[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 19 (Tuesday, January 30, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4400-4404]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-412]



[[Page 4399]]

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Part IV





Department of Transportation





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Federal Aviation Administration



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14 CFR Part 65



 Inspection Authorization 2-Year Renewal; Final Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 19 / Tuesday, January 30, 2007 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 4400]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 65

[Docket No.: FAA-2007-27108; Amendment No. 65-50]

RIN 2120-AI83


Inspection Authorization 2-Year Renewal

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Direct final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is amending the 
regulations for the Inspection Authorization (IA) renewal period. The 
current IA regulation has a 1-year renewal period. This rulemaking 
changes the renewal period to once every two years. By changing the 
renewal period, the FAA reduces the renewal administrative costs by 
50%. Both the FAA and the mechanic holding the IA will realize this 
cost reduction. Aviation safety will not be affected because this 
rulemaking does not change the requirements of the prior rule for 
annual activity (work performed, training, or oral examination).

DATES: Effective March 1, 2007.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before March 1, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments identified by Docket Number FAA-2007-
27108 using any of the following methods:
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-001.
    <bullet> Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For more information on the rulemaking process, see the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
    Privacy: We will post all comments we receive, without change, to 
http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. For 
more information, see the Privacy Act discussion in the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section of this document.
    Docket: To read background documents or comments received, go to 
http://dms.dot.gov at any time or to Room PL-401 on the plaza level of 
the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim Barnette, AFS-350, 800 
Independence Ave, SW., Washington, DC 20591. Telephone number: 202-493-
4922; e-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f09b999dde9291829e95848495b0969191de979f86"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="69020004470b081b070c1d1d0c290f0808470e061f">[email protected]</span></a>; Fax is 202-267-5115.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rulemaking responds to ongoing 
discussions between the FAA and industry groups concerning ways to 
reduce the administrative burden associated with the renewal of 
inspection authorizations under Sec.  65.93, Inspection authorization: 
Renewal, of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). 
Historically, inspection authorizations have been renewed every year 
during the month of March. Discussions between the FAA and industry 
representatives, including the Professional Aviation Maintenance 
Association (PAMA), concluded that changing the renewal period to once 
every two years, while maintaining requirements for activity (work 
performed, training, or oral examination) on an annual basis would 
reduce the administrative burden without affecting safety. The FAA 
therefore decided to promulgate this rulemaking as a direct final rule 
because these non-controversial administrative changes will result in 
appreciable benefits and will not have any adverse impact on safety.
    The rule amends Sec.  65.92(a) and Sec.  65.93(a) and (b), and adds 
a new paragraph (c) to Sec.  65.93. The amendment to Sec.  65.92(a) 
changes the expiration date of an inspection authorization from ``March 
31 of each year'' to ``March 31 of each odd-numbered year.'' The 
amendment to Sec.  65.93(a) changes the renewal period for inspection 
authorizations from every year to once every two years, reflecting the 
expiration date change to odd-numbered years. The rule retains an 
annual activity requirement for each year of the 2-year IA period. 
Consistent with the annual aspects of the current rule, an IA holder 
must perform one of the five activities listed in Sec.  65.93(a) (1)-
(5) during the first year (April 1 to the following March 31) of the 2-
year IA period. As provided in new paragraph (c) to Sec.  65.93, if the 
IA holder does not complete one of those activities by March 31 of the 
first-year, the holder may not exercise the inspection authorization 
privileges after that date. However, the holder may resume exercising 
IA privileges during the second year after he or she passes an oral 
test given by an FAA inspector to determine if the holder's knowledge 
of applicable regulations and standards is current. When the holder 
passes the oral test, the FAA will deem the first-year requirement 
completed. Each IA holder also must perform one of the five activities 
listed in Sec.  65.93(a) (1)-(5) during the second year of the 
inspection authorization period to be eligible for renewal.
    The amendment for Sec.  65.93(b) addresses the case of a holder of 
an inspection authorization that has been in effect for less than 90 
days before March 31 of an even-numbered year. That IA holder need not 
comply with the activity requirements of Sec.  65.93(a) (1) through (5) 
for the first year of the 2-year inspection authorization period.
    This rulemaking has both FAA and industry support because it 
provides for a 2-year inspection authorization renewal instead of an 
annual requirement. Extending the inspection authorization period to 
two years reduces the paperwork requirements, therefore reducing costs 
for both IA holders and the FAA by 50%.
    As noted before, Sec.  65.92(a) sets March 31 as the date when each 
inspection authorization expires. The FAA selected March 1, 2007, as 
the effective date so that the new rule will be in effect when current 
IAs expire. During March 2007, when mechanics apply to their local 
Flight Standards District Office/International Field Office (FSDO/IFO) 
for renewal of their IAs, the FAA Inspector will sign FAA Form 8310-5, 
Inspection Authorization, for a 2-year period if the mechanics meet the 
requirements for renewal. The FAA recognizes that during this 
transition to a 2-year renewal period, the FAA will be looking only at 
a 1-year period (April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007) with respect to 
meeting the requirements of Sec.  65.93(a) (1)-(5).

Inspection Authorization: Duration

    The FAA is changing Sec.  65.92(a) to state that each inspection 
authorization expires on March 31 of each odd-numbered year. This 
action ensures that Sec. Sec.  65.92 and 65.93 consistently address the 
2-year renewal period.

[[Page 4401]]

Inspection Authorization: Renewal

    The FAA is changing Sec.  65.93 to provide that:
    <bullet> The renewal period for an inspection authorization is 
changed to every two years, from April 1 of each odd-numbered year to 
March 31 of the next odd-numbered year.
    <bullet> The IA period is made up of two periods of one year 
duration, each with an activity (work performed, training, or oral 
examination) requirement.
    <bullet> During March of every odd-numbered year, an applicant for 
renewal must present evidence to the FAA of meeting the inspection 
authorization renewal requirements of Sec.  65.93(a).
    <bullet> To maintain currency and ensure a consistent level of 
safety, IA holders must fulfill one of the activities of Sec.  65.93(a) 
(1) through (5) during the first year of the 2-year IA period.
    <bullet> If an IA holder does not complete the activity requirement 
by March 31 of the first year of the 2-year IA period, the IA holder 
may not exercise the privileges of the authorization after that date. 
The IA holder may resume exercising inspection authorization privileges 
during the second year of the 2-year IA period after the IA holder 
passes an oral test. That test is administered by an FAA inspector to 
determine that the IA holder's knowledge of applicable regulations and 
standards is current. Upon passing the oral test, the IA holder will be 
deemed in compliance with the first year activity (work performed, 
training, or oral examination) requirement. Alternatively, the IA 
holder may surrender the inspection authorization and retake the IA 
examination without a waiting period before re-examination.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety is found in 
Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes 
the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation 
Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority set forth in 
49 U.S.C. 44701(a)(2)(A). This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because the Administrator is charged with promoting safe 
flight of civil aircraft by, among other things, prescribing 
regulations that the Administrator finds necessary inspecting, 
servicing, and overhauling aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and 
appliances.

The Direct Final Rule Procedure

    The FAA anticipates that this regulation will not result in adverse 
or negative comment and therefore is issuing it as a direct final rule 
as a result of the strong support from the mechanics who hold 
inspection authorizations. Unless a written adverse or negative 
comment, or a written notice of intent to submit an adverse or negative 
comment, is received within the comment period, the regulation will 
become effective on the date specified above.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this 
rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also 
invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or 
federalism impacts that might result from adopting the requirements in 
this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion 
of the rule, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include 
supporting data. We ask that you send us two copies of written 
comments.
    We will file in the docket all comments we receive, as well as a 
report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. The docket is available for public 
inspection before and after the comment closing date. If you wish to 
review the docket in person, go to the address in the ADDRESSES section 
of this preamble between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. You may also review the docket using the 
Internet at the Web address in the ADDRESSES section.
    Privacy Act: Using the search function of our docket Web site, 
anyone can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual sending the comment (or signing 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.
    If you want the FAA to acknowledge receipt of your comments on this 
direct final rule, include with your comments a pre-addressed, stamped 
postcard on which the docket number appears. We will stamp the date on 
the postcard and mail it to you.

Availability of Rulemaking Documents

    You can get an electronic copy using the Internet by:
    (1) Searching the Department of Transportation's electronic Docket 
Management System (DMS) Web page (http://dms.dot.gov/search);
    (2) Visiting the FAA's Regulations and Policy Web page at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/; or
    (3) Accessing the Government Printing Office's Web page at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html.
    You can also get a copy by sending a request to the Federal 
Aviation Administration, Office of Rulemaking, ARM-1, 800 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202) 267-9680. Make 
sure to identify the docket number, notice number, or amendment number 
of this rulemaking.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    The Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) of 
1996 requires FAA to comply with small entity requests for information 
or advice about compliance with statutes and regulations within its 
jurisdiction. Therefore, any small entity that has a question regarding 
this document may contact their local FAA official, or the person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. You can find out more 
about SBRFA on the Internet at our site, http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/sbre_act/.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3507(d)), the FAA has submitted a copy of these sections to the Office 
of Management and Budget for its review. The collection of information 
was approved and assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0022. An agency may 
not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a 
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. This final rule extends 
the renewal period for Inspection Authorizations from one year to two 
years. With this change, the FAA reduces the renewal administrative 
costs and the paperwork by 50 percent. Both the FAA and the mechanic 
holding the IA will realize this cost reduction. The rule is expected 
to result in cost savings over ten years of approximately $795,000 
($545,863 discounted) to industry and $430,000 ($295,856 discounted) to 
the FAA.
    Individuals and organizations may submit comments on the 
information collection requirement by March 1, 2007, and should direct 
them to the address listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document.

[[Page 4402]]

International Compatibility

    The FAA has reviewed corresponding International Civil Aviation 
Organization International Standards and Recommended practices and has 
identified no differences in these proposed amendments and the foreign 
regulations.

Regulatory Evaluation, Regulatory Flexibility Determination, 
International Trade Impact Assessment, and Unfunded Mandates Assessment

    Changes to Federal regulations must undergo several economic 
analyses. First, Executive Order 12866 directs that each Federal agency 
shall propose or adopt a regulation only upon a reasoned determination 
that the benefits of the intended regulation justify its costs. Second, 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-354) requires 
agencies to analyze the economic impact of regulatory changes on small 
entities. Third, the Trade Agreements Act (Pub. L. 96-39) prohibits 
agencies from setting standards that create unnecessary obstacles to 
the foreign commerce of the United States. In developing U.S. 
standards, the Trade Act requires agencies to consider international 
standards and, where appropriate, that they be the basis of U.S. 
standards. Fourth, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 
104-4) requires agencies to prepare a written assessment of the costs, 
benefits, and other effects of proposed or final rules that include a 
Federal mandate likely to result in the expenditure by State, local, or 
tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 
million or more annually (adjusted for inflation with base year of 
1995). This portion of the preamble summarizes the FAA's analysis of 
the economic impacts of this direct final rule.
    Department of Transportation Order DOT 2100.5 prescribes policies 
and procedures for simplification, analysis, and review of regulations. 
If the expected cost impact is so minimal that a proposed or final rule 
does not warrant a full evaluation, this order permits that a statement 
to that effect and the basis for it be included in the preamble if a 
full regulatory evaluation of the cost and benefits is not prepared. 
Such a determination has been made for this direct final rule. The 
reasoning for this determination follows.
    Since this direct final rule extends the time between the renewal 
of the inspection authorization from one to two years, the expected 
outcome will be a cost savings. This is because the frequency with 
which mechanics will have to complete and submit renewal applications 
and FSDOs will have to review these applications will be cut in half. 
The rule is expected to result in cost savings over ten years of 
approximately $795,000 ($545,863 discounted) to industry and $430,000 
($295,856 discounted) to the FAA. There is no impact on safety because 
the rule does not change the requirements for annual activity (work 
performed, training, or oral examination).

Assumptions

    <bullet> Discount rate--7%.
    <bullet> Period of analysis--2007 through 2016.
    <bullet> All monetary values are expressed in 2005 dollars.
    <bullet> In 2007 approximately 15,000 mechanics will renew their 
inspection authorization. The number of mechanics will drop to about 
12,000 by 2011.
    <bullet> An airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic's time is costed 
out at $36.69 \1\ an hour including fringe benefits.
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    \1\ The annual salary of an A&P maintenance technician is 
estimated at $57,614 in 2002 as discussed on pg. 7-10 in ``Economic 
Values for FAA Investment and Regulatory Decisions, A Guide, 
Contract No. DTFA 01-02-C00200, Draft final Report, December 31, 
2004. To convert to 2005 dollars the FAA used the Budget of the 
United States Government, Fiscal Year 2006, Table 10.1--Gross 
Domestic Product and Deflators Used in the Historical Tables: 1940-
2011. To convert 2002 dollars to 2005 dollars the FAA multiplied by 
1.072949 to obtain $61,817. The FAA applied a fringe benefit factor 
of 23.45% as discussed in ``Economic Analysis of Investment and 
Regulatory Decisions--Revised Guide'', FAA-APO-98-4, January 1998. 
The FAA multiplied $61,817 by 1.2345 to obtain an annual cost of 
$76,313 for the mechanic's time and divided by 2080 to obtain an 
hourly cost of $36.69 for a mechanic.
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    <bullet> The A&P will need approximately 20 minutes to fill out 
Form 8610-1.
    <bullet> The cost for a mechanic to complete and mail each form is 
$12.62 \2\.
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    \2\ The cost to complete and mail each form is derived by 
multiplying the mechanics hourly rate of $36.69 by 20/60, because 
the mechanic needs 20 minutes to fill out each form, to obtain 
$12.23 and adding $0.39 because the mechanic must mail the form to 
the FSDO.
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    <bullet> The hourly rate for a GS-11 is $36.36 \3\ including fringe 
benefits.
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    \3\ The hourly basic wage rate from the 2005 General Schedule 
Salary Table 2004-DCB (for the locality pay area of Rest of the 
United States), GS-11, Step 5 is $27.45. The FAA applied a fringe 
benefit factor of 32.45% as discussed in ``Economic Analysis of 
Investment and Regulatory Decisions--Revised Guide'', FAA-APO-98-4, 
January 1998. The FAA multiplied $27.45 by 1.3245 to obtain an 
hourly wage rate of $36.36 for a GS11 employee processing the 
application.
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    <bullet> A GS-11 at the FSDO and a GS-11 at Oklahoma City will each 
need approximately 5 minutes to process the application.
    <bullet> The cost to the FAA to process each application including 
postage is $6.84 \4\.
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    \4\ This cost was derived by multiplying the hourly rate of 
$36.36 by (10/60) because the FAA needs 10 minutes per application 
to obtain $6.06 and adding the cost of postage for 2 mailings 
($0.78) to obtain $6.83.
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    The following steps take place during the process of renewing an 
inspection authorization. The A&P mechanic fills out Form 8610-1 and 
mails it to the local FSDO where a staff member reviews the application 
to make sure it meets the requirements, confirms the signature, signs 
the card and mails it back to the mechanic and mails the application to 
Oklahoma City. At Oklahoma City, a staff member files the application 
and transfers the name.
    The following tables detail the cost savings to industry and to the 
United States Government.

                                                                  Industry Cost Savings
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                                                     Number                                                                                  Net present
                                                    renewing     Cost per    Total cost     Number     Total Cost    Net cost     Discount     value of
                      Year                          without    application  without the    renewing     with the    savings of      Rate         cost
                                                      rule                      rule      with rule       rule       the rule                  savings
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2007............................................       15,000        12.62      189,300       15,000      189,300            0       0.9346            0
2008............................................       14,250        12.62      179,835            0            0      179,835       0.8734      157,075
2009............................................       13,500        12.62      170,370       13,500      170,370            0       0.8163            0
2010............................................       12,750        12.62      160,905            0            0      160,905       0.7629      122,754
2011............................................       12,000        12.62      151,440       12,000      151,440            0       0.7130            0
2012............................................       12,000        12.62      151,440            0            0      151,440       0.6663      100,911
2013............................................       12,000        12.62      151,440       12,000      151,440            0       0.6227            0
2014............................................       12,000        12.62      151,440            0            0      151,440       0.5820       88,139
2015............................................       12,000        12.62      151,440       12,000      151,440            0       0.5439            0

[[Page 4403]]

 
2016............................................       12,000        12.62      151,440            0            0      151,440       0.5083       76,984
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total.......................................  ...........  ...........    1,609,050  ...........      813,990      795,060  ...........      545,863
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                                                                 Government Cost Savings
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                                                     Number                                                                                  Net present
                                                    renewing     Cost per    Total cost     Number     Total Cost    Net cost     Discount     value of
                      Year                          without    application  without the    renewing     with the    savings of      Rate         cost
                                                      rule                      rule      with rule       rule       the rule                  savings
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2007............................................       15,000        $6.84     $102,600      $15,000     $102,600           $0      $0.9346           $0
2008............................................       14,250         6.84       97,470            0            0       97,470       0.8734       85,134
2009............................................       13,500         6.84       92,340       13,500       92,340            0       0.8163            0
2010............................................       12,750         6.84       87,210            0            0       87,210       0.7629       66,532
2011............................................       12,000         6.84       82,080       12,000       82,080            0       0.7130            0
2012............................................       12,000         6.84       82,080            0            0       82,080       0.6663       54,693
2013............................................       12,000         6.84       82,080       12,000       82,080            0       0.6227            0
2014............................................       12,000         6.84       82,080            0            0       82,080       0.5820       47,771
2015............................................       12,000         6.84       82,080       12,000       82,080            0       0.5439            0
2016............................................       12,000         6.84       82,080            0            0       82,080       0.5083       41,725
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total.......................................  ...........  ...........      872,100  ...........      441,180      430,920  ...........      295,856
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    Based on the projected cost savings, the FAA has determined that 
this direct final rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' as 
defined in section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, and is not 
``significant'' as defined in DOT's Regulatory Policies and Procedures.

Regulatory Flexibility Determination

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) of 1980 (Public Law 96-354) 
establishes ``as a principle of regulatory issuance that agencies shall 
endeavor, consistent with the objectives of the rule and of applicable 
statutes, to fit regulatory and informational requirements to the scale 
of the businesses, organizations, and governmental jurisdictions 
subject to regulation. To achieve this principle, agencies are required 
to solicit and consider flexible regulatory proposals and to explain 
the rationale for their actions to assure that such proposals are given 
serious consideration.'' The RFA covers a wide-range of small entities, 
including small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and small 
governmental jurisdictions.
    Agencies must perform a review to determine whether a rule will 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. If the agency determines that it will, the agency must 
prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis as described in the RFA.
    However, if an agency determines that a rule is not expected to 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities, section 605(b) of the RFA provides that the head of the 
agency may so certify and a regulatory flexibility analysis is not 
required. The certification must include a statement providing the 
factual basis for this determination, and the reasoning should be 
clear. This direct final rule will result in some minor cost savings 
(about $12 per employee every other year) to certain individuals and 
will not impose any additional costs.
    Therefore, as the FAA Administrator, I certify that this rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.

International Trade Impact Assessment

    The Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-39) prohibits Federal 
agencies from establishing any standards or engaging in related 
activities that create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of 
the United States. Legitimate domestic objectives, such as safety, are 
not considered unnecessary obstacles. The statute also requires 
consideration of international standards and, where appropriate, that 
they be the basis for U.S. standards. The FAA has assessed the 
potential effect of this direct final rule and has determined that it 
will have only a domestic impact and therefore no affect on 
international trade.

Unfunded Mandates Assessment

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-
4) requires each Federal agency to prepare a written statement 
assessing the effects of any Federal mandate in a proposed or final 
agency rule that may result in an expenditure of $100 million or more 
(adjusted annually for inflation with the base year 1995) in any one 
year by State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by 
the private sector; such a mandate is deemed to be a ``significant 
regulatory action.'' The FAA currently uses an inflation-adjusted value 
of $128.1 million in lieu of $100 million.
    This direct final rule does not contain such a mandate.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    The FAA has analyzed this final rule under the principles and 
criteria of Executive Order 13132, Federalism. We determined that this 
action will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, or the 
relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government. Therefore, we determined that this final rule does not have 
federalism implications.

Plain English

    Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, Oct. 4, 1993) requires each 
agency to write regulations that are simple and easy to understand. We 
invite your comments on how to make these regulations easier to 
understand, including answers to questions such as the following:
    <bullet> Are the requirements in the regulations clearly stated?

[[Page 4404]]

    <bullet> Do the regulations contain technical language or jargon 
that interferes with their clarity?
    <bullet> Would the regulations be easier to understand if they were 
divided into more (but shorter) sections?
    <bullet> Is the description in the preamble helpful in 
understanding this action?
    Please send your comments to the address specified in the ADDRESSES 
section.

Environmental Analysis

    FAA Order 1050.1E identifies FAA actions that are categorically 
excluded from preparation of an environmental assessment or 
environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy 
Act in the absence of extraordinary circumstances. The FAA has 
determined this rulemaking action qualifies for the categorical 
exclusion identified in paragraph 307s and involves no extraordinary 
circumstances.

Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or 
Use

    The FAA has analyzed this final rule under Executive Order 13211, 
Actions Concerning Regulations that Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use (66 FR 28355, May 18, 2001). We have determined 
that it is not a ``significant energy action'' under the executive 
order because it is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866, and it is not likely to have a significant 
adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 65

    Air traffic controllers, Aircraft, Airmen, Airports, Alcohol abuse, 
Aviation safety, Drug abuse, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Security measures.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 65 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 65) as follows:

PART 65--CERTIFICATION: AIRMEN OTHER THAN FLIGHT CREW-MEMBERS

0
1. The authority citation for part 65 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g). 40113, 44701-44703, 44707, 44709-
44711, 45102-45103, 45301-45302.

0
2. Revise Sec.  65.92(a) to read as follows.


Sec.  65.92  Inspection authorization: Duration.

    (a) Each inspection authorization expires on March 31 of each odd-
numbered year. However, the holder may exercise the privileges of that 
authorization only while he holds a currently effective mechanic 
certificate with both a currently effective airframe rating and a 
currently effective powerplant rating.
* * * * *

0
3. Revise Sec.  65.93 to read as follows.


Sec.  65.93  Inspection authorization: Renewal.

    (a) To be eligible for renewal of an inspection authorization for a 
2-year period an applicant must present evidence during the month of 
March of each odd-numbered year, at an FAA Flight Standards District 
Office or an International Field Office, that the applicant still meets 
the requirements of Sec.  65.91(c) (1) through (4). In addition, during 
the time the applicant held the inspection authorization, the applicant 
must show completion of one of the activities in Sec.  65.93(a) (1) 
through (5) below by March 31 of the first year of the 2-year 
inspection authorization period, and completion of one of the five 
activities during the second year of the 2-year period:
    (1) Performed at least one annual inspection for each 90 days that 
the applicant held the current authority; or
    (2) Performed at least two major repairs or major alterations for 
each 90 days that the applicant held the current authority; or
    (3) Performed or supervised and approved at least one progressive 
inspection in accordance with standards prescribed by the 
Administrator; or
    (4) Attended and successfully completed a refresher course, 
acceptable to the Administrator, of not less than 8 hours of 
instruction; or
    (5) Passed an oral test by an FAA inspector to determine that the 
applicant's knowledge of applicable regulations and standards is 
current.
    (b) The holder of an inspection authorization that has been in 
effect:
    (1) for less than 90 days before the expiration date need not 
comply with paragraphs (a)(1) through (5) of this section.
    (2) for less than 90 days before March 31 of an even-numbered year 
need not comply with paragraphs (a)(1) through (5) of this section for 
the first year of the 2-year inspection authorization period.
    (c) An inspection authorization holder who does not complete one of 
the activities set forth in Sec.  65.93(a) (1) through (5) of this 
section by March 31 of the first year of the 2-year inspection 
authorization period may not exercise inspection authorization 
privileges after March 31 of the first year. The inspection 
authorization holder may resume exercising inspection authorization 
privileges after passing an oral test from an FAA inspector to 
determine that the applicant's knowledge of the applicable regulations 
and standards is current. An inspection authorization holder who passes 
this oral test is deemed to have completed the requirements of Sec.  
65.93(a) (1) through (5) by March 31 of the first year.

    Issued in Washington, DC on January 23, 2007.
Marion C. Blakey,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 07-412 Filed 1-26-07; 8:48 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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