Story ID: 011ComplianceAINDec13
Compliance Countdown: December 2013
By: AIN Staff
Caption: 
Word Count: 705
Within Six Months
  
Dec. 23, 2013: 
    
Extension of the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) Pilot Program and Reopening of Application Period for Participation
  
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is extending the ACAS pilot program through July 26, 2014, and reopening the application period to accept applications from new ACAS pilot participants through Dec. 23, 2013. 
  
The ACAS pilot program is a voluntary test in which participants agree to submit a subset of the required 19 CFR 122.48a data elements (ACAS data) at the earliest point practicable before cargo is loaded onto aircraft destined for or transiting through the U.S. The ACAS data is used to target high-risk air cargo. CBP is considering possible amendments to the regulations regarding advance information for air cargo. The results of the ACAS pilot program will help determine the relevant data elements, the time frame within which data must be submitted to effectively target, identify and mitigate any risk with the least impact practicable on trade operations and any other related procedures and policies. 
  
Comments concerning any aspect of the announced test may be submitted at any time during the test period. Applications to participate in the ACAS pilot program must be submitted via e-mail to CBPCCS@cbp.dhs.gov. Written comments concerning program, policy and technical issues may also be submitted via e-mail to the same address. 
    
Jan. 14, 2014:
  
Flight Crewmember Duty and Rest Requirements
  
This final rule amends the FAA’s existing flight, duty and rest regulations applicable to certificate holders operating under domestic, flag and supplemental operations rules. The new requirements eliminate the current distinctions among domestic, flag and supplemental passenger operations and are based on time of day, whether an individual is acclimated to a new time zone and the likelihood of being able to sleep under different circumstances. This rule places a joint responsibility on the certificate holder and each flight crewmember to report for a flight duty period (FDP) properly rested. For the crewmember to report properly rested, the certificate holder must provide the crewmember with a meaningful rest opportunity that will allow the crewmember to get the proper amount of sleep. Likewise, the crewmember bears the responsibility of actually sleeping. A pilot who reports for duty without being properly rested is prohibited from beginning or continuing an FDP until he or she is properly rested. 
    
July 4, 2014:
  
Taws Equipage for Canadian Aircraft with Six or More Passenger Seats
  
Transport Canada (TC) announced on July 4, 2012, new regulations that would improve safety for small aircraft that fly into remote wilderness or mountainous areas where the danger of flying into terrain is highest. Under the new regulations, commercial operators will have to install a terrain awareness and warning system (Taws) in turbine-powered airplanes with six or more passenger seats. Operators will have two years from implementation to equip their airplanes with Taws. The regulations comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standards and bring Canadian regulations close to those of other aviation authorities, including the U.S. and European Union. Canada’s TSB also recommended the wider use of Taws to help pilots assess their proximity to terrain. Operators will have five years to equip with an enhanced altitude accuracy function. 
    
Jan. 1, 2017:
  
European Union Tcas Version 7.1 Rule
  
The FAA has published an Information for Operators regarding an EU mandate that certain operators use the latest version 7.1 of the traffic alert and collision avoidance system (Tcas II) software. Although the International Civil Aviation Organization does not require that version 7.1 software be installed for international flights in new and existing aircraft until Jan. 1, 2014, and Jan. 1, 2017, respectively, the EU mandated that all aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds or with an authorized capacity to carry 19 passengers have the upgrade installed by March 1 this year. However, aircraft with Tcas II version 7.0 that were certified before March 1 this year have an extended deadline of Dec. 1, 2015, to comply with the mandate. The FAA recommends that operators of aircraft with Tcas II installed and that plan on operating in EU airspace need to ensure that version 7.1 software is installed to comply with the EU implementing rule.