### 12256 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 36 / Friday, February 22, 2013 / Proposed Rules

Community, EASA has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD would require reducing the life of certain critical parts. Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD affects 32 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take 0 hours per product to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. We are not requiring parts replacement, so parts cost is $0. We estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $0. 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); 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this 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.
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 adding the following new AD:
Rolls-Royce (1971) Limited, Bristol Engine Division: Docket No. FAA–2012–1331; Directorate Identifier 2012–NE–44–AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by April 23,

2013.
(b) Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs)

None.
(c) Applicability

This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce (1971) Limited, Bristol Engine Division (RR) Viper Mk. 601–22 turbojet engines.

(d) Reason

This AD was prompted by a review carried out by RR of the lives of certain critical parts. We are issuing this AD to prevent life-limited part failure, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
(e) Actions and Compliance

Unless already done, do the following actions.

(1) After the effective date of this AD, remove the following parts before they reach their specified new, lower life limits: compressor shaft, part number (P/N) V900766: 20,720 flight cycles since new (CSN); compressor rear stubshaft (center bearing hub), P/Ns V900007 and V900994: 9,600 CSN; combustion chamber outer casing, P/Ns V950013 and V950331: 32,000 CSN.

(2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any part identified in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD into any engine, nor return any engine to service, with the parts identified in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD installed, if the part exceeds the new, lower life limits specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this
AD. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request.
(g) Related Information

(1) For more information about this AD, contact Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7754; fax: 781–238–7199; email: Robert.Green@faa.gov.

(2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012–0243 (Correction: November 13, 2012), dated November 12, 2012, and Rolls-Royce Alert Service Bulletin 72–A206, dated November, 2012, for related information.

(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; phone: 011–44–1332– 242424; fax: 011–44–1332–249936; or email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/ civil

_team.jsp. You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 15, 2013. Robert J. Ganley, Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2013–04103 Filed 2–21–13; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION**

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**14 CFR Part 39**

**[Docket No. FAA–2013–0092; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–067–AD]** 

**RIN 2120–AA64**

**Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. Airplanes** 

**AGENCY :**  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

**ACTION :**  Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

**SUMMARY :**  We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of chafing between the auxiliary power unit (APU) electronic starter controller (ESC) power cables and the airplane tail cone firewall. This proposed AD would require a detailed inspection for damage to the insulation and inner conductors of the APU ESC power cables, installing


### 12257 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 36 / Friday, February 22, 2013 / Proposed Rules

new grommet support in the tail cone firewall, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct damage to the APU ESC power cable harness, which if not corrected, could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage and empennage in the event of fire penetration through the firewall.

**DATES :**  We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 8, 2013.

**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.

For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Embraer S.A., Technical Publications Section (PC 060), Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 2170— Putim—12227–901 Sa  ̃ o Jose dos Campos—SP—BRASIL; telephone +55 12 3927–5852 or +55 12 3309–0732; fax +55 12 3927–7546; email distrib@embraer.com.br; Internet http:// www.flyembraer.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. 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 proposed 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 :**  Cindy Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2768; fax (425) 227–1149. **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–2013–0092; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–067–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 based on 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.

Discussion

The Age ˆ ncia Nacional de Aviac

 ̧ a  ̃ o Civil (ANAC), which is the aviation authority for Brazil, has issued Brazilian Airworthiness Directives 2012–03–03 and 2012–03–04, both dated April 13, 2012 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI
states:

It has been found the occurrences of chafing between the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Electronic Starter Controller (ESC) power cables (harness W205) and the airplane tail cone firewall due to the grommet installed in the tail cone firewall moves out of its place. This condition, if not corrected, may result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage and empennage in an event of fire penetration through the firewall. The required actions include a detailed inspection for damage to the harness insulation and inner conductors of the APU ESC power cables, installing a new grommet support in the tail cone firewall, and corrective actions if necessary. Corrective actions include repairing the harness W205 insulation or replacing the harness W205 of the APU ESC power cables with a new harness. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

Embraer has issued Service Bulletin 170–53–0093, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012 (for Model ERJ 170 airplanes); Service Bulletin 190–53–0054, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012 (for Model ERJ 190 airplanes); and Service Bulletin 190LIN–53–0059, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012 (for Model ERJ 190–100 ECJ airplanes). The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed 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 proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

Although Brazilian Airworthiness Directive AD 2012–03–04, dated April 13, 2012, specifies a compliance time of ‘‘within 3,000 flight hours (FH)’’ after the effective date of this AD for performing a detailed inspection on the APU ESC power cables for damage, this AD requires the action be done within 3,000 flight hours (FH) or 18 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. This proposed compliance time aligns with the compliance time listed in Brazilian AD 2012–03–03, dated April 13, 2012. Costs of Compliance

Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 253 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 15 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $322,575, or $1,275 per product. 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.


### 12258 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 36 / Friday, February 22, 2013 / Proposed Rules

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 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 this 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.

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. 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 adding the following new AD:

Embraer S.A.: Docket No. FAA–2013–0092; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–067–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by April 8,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs

None. (c) Applicability

This AD applies to the airplane models identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.

(1) Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170–100 LR, –100 STD, –100 SE., and –100 SU airplanes; and Model ERJ 170–200 LR, –200 SU, and –200 STD airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in Embraer Service Bulletin 170–53–0093, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012.

(2) Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190–100 STD, –100 LR, –100 ECJ, and –100 IGW airplanes; and Model ERJ 190–200 STD, –200 LR, and –200 IGW airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in Embraer Service Bulletin 190–53–0054, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012; and Embraer Service Bulletin 190LIN–53–0059, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012.
(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by reports of chafing between the auxiliary power unit (APU) electronic starter controller (ESC) power cables and the airplane tail cone firewall. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damage to the APU ESC power cable harness, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage and empennage in the event of fire penetration through the firewall.
(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) Detailed Inspection, Installation, and Corrective Actions

Within 3,000 flight hours or 18 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do a detailed visual inspection for damage to the insulation and inner conductors of the APU ESC power cables (harness W205), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Embraer Service Bulletin 170–53–0093, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012 (for Model ERJ 170 airplanes); Embraer Service Bulletin 190–53– 0054, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012 (for Model ERJ 190 airplanes except for Model ERJ 190–100 ECJ airplanes); and Embraer Service Bulletin 190LIN–53–0059, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012 (for Model ERJ 190–100 ECJ airplanes).

(1) If no damage is found, before further flight, install a new grommet support having part number (P/N) 191–21716–003 in the tail cone firewall, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Embraer Service Bulletin 170–53–0093, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012 (for Model ERJ 170 airplanes); Embraer Service Bulletin 190–53– 0054, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012 (for Model ERJ 190 airplanes except for Model ERJ 190–100 ECJ airplanes); and Embraer Service Bulletin 190LIN–53–0059, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012 (for Model ERJ 190–100 ECJ airplanes).

(2) If any damage is found during any inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD, that affects only the insulation of harness W205 of the APU ESC power cables: Before further flight, repair the insulation and install a new grommet support having P/N 191– 21716–003 in the tail cone firewall, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Embraer Service Bulletin 170– 53–0093, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012 (for Model ERJ 170 airplanes); Embraer Service Bulletin 190–53–0054, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012 (for Model ERJ 190 airplanes except for Model ERJ 190–100 ECJ airplanes); or Embraer Service Bulletin 190LIN–53–0059, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012 (for Model ERJ 190–100 ECJ airplanes).

(3) If any damage is found during any inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD that affects the insulation of harness W205 of the APU ESC power cables and the inner conductors: Before further flight, replace the harness with a new harness and install a new grommet support having P/N 191–21716–003 in the tail cone firewall, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Embraer Service Bulletin 170– 53–0093, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012 (for Model ERJ 170 airplanes); Embraer Service Bulletin 190–53–0054, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012 (for Model ERJ 190 airplanes except for Model ERJ 190–100 ECJ airplanes); and Embraer Service Bulletin 190LIN–53–0059, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012 (for Model ERJ 190–100 ECJ airplanes).

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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: Cindy Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–227–2768; 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


### 12259 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 36 / Friday, February 22, 2013 / Proposed Rules

(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(i) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Brazilian Airworthiness Directives 2012–03–03 and 2012–03–04, dated April 13, 2012; and the service information specified in paragraphs (i)(1)(i), (i)(1)(ii), and (i)(1)(iii) of this AD; for related information.

(i) Embraer Service Bulletin 170–53–0093, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012.

(ii) Embraer Service Bulletin 190–53–0054, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012.

(iii) Embraer Service Bulletin 190LIN–53– 0059, Revision 01, dated March 16, 2012.

(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Embraer S.A., Technical Publications Section (PC 060), Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 2170—Putim—12227–901 Sa  ̃ o Jose dos Campos—SP—BRASIL; telephone +55 12 3927–5852 or +55 12 3309–0732; fax +55 12 3927–7546; email distrib@embraer.com.br; Internet http:// www.flyembraer.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 11, 2013. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2013–04045 Filed 2–21–13; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION**

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**14 CFR Part 91**

**[Docket No.: FAA–2013–0061]**

**Unmanned Aircraft System Test Site Program** 

**AGENCY :**  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

**ACTION :**  Notice of availability; request for comments

**SUMMARY :**  On February 14, 2012, Congress mandated that the FAA, coordinating with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Department of Defense, develop a test site program for the integration of unmanned aircraft systems in to the National Airspace System. The overall purpose of this test site program is to develop a body of data and operational experiences to inform integration and the safe operation of these aircraft in the National Airspace System. This proposed rule announces the process by which the FAA will select the test sites for the program and also solicits comments on the FAA’s proposed approach for addressing the privacy questions raised by the public and Congress with regard to the operation of unmanned aircraft systems within the test site program.

**DATES :**  The FAA values the input of the public and requests comment regarding the privacy approach discussed in this Notice. Please send your comments on or before April 23, 2013.

Once the public has had a chance to review the proposed privacy policy requirements to be levied on the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site operators, but prior to the close of the comment period, the FAA will participate in a webinar to solicit comments from the public and interested stakeholders regarding the proposed privacy approach for the unmanned aircraft systems test site program. The FAA will publish a notice providing details (including the date and time) for the engagement session sufficiently in advance of the meeting to facilitate broad participation.

**ADDRESSES :**  You may send comments identified by Docket No: FAA–2013– 0061 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,
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 docket, 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 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 the test site program, contact Elizabeth Soltys, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; email: 9-ACTUASTSS@faa.gov.

For questions concerning the FAA’s proposed approach for addressing potential UAS privacy concerns, as set out herein, contact Gregory C. Carter, Office of the Chief Counsel, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591; email: 9-AGCUASPrivacy@faa.gov. Background

On February 14, 2012, the President signed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act, Public Law 112–95 (FMRA) into law. The statute contains a number of provisions pertaining to integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS). To assist the agency in integrating UAS, section 332(c) of FMRA directs the FAA, in coordination with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), to develop a UAS test site program for purposes of gathering safety and technical information relevant to the safe and efficient integration of UAS into the NAS. Under the test site program, the FAA will select six test ranges, taking into consideration factors such as geographic and climatic diversity, as well as the location of necessary ground infrastructure to support the sites, and research needs.

The FAA has developed the UAS test site program with the input of the public. The FAA began an outreach effort to gather input on the criteria and processes the FAA should use to select the test sites. In March 2012, the FAA posted a Request for Comments (RFC) in the Federal Register [Docket No. FAA– 2012–0252] and in April 2012, the FAA hosted two public webinars to interact directly with the public. This outreach effort informed the agency in developing its plan for designating the sites.

Based on the feedback received through this outreach effort, the FAA is using its Acquisition Management System (AMS) to solicit applications from entities interested in operating a