What type of AD may be adopted without NPRM?

• A. A standard AD
• B. An emergency AD
• C. ADs of an urgent nature
• D. An experimental AD

Answer: (C)

When safety demands rapid action, the FAA can bypass the normal notice-and-comment process. NPRM stands for Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which is part of standard rulemaking. ADs of an urgent nature are designed for situations that require prompt action to prevent a hazardous condition. They can be adopted without NPRM so the issue can be addressed quickly, with the understanding that further rulemaking or follow-up actions will still complete the process later.

Standard ADs go through NPRM, so they cannot be adopted without it. Emergency ADs are even more immediate and are issued without prior notice, but the term here specifically points to ADs of an urgent nature as the category that may be adopted without NPRM.