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

77881

Vol. 69, No. 249

Wednesday, December 29, 2004

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. 2000–NE–62–AD; Amendment 

39–13915; AD 2004–26–03] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce 

plc RB211 Series Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for 

comments. 

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an 

existing airworthiness directive (AD) for 

Rolls-Royce plc (RR) models RB211–

535E4–37, RB211–535E4–B–37, RB211–

535C–37, RB211–535E4–B–75, and 

RB211–22B–02 turbofan engines. That 

AD currently requires inspecting certain 

high pressure (HP) turbine discs, 

manufactured between 1989 and 1999, 

for cracks in the rim cooling air holes, 

and, if necessary, replacing the disc’s 

serviceable parts. This AD requires the 

same actions but at reduced compliance 

schedules and adds the RR model 

RB211–535E4–C turbofan engine to the 

applicability. This AD results from a 

report of cracks in a model RB211–524 

HP turbine disc that had propagated 

further than expected. We are issuing 

this AD to prevent possible disc failure, 

which could result in an uncontained 

engine failure and damage to the 

airplane.

DATES: Effective January 13, 2005. The 

incorporation by reference of certain 

publications listed in the AD is 

approved by the Director of the Federal 

Register as of January 13, 2005. 

We must receive any comments on 

this AD by February 28, 2005. On 

December 24, 2001 (66 FR 57859, 

November 19, 2001), the Director of the 

Federal Register approved the 

incorporation by reference of certain 

other publications, as listed in the 

regulations.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following 

addresses to comment on this AD: 

• By mail: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), New England 

Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 

Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000–NE–

62–AD, 12 New England Executive Park, 

Burlington, MA 01803–5299. 

• By fax: (781) 238–7055. 

• By e-mail:9-aneadcomment@faa.gov.

You can get the service information 

referenced in this AD from Rolls-Royce 

plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England; 

telephone: 011 44 1332–249428, fax: 

011 44 1332–249223. 

You may examine the AD docket, by 

appointment, at the FAA, New England 

Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 

12 New England Executive Park, 

Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian 

Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 

Certification Office, FAA, Engine and 

Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 

Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803–

5299; telephone (781) 238–7178, fax 

(781) 238–7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On 

November 5, 2001, the FAA issued AD 

2001–23–02, Amendment 39–12499 (66 

FR 57859, November 19, 2001), for RR 

models RB211–535E4–37, RB211–

535E4–B–37, RB211–535C–37, RB211–

535E4–B–75, and RB211–22B–02 

turbofan engines. That AD requires 

inspecting certain HP turbine discs, 

manufactured between 1989 and 1999, 

for cracks in the rim cooling air holes, 

and, if necessary, replacing the discs 

with serviceable parts. That AD resulted 

from reports of cracks in rim cooling air 

holes in two high-life RR Trent 800 

discs. That condition, if not corrected, 

could result in possible disc failure, 

which could result in an uncontained 

engine failure and damage to the 

airplane. 

Actions Since AD 2001–23–02 Was 

Issued 

Since that AD was issued, the Civil 

Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the 

airworthiness authority for the United 

Kingdom, recently notified the FAA that 

an unsafe condition may exist on RollsRoyce plc models RB211–535E4–37, 

RB211–535E4–B–37, RB211–535C–37, 

RB211–535E4–B–75, and RB211–

535E4–C series turbofan engines. The 

CAA advises that cracks in a model 

RB211–524 HP turbine disc had 

propagated further than expected based 

on recent inspection findings and a reassessment of the disc lifing model used 

to define the inspection thresholds in 

AD 2001–23–02. This AD requires 

inspection of certain HP turbine discs, 

manufactured between 1989 and 1999, 

for cracks in the rim cooling air holes, 

and, if necessary, replacement with 

serviceable parts. We are reducing the 

inspection schedules required by AD 

2001–23–02, for the high risk discs 

which includes all models except for 

model RB211–22B–02 engines and adds 

the RB211–535E4–C due to manufacture 

at the same facility as the Trent 800 

discs using the same tooling. Discs used 

in the model RB211–535 engines have a 

significantly higher HP turbine life than 

those used in the RB211–524 and 

operate in a harsher environment. 

Therefore, although the cracking of the 

rim cooling air holes will not affect the 

safe operation of the RB211–524 discs, 

the 535 discs are at higher risk of failure 

and the inspection intervals must be 

reduced. This AD retains the same 

inspection schedules, currently required 

for the model RB211–22B–02 engine, 

that were in AD 2001–23–02. The 

actions specified in this AD are 

intended to prevent possible disc 

failure, which could result in an 

uncontained engine failure and damage 

to the airplane. 

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement 

This engine model is manufactured in 

the United Kingdom and is type 

certificated for operation in the United 

States under the provisions of section 

21.29 of the Federal Aviation 

Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 

applicable bilateral airworthiness 

agreement. Under this bilateral 

airworthiness agreement, the CAA has 

kept the FAA informed of the situation 

described above. We have examined the 

findings of the CAA, reviewed all 

available information, and determined 

that AD action is necessary for products 

of this type design that are certificated 

for operation in the United States. 

FAA’s Determination and Requirements 

of This AD 

The unsafe condition described 

previously is likely to exist or develop 

on other RR models RB211–535E4–37, 

77882 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 249 / Wednesday, December 29, 2004 / Rules and Regulations 

RB211–535E4–B–37, RB211–535C–37, 

RB211–535E4–B–75, RB211–535E4–C, 

and RB211–22B–02 turbofan engines of 

the same type design. We are issuing 

this AD to prevent possible disc failure, 

which could result in an uncontained 

engine failure and damage to the 

airplane. This AD requires inspection of 

certain HP turbine discs, manufactured 

between 1989 and 1999, for cracks in 

the rim cooling air holes, and, if 

necessary, replacement with serviceable 

parts. 

FAA’s Determination of the Effective 

Date 

Since an unsafe condition exists that 

requires the immediate adoption of this 

AD, we have found that notice and 

opportunity for public comment before 

issuing this AD are impracticable, and 

that good cause exists for making this 

amendment effective in less than 30 

days.

Comments Invited 

This AD is a final rule that involves 

requirements affecting flight safety and 

was not preceded by notice and an 

opportunity for public comment; 

however, we invite you to make any 

written relevant data, views, or 

arguments regarding this AD. Send your 

comments to an address listed under 

ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘AD Docket No. 

2000–NE–62–AD’’ in the subject line of 

your comments. If you want us to 

acknowledge receipt of your mailed 

comments, send us a self-addressed, 

stamped postcard with the docket 

number written on it; we will datestamp your postcard and mail it back to 

you. We specifically invite comments 

on the overall regulatory, economic, 

environmental, and energy aspects of 

the rule that might suggest a need to 

modify it. If a person contacts us 

verbally, and that contact relates to a 

substantive part of this AD, we will 

summarize the contact and place the 

summary in the docket. We will 

consider all comments received by the 

closing date and may amend the AD in 

light of those comments. 

Examining the AD Docket 

You may examine the AD Docket 

(including any comments and service 

information), by appointment, between 

8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through 

Friday, except Federal holidays. See 

ADDRESSES for the location. 

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 have 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 that the regulation: 

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); and 

3. 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 summary of the costs 

to comply with this AD and placed it in 

the AD Docket. You may get a copy of 

this summary by sending a request to us 

at the address listed under ADDRESSES.

Include ‘‘AD Docket No. 2000–NE–62–

AD’’ in your request.

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 Federal Aviation Administration 

amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation 

Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

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 Amendment 39–12499 (66 FR 

57859, November 19, 2001), and by 

adding a new airworthiness directive, 

Amendment 39–13915, to read as 

follows:

2004–26–03 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 

39–13915. Docket No. 2000–NE–62–AD. 

Supersedes AD 2001–23–02, 

Amendment 39–12499. 

Effective Date 

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) 

becomes effective January 13, 2005. 

Affected ADs 

(b) This AD supersedes AD 2001–23–02, 

Amendment 39–12499. 

Applicability 

(c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) 

models RB211–535E4–37, RB211–535E4–B–

37, RB211–535C–37, RB211–535E4–B–75, 

RB211–535E4–C, and RB211–22B–02 

turbofan engines with turbine discs having 

part numbers and serial numbers listed in the 

following Tables 1, 3, and 5 of this AD. These 

turbofan engines are installed on, but not 

limited to, Boeing 757, Tupolev Tu204, and 

Lockheed L–1011 series airplanes. 

Unsafe Condition 

(d) This AD results from a report of cracks, 

in an RB211 HP turbine disc, that had 

propagated further than expected. We are 

issuing this AD to prevent possible disc 

failure, which could result in an uncontained 

engine failure and damage to the airplane. 

Compliance 

(e) You are responsible for having the 

actions required by this AD performed within 

the compliance times specified unless the 

actions have already been done. 

Eddy Current Inspection for All Except 

Model RB211–22B–02 

(f) For all except model RB211–22B–02 

engines, do the following: 

(1) Perform an eddy current inspection of 

the high pressure (HP) turbine discs listed in 

Table 1 of this AD, for cracks in the rim 

cooling air holes. Use paragraph 3. of the 

Accomplishment Instructions of RR Alert SB 

No. RB.211–72–AE651, dated November 22, 

2004, to perform the eddy current inspection.

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 249 / Wednesday, December 29, 2004 / Rules and Regulations 77883

TABLE 1—AFFECTED HP TURBINE DISCS USING COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE IN TABLE 2 

Part No. Serial No. Part No. Serial No. 

LK80623 .................................................. CQDY6397 UL27681 ................................................. LDRCZ12893 

LK80623 .................................................. CQDY6504 UL27681 ................................................. LDRCZ12985 

UL27680 .................................................. CQDY6451 UL27681 ................................................. LDRCZ13044 

UL27680 .................................................. CQDY6452 UL27681 ................................................. LDRCZ13047 

UL27680 .................................................. CQDY6466 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY6803 

UL27680 .................................................. CQDY6468 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY6814 

UL27680 .................................................. CQDY6471 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY6847 

UL27680 .................................................. CQDY6496 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY6868 

UL27680 .................................................. CQDY6505 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY6875 

UL27680 .................................................. CQDY6653 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY6892 

UL27680 .................................................. CQDY6656 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY6898 

UL27680 .................................................. CQDY6657 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY6904 

UL27680 .................................................. CQDY6684 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY6909 

UL27680 .................................................. CQDY6883 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY6910 

UL27681 .................................................. CQDY6465 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY9133 

UL27681 .................................................. LAQDY6002 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY9574 

UL27681 .................................................. LAQDY6083 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY9579 

UL27681 .................................................. LAQDY6087 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY9672 

UL27681 .................................................. LDRCZ10247 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY9770 

UL27681 .................................................. LDRCZ10277 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY9783 

UL27681 .................................................. LDRCZ10318 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY9786 

UL27681 .................................................. LDRCZ10335 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY9900 

UL27681 .................................................. LDRCZ10430 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY9902 

UL27681 .................................................. LDRCZ10531 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY9929 

UL27681 .................................................. LDRCZ10750 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY9957 

UL27681 .................................................. LDRCZ10899 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY9982 

UL27681 .................................................. LDRCZ11616 UL27681 ................................................. LQDY9992 

UL27681 .................................................. LDRCZ11720 UL27681 ................................................. WGQDY90005 

UL27681 .................................................. LDRCZ11893 .

(2) Use the compliance schedule in Table 

2 of this AD.

TABLE 2.—COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE FOR HP TURBINE DISCS LISTED IN TABLE 1 

If disc cycles-since-new (CSN) on October 8, 2004 are: Then eddy current inspect: 

(1) 12,750 CSN or more ........................................................................... Within 250 cycles-in-service (CIS) from October 8, 2004 or within 

14,500 CSN, whichever occurs first. 

(2) Fewer than 12,750 CSN but 10,500 CSN or more ............................ Within 500 CIS from October 8, 2004. 

(3) Fewer than 10,500 CSN ..................................................................... Before 11,000 CSN or at next shop visit after the effective date of this 

AD, whichever occurs first. 

(3) On discs that pass inspection, use 

paragraph 3. of the Accomplishment 

Instructions of RR Alert SB No. RB.211–72–

AE651, dated November 22, 2004, to 

permanently etch NMSB 72–AE651 onto the 

disc, adjacent to the part number. 

(4) Perform an eddy current inspection of 

the HP turbine discs listed in Table 3 of this 

AD, for cracks in the rim cooling air holes. 

Use paragraph 3. of the Accomplishment 

Instructions of RR Alert SB No. RB.211–72–

AE651, dated November 22, 2004, to perform 

the eddy current inspection.

TABLE 3.—AFFECTED HP TURBINE

DISCS USING COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE IN TABLE 4 

Part No. Serial No. 

UL10323 .... CQDY6070 and higher. 

UL27680 .... All. 

UL27681 .... All. 

LK80622 ..... LQDY6316 and higher. 

LK80623 ..... CQDY5945 and higher. 

TABLE 3.—AFFECTED HP TURBINE

DISCS USING COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE IN TABLE 4—Continued

Part No. Serial No. 

UL28267 .... All. 

(5) Use the compliance schedule in Table 

4 of this AD.

TABLE 4.—COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE FOR HP TURBINE DISCS LISTED IN TABLE 3 

If disc cycles-since-new (CSN) on January 29, 2001 are: Then eddy current inspect: 

(1) Fewer than 13,700 CSN ..................................................................... Before reaching 14,500 CSN, or at the next shop visit after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. 

(2) 13,700 CSN or more ........................................................................... Before reaching one of the following, whichever occurs first after the 

effective date of this AD: 

(i) 15,300 CSN. 

(ii) Within 800 CIS since January 29, 2001. 

(iii) At next shop visit. 

77884 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 249 / Wednesday, December 29, 2004 / Rules and Regulations 

(6) For discs that pass inspection, use 

paragraph 3. of the Accomplishment 

Instructions of RR Alert SB No. RB.211–72–

AE651, dated November 22, 2004, to 

permanently etch NMSB 72–AE651 onto the 

disc, adjacent to the part number. 

Eddy Current Inspection for Model RB211–

22B–02 

(g) For model RB211–22B–02 engines, do 

the following: 

(1) Perform an eddy current inspection of 

the HP turbine discs listed in Table 5 of this 

AD, for cracks in the rim cooling air holes. 

Use paragraph 3. of the Accomplishment 

Instructions of RR SB No. RB.211–72–C877, 

Revision 1, dated March 7, 2001, to perform 

the eddy current inspection.

TABLE 5.—AFFECTED HP TURBINE

DISCS IN RR MODEL RB211–02 SERIES TURBOFAN ENGINES

Part No. Serial No. 

LK80622 ..... LQDY6316 and higher. 

LK80623 ..... CQDY5945 and higher. 

UL28267 .... All. 

(2) Use the compliance schedule in Table 

6 of this AD.

TABLE 6.—COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE FOR HP TURBINE DISCS LISTED IN TABLE 5 

If disc cycles-since-new (CSN) on December 24, 2001 are: Then eddy current inspect: 

(1) 11,000 CSN or fewer .......................................................................... Before exceeding 11,000 CSN, or at the next shop visit after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. 

(2) More than 11,000 CSN ....................................................................... Within 300 CIS after December 24, 2001. 

(3) For discs that pass inspection, use 

paragraph 3. of the Accomplishment 

Instructions of RR SB No. RB.211–72–C877, 

Revision 1, dated March 7, 2001, to 

permanently etch NMSB 72–C877 onto the 

disc, adjacent to the part number. 

Other Conditions for All Engines 

(h) Do not perform the actions of this AD 

to a disc until that disc has reached at least 

1,500 CSN. 

(i) Engines with an affected HP turbine disc 

at shop visit on the effective date of this AD 

and with the HPT rotor still removed from 

the combustor outer case, must have the disc 

eddy current inspected before assembling the 

engine. 

(j) Engines with an affected HP turbine disc 

at shop visit on the effective date of this AD 

with the HPT rotor reinstalled in the 

combustor case need not have the disc eddy 

current inspected at this time. 

(k) HP turbine discs previously eddy 

current inspected at fewer than 1,500 CSN 

must be inspected again using this AD. 

(l) Replace cracked HP turbine discs with 

a serviceable disc. 

Definition 

(m) For the purpose of this AD, next shop 

visit is defined as the first shop visit 

opportunity when the HPT rotor is removed 

from the combustion case. 

(n) For the purpose of this AD, a 

serviceable part is one with cyclic life 

remaining and either not listed in any of the 

preceding tables or one listed in a preceding 

table, but previously eddy current inspected 

and permanently etch marked with the 

Service Bulletin (SB) number NMSB 72–

AE651 or NMSB 72–C877 on the disc. 

Previous Credit 

(o) Previous credit is allowed for the 

actions in this AD for HP turbine discs with 

1,500 CSN or more that were eddy current 

inspected using applicable RR SB No. 

RB.211–72–C817, Revision 2, dated March 7, 

2001, RR TSD 594–J, Overhaul Processes 

Manual, Task 70–00–00–200–223, or RR SB 

No. RB.211–72–C877, Revision 1, dated 

March 7, 2001. 

Reporting Requirements 

(p) For all except model RB211–22B–02 

engines, report findings of the inspection 

using paragraph 3.E. of the Accomplishment 

Instructions of RR ASB RB.211–72–AE651, 

dated November 22, 2004. The Office of 

Management and Budget (OMB) has 

approved the reporting requirements 

specified in paragraph 3.E. of the 

Accomplishment Instructions of RR ASB 

RB.211–72–AE651, dated November 22, 

2004, and assigned OMB control number 

2120–0056. 

(q) For model RB211–22B–02 engines, 

report findings of the inspection using 

paragraph 3.E. of the Accomplishment 

Instructions of RR SB RB.211–72–C877, 

Revision 1, dated March 7, 2001. The Office 

of Management and Budget (OMB) has 

approved the reporting requirements 

specified in paragraph 3.E. of the 

Accomplishment Instructions of RR SB 

RB.211–72–C877, Revision 1, dated March 7, 

2001, and assigned OMB control number 

2120–0056. 

Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(r) The Manager, Engine Certification 

Office, has the authority to approve 

alternative methods of compliance for this 

AD if requested using the procedures found 

in 14 CFR 39.19. 

Material Incorporated by Reference 

(s) You must use the service information 

specified in Table 7 of this AD to perform the 

inspections required by this AD. The Director 

of the Federal Register approved the 

incorporation by reference of RR Alert SB No. 

RB.211–72–AE651, dated November 22, 

2004, listed in Table 7 of this AD in 

accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 

part 51. The incorporation by reference of RR 

MSB No. RB.211–72–C877, Revision 1, dated 

March 7, 2001, was approved previously by 

the Director of the Federal Register as of 

December 24, 2001 (66 FR 57859, November 

19, 2001). You can get a copy from RollsRoyce plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England; 

telephone: 011 44 1332–249428, fax: 011 44 

1332–249223, for a copy of this service 

information. You may review copies at the 

FAA, New England Region, Office of the 

Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive 

Park, Burlington, MA; or 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. Table 7 follows:

TABLE 7.—INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Service bulletin Page numbers Revision Date 

RB.211–72–AE651 ................................... All .................................................. Original ......................................... November 22, 2004. 

Total Pages—7 

RB.211–72–C877 ..................................... All .................................................. 1 .................................................... March 7, 2001. 

Total Pages—5 

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 249 / Wednesday, December 29, 2004 / Rules and Regulations 77885

Related Information 

(t) CAA airworthiness directive G–2004–

0027, dated November 19, 2004, also 

addresses the subject of this AD.

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on 

December 15, 2004. 

Francis A. Favara, 

Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller 

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 04–28144 Filed 12–28–04; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Office of the Secretary 

14 CFR Part 382 

[OST Docket No. 2003–11473] 

RIN 2105–ADO4 

Reporting Requirements for DisabilityRelated Complaints

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, 

Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Guidance on final rule and 

notice of information collection 

approval. 

SUMMARY: A July 8, 2003, final rule (68 

FR 40488) requires, among other things, 

that certain certificated U.S. air carriers 

and foreign air carriers record disabilityrelated complaints and submit a 

summary report of those complaints 

annually to the Department. 

This document announces the Office 

of Management and Budget (OMB) 

approval of this information collection 

request (ICR) OMB No. 2105–0551, 

‘‘Reporting Requirements for DisabilityRelated Complaints,’’ provides 

information on how covered carriers can 

submit a report summarizing the 

disability-related complaints that they 

receive during the prior calendar year to 

the Department through the World Wide 

Web, and addresses frequently asked 

questions about the applicability of the 

rule.

DATES: The final rule published July 8, 

2003 (68 FR 40488) was effective August 

7, 2003. The expiration date for the ICR 

is April 30, 2007.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Damon P. Whitehead or Blane A. 

Workie, Office of the General Counsel, 

400 7th Street, SW., Room 4116, 

Washington, DC 20590, (202) 366–9342 

(voice), (202) 366–7152 (Fax) or 

damon.whitehead@ost.dot.gov or 

blane.workie@ost.dot.gov (E-mail). 

Arrangements to obtain the notice in an 

alternative format may be made by 

contacting the above-named 

individuals.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background 

On July 8, 2003, the Office of the 

Secretary published a final rule adding 

§ 382.70 to 14 CFR Part 382, the 

Department’s rule implementing the Air 

Carrier Access Act. Section 382.70 

requires most certificated U.S. air 

carriers and foreign air carriers 

operating to and from the U.S. that 

conduct passenger-carrying service to 

do the following: (1) Record and 

categorize complaints that they receive 

alleging inadequate accessibility for the 

disabled or discrimination on the basis 

of disability according to the type of 

disability and nature of complaint; (2) 

prepare an annual summary report of 

the number of such complaints; (3) 

submit the report to the Department’s 

Aviation Consumer Protection Division 

through the World Wide Web unless the 

carrier can demonstrate that it would 

suffer undue hardship if it were not 

permitted to submit the data via paper 

copies, computer disks, or e-mail; and 

(4) retain copies of the correspondence 

and records of action taken on the 

disability-related complaints for three 

years. 68 FR 40488. The effective date 

of this final rule was August 7, 2003. At 

that time, the Department had not 

obtained an OMB control number for its 

information collection request and had 

not established procedures for covered 

carriers to follow when submitting 

annual reports to the Department 

through the World Wide Web. 

Approval of Information Collection 

Request 

OMB regulations implementing 

provisions of the Paperwork Reduction 

Act of 1995 require that interested 

members of the public and affected 

agencies have an opportunity to 

comment on information collection and 

recordkeeping activities and specify that 

no person is required to respond to an 

information collection unless it displays 

a valid OMB control number. In 

accordance with the Paperwork 

Reduction Act of 1995, OST has 

received OMB approval of the following 

ICR: 

OMB Control Number: 2105–0551. 

Title: Reporting Requirements for 

Disability-Related Complaints. 

This information collection approval, 

which was granted by OMB on April 23, 

2004, expires on April 30, 2007. 

Because OMB approved the information 

collection after publication of the July 8, 

2003, final rule, we are now announcing 

the OMB approval and incorporating 

notice of this approval into the form that 

carriers will use through the World 

Wide Web to submit their annual report 

summarizing the disability-related 

complaints that they received during the 

prior calendar year. A copy of the form 

is included below and this notice will 

be sent to affected carriers for whom we 

have accurate contact information. 

BILLING CODE 4910–62–P