The FAA today published a Notice of Policy Change; Final Disposition that announces the FAA’s schedule for transitioning to full electronic distribution of airworthiness directives (“ADs”). According to the Notice, the transition is intended to “provide a timelier and more cost effective method for the FAA to provide safety information.” The FAA will stop mailing ADs and Special Airworthiness Information Bulletins (“SAIBs”) after the following dates: Transport rotorcraft and rotorcraft engines: October 1, 2009; All other rotorcraft and rotorcraft engines: January 1, 2010; All aircraft, engines, and propellers: March 1, 2010.
Owners and operators will need to use one of the following to obtain AD and SAIB information electronically:
(1) Regulatory and Guidance Library (RGL) Web site;
(2) Federal Register Web site; or
(3) GovDelivery e-mail service available through the RGL homepage
Although the FAA will still continue to provide ADs in “AD Biweekly”, a paid subscription of all ADs issued in the Federal Register over the previous 2-week period, SAIBs are not included in the subscription. The FAA will, however, continue to fax and or mail paper copies of Emergency ADs.
If you would like further information, you may contact Josh Peebles, Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Aircraft Engineering Division, Delegation and Airworthiness Programs Branch, AIR-140, 6500 S. MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125. Telephone: (405) 954-1345; fax: (405) 954-2209, or e-mail: josh.peebles@faa.gov.
