Pilot certificates
Ever since the anti-drug enforcement efforts of the 1980s, the FAA has been charged with creating more secure pilot certificates. In 2004, Congress again directed the agency to move toward issuing counterfeit-resistant certificates with the pilot's photo or other "unique identifier that the Administrator considers necessary."
While in Oklahoma City, the AOPA team saw the prototype system to do that. "It goes well beyond the intent of Congress and could significantly increase the cost and hassle of getting and renewing a certificate," said Boyer. "We won't let that happen."
AOPA argued that the current regulations, which require a pilot to carry a government-issued photo ID along with the pilot certificate, meets the security goals of Congress.
"All in all, it was a good visit, and we accomplished much for our members," Boyer said. "It was refreshing to escape the political hot air of Washington for the natural warm air of Oklahoma in the summer and to talk to some of the FAA folks who can make things happen."
The AOPA team included Boyer, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs Andy Cebula, Vice President of Regulatory and Certification Policy Melissa Rudinger, and Director of Advanced Technology Randy Kenagy.
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August 10, 2006
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