This collection is in response to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. Because of the nature of the current crisis, evolving knowledge about the virus, and emerging technologies and practices for mitigating the transmission risks, we are seeking an emergency approval to ensure this collection can be implemented quickly. FAA is conducting this information collection on behalf of agencies that issued Runway to Recovery, which includes the Department of Transportation, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Health and Human Services. The collection will be voluntary and includes reporting of primarily quantitative data. FAA plans to request responses from airports certificated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 139 and airlines certificated under 14 CFR Part 121 that offer passenger service every 2 months for a 6-month period for a total of three survey instances. FAA will use this information to update the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on the progress of U.S. airports and airlines implementing safety, security, and public health measures to mitigate risks associated with COVID-19 . FAA will share the collected information with the federal agencies that issued Runway to Recovery. FAA will also share the collected information with airports and airlines.
FAA cannot reasonably comply with the normal Paperwork Reduction Act clearance procedures because an unanticipated event has occurred and public harm will result if the FAA and partner Runway to Recovery agencies are prevented from immediately collecting this essential information. The agencies could not have reasonably anticipated the COVID-19 public health emergency, and its sudden onset and spread along with its subsequent impact presents exigent circumstances necessitating the immediate collection of information. Use of the normal clearance process would prevent the agencies from attaining a timely and meaningful assessment of mitigation measures in use by airports and airlines, which is urgently needed to prevent harm to the publicâs collective health and economic well being. The Runway to Recovery agencies are having to contend with rapidly changing conditions on an ad hoc basis due to phased re-openings in states and regions, fluctuations in COVID-19 spread, and ongoing international travel negotiations with foreign governments. In brief, this collection of information is essential to the missions of the FAA and the Runway to Recovery agencies to meet the rapidly changing challenges of restoring aviation operations to economically sustainable levels, reducing public health risk, and maintaining air transportation security and resiliency while the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Supporting Statement A R2R Mitigations-FINAL.docx
R2R Emergency Clearance Memo-clean-signed-11-2-20.pdf
Runway to Recovery Recommendations Airline Survey