Withdraws photo requirements on all certificates
The FAA has published a final rule changing the way student pilot certificates will be issued. The rule also withdraws plans to require photos on all pilot certificates, which AOPA vigorously opposed.
Under the new “Student Pilot Application Requirements,” published in the Federal Register, aviation medical examiners (AMEs) will no longer issue student pilot certificates. The majority of future applicants will apply through a flight instructor, but the FAA also has given the option of applying in person through FAA inspectors at their local flight standards district office, designated pilot examiners, or airman certificate representatives from a Part 141 flight school. Those representatives will accept and process applications (primarily through the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application system) but not issue the certificates, which will be plastic, similar to other airmen certificates.
The rule has roots in the 2004 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act and an initial proposal published in 2010. AOPA has been engaged throughout the process to ensure that the requirements would not be excessively costly or onerous. The association strongly opposed a requirement to put a photo on all pilot certificates, urged the agency to reduce turnaround times for issuing student certificates, and opposed a plan to charge $22 for the issuance or renewal of a pilot certificate. The FAA has said it will address charges for pilot certificates separately.
The changes, which will prevent flight students from applying for and receiving their certificate on the same day, grew out of a congressional requirement that all pilot certificate applicants be screened by the TSA before being issued a certificate. These screenings have until now been taking place after an AME grants a student pilot certificate. The FAA estimates it will take up to three weeks from the time a student applies for a certificate until it is issued.
“We’ll continue to monitor the implementation of this new rule to make sure the FAA is issuing student pilot certificates promptly,” said Justin Barkowski, AOPA director of regulatory affairs. “We don’t want this requirement to unnecessarily delay students from soloing or completing their flight training.”
Unlike current student pilot certificates, the new certificates will not expire. And CFIs will no longer have to endorse the certificate itself, instead putting the endorsement in the student’s logbook.
The new rule takes effect April 1, but student pilots who have been issued paper certificates before that date will be allowed to continue to use them until they expire.
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Action in the states
Alaska Region
Alaska is facing a budget deficit of more than $3 billion, prompting officials to consider raising taxes on motor fuel, including avgas. The state’s Aviation Advisory Board has recommended that an increase in the tax on aviation fuel would be preferable to imposing landing fees or airport user fees. The advisory board said a fuel tax increase is the only option that doesn’t involve expanding government in order to collect the revenue. The board also supports DOT’s plans to restructure Part 139 airports under the Alaska DOT Division of Statewide Aviation.
Northwest Mountain Region
The Washington State Aviation Alliance, of which AOPA is a supporting member, held its annual Airport Awareness Day at the state capitol in Olympia. Also in Washington, the Northwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show returns to Puyallup for its thirty-third annual event. AOPA supports the Seaplane Pilots Association in an attempt to preserve access to Colorado Parks and Wildlife waterways, where floatplane operations are currently banned.
Western Pacific Region
The Republican Governors Association recently held its annual meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada. AOPA Director of State Government Affairs Jared Esselman took part in the event, using it as an opportunity to meet with key state leaders from around the nation, including Gov. Rick Scott of Florida and Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona.
Central Southwest Region
The New Mexico Airstrip Network Steering Committee plans to improve public access to the state’s airstrips and promote tourism and economic development. AOPA Regional Manager Yasmina Platt serves on the steering committee. The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission is determining the real value of the state’s 100 publicly owned airports. The commission will conduct an economic impact study. Platt will meet with lawmakers in Kansas before taking part in Aviation Day at the Capitol.
Great Lakes Region
AOPA, Seaplane Pilots Association Ohio Field Director Jim Priest, and aviation advocates Jeff Fitch and Al Harding met with Ohio transportation and natural resources policy directors to open the state’s waterways to seaplane operations. Michigan’s governor signed into law aviation funding reform that directs one-third of the revenue collected from a 6-percent aviation fuel tax to the state aeronautics fund to support airport improvements, providing about $5 million annually.
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