FAA to e-mail ADs, AOPA wants slow transition
By AOPA ePublishing staff
In an effort to discontinue mailing airworthiness directives (ADs) and special airworthiness information bulletins (SAIBs), the FAA has notified 240,000 aircraft owners to sign up for electronic versions. AOPA wants to make sure the FAA's e-mail subscription service is fully operational before print mailings cease.
"Airworthiness directives are a serious matter for aircraft owners, and we can't chance some pilots not being notified of a dangerous condition," said Rob Hackman, AOPA senior director of regulatory and certification policy.
The association has been advocating a slow transition since this issue was first raised.
The FAA had originally planned to stop mailing all ADs and SAIBs on Sept. 1, but the agency has adopted a slower approach for general aviation fixed-wing aircraft and is just now seeking voluntary subscriptions from aircraft owners. The FAA has not set a new date to discontinue mailing the documents. AOPA is in regular contact with the agency and will notify members when the official transition is to take place.
Aircraft owners will need to sign up for aircraft, engine, propeller, and appliance ADs and SAIBs individually. If an appliance AD or SAIB does not name a specific aircraft make and model, it will be sent out to all subscribers.
Those who do not want to receive ADs and SAIBs via e-mail can purchase a print subscription from the Government Printing Office. The documents would be mailed biweekly, and a two-year subscription would cost less than $300.
For more information about signing up for the electronic service, see the FAA's frequently asked questions Web page.
October 25, 2007
