The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that could provide a somewhat simpler means for non-U.S. charter operators to make trips to the U.S. According to the FAA, the new language would “clarify and standardize the rules for applications by foreign air carriers and foreign persons for operations specifications and establish new standards for amendment, suspension or termination of those operations specifications.” The rule would apply to non-U.S. commercial operators and to foreign operators flying U.S.-registered aircraft outside the U.S. Foreign air carriers must meet the requirements of Part 129, but there are currently no provisions for operations specifications in Part 129. The new rule would add Part 129.5 (operations specifications), 129.7 (application, issuance or denial of operations specifications) and 129.9 (contents of operations specifications). U.S. charter operators face few constraints when flying trips to Europe, yet without this new rule, European operators face cumbersome and obstructive measures that make it hardly worthwhile to apply for Part 129 approval. Comments on the NPRM are due by August 5.