[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 180 (Tuesday, September 17, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58673-58674]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-23617]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Proposed Revision to Operations Specifications (OpSpec) A010, 
Aeronautical Weather Data

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of new requirement for Qualified Internet Communications 
Provider (QICP) for Internet communications of aviation weather and 
NOTAMs for Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulation (14 CFR) part 121 
and part 135 certificate holders under OpSpec A010 and request for 
comments.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces a new requirement for 14 CFR part 121 
and part 135 certificate holders that obtain

[[Page 58674]]

approved weather data via the public Internet for use in flight 
operations. These carriers must use a Qualified Internet Communications 
Provider (QICP) for Internet communications of aviation weather and 
NOTAMs. A QICP is a person or organization that provides access to 
aviation weather and NOTAMs via the public Internet and has FAA-
approved Internet communication practices for reliability, 
accessibility, and security (e.g., protection of data from unauthorized 
modifications). A current list of all QICPs can be found on the FAA 
public Web page.
    All 14 CFR part 121 and part 135 air carriers that obtain aviation 
weather and NOTAMs via the public Internet will be required to amend 
their Operations Specifications to incorporate the use of QICPs. 
Operations Specification (OpSpec) A010 authorizes the carrier to use 
any eligible QICP on the FAA public Web page.
    OpSpec A010, which amends FAA Order 8400.10 will read: ``For 
Internet communications of aviation weather and NOTAMs used in flight 
operations, all part 121 and part 135 operators are required to use an 
approved Qualified Internet Communications Provider (QICP).
    (1) The QICPs used by the operator must be listed in OpSpec A010.
    (2) The QICP used must be obtained from the approved list provided 
by the FAA.
    (3) For more detailed information with regard to QICPs, refer to 
the appropriate AC pertaining to Internet Communications of Aviation 
Weather and NOTAMs and Volume 3, Chapter 7, Section 5, of this Order.''
    Accessing aviation weather and NOTAM information via the public 
Internet using an approved QICP enhances public safety as a result of 
the increased security, reliability, and accessibility of the weather 
and aviation-related documents that are relied upon by part 121 and 
part 135 certificate holders.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 17, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Send all comments on the proposed revision to: Federal 
Aviation Administration, Air Transportation Division (Attention: AFS-
260), 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591, or 
electronically to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Connie Streeter, AFS-260, at the 
address above, by e-mail at [email protected], or telephone at 
(202) 267-8166.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to comment on the proposed revision 
by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may 
desire. Please identify Operations Specification A010, Aeronautical 
Weather Data, and submit comments, either hard copy or electronic, to 
the appropriate address listed above. Comments may be inspected at the 
above address between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays, except Federal 
holidays.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on September 9, 2002.
Louis C. Cusimano,
Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service.
[FR Doc. 02-23617 Filed 9-16-02; 8:45 am]
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