2011-29330. Extension of Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: TSA Airspace Waiver Program

AGENCY:

Transportation Security Administration, DHS.

ACTION:

30-day Notice.

SUMMARY:

This notice announces that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has forwarded the Information Collection Request (ICR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1652-0033, abstracted below to OMB for review and approval of an extension of the currently approved collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. TSA published a Federal Register notice, with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments, of the following collection of information on July 27, 2011, 76 FR 44944. This collection of information allows TSA to conduct security threat assessments on individuals on board aircraft operating in restricted airspace pursuant to an airspace waiver. This collection will enhance aviation security and protect assets on the ground that are within the restricted airspace.

DATES:

Send your comments by December 14, 2011. A comment to OMB is most effective if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication.

ADDRESSES:

Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB. Comments should be addressed to Desk Officer, Department of Homeland Security/TSA, and sent via electronic mail to [e-mail] or faxed to [phone].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Joanna Johnson, TSA PRA Officer, Office of Information Technology (OIT), TSA-11, Transportation Security Administration, 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 20598-6011; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail].

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

Title: TSA Airspace Waiver.

Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved collection.

OMB Control Number: 1652-0033.

Forms(s): N/A.

Affected Public: Aircraft operators, passengers, and crewmembers.

Abstract: The airspace waiver program allows general aviation U.S. and foreign aircraft operators who undergo security threat assessments to apply for approval to operate in U.S. restricted airspace, including over flying the United States and its territories. TSA is requesting this approval to respond to the needs of the general aviation community and to allow freedom of movement and commerce throughout U.S. airspace. The waiver request requires aircraft operators to provide information about the flight, passengers, and crew members in order for TSA to perform a security threat assessment on each individual.

Number of Respondents: 4,600.

Estimated Annual Burden Hours: An estimated 2,500 hours annually.

Issued in Arlington, Virginia, on November 8, 2011.

Joanna Johnson,

TSA Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, Office of Information Technology.