[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 145 (Thursday, July 28, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45225-45226]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-19047]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Information Collection; Airplane Pilot Qualifications and
Approval Record, Helicopter Pilot Qualifications and Approval Record,
Airplane Data Record, and Helicopter Data Record
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice; request for comment.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and
organizations on the revision of a currently approved information
collection, Airplane Pilot Qualifications and Approval Record,
Helicopter Pilot Qualifications and Approval Record, Airplane Data
Record, and Helicopter Data Record.
DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before September 26,
2011 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date
will be considered to the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: Comments concerning this notice should be addressed to: USDA
Forest Service, Assistant Director Aviation, Fire and Aviation
Management, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Mailstop 1107, Washington,
DC 20250-1107.
Comments also may be submitted via facsimile to 202-205-1401, phone
202-205-1483 or by e-mail to: [email protected].
The public may inspect comments received at USDA Forest Service,
Fire and Aviation Management, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250, during normal business hours. Visitors are
encouraged to call ahead to 202-205-1483 to facilitate entry to the
building.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Art Hinaman, Assistant Director
Aviation, 202-205-1483. Individuals who use telecommunication devices
for the deaf
[[Page 45226]]
(TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339
twenty-four hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Airplane Pilot Qualifications and Approval Record,
Helicopter Pilot. Qualifications and Approval Record, Airplane Data
Record and Helicopter Data Record.
OMB Number: 0596-0015.
Expiration Date of Approval: 12/31/2011.
Type of Request: Renewal with Revision.
Abstract: The Forest Service contracts with approximately 400
vendors a year for commercial aviation services utilized in resource
protection and project management. In recent years, the total annual
use of contract aircraft and pilots has exceeded 80,000 hours. In order
to maintain an acceptable level of safety, preparedness, and cost-
effectiveness in aviation operations, Forest Service contracts include
rigorous qualifications for pilots and specific condition, equipment,
and performance requirements for aircraft as aviation operations are
conducted under extremely adverse conditions of weather, terrain,
turbulence, smoke reduced visibility, minimally improved landing areas,
and congested airspace around wildfires. To ensure agency contracting
officers that pilots and aircraft used for aviation operations meet
specific Forest Service qualifications and requirements for aviation
operations, prospective contract pilots fill out one of the following
Forest Service forms:
FS-5700-20--Airplane Pilot Qualifications and Approval
Record.
FS-5700-20a--Helicopter Pilot Qualifications and Approval
Record. Contract Officers' Technical Representatives use forms:
FS-5700-21--Airplane Data Record.
FS-5700-21a--Helicopter Data Record.
When inspecting the aircraft for contract compliance. Based upon
the approval(s) documented on the form(s), each contractor pilot and
aircraft receives an approval card. The Forest Service personnel verify
possession of properly approved cards before using contracted pilots
and aircraft.
Information collected on these forms includes:
Name.
Address.
Certification numbers.
Employment history.
Medical Certification.
Airplane/helicopter certifications and specifications.
Accident/violation history.
Without the collected information, Forest Service contracting
officers, as well as Forest Service pilot and aircraft inspections,
cannot determine if contracted pilots and aircraft meet the detailed
qualification, equipment, and condition requirements essential to safe
and effective accomplishment of Forest Service specified flying
missions.
Without a reasonable basis to determine pilot qualifications and
aircraft capability, Forest Service employees would be exposed to
hazardous conditions. The data collected documents the approval of
contract pilots and aircraft for specific Forest Service aviation
missions. Information will be collected and reviewed by contracting
officers or their designated representatives, including aircraft
inspectors, to determine whether the aircraft and/or pilot(s) meet all
contract specifications in accordance with FS Handbook 5709.16, chapter
10, sections 15 and 16. Forest Service pilot and aircraft inspectors
maintain the collected information in Forest Service regional offices.
The Forest Service, at times, shares the information with the
Department of the Interior, Aviation Management Directorate, as each
organization accepts contract inspections conducted by the other.
Estimate of Annual Burden: 60 minutes.
Type of Respondents: Vendors/Contractors.
Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 2100.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2100 hours.
Comment Is Invited. Comment is invited on: (1) Whether this
collection of information is necessary for the stated purposes and the
proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether
the information will have practical or scientific utility; (2) the
accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of
information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions
used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on respondents, including the use of
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection
techniques or other forms of information technology.
All comments received in response to this notice, including names
and addresses when provided, will be a matter of public record.
Comments will be summarized and included in the submission request
toward Office of Management and Budget approval.
Dated: July 22, 2011.
Robin L. Thompson,
Associate Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry.
[FR Doc. 2011-19047 Filed 7-27-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P