Three Major Sport Pilot Experts Chat

BY ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne

Two representatives of the Light Sport Aircraft standards committees for powered parachutes and trikes, plus the retired FAA Flight Standards ARAC representative found themselves sitting across a round, plastic table under an exhibit tent in the morning Florida air. This unplanned meeting illustrates one of the benefits of national aviation events which draw notable personalities together.

Our interest is in their perception of the progress of the Light Sport Aircraft and Sport Pilot projects underway by FAA. First we listened to William (Bill) Cook who retired from FAA just as the Ultralight ARAC group concluded the 7+ year development (Aug, 1993 to December, 1999) of what is popularly known as "Sport Pilot."

Cook reports remaining in close contact with FAA Washington.  He received a recent update from FAA that continues to envision the release of the draft sport Pilot rule as early as June or July. The draft rule then would go need approval from Department of Transportation, then from Office of Management and Budget. Only after that could it become a final rule. Cook's optimism is consistent with past input from other FAA officials who agree with rapid progress toward a target date for a final rule around August, only months away.

Also in the impromptu discussion were Jim Stephenson and Scott Toland, chairmen of ASTM airworthiness programs for powered parachutes and weight-shift trikes, respectively. These are the airworthiness programs FAA expects to utilize for the planes flown by Sport Pilots. 

Repeatedly during the discussion, both of them commented on the helpful interactions they are experiencing with the FAA during the process. They are expecting FAA to follow through with release of a great set of airworthiness requirements and sport pilot certification programs.

After the gathering concluded, we talked with Tom Peghiny (right, in white shirt) who is chair for the only other airworthiness committee chairman. His committee is developing standards for certification of airplanes for Sport Pilots (and others). He was quick to agree that the FAA folks involved in the process are being open and helpful. He, too, expressed optimism at the rapid progress and determination of FAA and all those involved.

FMI: www.faa.gov