Safety Recommendation A-14-066

We note that, on January 16, 2015, you issued Safety Alert for Operators 15002, “Aircraft Banner Tow Operations in the Vicinity of Parasail Operations,” to ensure that aircraft operators are aware of parasail operations. We further note that you met with the USCG to discuss and identify specific inland navigation rules that apply to parasail vessels and FAA regulations that apply to parasail and banner tow flight operations. These meetings resulted in the March 16, 2015, issuance by the USCG of Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 03 15, “Parasailing—Flight Safety and Rules.”

The MSIB directs parasail operators on how to avoid creating hazards to people, buildings, or property and reminds them to maintain awareness of banner tow operations in their vicinity. These actions satisfy Safety Recommendation A 14 66, which is classified CLOSED--ACCEPTABLE ACTION.

-From Michael P. Huerta, Administrator: In an eff011 to ensure aircraft operators were made aware of parasail operations, the FAA issued Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO), Aircraft Banner Tow Operations in the Vicinity of Parasail Operations. This SAFO reminds banner tow aircraft operators to adhere to FAA guidelines and right-of-way rules in compliance with§§ 91. 11 3, 91.1 19(c), and 91.311 when operating in the vicinity of parasail operations. The SAFO is available at the following Web site: https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos/media/2015/SAFO15002.pdf.

The FAA also met with representatives from the USCG to discuss and identify specific inland navigation rules that apply to parasail vessels and FAA regulations that apply to parasail and banner tow flight operations. These meetings resulted in the USCG issuing the above-mentioned MSIB, which directs parasail operators on how to avoid creating a hazard to persons, buildings, or property and maintain awareness of banner tow operations in the vicinity of the parasail operations. The MSIB also directs parasail operators to maintain a copy of their approved waiver.

In addition to the aforementioned safety measures, the FAA initiated a change to FAA Order 7400.2, Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters. by adding a new chapter entitled "Parasail Operations." The new chapter describes FAA's policy, provides guidance to FAA Air Traffic Organization (A TO) Service Centers for completing parasail waivers and directs Service Centers to share approved waivers with the nearest FAA Flight Standards District Office. The FAA anticipates the revised order will be published by December 2016. This order is beyond the scope of this recommendation and will affect all ATO personnel and anyone using ATO directives.

I believe the FAA has effectively addressed these safety recommendations and consider our actions complete.

We note that you are discussing with the Coast Guard the enforcement of federal regulations pertaining to parasail operators and are determining the effectiveness of existing regulations and orders as they relate to separation standards between aircraft and parasail operations. We look forward to receiving the results of your efforts and your plan for addressing the safety issues identified in these recommendations. Pending our receipt and review of this detailed information, Safety Recommendations A-14-64 through -66 are classified OPEN—ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.

-From Michael P. Huerta, Administrator: The FAA is reviewing these recommendations to determine the effectiveness of existing regulations and orders, as they pertain to separation standards between aircraft and parasail operations.

I will keep the Board informed of the FAA's progress on these safety recommendations and update the Board by November 2015.