Action
Notice of application for exemption; request for comments.
Summary
FMCSA announces that it has received a joint application from Redding Air Service, Inc. and Guardian Helicopters, Inc. (Redding/ Guardian) requesting an exemption from certain commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver hours-of-service (HOS) provisions of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). The exemption request is for Redding/Guardian's CMV drivers who transport jet fuel for their helicopters in support of wild-land firefighting operations. They specifically request an exemption for 20 drivers from the HOS prohibition against driving a CMV after the 70th hour of cumulative on- duty time in any 8-day period. The exemption, if granted, would enable Redding/Guardian drivers to conduct their operations--including transportation of jet fuel to and from the firefighting sites--without having to comply with the 70-hour in 8-day HOS rule. Redding/Guardian believes the exemption would ensure a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety that would be obtained absent the exemption. FMCSA requests public comment on the Redding/Guardian application for exemption.