Did you know that when you apply for an FAA airman certificate or rating or submit an application for a medical certificate that the FAA is “investigating” your qualifications? The FAA statute says: “The administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue an airman certificate to an individual when the administrator finds, after investigation, that the individual is qualified for, and physically able to perform the duties related to, the position to be authorized by the certificate.” So, thinking about it, it makes sense to call the FAA’s review of your qualifications an investigation because the FAA is checking the information you have provided and examining whether you are entitled to be granted the certificate or rating that you seek.
The language that describes what the FAA does when you submit an application probably hasn’t mattered much to you up to now. But, the next time you submit an application to the FAA, you may be surprised, even alarmed, to receive written notification from the FAA that you are under investigation. You may even be required to sign an official-looking form that is meant to prove that you received that notification. I would certainly be asking about what is going on. The reason for the change is simple, and it’s good for pilots. You will now be receiving a written notification of an investigation every time you apply for a certificate, including each time you visit your AME, in the newly enacted Pilot’s Bill of Rights. Let me explain why this is a good thing.
The Pilot’s Bill of Rights requires that the FAA notify a pilot about an FAA investigation and specifically inform the pilot that the information obtained could be used against him or her, so that the pilot could fairly understand the reason for the FAA’s inquiry and be able to make informed decisions about responding to that inquiry.
AOPA worked hard to get the Pilot Bill of Rights enacted and the law now requires the FAA to give you this notification of what it is doing and the import of its review of the application you are submitting. So, when you see the notification when you next apply for a certificate or rating, sit up and take notice of how you are answering the questions on the application. Members of the AOPA Pilot Protection Services program can call before submitting the application.
Kathy Yodice is an aviation attorney for AOPA’s Pilot Protection Services.
Insurance policies overdue?
Now is a good time to review
This past year has been quite eventful and as it comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to review your insurance policies. A lot can happen in a year and your coverage needs may have changed. You may even find that it’s time to shop around for better rates as some insurance rates are decreasing. As a pilot, AOPA should be the natural first stop for you. Every pilot is unique. From life insurance underwriting to claims service, we know that there's much more to you than can be captured by numbers on a chart. AOPA offers great rates on everything from term life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, to aircraft insurance, and more. And since they are AOPA certified, you won’t have to pay higher rates just for being a pilot. Make sure when you take your first flight of 2013 you can relax and enjoy the flight knowing that you’re covered by AOPA Insurance Services. You can contact us by calling 1-800-622-AOPA[2672], or visiting our website. We are ready to serve you!
Overcome travel nightmares
Protect yourself with proper insurance
You may be planning your first international trip or you may be a well-seasoned traveler, but in either case, your itinerary probably doesn’t include the unexpected complications caused by a sudden outbreak of illness. Here are a few things you might expect, according to www.cdc.gov.
- Delays—Travel into, out of, or within certain regions may be affected.
- Inconsistent information—Information may change rapidly or be confusing as governments, health officials, and the travel industry work to find what’s really going on.
- Cancellations—Travel cancellations can occur suddenly, especially for air travel.
- Increase in travel—People traveling in affected countries in an emerging outbreak may try to return home to avoid infection or seek health care in their home countries.
- Grounding of flights—In extreme circumstances, flights may be unavailable in a region for a period of time.
In the event of an outbreak of illness, AOPA Emergency Assistance Plus will provide you with the latest authoritative information and guidance and assist you in making evacuation arrangements, including flight arrangements, securing visas, and even ground transportation and housing. Visit the website to learn more.
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