Action
Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).
Summary
On August 23, 2012, the FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to exclude certain tethered launches from the FAA's licensing and permitting requirements. The FAA is issuing this SNPRM because a commenter raised an issue regarding toxic propellants that was not discussed in the NPRM, but should be addressed. Therefore, the FAA is issuing this action, which proposes to amend the NPRM so that tethered launches using propellants that cause serious injury to the public would not be eligible for exclusion. This SNPRM also includes clarifications based on recommendations commenters made to the NPRM. These proposed changes are intended to enhance the safety of tethered launches and improve regulatory effectiveness.