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News & Media AOPA Action: AOPA continues to advocate for SFAR relief

AOPA Action: AOPA continues to advocate for SFAR relief

Persistent pandemic creates ongoing legislation

January 1, 2021
In October, the FAA extended portions of the special federal aviation regulation (SFAR) that has governed training and testing requirements during the coronavirus pandemic, extending by two months the validity of medical certificates and knowledge tests that were to expire between October 2020 and January 2021, and adding two months to flight review deadlines that would have passed during that period.

Does SFAR 118-2 apply to you?

Pilots want to know if the amended special federal aviation regulation applies to their individual situation. AOPA created easy-to-follow flowcharts to help you determine if the provisions in the amended SFAR apply to you.

  • When does my medical expire?
  • Knowledge tests for Part 61 pilot certificates and ratings.
  • Flight review.
  • Small unmanned aircraft systems (Part 107 commercial operations).

aopa.org/sfarflowcharts

The FAA said that although aviation activity is on the upswing, “many of the challenges that existed when the FAA first issued SFAR 118 remain today,” and that “airmen continue to have trouble complying with certain training, recency, checking, testing, duration, and renewal requirements.”

The new SFAR amendment (SFAR 118-2) took effect October 1, 2020, and was published in the Federal Register on October 6. It reflects the agency’s conclusion that “aviation activity continues to increase, and the industry is beginning to address the backlog of required training, checking, and testing requirements. However, many of the challenges that existed when the FAA first issued the SFAR in April [2020] remain today as the public health emergency continues,” the FAA said on its website.

The SFAR amendment eliminates the expanded instrument currency “lookback” period previously allowed for pilots who met certain operational requirements, and no new relief was provided for flight instructors with certificates nearing expiration.

“AOPA appreciates the hard work the FAA put into addressing many of general aviation’s most critical needs requested by AOPA and six other organizations,” said Christopher Cooper, AOPA director of regulatory affairs, in a letter to the FAA’s associate administrator for aviation safety.

To help pilots track their compliance responsibilities during the pandemic, the FAA provided a table comparing their status under the original SFAR, amendment SFAR 118-1, and the latest amendment SFAR 118-2. AOPA encourages pilots to review it carefully before conducting flight operations.

faa.gov/news/updates

BAKER ON THE NEWS

“AOPA appreciates the FAA’s recognition of the challenges presented by the pandemic for thousands in the GA community. The FAA’s recognition of the importance of general aviation during COVID-19 restrictions and the increased infection rates across the country have allowed aircraft owners and operators the flexibility to continue to fly safely. The SFAR has provided GA the relief needed to safely operate to support the fight against the pandemic, and avoid unnecessary costs caused by expiring certificates and privileges. As the pandemic persists, AOPA will advocate for continued SFAR relief.”  —AOPA President Mark Baker

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