AOPA Action

The FAA is proposing 16 changes to FAR Part 61, but AOPA is working to ensure the changes do not negatively affect pilot training or certification, and is recommending additional changes that could benefit the GA community.

“The FAA’s proposed changes could impact operations at flight schools, the way pilots train for future certificates and ratings, and proficiency requirements for those members who own or are considering purchasing a single-pilot turbine aircraft,” said Rob Hackman, AOPA vice president of regulatory affairs. “AOPA will continue to work to ensure any changes to Part 61 will not have a negative impact on the general aviation community.”

Several of the proposed changes pertain to complex aircraft. The FAA is recommending that the definition of a complex aircraft be modified to include aircraft equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) systems. Other proposals call for the requirement of 10 hours of complex time for the commercial pilot certificate, single- and multi-engine class ratings, to be replaced with 10 hours of advanced instrument training.

AOPA supports the change to the definition of a complex aircraft and the removal of the complex time requirement for the commercial certificate. The association has recommended that the requirement for an instructor’s endorsement for complex aircraft be removed altogether from the regulations and that the practical test standards for the commercial and flight instructor certificates no longer require a complex aircraft.

Instead of requiring 10 hours of advanced instrument training for the commercial certificate, AOPA has recommended that the FAA meet with flight training providers to determine what other areas of training would be better suited for the commercial. The association pointed out that the instrument requirement would be extreme for those pursuing the commercial certificate for VFR-only operations.

The FAA’s proposed changes and AOPA’s additional recommendations have the potential to streamline the training process and introduce cost savings to pilots, but a final decision on the proposals could take years. AOPA will continue to work through the long process with the FAA.

New ASF safety seminar exposes ‘10 Things Other Pilots Do Wrong’

You’re on short final at a nontowered airport when the airplane at the hold-short line suddenly pulls onto the runway. The unicom crackles to life with the pilot’s announcement: “Taking the active”—three pointless words high on your pet peeve list. To top things off, you’re now forced to go around because of this oblivious pilot’s actions. No wonder you’re fuming as you climb back to pattern altitude.

At one time or another, we’ve all been annoyed—even scared—when other pilots don’t play by the book or simply take a cavalier approach toward safety. To be blunt: Some fellow aviators’ faux pas cause us to cringe, wag a finger at them, and shake our heads in disbelief.

Whatever the reason for your discontent, you won’t want to miss the AOPA Air Safety Foundation’s newest free seminar, based on pilots’ feedback about other pilots’ imperfections. They’ve told us about the “helpful” person in the right seat who can’t keep his hands off the controls and the genius whose prop blast creates a hurricane in their hangar every time he taxis by. There are plenty more tales in ASF’s 10 Things Other Pilots Do Wrong.

Now is your chance to air your grievances and learn a thing or two about safety. Join ASF for an entertaining and educational look at the things that drive us nuts about other pilots. To participate, go online for confirmed dates and locations in your area.

AOPA donates to Embry-Riddle scholarship fund

AOPA Air Safety Foundation President Bruce Landsberg presented a $30,000 check to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) on behalf of the association for the AOPA Career Pathways Scholarship fund.

The scholarship fund is part of a longstanding alliance between the world’s largest aviation organization and one of the world’s leading aviation universities. Each year, the association contributes 10 percent of the AOPA member dues paid by ERAU alumni to the university’s endowed scholarship fund. The association has provided a total of $264,640 in scholarship funds to ERAU since 1997 to help deserving aviation students fund their education.

As part of the alliance, all undergraduate ERAU aeronautical science students are provided with AOPA membership by the university throughout their education, and ERAU faculty members enrolled in the program are provided access to aviation tools and resources they can use in the classroom. AOPA President Craig Fuller and ERAU President Dr. John P. Johnson extended the alliance for another five years in April.

Make sure you’re covered

“You’re not covered!” Those are words no pilot wants to hear after having an accident with a rented or borrowed aircraft, but many pilots could hear them because they did not have aircraft renter’s insurance.

Many who rent aircraft mistakenly believe they are covered by their flight school’s policy. Don’t count on it. Check the policy carefully because the fine print could tell you that while these entities are covered themselves, their insurance company can easily sue you, the renter, for the entire claim amount.

Even a small mishap could put you in financial jeopardy, but with a nonowned policy, you can have the coverage you need to fly with confidence. If you’re sued because of a covered accident or claim, defending yourself in court can be very expensive, averaging $20,000 or more. The good news is that your nonowned policy provides coverage for these legal defense costs, regardless of the verdict.

Make sure you’re flying with the best coverage available. Renter’s insurance from the AOPA Insurance Agency has coverage to fit your needs and budget. Get more information and purchase your policy today online or call 800-622-2672.