The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is encouraging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide pilots with greater flexibility regarding varied requirements in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
AOPA President Mark Baker recently forwarded correspondence to FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, describing the impact of mandated requirements on general aviation pilots while urging a flexible approach allowing extensions and relief from regulatory time restrictions for the duration of the crisis.
“For example, federal requirements require pilots to renew their medical certificate in person, to complete their pilot certification examinations within a certain amount of time, and to complete knowledge tests at off-site testing facilities,” Baker wrote. “The current restrictions to the U.S. population create an impossible barrier for these individuals to meet the necessary airman and aircraft requirements.”
The AOPA indicated another situation confronting instructors is one in which their certificates expire every 24 months and must be renewed by one of several methods within the 90 days before the expiration date, adding many CFIs renew via online flight instructor refresher courses. Still, others attend in-person FIRCs, many of which have now been canceled because of the coronavirus.
“Without an extension or relief, some individuals’ instructor certificates will expire in the next month or two,” Christopher Cooper, AOPA director of regulatory affairs, said.
Existing issues would be accelerated during the coronavirus crisis, such as limited availability of designated pilot examiners to conduct practical tests.
“As a result, applicants may run into the issue of not being able to complete their practical within the required time limits,” Cooper said.