E7-24031. 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.

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 February 11, 2008 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 Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fire and Aviation Management, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Mail Stop 1107, Washington, DC 20250-1107.

Comments also may be submitted via facsimile to 202-205-1401 or by e-mail to: [e-mail].

The public may inspect comments received at Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fire and Aviation Management, 201 14th St., SW., Washington, DC, during normal business hours. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to 202-205-0985 to facilitate entry to the building.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

John Nelson, Aviation Management Specialist, 208-387-5617. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339, 24 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: June 30, 2008.

Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: The Forest Service contracts with approximately 400 vendors a year for aviation services utilized in resource protection and project management. In recent years, the total annual use of contract aircraft and pilots has exceeded 100,000 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 and
• 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. 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, effective accomplishment of Forest Service specified flying missions. Without a reasonable basis to determine pilot qualifications and aircraft capability, exposure of Forest Service employees to hazardous conditions would result. 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, section 16. Forest Service regional aviation pilot and aircraft inspectors maintain the collected information in Forest Service regional headquarters 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: 1050.

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 request for Office of Management and Budget approval.

Dated: December 5, 2007.

Robin L. Thompson,

Associate Deputy Chief.