Wed, Jan 21, 2004
NATA Has Serious Concerns About The NPRM
The FAA has extended
the comment period from January 20 to April 19, 2004 for the
proposed NPRM that would require Part 91 sightseeing operations to
be certificated under Part 135. Last November, NATA filed comments
with the DOT requesting an extension on the deadline for comments.
"We are concerned that requiring these sightseeing operations-most
of which are small businesses-to undergo Part 135 certification
will place an untenable financial burden on them and force them out
of business," stated director of government and industry affairs
Eric Byer.
"The additional time will give us and our members time to reply
and document our concerns to the FAA.
"From a safety standpoint the FAA has not justified-to our
satisfaction- that there is a need for these sightseeing operations
to have a Part 135 certificate," continued Byer.
"Nor have they justified the economic impact of the rule on the
businesses, which they are required to do. In fact, the FAA stated
that of the 1,700 operators likely to be impacted by the rule, at
least 700 are likely to go out of business. That's patently
unacceptable."
A review of the accidents cited by the FAA as demonstrating the
need for additional regulations shows that the majority (8 of 11)
accidents occurred in Hawaii where air tours are already subject to
special requirements under SFAR-71. Of the 11 accidents, only three
involved aircraft operating under Part 91.
"We appreciate the extension and look forward to working with
the FAA on this proposed NPRM," concluded Byer.
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