[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 208 (Monday, October 27, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 63630]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-25506]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 417

[Docket No. FAA-2000-7953; Amendment No. 417]
RIN 2120-AG37


Licensing and Safety Requirements for Launch

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; technical amendment.

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SUMMARY: This action corrects reference errors that appeared in a final 
rule the FAA published in the Federal Register on August 25, 2006. The 
final rule amended commercial space transportation regulations 
governing the launch of expendable launch vehicles. In that final rule, 
the FAA inadvertently referenced incorrect sections. The intent of this 
action is to correct this minor error in the regulation to ensure the 
requirement is clear and accurate.

DATES: Effective October 27, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ren[eacute] Rey, Licensing and Safety 
Division, AST-200, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-7538; e-mail 
[email protected]. For questions regarding legal interpretation, contact 
Laura Montgomery, AGC-200, (202) 267-3150; e-mail 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 25, 2006, the FAA published a 
final rule in the Federal Register (71 FR 50537) that, among other 
changes, amended Sec.  417.25(c)(3). The FAA inadvertently referenced 
incorrect sections in 14 CFR 417.25(c)(3). As published, this provision 
requires a post launch report to identify any flight environment not 
consistent with the maximum predicted environment as required by Sec.  
417.307(b) and any measured wind profiles not consistent with the 
predictions used for the launch, as required by Sec.  417.217(d)(2). 
These references are incorrect. They should refer launch operators to 
Appendix D 417.7(b) and Appendix A 417.7(g)(3), respectively.
    This amendment will not impose any additional restrictions on 
operators affected by these regulations.

Technical Amendment

    This technical amendment corrects the references in Sec.  
417.25(c)(3).

Justification for Immediate Adoption

    Because this action merely corrects a reference made in the 
published rule, the FAA finds that notice and public comment under 5 
U.S.C. 553(b) is not necessary. For the same reason, the FAA finds good 
cause exists under 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this rule effective upon 
publication.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 417

    Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rockets, 
Space transportation and exploration.

0
Accordingly, Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 417 
is amended as follows:

PART 417--LAUNCH SAFETY

0
1. The authority citation for part 417 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 70101-70121.


0
2. Amend Sec.  417.25 by revising paragraph (c)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  417.25  Post launch report.

    (c) * * *
    (3) For the launch of launch vehicle flown with a flight safety 
system, identify any flight environment not consistent with the maximum 
predicted environment as required by D 417.7(b) and any measured wind 
profiles not consistent with the predictions used for the launch, as 
required by Sec.  417.7(g)(3); and
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC on October 22, 2008.
Pamela Hamilton-Powell,
Director, Office of Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. E8-25506 Filed 10-24-08; 8:45 am]
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