Overview
Title
Revision of Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Federal Flight Deck Officer Program
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The TSA wants to change how pilots volunteer to help keep airplanes safe. They plan to let people apply and report things online instead of having a talk. People can say what they think about this until January 6, 2025.
Summary AI
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has submitted a revised information collection request for the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) Program to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. This program allows TSA to screen, train, and authorize volunteer pilots, flight engineers, and navigators to protect aircraft against criminal acts. The revision eliminates a verbal interview and permits online submission of some responses. Public comments on the proposed data collection are invited until January 6, 2025.
Abstract
This notice announces that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has forwarded the Information Collection Request (ICR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1652-0011, abstracted below to OMB for review and approval of a revision of the currently approved collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. The collection requires interested volunteers to fill out an application to determine their suitability for participating in the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) Program, and deputized FFDOs to submit written reports of certain prescribed incidents.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register announces a notice by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) concerning the revision of the information collection request for the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) Program. This notice signifies TSA's intention to enhance the processing of applications and reporting procedures by transitioning from verbal interviews to online submissions. The goal of the FFDO Program is to deputize certain airline personnel to protect the flight decks of commercial and all-cargo airliners from unlawful interference.
General Summary
The TSA is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to revise the existing process for collecting information from individuals interested in participating in the FFDO Program. This program permits qualified volunteers, such as pilots, flight engineers, and navigators, to be trained and authorized to defend aircraft against threats. The revisions proposed include eliminating the need for verbal interviews and allowing participants to submit their application responses online.
Significant Issues or Concerns
The primary concern with this notice is the unspecified cost implications of these revisions. Without an estimate of the financial burden, it is difficult for stakeholders to understand whether the changes might lead to increased costs or inefficiencies in the program. Additionally, the transition from verbal interviews to an online platform has not been detailed, particularly concerning data security and privacy standards required to protect the sensitive information of applicants.
Another issue is the lack of clarity regarding what constitutes "suitability" for the FFDO Program. Clear criteria are essential for transparency and fairness in screening applicants. Furthermore, during a previous 60-day comment period, no feedback was received, potentially indicating limited public awareness or engagement, which could impair the refinement process of these revisions.
Broad Public Impact
This document may influence public safety positively by potentially streamlining the application process for the FFDO Program, thereby possibly encouraging more qualified individuals to participate. Enhancing the defensive capabilities of flight crew members can contribute to the overall security of air travel, reassuring passengers about their safety.
However, any technological transition in public programs requires careful scrutiny to ensure it does not inadvertently exclude potential applicants who may lack the necessary technological resources or skills. There is also the chance of increased burdens on TSA resources or participants if the online approach introduces unforeseen technical challenges.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For volunteer pilots, flight engineers, and navigators—the primary stakeholders—they may experience a simplified and more efficient application process, potentially reducing the time and effort previously required. This shift could enhance their participation and retention within the program.
On the other hand, current FFDOs might face adjustments in their operational responsibilities if the reporting processes or protocols are altered without detailed guidance. Ambiguity in program changes might bring uncertainty regarding compliance with new procedures.
In conclusion, while this document outlines an initiative to modernize an essential security program, it raises several questions regarding financial implications, operational transitions, and engagement with the broader community. Addressing these concerns will be crucial in achieving the desired improvements in program efficiency and effectiveness.
Issues
• The document does not specify the estimated cost or financial burden associated with the revision of the information collection or the FFDO program, which makes it difficult to assess potential wasteful spending.
• There is a lack of clarity on how the transition from verbal interviews to online submission will be implemented, including whether it might introduce additional costs or complexities.
• The document lacks detailed information about the specific technological collection techniques to be employed, potentially leaving room for ambiguity regarding data security and privacy considerations.
• The term 'suitability' for participating in the FFDO Program is not clearly defined, which could lead to ambiguity in understanding the criteria used for screening applicants.
• The lack of comments received during the previous 60-day comment period might indicate insufficient outreach or lack of stakeholder engagement, which could affect the comprehensiveness of the feedback.
• The abstract should have additional clarity on the impact on current FFDOs and how the changes might affect their current operation or responsibilities within the program.