This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER

contains regulatory documents having general

applicability and legal effect, most of which

are keyed to and codified in the Code of

Federal Regulations, which is published under

50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by

the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of

new books are listed in the first FEDERAL

REGISTER issue of each week.

Rules and Regulations Federal Register

16661 

Vol. 77, No. 56 

Thursday, March 22, 2012 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

Service 

9 CFR Part 77 

[Docket No. APHIS–2008–0124] 

Tuberculosis in Cattle and Bison; State 

and Zone Designations; NM; 

Correction 

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health 

Inspection Service, USDA. 

ACTION: Correcting amendment. 

SUMMARY: We are correcting an error in 

the regulatory text of an interim rule 

that amended the bovine tuberculosis 

regulations by establishing two separate 

zones with different tuberculosis risk 

classifications for the State of New 

Mexico. The interim rule was published 

in the Federal Register on March 23, 

2009 (74 FR 12055–12058, Docket No. 

APHIS–2008–0124). 

DATES: Effective Date: March 22, 2012. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. 

C. William Hench, Senior Staff 

Veterinarian, National Tuberculosis 

Eradication Program, Veterinary 

Services, APHIS, 2150 Centre Ave, Bldg 

B, MSC 3E20, Ft. Collins, CO 80526; 

(970) 494–7378. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In an 

interim rule published in the Federal 

Register on March 23, 2009 (74 FR 

12055–12058, Docket No. APHIS–2008– 

0124), we amended the bovine 

tuberculosis regulations by establishing 

two separate zones with different 

tuberculosis risk classifications for the 

State of New Mexico. (Please note, 

however, that the State of New Mexico, 

in a subsequent rule, was declared an 

accredited-free State and still holds that 

status). In our March 2009 rule, when 

we removed New Mexico from the list 

of modified accredited advanced States, 

we revised § 77.9(a) and introduced an 

error by referring to ‘‘modified 

accredited States’’ when we should have 

referred to ‘‘modified accredited 

advanced States.’’ This document 

corrects that error. 

List of Subjects in 9 CFR Part 77 

Animal diseases, Bison, Cattle, 

Reporting and recordkeeping 

requirements, Transportation, 

Tuberculosis. 

Accordingly, 9 CFR part 77 is 

corrected by making the following 

correcting amendment: 

PART 77—TUBERCULOSIS 

■ 1. The authority citation for part 77 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301–8317; 7 CFR 

2.22, 2.80, and 371.4. 

■ 2. In § 77.9, paragraph (a) is revised to 

read as follows: 

§ 77.9 Modified accredited advanced 

States or zones. 

(a) The following are modified 

accredited advanced States: California. 

* * * * * 

Done in Washington, DC, this 16th day of 

March 2012. 

Kevin Shea, 

Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant 

Health Inspection Service. 

[FR Doc. 2012–6904 Filed 3–21–12; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 3410–34–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2012–0273; Directorate 

Identifier 2011–NM–149–AD; Amendment 

39–16988; AD 2012–06–07] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 

Airplanes 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), Department of 

Transportation (DOT). 

ACTION: Final rule; request for 

comments. 

SUMMARY: We are superseding an 

existing airworthiness directive (AD) for 

certain Model A330–200 and –300 

series airplanes, and Model A340–200, 

–300, –500, and –600 series airplanes. 

This AD was prompted by reports of 

loose pneumatic quick-disconnect 

unions on Goodrich pitot probes that 

might be the result of mis-torque of the 

affected unions at equipment 

manufacturing level. This AD adds 

airplanes to the AD applicability. We 

are issuing this AD to detect and correct 

loose unions on the pitot probes, which 

could lead to an air leak, resulting in 

incorrect total pressure measurement 

and consequent erroneous calibrated 

airspeed (CAS)/MACH parameters 

delivered to the flightcrew by the air 

data computer. 

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 

6, 2012. 

The Director of the Federal Register 

approved the incorporation by reference 

of certain documents listed in this AD 

as of September 22, 2010 (75 FR 50871, 

August 18, 2010). 

We must receive comments on this 

AD by May 7, 2012. 

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by 

any of the following methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 

http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 

instructions for submitting comments. 

• Fax: (202) 493–2251. 

• Mail: U.S. Department of 

Transportation, Docket Operations, 

M–30, West Building Ground Floor, 

Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey 

Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. 

• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of 

Transportation, Docket Operations, 

M–30, West Building Ground Floor, 

Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey 

Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 

a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 

Friday, except Federal holidays. 

Examining the AD Docket 

You may examine the AD docket on 

the Internet at http:// 

www.regulations.gov; or in person at the 

Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. 

and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 

except Federal holidays. The AD docket 

contains this AD, the regulatory 

evaluation, any comments received, and 

other information. The street address for 

the Docket Operations office (telephone 

(800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES

section. Comments will be available in 

the AD docket shortly after receipt. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 

International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, 

Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 

mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES

16662 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 56 / Thursday, March 22, 2012 / Rules and Regulations 

Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 

98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1138; 

fax (425) 227–1149. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion 

On July 30, 2010, we issued AD 2010– 

17–02, Amendment 39–16392 (75 FR 

50871, August 18, 2010). That AD 

required actions intended to address an 

unsafe condition on certain Model 

A330–200 and –300 series airplanes, 

and Model A340–200, –300, –500, and 

–600 series airplanes. 

Since we issued AD 2010–17–02, 

Amendment 39–16392 (75 FR 50871, 

August 18, 2010), we have certified two 

new models: Model A330–223F and 

–243F airplanes. We are issuing this AD 

to include them in the requirements of 

that earlier AD. The European Aviation 

Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 

Technical Agent for the Member States 

of the European Community, has issued 

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011– 

0138, dated July 20, 2011 (referred to 

after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an 

unsafe condition for the specified 

products. The MCAI states: 

Several reports have recently been received 

of loose pneumatic quick-disconnect unions 

on Goodrich pitot probes [part number] P/N 

0851HL. These may be the result of mistorque of the affected unions at equipment 

manufacturing level. Investigations are still 

on-going to determine the root cause(s). 

This condition, if not corrected, could lead 

to an air leak, resulting in incorrect total 

pressure measurement and consequent 

erroneous Calibrated Airspeed (CAS)/MACH 

parameters delivered by the Air Data 

Computer (ADC). 

As a precautionary measure, EASA issued 

Emergency AD 2009–0202 to require a torque 

check of the pneumatic quick-disconnect 

union on certain Goodrich P/N 0851HL pitot 

probes and corrective action, depending on 

findings. 

EASA AD 2009–0202–E was subsequently 

republished to remove an erroneous 

reference to Appendix A from the Reason 

section, as no Appendix was attached to this 

[EASA] AD. [EASA] AD 2009–0202 was later 

revised to exclude pitot probes marked with 

a red torque check-mark from the torquecheck required by paragraph (2.1) of this 

[EASA] AD. 

This [EASA] AD retains the requirements 

of EASA AD 2009–0202R1 [which 

corresponds to FAA AD 2010–17–02, 

Amendment 39–16392 (75 FR 50871, August 

18, 2010)], which is superseded, and expands 

the Applicability to include the newly 

certified Model A330–223F and Model 

A330–243F aeroplanes. 

Loss or fluctuation of indicated airspeed 

could result in misleading information 

provided to the flightcrew. If the quickdisconnect union fitted on the pitot 

probe is not adequately torqued, the 

corrective action includes applying 

torque. You may obtain further 

information by examining the MCAI in 

the AD docket. 

Change to AD 2010–17–02, Amendment 

39–16392 (75 FR 50871, August 18, 

2010) 

We have revised certain headers 

throughout this AD. We have also 

revised the wording in paragraph (g)(3) 

of this AD. This revision does not 

change the intent of paragraph (g)(3) of 

AD 2010–17–02, Amendment 39–16392 

(75 FR 50871, August 18, 2010). 

FAA’s Determination and Requirements 

of This AD 

This product has been approved by 

the aviation authority of another 

country, and is approved for operation 

in the United States. Pursuant to our 

bilateral agreement with the State of 

Design Authority, we have been notified 

of the unsafe condition described in the 

MCAI and service information 

referenced above. We are issuing this 

AD because we evaluated all pertinent 

information and determined the unsafe 

condition exists and is likely to exist or 

develop on other products of the same 

type design. 

There are no products of this type 

currently registered in the United States. 

However, this rule is necessary to 

ensure that the described unsafe 

condition is addressed if any of these 

products are placed on the U.S. Register 

in the future. 

FAA’s Determination of the Effective 

Date 

Since there are currently no domestic 

operators of this product, notice and 

opportunity for public comment before 

issuing this AD are unnecessary. 

Comments Invited 

This AD is a final rule that involves 

requirements affecting flight safety, and 

we did not precede it by notice and 

opportunity for public comment. We 

invite you to send any written relevant 

data, views, or arguments about this AD. 

Send your comments to an address 

listed under the ADDRESSES section. 

Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2012–0273; 

Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–149– 

AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. 

We specifically invite comments on the 

overall regulatory, economic, 

environmental, and energy aspects of 

this AD. We will consider all comments 

received by the closing date and may 

amend this AD because of those 

comments. 

We will post all comments we 

receive, without change, to http:// 

www.regulations.gov, including any 

personal information you provide. We 

will also post a report summarizing each 

substantive verbal contact we receive 

about this AD. 

Authority for This Rulemaking 

Title 49 of the United States Code 

specifies the FAA’s authority to issue 

rules on aviation safety. 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. 

We are issuing this rulemaking under 

the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, 

Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: 

General requirements.’’ Under that 

section, Congress charges the FAA with 

promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in 

air commerce by prescribing regulations 

for practices, methods, and procedures 

the Administrator finds necessary for 

safety in air commerce. This regulation 

is within the scope of that authority 

because it addresses an unsafe condition 

that is likely to exist or develop on 

products identified in this rulemaking 

action. 

Regulatory Findings 

We determined that this AD will not 

have federalism implications under 

Executive Order 13132. This AD will 

not have a substantial direct effect on 

the States, on the relationship between 

the national government and the States, 

or on the distribution of power and 

responsibilities among the various 

levels of government. 

For the reasons discussed above, I 

certify this AD: 

1. Is not a ’’significant regulatory 

action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 

2. Is not a ’’significant rule’’ under the 

DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures 

(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 

3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in 

Alaska; and 

4. Will not have a significant 

economic impact, positive or negative, 

on a substantial number of small entities 

under the criteria of the Regulatory 

Flexibility Act. 

We prepared a regulatory evaluation 

of the estimated costs to comply with 

this proposed AD and placed it in the 

AD docket. 

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation 

safety, Incorporation by reference, 

Safety. 

Adoption of the Amendment 

Accordingly, under the authority 

delegated to me by the Administrator, 

the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as 

follows: 

mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES

Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 56 / Thursday, March 22, 2012 / Rules and Regulations 16663 

PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS 

DIRECTIVES 

■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by 

removing AD 2010–17–02, Amendment 

39–16392 (75 FR 50871, August 18, 

2010), and adding the following new 

AD: 

2012–06–07 Airbus: Amendment 39–16988. 

Docket No. FAA–2012–0273; Directorate 

Identifier 2011–NM–149–AD. 

(a) Effective Date 

This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes 

effective April 6, 2012. 

(b) Affected ADs 

This AD supersedes AD 2010–17–02, 

Amendment 39–16392 (75 FR 50871, August 

18, 2010). 

(c) Applicability 

This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes 

identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and 

(c)(3) of this AD; certificated in any category; 

all manufacturer serial numbers; with pitot 

probes having Goodrich part number (P/N) 

0851HL, serial numbers 267328 through 

270714 inclusive. 

(1) Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223, 

–223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303, –321, 

–322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes. 

(2) Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311, 

–312, and –313 airplanes. 

(3) Model A340–541 and –642 airplanes. 

(d) Subject 

Air Transport Association (ATA) of 

America Code 34: Navigation. 

(e) Reason 

This AD was prompted by reports of loose 

pneumatic quick-disconnect unions on 

Goodrich pitot probes that might be the result 

of mis-torque of the affected unions at 

equipment manufacturing level. We are 

issuing this AD to detect and correct loose 

unions on the pitot probes, which could lead 

to an air leak, resulting in incorrect total 

pressure measurement and consequent 

erroneous calibrated airspeed (CAS)/MACH 

parameters delivered to the flightcrew by the 

air data computer (ADC). 

(f) Compliance 

You are responsible for having the actions 

required by this AD performed within the 

compliance times specified, unless the 

actions have already been done. 

(g) Restatement of Requirements of AD 2010– 

17–02, Amendment 39–16392 (75 FR 50871, 

August 18, 2010): Actions for Airplanes 

Other Than Models A330–223F and –243F 

For all airplanes except Model A330–223F 

and –243F airplanes: At the time specified, 

do the following actions. 

(1) Within 14 days after September 22, 

2010 (the effective date of AD 2010–17–02, 

Amendment 39–16392 (75 FR 50871, August 

18, 2010)): Perform a torque check of the 

pneumatic quick-disconnect union of each 

pitot probe having Goodrich P/N 0851HL, 

serial numbers 267328 through 270714 

inclusive, to determine if the torque is 

adequate, in accordance with the instructions 

of the applicable service information 

specified in table 1 of this AD. Before further 

flight, do all applicable corrective actions in 

accordance with the instructions of the 

applicable service information specified in 

table 1 of this AD. 

TABLE 1—AIRBUS SERVICE INFORMATION

Airbus all operators telex— Revision— Dated— 

A330–34A3235 (for Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223, –243, –301, –302, –303, –321,–322, –323, 

–341, –342, and –343 airplanes).

02 March 1, 2010. 

A340-34A4241 (for Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311, –312, and –313 airplanes) ............................... 02 March 1, 2010. 

A340–34A5074 (for Model A340–541 and –642 airplanes) ........................................................................ 02 March 1, 2010. 

(2) Within 30 days after performing the 

torque check required by paragraph (g)(1) of 

this AD, or within 30 days after September 

22, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010–17– 

02, Amendment 39–16392 (75 FR 50871, 

August 18, 2010), whichever occurs later: 

Report the torque check results to Airbus, 

including no findings, as specified in the 

instructions of the applicable service 

information listed in table 1 of this AD. 

(3) This paragraph provides credit for the 

actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this 

AD, if those actions were done before 

September 22, 2010 (the effective date of AD 

2010–17–02, Amendment 39–16392 (75 FR 

50871, August 18, 2010), using the applicable 

service information listed in table 2 of this 

AD. 

TABLE 2—AIRBUS CREDIT SERVICE INFORMATION

Airbus all operators telex— Revision— Dated— 

A330–34A3235 ............................................................................................................................................ ........................ September 10, 2009. 

A330–34A3235 ............................................................................................................................................ 1 September 21, 2009. 

A340–34A4241 ............................................................................................................................................ ........................ September 10, 2009. 

A340–34A4241 ............................................................................................................................................ 1 September 21, 2009. 

A340–34A5074 ............................................................................................................................................ ........................ September 10, 2009. 

A340–34A5074 ............................................................................................................................................ 1 September 21, 2009. 

(4) As of September 22, 2010 (the effective 

date of AD 2010–17–02, Amendment 39– 

16392 (75 FR 50871, August 18, 2010), no 

person may install a pitot probe having 

Goodrich P/N 0851HL, serial numbers 

267328 through 270714 inclusive, on any 

airplane, unless the actions required by 

paragraph (g)(1) of this AD have been done; 

or an intact red torque check mark is visible 

on the interface of the pneumatic quick 

disconnect union and the union mount. 

(h) New Requirements of This AD: Actions 

for Model A330–223F and –243F Airplanes 

For Model A330–223F and –243F 

airplanes: At the time specified, do the 

following actions. 

(1) Within 14 days after the effective date 

of this AD: Perform a torque check of the 

pneumatic quick-disconnect union of each 

pitot probe having Goodrich P/N 0851HL, 

serial numbers 267328 through 270714 

inclusive, to determine if the torque is 

adequate, in accordance with the instructions 

of Airbus All Operators Telex A330– 

34A3235, Revision 02, dated March 1, 2010. 

Before further flight, do all applicable 

corrective actions, in accordance with Airbus 

All Operators Telex A330–34A3235, Revision 

02, dated March 1, 2010. 

(2) Within 30 days after performing the 

torque check required by paragraph (g)(1) of 

this AD, or within 30 days after the effective 

date of this AD, whichever occurs later: 

Report the torque check results to Airbus, 

including no findings, as specified in the 

instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex 

A330–34A3235, Revision 02, dated March 1, 

2010. 

mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES

16664 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 56 / Thursday, March 22, 2012 / Rules and Regulations 

(3) This paragraph provides credit for the 

actions required by paragraph (h)(1) of this 

AD, if those actions were done before the 

effective date of this AD using Airbus All 

Operators Telex A330–34A3235, dated 

September 10, 2009; or Airbus All Operators 

Telex A330–34A3235, Revision 1, dated 

September 21, 2009. 

(4) As of the effective date of this AD, no 

person may install a pitot probe having 

Goodrich P/N 0851HL, serial numbers 

267328 through 270714 inclusive, on any 

airplane, unless the actions required by 

paragraph (h)(1) of this AD have been done; 

or an intact red torque check mark is visible 

on the interface of the pneumatic quick 

disconnect union and the union mount. 

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions 

The following provisions also apply to this 

AD: 

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(AMOCs): The Manager, International 

Branch, ANM–116, FAA, has the authority to 

approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 

using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. 

In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your 

request to your principal inspector or local 

Flight Standards District Office, as 

appropriate. If sending information directly 

to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: 

Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 

International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, 

Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 

Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057– 

3356; telephone (425) 227–1138; fax (425) 

227–1149. Information may be emailed to: 

9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 

Before using any approved AMOC, notify 

your appropriate principal inspector, or 

lacking a principal inspector, the manager of 

the local flight standards district office/ 

certificate holding district office. The AMOC 

approval letter must specifically reference 

this AD. 

(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement 

in this AD to obtain corrective actions from 

a manufacturer or other source, use these 

actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective 

actions are considered FAA-approved if they 

are approved by the State of Design Authority 

(or their delegated agent). You are required 

to assure the product is airworthy before it 

is returned to service. 

(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal 

agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a 

person is not required to respond to, nor 

shall a person be subject to a penalty for 

failure to comply with a collection of 

information subject to the requirements of 

the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 

collection of information displays a current 

valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 

Control Number for this information 

collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for 

this collection of information is estimated to 

be approximately 5 minutes per response, 

including the time for reviewing instructions, 

completing and reviewing the collection of 

information. All responses to this collection 

of information are mandatory. Comments 

concerning the accuracy of this burden and 

suggestions for reducing the burden should 

be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence 

Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 

Information Collection Clearance Officer, 

AES–200. 

(j) Related Information 

Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency 

(EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2011–0138, 

dated July 20, 2011, and the service 

information specified in table 1 of this AD, 

for related information. 

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference 

(1) You must use the following service 

information to do the actions required by this 

AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The 

Director of the Federal Register approved the 

incorporation by reference (IBR) of the 

following service information under 5 U.S.C. 

552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 on September 22, 

2010 (75 FR 50871, August 18, 2010): 

(i) Airbus All Operators Telex A330– 

34A3235, Revision 02, dated March 1, 2010. 

(ii) Airbus All Operators Telex A340– 

34A4241, Revision 02, dated March 1, 2010. 

(iii) Airbus All Operators Telex A340– 

34A5074, Revision 02, dated March 1, 2010. 

(2) For service information identified in 

this AD, contact Airbus SAS—Airworthiness 

Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 

31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 

5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email 

airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; 

Internet http://www.airbus.com. 

(3) You may review copies of the service 

information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 

Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 

Washington. For information on the 

availability of this material at the FAA, call 

425–227–1221. 

(4) You may also review copies of the 

service information that is incorporated by 

reference at the National Archives and 

Records Administration (NARA). For 

information on the availability of this 

material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go 

to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/ 

code_of_federal_regulations/

ibr_locations.html. 

Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 7, 

2012. 

Ali Bahrami, 

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, 

Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2012–6773 Filed 3–21–12; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 67 

[Docket No. FAA–2012–0056; Amdt. No. 67– 

21] 

RIN 2120–AK00 

Removal of the Requirement for 

Individuals Granted the Special 

Issuance of a Medical Certificate To 

Carry Their Letter of Authorization 

While Exercising Pilot Privileges 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Direct final rule; request for 

comments. 

SUMMARY: This rule removes a 

regulatory provision under Federal 

Aviation Administration (FAA) medical 

certification standards intended, in part, 

to require that individuals granted the 

Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate 

(Authorization) have their letter of 

Authorization in their physical 

possession or readily accessible on the 

aircraft while exercising pilot privileges. 

The FAA imposed this regulatory 

provision in 2008 to respond to a 2007 

International Civil Aviation 

Organization (ICAO) adverse audit 

finding regarding endorsement of FAA 

certificates. The FAA is not aware of 

any individuals affected by the standard 

who have had to produce their letter of 

Authorization for any civil aviation 

authorities during the 3-year period the 

rule has been in effect. For this reason, 

and because affected individuals find 

the standard burdensome given that 

other longstanding FAA operational 

requirements already mandate that 

pilots carry their medical certificate 

when exercising pilot privileges, the 

FAA has identified this regulation as 

one that can be removed under 

Executive Order 13563 of January 18, 

2011: ‘‘Improving Regulation and 

Regulatory Review.’’ While this action 

removes the burden for affected 

individuals to carry their medical letter 

of Authorization, long-standing 

requirements under FAA operational 

standards requiring individuals to carry 

FAA certificates while exercising pilot 

privileges remain unchanged. 

DATES: Effective July 20, 2012. 

Submit comments on or before May 

21, 2012. If adverse comment is 

received, the FAA will publish a timely 

withdrawal in the Federal Register. 

ADDRESSES: You may send comments 

identified by docket number FAA– 

2012–0056 using any of the following 

methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 

http://www.regulations.gov and follow 

the online instructions for sending your 

comments electronically. 

• Mail: Send comments to Docket 

Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of 

Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey 

Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West 

Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 

20590–0001. 

• Hand Delivery or Courier: Take 

comments to Docket Operations in 

Room W12–140 of the West Building 

Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey 

Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 

9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 

Friday, except Federal holidays. 

• Fax: Fax comments to Docket 

Operations at (202) 493–2251. 

Privacy: The FAA will post all 

comments it receives, without change, 

mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES