Action
Notice.
Summary
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) invites the general public, industry and other Federal Agencies to comment on the continuing need and usefulness of BTS collecting independent audited financial reports from U.S. certificated air carriers. Carriers not having an annual audit must file a statement that no such audit has been performed. In lieu of the audit report, the Department will accept the annual report submitted to the stockholders. Comments are requested concerning whether the audited reports are needed by DOT as: (a) A means to monitor an air carrier's continuing fitness to operate, (b) reference material used by analysts in examining foreign route cases, (c) reference material used by analysts in examining proposed acquisitions, mergers, and consolidations, (d) a means whereby the Department sends a copy of the report to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in fulfillment of a U.S. treaty obligation, and (e) corroboration of carriers' Form 41 filings. Commenters should address whether BTS accurately estimated the reporting burden and if there are other ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collected.