Grant Of Exemption Supports The Continuity Of Air Ambulance Operations

To ensure the continuity of air ambulance operations, the FAA has confirmed that it is granting an exemption for completing recurrent training and testing requirements for certain air ambulance personnel. Operators must fulfill specific requirements to exercise the relief offered in this exemption.

The Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA), on behalf of its members, requested an exemption from Part 135 regs pertaining to the timeframes for completing recurrent training and testing requirements for certain air ambulance personnel.

Responding, the FAA found, "that a grant of exemption supports the continuity of air ambulance operations, which is essential in this public health emergency. Part 119 certificate holders conducting air ambulance operations are critical in supporting essential, effective emergency medical service. Furthermore, given the immediacy of the public health concerns and the urgency of sustaining the continuity of such operations, it would not be feasible for the FAA timely to address ad hoc requests for relief from certificate holders individually.

In view of the extraordinary situation presented by the COVID-19 outbreak, the FAA finds that allowing two additional grace months for completing the covered training and testing requirements does not present a risk to aviation safety that cannot be mitigated under the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption. These conditions and limitations ensure that certificate holders demonstrate a plan to mitigate any potential risk introduced by extending personnel qualification. The relief applies to requirements for currently qualified personnel only. It does not apply to requirements for the training and qualification of new personnel."

The exemption terminates on August 31, 2020, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

FMI: www.faa.gov, https://www.airmedicaloperators.com