FAA policy expected on extending compliance deadlines

Guidance on how the FAA plans to spare pilots and aircraft owners from being grounded by administrative deadlines made unworkable by the coronavirus pandemic should be forthcoming shortly, said Christopher Cooper, AOPA director of regulatory affairs.

“Solutions are anticipated that will provide relief for the industry as a whole, to various certificate holders, and including first, second, and third class medical certificates,” he said.

Cooper noted that the FAA hopes to avoid the situation becoming exacerbated by a new wave of expirations that will occur at the end of March—just days from now. Some flight instructors, whose certificates must be renewed every two years, may face expiration and be unable to exercise their teaching privileges.

Relief is also in the works for aircraft manufacturers, he said, adding that the FAA’s aircraft registry remains operational during the crisis.

The FAA’s plans to ease the burden faced by pilots who cannot take knowledge or practical tests before prerequisites expire, or who cannot maintain pilot-in-command currency or instrument proficiency because of aircraft unavailability or FBO closings during the pandemic, have been a subject of keen member interest.

Many members have contacted AOPA’s Pilot Information Center asking for updates since March 17 when AOPA President Mark Baker described the impact in a letter to FAA Administrator Steve Dickson and requested that the agency “provide the maximum amount of flexibility and support within its authority” to offer relief.

Cooper noted that as the FAA works on a solution, it too is dealing with pandemic-related constraints, with most employees working remotely.