14316 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 47 / Friday, March 9, 2012 / Proposed Rules 

FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs 

for this AD, if requested using the procedures 

found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to 

ATTN: Albert Mercado, Aerospace Engineer, 

FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 

Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; 

telephone: (816) 329–4119; fax: (816) 329– 

4090; email: albert.mercado@faa.gov. Before 

using any approved AMOC on any airplane 

to which the AMOC applies, notify your 

appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the 

FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), 

or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. 

(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: For any 

reporting requirement in this AD, 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. 

(h) Related Information 

Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety 

Agency (EASA) AD No.: 2011–0235–E, dated 

December 13, 2011; DAHER–SOCATA TBM 

Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70– 

194, Amendment 2, dated November 2011; 

and Erratum to DAHER–SOCATA TBM 

Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70 

194–32, Amendment 2, dated December 

2011, for related information. For service 

information related to this AD, contact 

SOCATA—Direction des Services, 65921 

Tarbes Cedex 9, France; telephone: +33 (0)5 

62 41 73 00; fax: +33 (0)5 62 41 7654; or in 

the United States contact SOCATA North 

America, Inc., North Perry Airport, 7501 

South Airport Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida 

33023; telephone: (954) 893–1400; fax: (954) 

964–4141; email: 

mysocata@socata.daher.com; Internet: 

www.socatanorthamerica.com. You may 

review copies of the referenced service 

information at the FAA, Small Airplane 

Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 

Missouri 64106. For information on the 

availability of this material at the FAA, call 

(816) 329–4148. 

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 

5, 2012. 

John Colomy, 

Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 

Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2012–5794 Filed 3–8–12; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2012–0251; Directorate 

Identifier 2012–CE–002–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Piper 

Aircraft, Inc. (Type Certificate 

Previously Held by The New Piper 

Aircraft Inc.) Airplanes 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an 

existing airworthiness directive (AD) 

that applies to certain Piper Aircraft, 

Inc. (type certificate previously held by 

The New Piper Aircraft Inc.) Models 

PA–31T and PA–31T1 airplanes. The 

existing AD currently requires 

correcting a model identification error 

on the aircraft data plate. Since we 

issued that AD, we have become aware 

that some owner/operators of the 

affected airplanes modified the aircraft 

data plate in error because of confusion 

in the serial number applicability. 

Because of the confusion, the 

manufacturer has issued new service 

information to clarify affected airplane 

serial numbers. This proposed AD 

would require determining the airplane 

model based on the serial number and 

modifying the aircraft data plate to 

properly identify the airplane model. 

This proposed AD would also require 

doing a detailed search for all applicable 

airworthiness related documents that 

apply to any airplane that has an 

incorrectly marked data plate and take 

necessary corrective actions based on 

the search findings. We are proposing 

this AD to correct the unsafe condition 

on these products. 

DATES: We must receive comments on 

this proposed AD by April 23, 2012. 

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, 

using the procedures found in 14 CFR 

11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail 

address above between 9 a.m. and 

5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 

Federal holidays. 

For service information identified in 

this AD, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 926 

Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; 

telephone: (772) 567–4361; Internet: 

www.piper.com. You may review copies 

of the referenced service information at 

the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 

901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 

64106. For information on the 

availability of this material at the FAA, 

call (816) 329–4148. 

Examining the AD Docket 

You may examine the AD docket on 

the Internet at http://www.regulations.

gov; or in person at the Docket 

Management Facility between 9 a.m. 

and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 

except Federal holidays. The AD docket 

contains this proposed AD, the 

regulatory evaluation, any comments 

received, and other information. The 

street address for the Docket Office 

(phone: 800–647–5527) is in the 

ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 

available in the AD docket shortly after 

receipt. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Gregory ‘‘Keith’’ Noles, Aerospace 

Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft 

Certification Office, 1701 Columbia 

Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; 

phone: (404) 474–5551; fax: (404) 474– 

5606; email: gregory.noles@faa.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited 

We invite you to send any written 

relevant data, views, or arguments about 

this proposed AD. Send your comments 

to an address listed under the 

ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. 

FAA–2012–0251; Directorate Identifier 

2012–CE–002–AD’’ at the beginning of 

your comments. We specifically invite 

comments on the overall regulatory, 

economic, environmental, and energy 

aspects of this proposed AD. We will 

consider all comments received by the 

closing date and may amend this 

proposed 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 proposed AD. 


sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 47 / Friday, March 9, 2012 / Proposed Rules 14317 

Discussion 

On May 27, 1980, AD 80–11–06, 

amendment 39–3776 (45 FR 35309), was 

published in the Federal Register for 

certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (type 

certificate previously held by The New 

Piper Aircraft Inc.) Models PA–31T and 

PA–31T1 airplanes. That AD requires 

correcting a model identification error 

on the aircraft data plate. Certain Model 

PA–31T airplanes have been improperly 

identified as a Model PA–31T1 airplane 

on the aircraft data plate. 

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued 

Since we issued AD 80–11–06 (45 FR 

35309, May 27, 1980), we have become 

aware that the aircraft data plate on 

some of the affected airplanes have been 

modified in error because of confusion 

in the serial number applicability. 

The requirements in AD 80–11–06 (45 

FR 35309, May 27, 1980), match those 

in Piper Service Bulletin 670, issued 

December 3, 1979. Also, the type 

certificate data sheet (TCDS) did not 

clearly distinguish the serial numbers 

for the Models PA–31T and PA–31T1 

airplanes. 

As a result of the confusion, Piper 

Aircraft, Inc. has issued a new service 

bulletin to clarify the affected serial 

numbers. We are also working with 

Piper Aircraft, Inc. to clarify the serial 

numbers in the TCDS. 

Relevant Service Information 

We reviewed Piper Aircraft Inc. 

Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1235, 

dated November 3, 2011. The service 

bulletin describes procedures for 

determining the airplane model based 

on the serial number and provides 

instructions for modifying the aircraft 

data plate to properly identify the 

airplane model. 

FAA’s Determination 

We are proposing this AD because we 

evaluated all the relevant information 

and determined the unsafe condition 

described previously is likely to exist or 

develop in other products of the same 

type design. 

Proposed AD Requirements 

This proposed AD would retain all 

requirements of AD 80–11–06 (45 FR 

35309, May 27, 1980). This proposed 

AD would clarify the serial number 

applicability of the affected model 

airplanes. This proposed AD would also 

require a detailed search for all 

applicable airworthiness related 

documents that apply to any airplane 

that has an incorrectly marked aircraft 

data plate and take necessary corrective 

actions. 

Costs of Compliance 

We estimate that this proposed AD 

affects 158 airplanes of U.S. registry. 

We estimate the following costs to 

comply with this proposed AD: 

ESTIMATED COSTS

Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per 

product 

Cost on 

U.S. operators 

Inspect the aircraft data plate ............................. 1 work-hour × $85 per hour 

= $85.

Not applicable ...................... $85 $13,430 

We estimate the following costs to do 

any necessary modification and/or 

records search that would be required 

based on the results of the proposed 

inspection. We have no way of 

determining the number of aircraft that 

might need modification: 

ON-CONDITION COSTS

Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per 

product 

Modify the aircraft data plate ....................................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = 

$85.

Not applicable ........................... $85 

Detailed search for all applicable airworthiness related documents that apply to any airplane that has 

an incorrectly marked aircraft data plate.

4 work-hours × $85 per hour = 

$340.

Not applicable ........................... 340 

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 

proposed AD would not have federalism 

implications under Executive Order 

13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed 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), 

(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. 


sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
14318 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 47 / Friday, March 9, 2012 / Proposed Rules 

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation 

safety, Incorporation by reference, 

Safety. 

The Proposed Amendment 

Accordingly, under the authority 

delegated to me by the Administrator, 

the FAA proposes to amend 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 airworthiness directive (AD) 

80–11–06, Amendment 39–3776 (45 FR 

35309, May 27, 1980), and adding the 

following new AD: 

Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Type Certificate 

previously held by The New Piper 

Aircraft Inc.): Docket No. FAA–2012– 

0251; Directorate Identifier 2012–CE– 

002–AD. 

(a) Comments Due Date 

The FAA must receive comments on this 

AD action by April 23, 2012. 

(b) Affected ADs 

This AD supersedes AD 80–11–06, 

Amendment 39–3776 (45 FR 35309, May 27, 

1980). 

(c) Applicability 

This AD applies to the airplanes identified 

in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, 

certificated in any category. 

(1) Model PA–31T airplanes, serial 

numbers 31T–7820001, 31T–7820002, 31T– 

7820003, 31T–7820004, 31T–7820005, 31T– 

7820006, 31T–7820007, 31T–7820008, 31T– 

7820009, 31T–7820010, 31T–7820011, 31T– 

7820012, 31T–7820013, 31T–7820014, 31T– 

7820015, 31T–7820016, 31T–7820017, 31T– 

7820018, 31T–7820019, 31T–7820020, 31T– 

7820021, 31T–7820022, 31T–7820023, 31T– 

7820024, 31T–7820025, 31T–7820026, 31T– 

7820027, 31T–7820028, 31T–7820029, 31T– 

7820030, 31T–7820031, 31T–7820032, 31T– 

7820033, 31T–7820034, 31T–7820035, 31T– 

7820036, 31T–7820037, 31T–7820038, 31T– 

7820039, 31T–7820040, 31T–7820041, 31T– 

7820042, 31T–7820043, 31T–7820044, 31T– 

7820045, 31T–7820046, 31T–7820047, 31T– 

7820048, 31T–7820049, 31T–7820050, 31T– 

7820051, 31T–7820052, 31T–7820053, 31T– 

7820054, 31T–7820055, 31T–7820056, 31T– 

7820057, 31T–7820058, 31T–7820059, 31T– 

7820060, 31T–7820061, 31T–7820062, 31T– 

7820063, 31T–7820064, 31T–7820065, 31T– 

7820066, 31T–7820067, 31T–7820068, 31T– 

7820069, 31T–7820070, 31T–7820071, 31T– 

7820072, 31T–7820073, 31T–7820074, 31T– 

7820075, 31T–7820076, 31T–7820077, 31T– 

7820078, 31T–7820079, 31T–7820080, 31T– 

7820081, 31T–7820082, 31T–7820083, 31T– 

7820084, 31T–7820085, 31T–7820086, 31T– 

7820087, 31T–7820088, 31T–7820089, 31T– 

7820090, 31T–7820091, 31T–7820092; and 

(2) Model PA–31T1 airplanes, serial 

numbers 31T–7804001, 31T–7804002, 31T– 

7804003, 31T–7804004, 31T–7804005, 31T– 

7804006, 31T–7804007, 31T–7804008, 31T– 

7804009, 31T–7804010, 31T–7804011, 31T– 

7904001, 31T–7904002, 31T–7904003, 31T– 

7904004, 31T–7904005, 31T–7904006, 31T– 

7904007, 31T–7904008, 31T–7904009, 31T– 

7904010, 31T–7904011, 31T–7904012, 31T– 

7904013, 31T–7904014, 31T–7904015, 31T– 

7904016, 31T–7904017, 31T–7904018, 31T– 

7904019, 31T–7904020, 31T–7904021, 31T– 

7904022, 31T–7904023, 31T–7904024, 31T– 

7904025, 31T–7904026, 31T–7904027, 31T– 

7904028, 31T–7904029, 31T–7904030, 31T– 

7904031, 31T–7904032, 31T–7904033, 31T– 

7904034, 31T–7904035, 31T–7904036, 31T– 

7904037, 31T–7904038, 31T–7904039, 31T– 

7904040, 31T–7904041, 31T–7904042, 31T– 

7904043, 31T–7904044, 31T–7904045, 31T– 

7904046, 31T–7904047, 31T–7904048, 31T– 

7904049, 31T–7904050, 31T–7904051, 31T– 

7904052, 31T–7904053, 31T–7904056, 31T– 

7904057. 

(d) Subject 

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ 

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America 

Code 1100, Placards and Markings. 

(e) Unsafe Condition 

This AD was prompted by reports that 

some owner/operators of the affected 

airplanes modified the aircraft data plate in 

error because of confusion in the serial 

number applicability. We are issuing this AD 

to correct the unsafe condition on these 

products. 

(f) Compliance 

Comply with this AD within the 

compliance times specified, unless already 

done. 

(g) Inspect the Aircraft Data Plate 

Within the next 100 hours after the 

effective date of this AD, inspect the 

markings on the aircraft data plate. Do the 

inspection following Part I of Piper Aircraft, 

Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1235, 

dated November 3, 2011. 

(1) If the aircraft data plate is correctly 

marked, make a logbook entry showing 

compliance with this AD, and no further 

action is required. 

(2) If the aircraft data plate is incorrectly 

marked, continue with paragraphs (h) and (i) 

of this AD. 

(h) Modify the Aircraft Data Plate 

Before further flight after the inspection 

required in paragraph (g) of this AD, modify 

the aircraft data plate following Part II of 

Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service 

Bulletin No. 1235, dated November 3, 2011. 

(i) Detailed Aircraft Records Search 

Before further flight after the modification 

required in paragraph (h) of this AD: 

(1) Do a detailed search of the aircraft 

maintenance records and documents to 

include, but not limited to, ADs, special 

airworthiness information bulletins (SAIBs), 

service bulletins (SBs), and other service 

documents; installed supplemental type 

certificates (STCs) and parts manufacturing 

approval (PMAs); and instructions for 

continued airworthiness (ICAs). Each 

document found must be assessed to ensure 

proper actions have been made to maintain 

airworthiness as affected by the model 

number of the aircraft. Part 135 operators and 

other operators utilizing FAA-approved 

maintenance programs will need to address 

changes to their inspection programs and 

related documents. 

Note: Although some of the above 

documents may not be mandatory for 

compliance, it is still necessary to evaluate 

them to ensure that any voluntary 

compliance does not negatively affect the 

airworthiness of the airplane. 

(2) Identify all discrepant conditions for 

misidentified aircraft and coordinate with the 

geographic Flight Standards District Office 

(FSDO) and the Atlanta Aircraft Certification 

Office (ACO) to determine necessary 

corrective actions. Also, coordinate with the 

geographic FSDO to arrange for revisions to 

the airworthiness certificate, registration, and 

other potential document/certificate 

revisions. The following is a list of example 

discrepant conditions that may be found 

during the records search: 

(i) An AD was complied with that was 

applicable to the incorrect model, but not 

applicable to the corrected model. 

(ii) A required AD for the corrected model 

was not complied with. 

(iii) A maintenance action was performed 

that was recommended, but not mandatory, 

for the incorrect model, but not applicable to 

the corrected model. 

(iv) A PMA part was installed that was 

applicable for the incorrect model, but not for 

the corrected model. 

(v) An STC was installed that was 

applicable for the incorrect model, but not for 

the corrected model. 

(vi) An STC was installed that was 

applicable for both the incorrect and 

corrected model, but all related, applicable 

ADs for the corrected model were not 

complied with. 

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(AMOCs) 

(1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO, 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 manager of the ACO, send it to the 

attention of the person identified in the 

Related Information section of this AD. 

(2) 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. 

(3) AMOCs approved for AD 80–11–06 (45 

FR 35309, May 27, 1980), are approved as 

AMOCs for this AD. 

(k) Related Information 

(1) For more information about this AD, 

contact Gregory ‘‘Keith’’ Noles, Aerospace 

Engineer, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia 

Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: 


sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 47 / Friday, March 9, 2012 / Proposed Rules 14319 

(404) 474–5551; fax: (404) 474–5606; email: 

gregory.noles@faa.gov. 

(2) For service information identified in 

this AD, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 926 

Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; 

telephone: (772) 567–4361; Internet: 

www.piper.com. You may review copies of 

the referenced service information at the 

FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 

Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information 

on the availability of this material at the 

FAA, call (816) 329–4148. 

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 

5, 2012. 

John Colomy, 

Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 

Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2012–5801 Filed 3–8–12; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 91 

[Docket No. FAA–2012–0252] 

Unmanned Aircraft System Test Sites 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Request for comments. 

SUMMARY: The FAA intends to identify 

six test ranges/sites to integrate 

unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into 

the National Airspace System (NAS). 

This pilot project is in direct response 

to a Congressional mandate. The FAA 

believes that designation of such UAS 

test sites will assist in the effort to safely 

and efficiently integrate UAS into the 

NAS and solicits feedback on this issue. 

This feedback will be utilized to help 

develop UAS test site requirements, 

designation standards, and oversight 

activity. 

DATES: The FAA values the input of the 

UAS community at large and intends to 

incorporate ideas and suggestions into 

the UAS test site designation process. 

Send your comments on or before May 

8, 2012. 

The FAA will also host national 

webinars to provide further information 

and obtain feedback regarding the six 

test ranges/sites. Additional information 

and frequently asked questions are 

available at www.faa.gov/. 

ADDRESSES: You may send comments 

identified by docket number FAA– 

2012–0252 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, 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, 

to http://www.regulations.gov, including 

any personal information the 

commenter provides. Using the search 

function of the docket web site, anyone 

can find and read the electronic form of 

all comments received into any FAA 

dockets, including the name of the 

individual sending the comment (or 

signing the comment for an association, 

business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s 

complete Privacy Act Statement can be 

found in the Federal Register published 

on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478), 

as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov. 

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 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: 

Richard Prosek, Manager, Unmanned 

Aircraft Program Office, Flight 

Standards Service, Federal Aviation 

Administration, 800 Independence 

Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591, 

call (202) 385–4835, facsimile (202) 

385–4559, email uastestsites@faa.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background 

An unmanned aircraft is a device that 

is used, or is intended to be used, for 

flight in the air with no onboard pilot. 

These devices may be as simple as a 

light, hand launched aircraft flown 

within line of sight of the operator or as 

complex as a high altitude surveillance 

aircraft patrolling our nation’s borders. 

They may be flown using a data link to 

transmit commands to the aircraft. They 

may perform a variety of public 

services, including: Surveillance, 

collection of air samples to determine 

levels of pollution, or rescue and 

recovery missions in crisis situations. 

They currently range in size from 

wingspans of six inches to over 240 feet; 

and can weigh from approximately four 

ounces to over 32,000 pounds. The one 

thing they have in common is that their 

numbers and uses are growing 

dramatically. In the United States alone, 

approximately 50 companies, 

universities, and government 

organizations are developing and 

producing some 155 unmanned aircraft 

designs. Regulatory standards need to be 

developed to enable current technology 

for unmanned aircraft, and unmanned 

aircraft operations, to comply with Title 

14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). 

Additionally, research needs to be 

performed to assess and mitigate 

operational safety and efficiency issues 

to enable routine UAS operations in the 

NAS. 

Congressional Mandate Under FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

On February 14, 2012, the FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

was signed by the President. The Act 

includes specific requirements for 

unmanned aerial [aircraft] systems and 

national airspace. 

Under H.R. 658, Section 331(c), the 

FAA Administrator is required to 

establish a program to integrate 

unmanned aircraft systems into the 

national airspace system at six test 

ranges. In establishing the program, the 

Administrator shall: 

(A) Safely designate airspace for 

integrated manned and unmanned flight 

operations in the national airspace 

system; 

(B) Develop certification standards 

and air traffic requirements for 

unmanned flight operations at test 

ranges; 

(C) Coordinate with and leverage the 

resources of the National Aeronautics 

and Space Administration and the 

Department of Defense; 

(D) Address both civil and public 

unmanned aircraft systems; 

(E) Ensure that the program is 

coordinated with the Next Generation 

Air Transportation System; and 

(F) Provide for verification of the 

safety of unmanned aircraft systems and 

related navigation procedures before 

integration into the national airspace 

system. In determining the location of 

the 6 test ranges of the program, the 

FAA Administrator shall— 

(A) Take into consideration 

geographic and climatic diversity; 

(B) Take into consideration the 

location of ground infrastructure and 

research needs; and 

(C) Consult with the National 

Aeronautics and Space Administration 

and the Department of Defense. 


sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS