28668 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 15, 2012 / Notices 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

Technical Standard Order (TSO)–C91a, 

Emergency Locator Transmitters 

(ELTs) 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of cancellation of 

Technical Standard Order (TSO)–C91a, 

Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) 

Equipment. 

SUMMARY: This notice announces the 

FAA’s cancellation of TSO–C91a, 

Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) 

Equipment. The effect of the cancelled 

TSO will result in no new TSO–C91a 

design or production approvals being 

issued. Applicants wanting to apply for 

TSO Authorization (TSOA) for new 

Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) 

after December 1, 2012, must seek 

authorization for TSO–C126a, 406 MHz 

Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), 

or subsequent. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. 

Albert Sayadian, AIR–130, Federal 

Aviation Administration, 470 L’Enfant 

Plaza, Suite 4102, Washington, DC 

20024. Telephone (202) 385–4652, fax 

(202) 385–4651, email to: 

Albert.Sayadian@faa.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background 

On February 1, 2009 Cospas-Sarsat 

satellite system stopped processing 

signals from 121.5 MHz ELTs and now 

only processes signals from 406 MHz 

ELTs. The decision to discontinue 

processing of the 121.5 MHz signal was 

made by the International Cospas-Sarsat 

program with guidance from the United 

Nations. This was made due to the 

problems within the 121.5 MHz 

frequency band which inundated SAR 

authorities with reports of poor 

accuracy and numerous false alerts, thus 

impacting the effectiveness of lifesaving 

services. 

The 406 MHz ELT technology is an 

advance over the older 121.5 MHz ELT 

technology. TSO–C126a ELT equipment 

is more accurate and reliable than the 

121.5 MHz ELT equipment. Examples of 

these improvements are: (1) Global 

satellite coverage; (2) a unique beacon 

identification which is required to be 

registered so that if an alert is activated 

the rescue coordination center can 

confirm whether the distress is real, 

who they are looking for, and where the 

search should begin; (3) 406 MHz ELTs 

can be received by geostationary 

satellites which are always visible and 

provide instantaneous alerting, and (4) 

increased position accuracy which 

reduces the search area to less than two 

nautical miles in radius. Additionally, 

406 MHz ELTs can optionally include a 

GPS position which can potentially 

reduce the search area to within 100 

meters of the accident site. 

The performance and benefits of 

TSO–C126a equipment surpasses TSO– 

C91a equipment. The 406 MHz 

technology is mature and prevalent in 

the ELT market today. New TSO 

authorizations for ELTs should be 

accomplished to TSO–C126a, or 

subsequent, thus the FAA is canceling 

TSO–C91a. 

Comments 

On January 11, 2012, a notice was 

published in the Federal Register which 

requested comments on the cancellation 

of TSO–C91a (77 FR 1779). 

The FAA received comments from 

four organizations in response to the 

Federal Register Notice. Comments 

from Cobham Beacon Products were 

comprised of several questions. The first 

question regarded permissibility of 

minor and major changes to existing 

TSO–C91a designs. In response, minor 

changes to an existing TSO–C91a ELT 

design will still be allowed in 

accordance with Title 14 of the Code of 

Federal Regulation (14 CFR) 21.611(a), 

however, after December 1, 2012, a 

major change that is extensive enough to 

require issuance of a new ELT TSO 

authorization will have to meet the 

minimum performance standards 

contained in TSO–C126a. Cobham’s 

second question requested clarification 

on repair and overhaul of TSO–C91a 

ELTs. The FAA clarifies that repair and 

overhaul of TSO–C91a articles will 

continue to be permissible. Cobham’s 

third question involved permissibility of 

continued installation of TSO–C91a 

ELTs. The FAA reiterates that articles 

with previous TSO–C91a authorizations 

may still be produced, sold, and 

installed. Cobham also inquired if the 

FAA will update 14 CFR § 91.207 to 

exclude TSO–C91a equipment if the 

Federal Communication Commission 

(FCC) changes the rules governing the 

121.5 MHz frequency. The FAA can not 

comment on future FCC actions, 

however at this time the FAA has no 

plans to revise 14 CFR 91.207. 

The second commenter, Astronics 

DME Corporation, provided two 

comments. First, Astronics commented 

that cancellation of TSO–C91a 

eliminates procedural access to the TSO 

requirements of 14 CFR 21, Subpart O 

when a major change to the TSO’s 

article is required. Under 14 CFR Part 

21, a major change requires the TSO 

authorization holder to apply for a new 

TSO authorization utilizing the latest 

revision of the TSO. Major changes to 

TSO–C91a articles will be accepted 

when applied for utilizing the latest 

revision of TSO–C126. 

Astronics also commented that 

elimination of satellite detection on the 

121.5 MHz frequency is not sufficient 

justification for TSO–C91a cancellation. 

The FAA acknowledges that the 121.5 

MHz ELT signal is still monitored in 

many cases and provides limited search 

and rescue functionality. However, 

TSO–C126a is a more mature standard, 

and the 406 MHz signal provides 

satellite detection, which enhances 

search and rescue efforts. Because the 

121.5 MHz ELT continues to provide 

this basic functionality, the TSO–C91a 

ELTs can continue to be used to meet 14 

CFR § 91.207, however because a more 

mature standard is available, it is 

appropriate to require new ELTs designs 

to meet the standards of TSO–C126a, or 

subsequent. 

Astronics also commented that the 

TSO–C126a requirement to include a 

121.5 MHz homing beacon in the 406 

MHz ELT should be modified to allow 

manufacturers to include a GPS locator 

instead of the 121.5 homing beacon. The 

FAA acknowledges the benefits of 

including GPS position with the 406 

MHz ELT transmission, and encourages 

this optional capability. However, this 

action is canceling TSO–C91a, and is 

not modifying TSO–C126a. 

The General Aviation Manufacturers 

Association (GAMA) and the Aircraft 

Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) 

both provided comments that they do 

not oppose the TSO–C91a cancelation, 

but that they would oppose any future 

retrofit requirement. Both organizations 

requested the FAA reiterate that 

cancelation of TSO–C91a does not 

impact the continued production of 

articles with an existing TSO 

authorization nor impact the sale, 

installation, or the use of 121.5 MHz 

ELTs to comply with 14 CFR 91.207. 

The General Aviation Manufacturers 

Association (GAMA) also conducted a 

survey of the manufacturers of general 

aviation aircraft and determined that all 

current production airplanes include 

dual or tri-band ELTs. Additionally, 

these dual or tri-band ELTs have been 

installed in new production airplanes 

for over the past 5-years. 

The FAA reiterates in this final notice 

that cancelation of TSO–C91a does not 

affect production under an existing TSO 

authorization. Articles produced under 

an existing TSO–C91a authorization can 

still be installed according to existing 

airworthiness approvals and 

applications for new installation 

approvals will still be processed. This 

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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 15, 2012 / Notices 28669 

action does not impact operation of 

TSO–C91a ELTs, and these ELTs will 

continue to satisfy the 14 CFR 91.207 

ELT equipage requirement. 

GAMA also commented that the FAA 

should reconsider the ELT operational 

mandate as newer technology, such as 

ADS–B, becomes more commonplace. 

The FAA has determined that the ADS– 

B system currently cannot replace the 

ELT function. The ADS–B system is not 

required to be crashworthy and, thus, 

may not be operable or able to transmit 

following an aircraft accident. 

Additionally, current search-and-rescue 

technology is not compatible with ADS– 

B operations because ELTs broadcast on 

121.5 or 406 MHz (not 1090 or 978 

MHz). The FAA recognizes the value of 

a ground application that could allow 

for timely and accurate flight tracking of 

downed aircraft and is evaluating this 

capability separate from this action. 

Conclusion 

TSO–C91a is canceled effective 

December 1, 2012. Manufacturers 

applying for new ELT technical 

standard order authorizations after 

December 1, 2012 must use TSO–C126a, 

or a subsequent ELT technical standard 

order. 

Issued in Washington, DC, on May 9, 2012. 

Susan J.M. Cabler, 

Assistant Manager, Aircraft Engineering 

Division, Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2012–11678 Filed 5–14–12; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 

Safety Administration 

[Docket No. PHMSA–2012–0086] 

Pipeline Safety: Information Collection 

Activities, Excess Flow Valve Census 

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous 

Materials Safety Administration 

(PHMSA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice and request for 

comments. 

SUMMARY: In accordance with the 

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 

PHMSA invites comments on a new 

one-time Information Collection (IC) on 

Excess Flow Valves (EFVs). PHMSA 

will request approval for this new 

information collection from the Office 

and Management and Budget (OMB). 

The collection involves a census of gas 

operators to gather data on operators’ 

experiences, practices, benefits, and 

costs associated with the use of EFVs. 

This data is necessary to conduct a costbenefit analysis of requiring an 

expansion in the use of EFVs. 

DATES: Interested persons are invited to 

submit comments on or before July 16, 

2012. 

ADDRESSES: Comments may be 

submitted in the following ways: 

E-Gov Web Site: http:// 

www.regulations.gov. This site allows 

the public to enter comments on any 

Federal Register notice issued by any 

agency. 

Fax: 1–202–493–2251. 

Mail: Docket Management Facility; 

U.S. DOT, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 

West Building, Room W12–140, 

Washington, DC 20590–0001. 

Hand Delivery: Room W12–140 on the 

ground level of the West Building, 1200 

New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, 

DC, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., 

Monday through Friday, except Federal 

holidays. 

Instructions: Identify the docket 

number, PHMSA–2012–0086, at the 

beginning of your comments. Note that 

all comments received will be posted 

without change to http:// 

www.regulations.gov, including any 

personal information provided. You 

should know that anyone is able to 

search the electronic form of all 

comments received into any of our 

dockets by the name of the individual 

submitting the comment (or signing the 

comment, if submitted on behalf of an 

association, business, labor union, etc.). 

Therefore, you may want to review 

DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement 

in the Federal Register published on 

April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477) or visit 

http://www.regulations.gov before 

submitting any such comments. 

Docket: For access to the docket or to 

read background documents or 

comments, go to http:// 

www.regulations.gov at any time or to 

Room W12–140 on the ground level of 

the West Building, 1200 New Jersey 

Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 

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

Friday, except Federal holidays. If you 

wish to receive confirmation of receipt 

of your written comments, please 

include a self-addressed, stamped 

postcard with the following statement: 

‘‘Comments on PHMSA–2012–0086.’’ 

The Docket Clerk will date stamp the 

postcard prior to returning it to you via 

the U.S. mail. Please note that due to 

delays in the delivery of U.S. mail to 

Federal offices in Washington, DC, we 

recommend that persons consider an 

alternative method (internet, fax, or 

professional delivery service) of 

submitting comments to the docket and 

ensuring their timely receipt at DOT. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Cameron Satterthwaite by telephone at 

202–366–1319, by fax at 202–366–4566, 

or by mail at U.S. DOT, PHMSA, 1200 

New Jersey Avenue SE., PHP–30, 

Washington, DC 20590–0001. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 

1320.8(d), Title 5, Code of Federal 

Regulations requires PHMSA to provide 

interested members of the public and 

affected agencies an opportunity to 

comment on information collection and 

recordkeeping requests. This notice 

identifies a new one-time information 

collection request that PHMSA will be 

submitting to OMB for approval. The 

information collection will be titled: 

‘‘Information Collection on Excess Flow 

Valves.’’ 

In 1996, PHMSA’s predecessor 

agency, the Research and Special 

Programs Administration (RSPA), 

issued a final rule adopting a 

performance standard for the use of 

excess flow valves (EFVs) in singlefamily-residence service lines (61 FR 

31449; codified at 49 CFR 192.381). 

That standard only applied to the EFVs 

voluntarily installed on service lines 

that operated at pressures at or above 10 

pounds per square inch gas (psig) on a 

continuous basis throughout the year. 

In 2001, the National Transportation 

Safety Board (NTSB) issued Safety 

Recommendation P–01–2 to RSPA. This 

recommendation, which was based on 

the results of NTSB’s investigation into 

a 1998 natural pipeline accident that 

occurred in South Riding, Virginia, 

advised RSPA to require the installation 

of EFVs in all new and renewed gas 

service lines, regardless of a customer’s 

classification, when operating 

conditions are compatible with readily 

available valves. 

On December 29, 2006, Congress 

enacted the Pipeline Inspection, 

Protection, Enforcement, and Safety 

(PIPES) Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109–468). 

Section 9 of the PIPES Act (codified at 

49 U.S.C. 60109(e)) stated that ‘‘[n]ot 

later than December 31, 2007, the 

Secretary [of Transportation] shall 

prescribe minimum standards for 

integrity management programs for 

distribution pipelines.’’ Section 9 

further stated that those ‘‘minimum 

standards shall include a requirement 

for an operator of a natural gas 

distribution system to install an excess 

flow valve on each single family 

residence service line’’ under certain 

prescribed conditions. 

In 2009, PHMSA issued the 

Distribution Integrity Management 

Program (DIMP) final rule (74 FR 

63906). The DIMP final rule required 

that operators install EFVs on all new or 

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