Use of Certain Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) Devices Onboard Aircraft (SFAR)
Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection.
In the SFAR, we require the pilot in command to be apprised whenever a passenger, whose physician’s statement prescribes extensive use of oxygen, brings a POC on board the aircraft. Also, we require passengers who have a medical need to use a POC during flight to have a signed physician statement in their possession that describes the oxygen therapy needed for the duration of the flight. This SFAR satisfies the Department of Transportation’s Strategic Plan Goal on Mobility.
Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used.
The information provided to the pilot in command is used to determine whether an inflight diversion to an airport where medical assistance for the passenger may be needed in the event the passenger’s POC fails to operate or the aircraft experiences cabin pressurization difficulties. The physician statement will be used by the operator to verify the need for the device, the oxygen therapy needed to be provided by use of the POC, and the oxygen needs of the passenger in case of emergency.
Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
The collection of this information does not use automated, electronic, mechanical or other technological collection techniques. In the case of informing the pilot in command, the information may be transmitted in writing or verbally. In the case of the physician statement, a hard-copy statement with an original signature will need to be provided. 0% of this information collection can be submitted electronically because this is a 3rd Party Disclosure that requires an original signed physician statement to be presented, and a verbal communication with the flight crew or gate agent.
Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purpose(s) described in 2 above.
A passenger using a POC may already have an appropriate physician statement, and does not need to see a physician for a new statement before each flight. One statement will suffice for all future flights unless the person’s oxygen therapy needs change. It will need to be modified to display the information required in this SFAR. Informing the pilot that a POC will be used during flight does not apply to this question.
If the collection of information has a significant impact on a substantial number of small businesses or other small entities (item 5 of OMB Form 83-1), describe the methods used to minimize burden.
This rule will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.
There is no consequence to any Federal program or policy activities if this information collection is not conducted. The physician statement will benefit the passenger and the flight crew in the event the POC device stops functioning. The statement will make it easier for a flight attendant to serve the passengers need. Without this information collection, a passenger could not carry on and use a POC device.
Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with 5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2)(i)-(viii).
No special circumstances exist that would require collection to be inconsistent with 5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2)(i)-(viii).
Describe the efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and the recordkeeping disclosure, or reporting format (if any) and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.
A notice for public comment was published in the Federal Register on September 23, 2011, vol. 76, no. 185, pages 59184-59185. No comments were received.
Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.
There are no payments or gifts.
Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
There are no such assurances.
Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.
There are no questions of this nature.
12. Provide estimates of the hour burden for the collection of information. The statements should: Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form. Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories.
The heavily weighted first year burden for physician’s statements to be filed has concluded, leaving an estimated total of 5,000 statements to be filed in years 2-10. We estimate that 555 new physician’s statements will be filed annually. It is estimated to take 5 minutes, or 0.083 hours, to complete each statement. Hence, the estimated annual hour burden over the next ten years is estimated to be:
Years 2 –10 (total): 0.083 hours x 5,000 = 415 hours
Annual Hour Burden: 0.083 x 555 = 46 hours
The average loaded hourly wage for a physician is $65.32. Thus, the estimated average annual cost of obtaining a physician’s statement is estimated to be:
Years 2 – 10 (total): $65.32 x 415 = $27,108
Annual Cost Burden: $65.32 x 46 = $3,005
We estimate that in a typical year, passengers affected by this final rule would make about 1,690,000 flights per year. On each flight either a flight attendant or a gate agent would notify the pilot in command that a POC would be in use during flight. We estimate that it will take five minutes for the flight attendant or gate agent, to notify the pilot in command, and one minute for the pilot to record it.
Annual time for Flight Attendant/Gate Agent: .083 x 1,690,000 = 140,270 hours
Annual time for Pilot in Command: .017 x 1,690,000 = 28,730 hours
Years 1-10 flight crew notification time (total): 1,690,000 hours
Total Annual Notification Time: 169,000 hours.
The average loaded hourly wage rate for a Flight Attendant/Gate Agent is estimated to be $23.97, and the average loaded hourly wage rate for a pilot in command is estimated to be $121.56.
Annual cost for Flight Attendant/Gate Agent: $23.97 x 140,270 = $3,362,272
Annual cost for Pilot in Command: $121.56 x 28,730 = $3,492,419
In summary, this final rule is estimated to have an annual hour burden of 169,046 hours, and estimated annual cost of $6,857,696.
Summary of Paperwork Costs |
||||
Action |
Total Hours |
Total Costs |
Annual Hours |
Annual Cost |
Obtaining Physician's Statement |
415 |
$27,108 |
46 |
$3,005 |
Notifying PIC |
1,690,000 |
$68,546,907 |
169,000 |
$6,854,691 |
Totals |
1,690,415 |
$68,574,015 |
169,046 |
$6,857,696 |
Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information.
There are no additional costs not already included in Question 12.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal Government.
There is no expected annual cost to the Federal Government.
Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in Items 13 of 14 of the OMB Form 83-I.
The heavily weighted first-year burden for physicians’ statements to be filed has concluded, reducing the reported annual burden.
For collections of information whose results are planned to be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.
No information collected as a result of this SFAR will be published.
If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collections, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.
No such approval is being sought.
Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in Item 19, “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions,” of OMB Form 83-I.
There are no exceptions.
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Title | Supporting Statement |
| Author | AVR Enterprise |
| Last Modified By | Taylor CTR Dahl |
| File Modified | 2012-08-08 |
| File Created | 2011-12-01 |