Rulemaking Portal: Go to
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
CFM56–5B S/B 72–0850, to do the FPI. Do using the contact information in paragraph http://www.regulations.gov and follow
not include TRF mount strut crack lengths (g)(3) of this proposed AD. the online instructions for sending your
towards the cumulative crack length after the (3) For service information identified in comments electronically.
cracks are repaired. this AD, contact CFM International Inc.,
• Mail: Send comments to Docket
(iv) If no cracks are found on any of the Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann
three TRF mount struts, or the cumulative Way, M/D Room 285, Cincinnati, OH 45125; Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of
length of all cracks at any TRF mount strut phone: 877–432–3272; fax: 877–432–3329; Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey
location is less than 0.20 inches, repeat the email: aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com. Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West
inspection within 1,670 cycles since last (4) You may view this service information Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC
inspection (CSLI). at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 20590–0001.
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![59680 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 191 / Friday, October 2, 2015 / Proposed Rules
§ 147.10(f), that an emergency existed systems away from the traditional i. Change of Location Requirements
that required immediate action with classroom setting has become known as (§ 147.41)
respect to safety in air transportation or ‘‘distance learning.’’ Distance learning The FAA proposes to amend § 147.41
air commerce, the above-referenced (also known by other terms such as E- to retain the requirement that an
administrative processes would not learning, home study, self-guided aviation maintenance technician school
apply. The affected certificate holder training, virtual classroom, distributed certificate holder may not change the
could appeal the action that amended, training, computer-based training (CBT) school’s physical location unless the
suspended, or terminated the operation and Web-based training (WBT)) can be change is approved in advance by the
specification to the appropriate United an effective means of teaching that FAA, and that an application for the
States Court of Appeals as a final order affords a low cost alternative to change must be made 30 days in
of the Administrator under 49 U.S.C. classroom training when applied to a advance of the contemplated move.
46110(a). select group of curriculum subject areas. However, the agency proposes to
Because the FAA is proposing to It is also an alternative that is timely and remove the current text that states if a
remove the course curriculum items appropriate in today’s challenging school changes its location without FAA
from the appendices of part 147 and economic environment. Therefore, the approval, ‘‘the certificate is revoked.’’
require that all course curriculum items FAA is proposing a new paragraph (g) All certificate holders are entitled to due
be placed in each school’s operations to § 147.31 to provide the option for process before a certificate action could
specifications, all certificated aviation distance learning instruction under be final. Accordingly, we propose to
maintenance technician schools would certain circumstances approved by the remove existing text that states: ‘‘If he
be required to submit new curriculums FAA. [the certificate holder] changes its
to the FAA for approval. Current FAA location without approval, the
Advisory Circular AC 147–3A g. Change Instructor Requirements
(§ 147.23) certificate is revoked.’’ Because each
(Certification and Operation of Aviation certificate holder’s operations
Maintenance Technician Schools) lists The FAA proposes to revise the specifications would include the
the course curriculum items from the instructor requirements for certificated physical address of the primary location
appendices, and suggests acceptable aviation maintenance technician of the school, we are proposing that new
options to the curriculums. This schools to allow specially qualified § 147.41 contain the requirement that
Advisory Circular is currently instructors, who may not be FAA- the new location be listed in the
undergoing revision by the FAA. If this certificated technicians, to teach certain school’s operations specifications. Also,
proposed rule becomes final, the FAA and as discussed below, we propose to
courses when approved by the FAA.
will further revise this Advisory remove gender-specific language from
This proposed amendment would
Circular to provide guidance on how the this section (e.g., ‘‘he’’) and from other
alleviate the limitation for non-FAA-
schools can develop the required sections of part 147.
certificated instructors to teach only in
curriculums based on the existing
the General curriculum. This proposal j. Inspection Requirements (§ 147.43)
course content items in the current
would allow qualified non-FAA-
appendices, and also on developing new The FAA proposes to amend § 147.43
certificated instructors to teach not only
course content items for the proposed for clarity and to remove inappropriate
in the General curriculum, but also the
new and revised subject headings. We text related to FAA inspection policies
Airframe, and/or Powerplant
are also proposing in § 147.21(a) to (e.g., on expected frequency of and
permit, with FAA approval, a school to curriculums if deemed qualified and
subsequently approved by the FAA. procedures related to inspections of
teach approved curriculum subjects at aviation maintenance technician
levels exceeding those specified in the Each school would be required to
maintain and keep in its operations schools). The section, as proposed,
school’s operations specifications. This would require only that a school allow
change reflects that the FAA’s rules are specifications an up-to-date list of the
names and qualifications of all its the FAA to inspect it at any time to
considered minimum standards that determine compliance with the
certificate holders may exceed. It also is instructors.
applicable regulations.
consistent with the provision in current h. Written Knowledge Test (§ 147.31)
§ 147.21(c) that the course content items k. Advertising (§ 147.45)
must be taught to at least the indicated The FAA proposes to add a new The FAA proposes to remove this
level of proficiency defined in appendix paragraph (f) to § 147.31 that would section in its entirety. The FAA believes
A. In order to facilitate future permit a student who had successfully that Federal and State laws adequately
curriculum updates, the FAA is completed the General curriculum to protect the public from false and
considering the creation of a take the general written knowledge test misleading advertising. Moreover, the
Maintenance Training Review Board even if the student had not met the FAA’s mandate is to regulate aviation
(MTRB) that would assess evolving experience requirements of 14 CFR safety, not the advertising of the entities
industry needs on a recurring basis. The 65.77. Section 65.75(a) provides that it regulates.
MTRB would review and recommend applicants for a mechanic certificate or
rating must, after meeting the applicable l. Duration of Certificate (§ 147.7)
subsequent amendments to the
curriculums. Under the procedures in experience requirements of § 65.77, pass The FAA proposes to revise § 147.7 to
proposed § 145.10, certificate holders a written test. Under this proposal, add a requirement that an aviation
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
and the FAA could agree upon whenever a certificated aviation maintenance technician school
appropriate curriculum changes when maintenance technician school certificate surrender is not complete
needed, and the operations demonstrates to an FAA Aviation Safety until the FAA accepts it for
specifications could be amended Inspector (ASI) with oversight cancellation. This new surrender
accordingly. responsibility for the school that a requirement would codify existing FAA
student has made satisfactory progress policy, and would prevent a school
f. Distance Learning (§ 147.31(g)) at the school, the student could take the under investigation from attempting to
A form of information sharing for aviation mechanic written general circumvent a possible enforcement
educational purposes using computer knowledge test. action that could result in a revocation
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 191 / Friday, October 2, 2015 / Proposed Rules 59689
written general knowledge test after satisfactorily completed that display the school’s certificate, along
completing the corresponding portion of curriculum, and the final grades the with its associated ratings, at a place in
the curriculum, even if the student has student received. the school that is normally accessible to
not met the experience requirements of (b) Each school must provide a the public and where its view is not
§ 65.77. The school must prepare and graduation certificate or certificate of obscured. The certificate must be
issue a Certificate of Completion to completion to every student it available for inspection by the FAA.
identify students who are eligible to graduates. An official of the school must ■ 21. Revise § 147.41 to read as follows:
take the written general knowledge test. authenticate the certificate. The
An official of the school must certificate must show the date of § 147.41 Change of location.
authenticate the certificate. The graduation and the approved The holder of an aviation
certificate must show the completion curriculum. maintenance technician school
date and the approved curriculum title certificate may not make any change in
§ 147.36 [Removed and Reserved].
under which the student was enrolled. the school’s physical location unless the
(g) A certificated aviation ■ 17. Remove and reserve § 147.36. change is approved by the FAA in
maintenance technician school may use ■ 18. Revise § 147.37 to read as follows: advance. If the certificate holder desires
distance learning as an alternative § 147.37 Quality of instruction. to change the school’s location, the
instructional delivery method under (a) Each certificated aviation holder must notify the FAA, in writing,
certain circumstances approved by the maintenance technician school must at least 30 days before the date of the
FAA. Prior to implementation, the provide instruction of sufficient quality contemplated change. The new location
school must obtain initial and final FAA that its graduates achieve the pass rates must be listed in the certificate holder’s
approval of the distance learning described in this section. For the operations specifications.
training program and must adopt school’s graduates who apply for a ■ 22. Revise § 147.43 to read as follows:
policies and procedures for managing its mechanic certificate or for an additional
distance learning program. The distance § 147.43 FAA Inspection.
rating within 60 days after they are
learning program must show that it will graduated, the percentage of those A certificated aviation maintenance
achieve a level of competency equal to, passing the applicable FAA written tests technician school must allow the FAA
or greater than, that required by on their first attempt during any period to inspect the school at any time to
§ 145.37. of 24 calendar months must be at least determine compliance with this part.
■ 15. Revise § 147.33 to read as follows: the percentage figured as follows: § 147.45 [Removed and Reserved].
§ 147.33 Records. (1) For a school graduating fewer than
51 students during that period—the ■ 24. Remove and reserve § 147.45.
(a) Each certificated aviation ■ 25. Amend Appendix A by revising
national passing norm minus the
maintenance technician school must paragraph (c) to read as follows:
number 20.
keep current records for each student (2) For a school graduating at least 51,
enrolled, showing— Appendix A to Part 147—Curriculum
but fewer than 201, students during that Requirements
(1) The student’s attendance, tests, period—the national passing norm
and grades received on the subjects minus the number 15. This Appendix Defines Terms Used in
required by this part; Appendices B, C, and D of This Part, and
(3) For a school graduating more than
(2) The instruction credited to the Describes the Levels of Proficiency at Which
200 students during that period—the Items Under Each Subject in Each
student under § 147.31(c), if any; and national passing norm minus the
(3) The authenticated transcript of the Curriculum Must Be Taught
number 10.
student’s grades from that school. * * * * *
(b) The failure of a school to maintain (c) Teaching Materials and Equipment. The
(b) Each school must retain the the quality of instruction specified in
records required by paragraph (a) for at curriculum may be presented utilizing
paragraph (a) of this section may be the currently accepted educational materials and
least two years after the end of the basis for suspending or revoking that equipment, including but not limited to:
student’s enrollment, and must make school’s certificate. calculators, computers, distance learning
each record available for inspection by (c) As used in this section, ‘‘national delivery equipment/methods and audio-
the FAA during that period. passing norm’’ is the number visual equipment.
(c) Each school must keep a current representing the percentage of all * * * * *
progress chart or individual progress graduates (of a curriculum for a ■ 26. Revise Appendix B to read as
record for each of its students, showing particular rating) of all certificated follows:
the practical projects or laboratory work aviation maintenance technician
completed, or to be completed, by the A. Fundamental Electricity and Electronics
schools who apply for a mechanic B. Aircraft Drawings
student in each subject. certificate or additional rating within 60 C. Weight and Balance
■ 16. Revise § 147.35 to read as follows:
days after they are graduated and pass D. Fluid Lines and Fittings
§ 147.35 Transcripts and graduation the applicable FAA written tests on E. Aircraft Material, Hardware, and Processes
certificates. their first attempt during the period of F. Ground Operations and Servicing
24 calendar months described in this G. Cleaning and Corrosion Control
(a) Each certificated aviation H. Mathematics
maintenance technician school must, section.
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I. Maintenance Forms, Records, and
upon request by a student who has §§ 147.38 and 147.38(a) [Removed and Publications
graduated from the school, or by a Reserved]. J. Physics for Aviation
student who leaves the school before ■ 19. Remove and reserve § § 147.38 and K. Mechanic Privileges and Limitations
being graduated, provide a transcript of L. Inspection Concepts and Techniques
147.38(a).
the student’s grades to the student. An M. Human Factors
■ 20. Revise § 147.39 to read as follows:
official of the school must authenticate N. Foreign Object Elimination (FOE)
the transcript. The transcript must state § 147.39 Display of certificates. O. Alerts, Cautions, and Warning Indications
the curriculum in which the student Each certificated aviation ■ 27. Revise Appendix C to read as
was enrolled, whether the student maintenance technician school must follows:
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![59690 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 191 / Friday, October 2, 2015 / Proposed Rules
A. Metallic Structures DATES: Comment Due Date: December 1, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
B. Non-Metallic Structures 2015. Thomas Kumi, Director, Single Family
C. Flight Controls Asset Management and Disposition
D. Airframe Inspection ADDRESSES: Interested persons are
invited to submit comments regarding Division, Office of Single Family
E. Landing Gear Systems
F. Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems this proposed rule to the Regulations Housing, Department of Housing and
G. Environmental Systems Division, Office of General Counsel, Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW.,
H. Aircraft Instrument Systems Department of Housing and Urban Room 9172, Washington, DC 20410–
I. Communication and Navigation Systems Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 8000, telephone number 202–708–1672.
J. Aircraft Fuel Systems 10276, Washington, DC 20410–0500. Persons with hearing or speech
K. Aircraft Electrical Systems impairments may access this number
Communications must refer to the above
L. Ice and Rain Control Systems through TTY by calling the toll-free
M. Airframe Fire Protection Systems docket number and title. There are two
methods for submitting public Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8339.
N. Rotorcraft Fundamentals
O. Water and Waste Systems comments. All submissions must refer SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
to the above docket number and title. I. Background
■ 28. Revise Appendix D to read as
follows: 1. Submission of Comments by Mail.
Comments may be submitted by mail to Section 204(g) of the National
A. Reciprocating Engines the Regulations Division, Office of Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1710g) addresses
B. Turbine engines the management and disposition of
C. Engine Inspection
General Counsel, Department of
Housing and Urban Development, 451 HUD-acquired single family property,
D. Engine Fire Protection Systems which includes HUD-acquired real and
E. Engine Instrument Systems 7th Street SW., Room 10276,
Washington, DC 20410–0500. personal property assets. HUD’s
F. Engine Electrical Systems
G. Lubrication Systems 2. Electronic Submission of implementing regulations are codified
H. Ignition and Starting Systems Comments. Interested persons may in 24 CFR part 291 (currently entitled,
I. Fuel Metering Systems submit comments electronically through ‘‘Disposition of HUD-Acquired Single
J. Reciprocating Engine Induction and the Federal eRulemaking Portal at Family Property’’). Under these
Cooling Systems
www.regulations.gov. HUD strongly statutory and regulatory authorities,
K. Turbine Engine Air System HUD is charged with carrying out a
L. Engine Exhaust and Reverser Systems encourages commenters to submit
comments electronically. Electronic program of sales of HUD-acquired and
M. Propellers owned properties along with
submission of comments allows the
Issued under authority provided by 49
commenter maximum time to prepare appropriate credit terms and standards
U.S.C. 106(f), 44701(a), and 44707 in to be used in carrying out the program.
Washington, DC, on 22 September, 2015. and submit a comment, ensures timely
receipt by HUD, and enables HUD to Property owned by HUD as a result of
John Duncan, acquisition includes REO. The goals of
make them immediately available to the
Director, Flight Standards Office.
public. Comments submitted HUD’s Single Family Property
[FR Doc. 2015–24841 Filed 10–1–15; 8:45 am]
electronically through the Disposition program are to reduce the
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P www.regulations.gov Web site can be inventory of single family properties in
viewed by other commenters and a manner that minimizes losses to the
interested members of the public. Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund,
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND Commenters should follow the promote the expansion of
URBAN DEVELOPMENT‘ instructions provided on that site to homeownership opportunities for
submit comments electronically. American families by, among other
24 CFR Part 291 things, selling such properties at a
Note: To receive consideration as public discount to state and local governments
[Docket No. FR–5776–P–01] comments, comments must be submitted and HUD-approved nonprofit entities,
through one of the two methods specified
RIN 2502–AJ32 and help stabilize distressed
above. Again, all submissions must refer to
the docket number and title of the rule. communities.
Disposition of HUD-Acquired Single As a result of recent changes in the
Family Properties; Updating HUD’s No Facsimile Comments. Facsimile housing market, specifically the
Single Family Property Disposition (FAX) comments are not acceptable. economic and housing crisis that
Regulations Public Inspection of Public commenced in 2008, HUD acquired an
AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Comments. All properly submitted unprecedented number of REO
Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing comments and communications properties—98,342, 90,943, 103,215 and
Commissioner, HUD. submitted to HUD will be available for 111,416 in FY 2010, FY 2011, FY 2012,
ACTION: Proposed rule. public inspection and copying between and FY 2013 respectively. This increase
8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays at the above caused FHA to reexamine its disposition
SUMMARY: This proposed rule would address. Due to security measures at the strategy for HUD-acquired single family
revise HUD’s regulations that address HUD Headquarters building, an properties and determine that it needed
property disposition. This rule proposes appointment to review the public to revise, consolidate and reorganize its
to consolidate and reorganize HUD’s comments must be scheduled in property disposition regulations to
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
property disposition regulations so that advance by calling the Regulations facilitate the expeditious sale of REO
they better reflect industry standards Division at 202–708–3055 (this is not a properties acquired and provide greater
and allow HUD to conduct its Single toll-free number). Individuals with efficiency in the administration of
Family Property Disposition Program speech or hearing impairments may HUD’s property disposition program.
more efficiently and more effectively so access this number via TTY by calling While part 291 addresses both HUD-
that HUD can obtain the greatest value the Federal Relay Service at 800–877– acquired real and personal property
for its real estate-owned (REO) 8339. Copies of all comments submitted assets, the focus of this proposed rule is
properties in different market are available for inspection and on HUD’s disposition of REO properties.
conditions. downloading at www.regulations.gov. FHA’s intent is to bring its practices into
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Document Created: 2015-12-15 08:45:16
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 08:45:16
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). | |
| Dates | Send comments on or before December 31, 2015. | |
| Contact | For technical questions concerning this action, contact Robert W. Warren, Aircraft Maintenance Division, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-1711; email [email protected] For legal questions concerning this action, contact Edmund Averman, Office of the Chief Counsel (AGC-210), Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-3147; email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 59674 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AK48 | |
| CFR Associated | Aircraft; Airmen; Educational Facilities; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements and Schools |
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