EAA Facilitates Discussion On Warbird Operations
Policy
The EAA and its Warbirds of America division used their
leadership roles to bring together government and the aviation
community, in a session that will provide guidance for future
policy regarding public flight experiences in warbird aircraft. The
meeting, held at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh on Sept. 30,
was designed to develop a consensus for continued passenger
operations by these historic aircraft.
The affected airplanes include such favorites as the B-17 and
B-25, as well as newer classics such as early jet trainers and
fighters. Currently, some of those aircraft offer compensated
flight experiences through exemptions approved by the Federal
Aviation Administration. Included in that list are the B-17s
"Aluminum Overcast" and "Fuddy Duddy," currently owned or leased
for passenger operations by EAA.
"The FAA is seeking to establish criteria to evaluate exemption
requests that allow these historic aircraft to keep operating these
one-of-a-kind flight experiences," said Earl Lawrence, EAA vice
president of industry and regulatory affairs. "EAA and Warbirds of
America saw this meeting as essential in providing guidance for
future FAA policy. Since many of these aircraft operators are also
EAA and Warbirds members, we will use our positive relationships
with all the involved parties to work toward a consensus that can
indeed 'keep 'em flying' in the future."
The original FAA exemptions that allowed such operations
involved World War II-era B-17 bombers and similar aircraft. Over
the past decade, other aircraft such a turbine-powered helicopters,
modified World War II-era fighter airplanes and foreign-built
fighter jets have also applied for exemptions. FAA had specific
concerns about these exemption requests, for various reasons, and
is developing a policy that set guidelines for the
applications.
"This issue has a great deal of complexity, as it involves
different types of aircraft, as well as safety, crew training and
economic factors," Lawrence said. "EAA and Warbirds of America saw
a gathering such as this one as the best way for all groups to
present their viewpoints and begin work toward a policy that will
ensure safety, while also keeping these unique aircraft
flying."
Groups joining EAA and Warbirds of America at this week's
meeting include the Airline History Museum, Army Aviation Heritage
Foundation, Collings Foundation, Red Knight Air Shows, Weary
Warriors Squadron, Yankee Air Force and Wings of Eagles Discovery
Center. The Commemorative Air Force is also participating in the
discussions. These groups are meeting directly with FAA officials
who develop and administer policy for historic aircraft operations
involving passenger flights.
Lawrence added that EAA and Warbirds of America will continue to
offer its considerable resources to create necessary solutions to
these and other recreational aviation issues.