In a Request for Comments published today, the FAA is requesting comments from the public to identify FARs currently in effect that should be amended, removed, or simplified. The FAA first published a general request for comments on the FARs back in 1992 and published the most recent request before today’s request in February, 2004. Since 1992, the FAA has received 1,350 comments to these general requests.
According to the FAA, not only is the Request required by Executive Order 12866, but it is also “a necessary element of our effort to make our regulations more effective and less burdensome.” Specifically, the FAA states that its “goal is to identify regulations that impose undue regulatory burden; are no longer necessary; or overlay, duplicate, or conflict with other Federal regulations.”
This isn’t a request for a wholesale revamp of the FARs. Rather, the FAA is asking individuals who are submitting comments to address three issues they consider most urgent, and to list the issues in priority order. This is your chance to let the FAA know about those regulatory requirements that don’t affect safety and add unnecessary burden to aircraft operations. However, “I don’t like FAR X” isn’t sufficient. You need to submit specific suggestions with an explanation, and specific plain-language that might be used or suggested language on how those rules should be written.
Once the comments are received, the FAA will review the issues addressed in the comments within the context of its regulatory agenda and rulemaking program efforts and then may “adjust its regulatory priorities consistent with its statutory responsibilities.” When the review is complete, the FAA will publish a summary and general disposition of the comments it receives and identify how the FAA will adjust its regulatory priorities, if at all.
All comments are due no later than January 14, 2008. If you would like further information, you may contact Adrian D. Wright, Office of Rulemaking, ARM-103, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-3317; e-mail adrian.d.wright@faa.gov.
