But...
The Federal Aviation Administration's long-awaited Final Rule
authorizing Light Sport Aircraft and Sport Pilots on July 20, 2004
is a watershed document that recognizes and legitimizes a new
simplified category of aircraft, pilot training, and system of
maintenance. Noteworthy are the strengthened maintenance
requirements that this rule incorporates over the original rule
proposed some four years ago.
While the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA)
has been generally supportive of the new aircraft certification and
pilot training standards, PAMA did take strong exception to the
unacceptably low maintenance standards initially introduced in the
proposal. The final rule’s strengthened maintenance training
requirements are a significant improvement.
"PAMA commends FAA for listening to the maintenance community
and producing a regulation that can help ensure a safe new category
of aircraft," said PAMA president Brian Finnegan.
"With a few caveats," continued Finnegan, "PAMA supports the
final Sport Pilot rule and looks forward to actively participating
in its successful implementation."
While FAA certificated Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics and
appropriately qualified Repair Stations are authorized to perform
Light Sport Aircraft maintenance, the new rule also authorizes two
new categories of Repairmen: Inspection and Maintenance. PAMA
objected to a number of low training standards in the original
proposal, many of which have now been acceptably addressed in the
final rule, which is scheduled to become effective on September 1,
2004.
Chief among the improvements called for by PAMA is the
strengthening of the training requirements for Repairmen with a
Maintenance Rating and the applicability of FAR Part 43,
Maintenance Performance Rules. The inclusion of the Part 43
performance standard helps assure for Sport Aircraft the same level
of safety enjoyed by the rest of the certificated aviation
community. In addition, FAA has retained the ability to issue
Airworthiness Directives and has granted aircraft manufacturers the
authority to issue safety bulletins.
The final rule’s
increase in the training requirements for Repairmen with a
Maintenance Rating for fixed wing aircraft will better prepare
Repairmen to assure an airworthy aircraft. While still
substantially below the training requirements required for full
Airframe and Powerplant certification, by definition Light Sport
Aircraft will exclude many systems included in traditional A&P
training programs. Among the systems excluded from Sport aircraft
are turbine engines, retractable landing gear, cabin pressurization
and air conditioning, variable pitch propellers, and auxiliary
power units. Further, the Repairman with a Maintenance rating will
only be permitted to perform those tasks specifically identified by
the aircraft manufacturer. Most engine maintenance will likely not
be allowed.
"PAMA does remain concerned," cautioned Finnegan, "about the
ability of Light Sport Aircraft manufacturers to develop and
deliver appropriate maintenance training programs for this new
category of maintenance technician. FAA must remain vigilant in
their oversight of those programs."
The importance of accurate documentation and recordkeeping is
also essential to assuring the integrity of any responsible
maintenance program. However, PAMA is optimistic that government,
industry, and operators can work together to assure the safe
implementation of this important expansion recreational flying.
"The future has always promised a world of personal aviation,"
said Finnegan. "This is really our first giant leap in that
direction."