Rulemaking

The FAA in a Federal Register policy change notice published Thursday said that, effective immediately, it will cease distributing printed versions of key continued airworthiness information, including airworthiness directives (ADs) and Special Airworthiness Information Bulletins (SAIBs) to certain groups.

ARSA has recently submitted comments on a draft bulletin, issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), concerning the issuing of guidance by Federal agencies. The bulletin includes policies and procedures for agencies to develop, issue and use guidance documents.

OMB has been particularly concerned that agency guidance practices should be more transparent, consistent and accountable. Because guidance documents often do not receive the benefit of careful consideration accorded under the procedures for creating regulations, this bulletin stresses that agencies should follow established and effective procedures in developing guidance. This will help ensure that Federal agencies do not engage in rulemaking through guidance.