Aviation Regulation

The Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2, which would broaden third-class medical exemptions and expand legal rights, began its journey through the legislative assembly line this week as GA Caucus members in the U.S. Senate and House introduced companion bills. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., introduced S. 571 as an expansion of his legislation that was signed into law in 2012. Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo., co-chair of the House GA Caucus, introduced the companion bill H.R. 1062. The medical reform is similar to the proposals introduced in 2013 and 2014. The bills would exempt private pilots from the third-class medical for VFR and IFR flights below 14,000 feet and up to 250 knots, in aircraft weighing up to 6,000 pounds with up to five passengers. In an effort to force the FAA to comply in a timely fashion, there is also a provision to allow pilots to fly under the new rules 180 days after enactment if the agency fails to update its policies.

Calls Lack Of Recreational Limits A ‘Glaring Gap’ In FAA’s Authority

California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein is not satisfied with the proposed rules put forth by the FAA for small UAVs in the U.S. She says that small UAVs flown for recreational purposes should also be regulated.

February 12-16, 2015 There will be multiple VIP Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) in California, including San Francisco and the Palm Springs area. NOTAMs may include instructions for gateway screening operations. See attached PDF 150209_TFR_Alert_Handout_-_CA.pdf

Please be aware that with the SMO VOR being out of service (2/10/15 – 3/14/15) the Mini Route is not available and the Special Flight Rules Area is only available to aircraft with suitable RNAV equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

By year’s end, the Federal Aviation Administration will unveil proposed rules that apply to anyone flying a small drone that’s even remotely for business purposes.

The FAA is leaning toward strict oversight, according to several people in the drone business who have met with the FAA to discuss regulations.

Agency Grants Extension Requests From EAA, CAF, Others

The FAA will allow an additional 30 days to comment on its proposed hangar-use policy under an extension granted Tuesday following multiple requests from the GA community.

EAA early last week submitted a request for a 60-day extension to the comment period based on the intense interest the policy had generated in the general aviation community. Other extension requests were submitted by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and by U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO).”

Proposed amendments to California state regulations that would have encroached on FAA authority by setting minimum altitudes over state
wilderness areas and other locations (all of which are uncharted) have been scuttled, at least for the time being.

California officials had sought to require a 2,000-foot minimum altitude for flights over state wilderness areas, with a 500 foot agl minimum over “cultural preserves” and “natural preserves.” (CalPilots Editor’s Note: This is an excellent example of the Three Tier Airport/GA Protection Process and why we need local, statewide and national organizations involved and supported).

On July 22, 2014, the FAA issued a Notice of Proposed Policy for the non-aeronautical use of airport hangars which clarifies compliance requirements for airport sponsors, airport managers, airport tenants, state aviation officials, and FAA compliance staff. To view the draft policy, go to https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/07/22/2014-17031/policy-on-the-non-aeronautical-use-of-airport-hangars. The comment period will remain open until September 05, 2014.

32 NM RADIUS TFR

Location

On the SAN JOSE VOR/DME (SJC) 276 degree radial at 2.6 nautical miles.
From the surface up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL.

Times

3:15 PM local Thursday, May 8, 2014 until 11:30 AM local Friday, May 9, 2014

CalPilots Editor’s Note: CalPilots was previously advised by the California Department of Parks and Recreation that the state was not pursuing this idea. We will be joining forces with AOPA to act against this unrequired piece of legislation which creates unnecesary operational concern for the state’s pilots.

AOPA is requesting the immediate withdrawal of an amended draft regulation that would set minimum altitudes for aircraft flying over California state parks being proposed by the state’s Department of Parks and Recreation. As written, the amended draft regulation conflicts with preemptive federal regulations and would have far-reaching effects and implications for general aviation pilots.