17 March 2010

[Federal Register: March 16, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 50)]
[Notices]               
[Page 12559-12560]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16mr10-71]                         

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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 an existing information collection requirement 
abstracted below that will be submitted to the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) for renewal in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act. The collection requires aircraft operators to 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 May 17, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed or delivered to Joanna Johnson, 
Communications Branch, Business Management Office, Operational Process 
and Technology, TSA-32, 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) 227-3588.

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 Information Collection 
Requirement (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 
implement 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 make their 
security programs and associated records available for inspection and 
copying by TSA to ensure transportation security and regulatory 
compliance.

[[Page 12560]]

    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 and 
passengers. 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; (5) total 
amount of cargo screened at 100%; and (6) total amount of cargo 
screened at 50%. Aircraft operators are required to provide this 
information via electronic means. Aircraft operators with limited 
electronic systems may need to modify their current systems or generate 
a new computer system in order to submit the requested information but 
are not restricted to these means. Under this regulation, aircraft 
operators must ensure that flight crew members and employees with 
unescorted access authority 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 make them available to TSA 
for inspection and copying upon request.
    TSA will continue to collect information to determine aircraft 
operator compliance with other requirements of 49 CFR part 1544. 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 March 11, 2010.
Joanna Johnson,
Paperwork Reduction Officer, Office of Information Technology.
[FR Doc. 2010-5732 Filed 3-15-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-05-P