2120-AJ90 201410 The Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions 2120 Federal Aviation Administration FAA 2100 Department of Transportation DOT Effective Tether System (Tether Rule) (RRR)

This rulemaking would exclude tethered launches from the licensing requirements of 14 CFR chapter III. This rulemaking is necessary to maintain public safety for these launches by providing launch vehicle operators with clear and simple criteria for a safe tethered launch. For tethered launches that satisfy the design and operational criteria, the FAA would not require a license, permit, or waiver. This action is intended to impose no additional requirements on operators, but provides an alternative to conducting tethered launches.

]]> Substantive, Nonsignificant Previously Published in The Unified Agenda Proposed Rule Stage No No 14 CFR 400 14 CFR 401 49 USC 44701 No NPRM 08/23/2012 77 FR 50956 NPRM Comment Period End 10/22/2012 Supplemental NPRM 07/22/2014 79 FR 42475 Comment Period End 09/22/2014 Analyzing comments 12/00/2014 SB: Y; IC: N; SLT: N Cost and Benefits: This action will likely result in cost savings for the FAA and cost savings or minimal impact for launch operators. This action would relieve operators from the process and financial burdens of applying for waivers, licenses, and permits. It could save the FAA time and resources required to analyze these applications. The rulemaking would impose no additional requirements on operators, but provides an alternative to conducting the tethered launch under chapter III. Tethered launches that use toxic propellants would not be eligible for exclusion. Status: SNPRM in FAA coordination. No Businesses None No No www.regulations.gov www.regulations.gov No No Shirley McBride 2120 Federal Aviation Administration FAA 202 267-7470 shirley.mcbride@faa.gov 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC 20591