[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 17 (Thursday, January 26, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4055-4056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-1609]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Transportation Security Administration


Intent To Request Renewal From OMB of One Current Public 
Collection of Information: Aircraft Operator Security

AGENCY: Transportation Security Administration, DHS.

ACTION: 60-day notice.

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SUMMARY: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) invites 
public comment on one currently approved Information Collection Request 
(ICR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1652-0003, 
abstracted below, that TSA will submit to OMB for renewal in compliance 
with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The ICR describes the nature of 
the information collection and its expected burden. Aircraft operators 
must adopt and implement a TSA-approved security program. These 
programs require aircraft operators to maintain and update records to 
ensure compliance with security provisions outlined in 49 CFR part 
1544.

DATES: Send your comments by March 26, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed or delivered to Joanna Johnson, 
Business Management Office, Office of Information Technology, TSA-11, 
Transportation Security Administration, 601 South 12th Street, 
Arlington, VA 20598-4220.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joanna Johnson at the above address, 
or by telephone (571) 227-3651 or facsimile (571) 227-2907.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3501 et seq.), an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is 
not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it 
displays a valid OMB control number. The ICR documentation is available 
at http;//www.reginfo.gov. Therefore, in preparation for OMB review and 
approval of the following information collection, TSA is soliciting 
comments to--
    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed information requirement is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including using appropriate automated, electronic, 
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms 
of information technology.

Information Collection Requirement

    1652-0003; Security Programs for Aircraft Operators, 49 CFR part 
1544. The information collected is used to determine compliance with 49 
CFR part 1544 and to ensure passenger safety by monitoring aircraft 
operator security procedures. TSA is seeking to renew its OMB control 
number, 1652-0003, Aircraft Operator Security. TSA has implemented 
aircraft operator security standards at 49 CFR part 1544 to require 
each aircraft operator to which this part applies to adopt and carry 
out a security program. These TSA-approved security programs establish 
procedures that aircraft operators must carry out to protect persons 
and property traveling on flights provided by the aircraft operator 
against acts of criminal violence, aircraft piracy, and the 
introduction of explosives, incendiaries, or weapons aboard an 
aircraft.
    This information collection is mandatory for aircraft operators. As 
part of their security programs, affected aircraft operators are 
required to maintain and update, as necessary, records of compliance 
with the security program provisions set forth in 49 CFR part 1544. 
This regulation also requires affected aircraft operators to submit 
security program amendments to TSA when applicable and to make their

[[Page 4056]]

security programs and associated records available for inspection and 
copying by TSA to ensure transportation security and regulatory 
compliance.
    The information requested of aircraft operators has increased due 
to the security measures mandated by the Federal Government since 
September 11, 2001. The information TSA now collects includes 
identifying information on aircraft operators' flight crews, passengers 
and cargo. Specifically, TSA requires aircraft operators to submit the 
following information: (1) A master crew list of all flight and cabin 
crew members flying to and from the United States; (2) the flight crew 
list on a flight-by-flight basis; (3) passenger information on a 
flight-by-flight basis; (4) total amount of cargo screened; and (5) 
total amount of cargo screened at 100%. Aircraft operators may provide 
the information electronically or manually. Under this regulation, 
aircraft operators must ensure that flight crew members and employees 
with unescorted access authority to a Security Identification Display 
Area (SIDA) or who perform screening, checked baggage, or cargo 
functions submit to and receive a criminal history records check 
(CHRC). As part of the CHRC process, the individual must provide 
identifying information, including fingerprints. Additionally, aircraft 
operators must maintain these records, and records associated with 
compliance with Security Directives, and make them available to TSA for 
inspection and copying upon request.
    TSA estimates that there will be approximately 800 respondents to 
the information requirements described above, requiring approximately 
1,841,130 hours per year to process.

    Issued in Arlington, Virginia, on January 20, 2012.
Joanna Johnson,
Paperwork Reduction Officer, Office of Information Technology.
[FR Doc. 2012-1609 Filed 1-25-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110- 05-P