Aviation & Regulatory Updates Archive

NTSB PUBLISHES PLAN TO UPDATE REGULATIONS

PHMSA ISSUES TWO FINAL RULES ON INTERNATIONAL HARMONIZATION

On January 7, 2013, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued two final rules regarding amendments to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

Hazardous Materials: Harmonization with International Standards (RRR)

PHMSA ISSUES NPRM ON AIR TRANSPORATION OF LITHIUM BATTERIES

Today, PHMSA issued a proposed rulemaking and is seeking additional comments on the impact of changes to the requirements for the air transport of lithium cells and batteries that have been adopted into the 2013-2014 ICAO Technical Instructions, which are incorporated by reference in the final rule, Hazardous Materials: Harmonization with International Standards (RRR).

FAA EXTENDS COMMENT DEADLINE FOR DRAFT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE

The FAA Office of Airport Safety and Standards (AAS-300) has extended the comment period on the following draft Advisory Circulars (AC), which address different aspects of wildlife management for airports:

NEW FCC RULES ALLOW FOR FASTER AIRCRAFT INTERNET LICENSING

On December 28, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it had adopted rules to speed the deployment of Internet services onboard commercial and private aircraft.

FAA EXTENDS COMMENT DEADLINE FOR DRAFT POLICY STATEMENT

FAA ISSUES INITIAL SUPPLEMENTAL RIA ON FLIGHTCREW MEMBER DUTY AND REST REQUIREMENTS FINAL RULE

On December 12, 2012, the FAA issued an Initial Supplemental Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) of its final rule amending existing flight, duty and rest regulations applicable to certain certificate holders and their flightcrew members.  The Initial Supplemental RIA provides more detail on the potential impacts the final rule would have on cargo-only operations.

CBP SETS DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT OF BROKER PERMITS

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that payment of the annual broker permit fee is due no later than February 15, 2013. An annual fee of $138 is required for each permit held by a customs broker.

DOT EXTENDS DATE OF EFFECTIVENESS FOR PUBLIC CHARTER GUIDANCE

In a notice issued today, DOT extended the date of effectiveness for compliance with revised guidance for public charters until January 14, 2013.  DOT states that it is deferring the date of effectiveness in order to address questions and comments related to the new guidance.  DOT will continue to take questions and comments until January 14, 2013.  

FAA ISSUES PROPOSED RULE ON MINIMUM ALTITUDES FOR USE OF AUTOPILOTS

Yesterday, FAA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register recommending changes to the rule on minimum altitudes for use of autopilots under 14 CFR Parts 121, 125 and 135.  The FAA proposes to amend and harmonize minimum altitudes for use of autopilots for transport category airplanes.