[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 213 (Friday, November 4, 1994)] [Unknown Section] [Page 0] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 94-27391] [[Page Unknown]] [Federal Register: November 4, 1994] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 23 [Docket No. 27344; Notice No. 93-71A] Airworthiness Standards; Occupant Protection Standards for Commuter Category Airplanes; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking AGENCY: FAA, Transportation. ACTION: Reopening of comment period. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice announces the reopening of the comment period for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Occupant Protection Standards for Commuter Category Airplanes. The comment period for this NPRM is being reopened for 120 days to allow the public and industry the opportunity to evaluate additional supporting data and to allow the Joint Aviation Authorities additional time to comment on the NPRM. DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 4, 1995. ADDRESSES: Comments on this notice may be mailed in triplicate to: Federal Aviation Administration, Office of the Chief Counsel, Attn: Rule Docket (AGC-19), Docket No. 27344, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591, or delivered in triplicate to room 915G, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591. Comments delivered must be marked Docket No. 26269. Comments may be inspected in room 915G between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, except on Federal holidays. In addition, the FAA is maintaining an information docket of comments in the Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, ACE-7, Federal Aviation Administration; Central Region, 601 East 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments in the information docket may be inspected in the Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel weekdays, except Federal holidays, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Michael Downs, ACE-111, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, Federal Aviation Administration, 601 East 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone (816) 426-5688. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Comments relating to the environmental, energy, federalism, or economic impact that might result from adopting the proposals in this notice are also invited. Substantive comments should be accompanied by cost estimates. Comments should identify the regulatory docket or notice number and should be submitted in triplicate to the Rules Docket address specified above. All comments received on or before the closing date for comments specified will be considered by the Administrator before taking action on this proposed rulemaking. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in light of comments received. All comments received will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the docket. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments in response to this notice must include a preaddressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket No. 27344.'' The postcard will be date stamped and mailed to the commenter. Availability of NPRM's Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Public Affairs, Attention: Public Inquiry Center, APA-230, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202) 267-3484. Communications must identify NPRM 93-71A. Background On July 14, 1993, the FAA issued NPRM 93-71 (58 FR 38028), and the comment period closed November 12, 1993. The NPRM proposed to amend the airworthiness standards for commuter category airplanes by upgrading the seat restraint and seat cushion flammability requirements. On September 17, 1993, GAMA requested the FAA withdraw the proposal until additional supporting documentation was made available to the public. By letter dated October 4, 1993, the Joint Aviation Authority requested that the comment period be extended to enable the JAA Study Group additional time to review the proposal and prepare a recommendation. The FAA received an additional report on commuter airplane accident data analysis in October 1994. This report is the additional information that GAMA requested be available before the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was made available to the public for comment. Conclusion In view of the possibility of obtaining additional technical information and to provide for a more consistent set of airworthiness standards, the FAA agrees that it would be in the public's best interest to reopen the comment period. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23 Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and symbols. Issued in Washington, DC, on October 28, 1994. Thomas E. McSweeny, Director, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 94-27391 Filed 11-3-94; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-M