FR 2021-04037

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a notice requesting public comments on its plan to renew the approval process for collecting information related to rotorcraft external-load operator certificates. Specifically, the FAA aims to renew the use of Form 8710-4, which gathers necessary data to evaluate applicants' eligibility for certification. This is a routine process in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, meant to ensure that such collections do not impose unnecessary burdens on the public.

Summary of the Document

This notice pertains to the FAA's intention to seek approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an ongoing information collection. The form in question, FAA Form 8710-4, requires operators to submit details such as their name, contact information, aircraft data, and specifics about the rotorcraft's operation. Interested parties are invited to offer input on the necessity of the information collection, its precision, and suggestions for potential enhancements to improve the process before April 27, 2021.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several observations arise from the document's content. Firstly, while the FAA describes the time burden of completing the form, it does not provide a cost analysis associated with processing these forms. This lack of detail means that potential financial inefficiencies may not be thoroughly examined, potentially overlooking opportunities for more effective spending.

Secondly, the document may present comprehension challenges for the general public. Terms like "OMB clearance" and "burden" can be technical and may not be readily understandable, potentially deterring meaningful public feedback. Furthermore, references to regulatory terms like "CFR part 133" without further explanation may alienate those less familiar with FAA regulations and operations.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

The broader public impact hinges on efficiency and transparency in FAA processes. By inviting comments, the FAA provides the public with a voice in administrative procedures, which is fundamental in a participatory government. However, the technical jargon and lack of context could limit effective engagement from the general populace, thus minimizing the potential for impactful public input.

For specific stakeholders, such as existing and prospective rotorcraft external-load operators, the document outlines their responsibilities in complying with certification requirements. The estimated burden of 30 minutes per application and a cumulative annual burden of 89 hours provides a benchmark for these operators to understand the time commitment involved. Yet, without context on how these numbers compare to previous cycles or what measures, if any, have been enacted to streamline this process, operators may feel uncertain about potential operational improvements.

In conclusion, while the FAA's notice is a routine administrative task, it raises important questions about its accessibility and clarity for the general public, as well as the efficiency of its processes for stakeholders. These factors are vital to ensure that such governmental activities remain transparent, effective, and responsible.