Organization says several changes deadlines do not represent
setbacks for the Sport Pilot Rule
The Experimental
Aircraft Association (EAA) is reminding its members and other
aviation enthusiasts not to misinterpret announcements from the
Federal Aviation Administration extending certain implementation
deadlines.
"Because of EAA's prominent role in bringing about the sport
pilot regulations and our tireless work to ensure the most
efficient and effectual implementation possible, the aviation
community is counting on us to lead the way," said Earl Lawrence,
EAA's vice president of government and industry relations, who last
month led the EAA contingent attending key meetings on sport pilot
implementation at FAA's facilities in Oklahoma City.
"We want our members to understand that the recent FAA
announcement of some revisions to the implementation schedule does
not represent a setback in rolling out sport pilot aviation."
Although the revised time line moves the first day on which
individuals may submit sport pilot student applications from
November 15, 2004, to January 15, 2005, this delay does not
severely impede the prospective student sport pilot. Even
under the original timeline, prospective sport pilots would have
had to wait until January 15, 2005, to take their sport pilot
flight tests (also commonly known as checkrides).
According to Martin
Weaver, FAA Light-Sport Aviation Branch manager, FAA Form 8710-11
for airman certification - updated to include sport pilot
application - will be completed, but the airman records division
will not be ready to process those applications until January 15,
2005.
Meanwhile, EAA continues to provide recommendations on, and
assistance with, implementation every step of the way.
"We pushed hard for expeditious implementation and applauded the
FAA when it announced an approximate six-month time frame," said
Lawrence, who chairs the ASTM International oversight committee
charged with establishing and maintaining consensus standards for
sport pilot materials, equipment, systems, and services.
"Considering the massive infrastructure required to support this
new province of flying, we knew the schedule was ambitious and we
expected a few hiccups along the way. So far, though, the
overall rollout still appears to be on track.
"Meanwhile, EAA continues to provide leadership to ensure that
the implementation of sport pilot gets done not only quickly but
also, and more importantly, the right way. Our constructive,
fully engaged relationship with the FAA and our leadership of the
ASTM-standards groups positions EAA to continue influencing
favorable outcomes for those interested in pursuing sport pilot
opportunities."
Benchmark implementation projects and dates that the FAA
announced this week include:
- Aircraft Registration: It will begin October 15. The FAA Form
8050-2 Aircraft Bill of Sale and the FAA Form 8050-88A will be
available on-line beginning October 1.
- Airman Certification: It will begin January 15. The new FAA
Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application for
Sport Pilot, will be available January 1.
- Sport Pilot Knowledge (written) Test: FAA estimates that
it will be ready for distribution on or before November 15,
2004.
- AC 61.65 (revision), Certification of Pilots and Flight and
Ground Instructors: FAA estimates that it will be available in
January 2005 to provide policy and guidance to flight instructors
for conducting proficiency checks and endorsement
requirements.
- FAA Order 8710.X, Sport Pilot Examiner Handbook: FAA estimates
that it will be available in late October to establish the sport
pilot examiner program.
- FAA Form 8710-12, Light-Sport Standardization Board -
Designated Pilot Examiner Candidate Application: FAA estimates
availability by November 1.