[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 164 (Friday, August 23, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 54591]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-21570]


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 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 164 / Friday, August 23, 2002 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 54591]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Parts 25, 121, 125, and 135

RIN 2120-AC87 and 2120-AA49


Withdrawal of Rulemaking Actions

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Proposed rules; withdrawal.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
and an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM). This action is 
necessary due to technological advances that have occurred since we 
published these documents. The effect of this action is to inform the 
public of our decision to discontinue work on these proposals. This 
action is part of our effort to address recommendations of the 
Government Accounting Office and the Management Advisory Council by 
reducing the number of items in the Regulatory Agenda.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick W. Boyd, Office of Rulemaking 
(ARM-23), Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, 
SW., Washington, DC 20591, telephone 202-267-7320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Installation of Crashworthy Fuselage Fuel Tanks and Fuel Lines, RIN 
2120-AC87

    On May 2, 1989, the FAA published an ANPRM seeking information on 
the feasibility of installing, in all air carrier aircraft, fuselage 
fuel tanks and fuel lines that are rupture resistant and that 
disconnect and seal in the event of an accident (54 FR 18824). We 
issued the ANPRM in response to section 9(a) of the Aviation Safety 
Research Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-591). The comment period closed on 
October 30, 1989.
    Since the FAA published the ANPRM, many technological advancements 
in fuel tank design have occurred. In addition, we are currently 
engaged in a process of harmonizing fuel tank and fuel line 
requirements with the European Joint Aviation Authority. For these 
reasons, we are withdrawing this ANPRM. We may consider further 
rulemaking action on this issue in the future.

Fuel System Vent Fire Protection, RIN 2120-AA49

    On February 2, 1995, the FAA published an NPRM to amend the 
airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes to require 
fuel system vent protection during post-crash ground fires (60 FR 
6632). The proposal was the result of information obtained from public 
hearings on aircraft fire safety and was intended to provide protection 
against a fuel tank explosion following a post-crash ground fire. The 
comment period closed on June 2, 1995.
    Since the FAA published the NPRM, technological advancements have 
occurred in this area also. In addition, the issues raised in the NPRM 
will be addressed by future regulatory action developed within the 
Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee as part of the FAA's program to 
harmonize its regulations with those of the European Joint Aviation 
Authorities. The FAA believes future rulemaking action that may be 
broader in scope and a harmonized proposal will better serve the public 
interest.

Conclusion

    The FAA withdraws the following documents:
     Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking entitled, 
Installation of Crashworthy Fuselage Fuel Tanks and Fuel Lines, RIN 
2120-AC87, May 2, 1989, 54 FR 18824; and
     Notice of Proposed Rulemaking entitled, Fuel System Vent 
Fire Protection, RIN 2120-AA49, February 2, 1995, 60 FR 6632.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 16, 2002.
John J. Hickey,
Director, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-21570 Filed 8-22-02; 8:45 am]
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