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The Transportation Security Administration issued an interpretation on September 13 excluding 11 “training events” from the definition of recurrent training under the Alien Flight Student Program. The announcement applies to foreign students training in aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds.

The interpretation, which became effective October 1, clarifies that training events viewed as checks or tests will not require security threat assessment (STA) applications under the program. The interpretation also states that students who have undergone a successful STA within the previous year may begin recurrent training “without waiting for the results of the new STA once TSA accepts all documentation.” Rules and guidance for training in aircraft weighing under 12,500 pounds have not changed.

by Dan Namowitz

LSA flight into IMC to be prohibited

Proposals under consideration by ASTM committees for light sport aircraft (LSAs) could ban flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) for future special light sport aircraft (S-LSAs) until such time as ASTM reaches a consensus on standards for IFR aircraft. The prohibition could come by the end of the year. However, it is important to note that the aircraft could still be used in VMC for IFR flight training.

The ASTM committee for LSA will require consumer notification that the aircraft does not comply with any design standards for operation in IMC. It is the FAA that requires the LSA to comply with such standards. The required notification highlights the fact that no design standards have ever been developed for LSA operations in instrument conditions.

Pilots will still be able to train for an instrument rating in appropriately equipped S-LSAs and file IFR flight plans, as long as they remain in VMC.

Any LSA now approved for IFR flight will continue to be capable of entering instrument conditions, as long as the pilot is also instrument rated and the airplane is suitably equipped, including instrumentation and powerplant. Such aircraft can also be used for IFR training.

by Alton K. Marsh

Airsickness medical center treats pilots

Let’s say you love flying but you experience airsickness that you don’t think you can get over. The National Dizzy and Balance Center in Edina, Minnesota, thinks it has the solution.

The center runs a two-day evaluation and treatment program for pilots specifically to combat the symptoms of airsickness. By making patients desensitized to the outside visual cues, the center says it can treat airsickness with a very high degree of success.

As of now, only pilots and student pilots are allowed to participate in the program, but the center does offer other avenues for passengers.

Visit the website (www.stopdizziness.com) for more information.