On the heels of the FAA’s August 21, 2009 Final Rule Amending FAR Parts 61, 91 and 141, the FAA today published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) proposing additional changes to those parts of the FARs. The FAA believes the proposed changes “are needed to respond to changes in the aviation industry and to further reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.” Significant changes proposed by the NPRM include the following:
(1) requiring pilot-in-command (“PIC”) proficiency checks for pilots who act as PIC of single piloted, turbojet-powered airplanes;
(2) allowing pilot applicants to apply for a private pilot certificate and an instrument rating concurrently;
(3) making allowance in the rule to provide for the issuance of standard U.S. pilot certificates on the basis of an international licensing agreement between the FAA and a foreign civil aviation authority;
(4) allowing pilot schools to use Internet-based training programs without requiring schools to have a physical ground training facility;
(5) allowing pilot schools and provisional pilot schools to apply for a combined private pilot certification and instrument rating course;
(6) revising the definition of “complex airplane” to include airplanes equipped with a full authority digital engine control (“FADEC”).
Comments for the NPRM are due on or before November 30, 2009. If you would like further information regarding the NPRM, you may contact the following: For technical questions contact John D. Lynch, Certification and General Aviation Operations Branch, General Aviation and Commercial Division, AFS-810, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-3844; e-mail john.d.lynch@faa.gov; and For legal questions contact Michael Chase, Esq., Office of Chief Counsel, AGC-240, Regulations Division, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-3110; e-mail michael.chase@faa.gov.
