(a) Request for Oral Argument. The Court of Appeals may schedule a case for oral argument if a party files a separate request for oral argument no later than 10 days after the due date for the final reply brief, or no later than 10 days after the date the appellant or cross-appellant actually files the final reply brief, whichever is earlier. A party that believes the Court of Appeals should allow extended oral argument must state the reasons as part of the request. If the Court of Appeals grants a request for oral argument, or if the Court of Appeals orders oral argument on its own initiative, the Court of Appeals clerk must notify the parties of the time and place for oral argument, and the allocation of time for each side. The Court of Appeals clerk must provide the notice at least 20 days before the date set for oral argument.

(b) Factors. Notwithstanding a party's request under Rule 18(a), the Court of Appeals may decide an appeal without oral argument if it determines that: