Aviation Regulation

Instructs AMEs To Consider More Than Body Mass Index When Diagnosing OSA – In response to concerns from the aviation medical community, the FAA has sent draft guidance for Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) to key industry medical representatives to review within 14 days. Untreated OSA has always been and will continue to be a disqualifying medical condition.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA is moving ahead with the rulemaking process to possibly expand the number of pilots eligible to fly without the need for a third-class medical certificate. This is in response to a petition from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).The two associations filed a…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three members of the U.S. Senate introduced a bill Tuesday, March 11, which mirrors one introduced in the House of Representatives last December, which would eliminate the medical requirement for non-commercial pilots flying day VFR below 14,000 feet in aircraft weighing less than 6,000 pounds and carrying no more than six people….

If you haven’t received it, here is a request from AOPA CEO/President Mark Baker. Please take the time and contact your congressional representitive. It is easy and very important!

Busting Myths about the FAA and Unmanned Aircraft” can be found on the FAA’s website. Seven myths in all are touted, then rebutted by “Fact”. For example: Myth #2: Commercial UAS flights are OK if I’m over private property and stay below 400 feet. In this fast moving segment, it is worth the read. Thank…

Issue Date : February 12, 2014 at 1901 UTC Location : Rancho Mirage, California Beginning Date and Time : February 15, 2014 at 0200 UTC Ending Date and Time : February 17, 2014 at 2300 UTC Reason for NOTAM : Temporary flight restrictions for VIP Movement Type : VIP Replaced NOTAM(s) : 4/8104: To update…

Issue Date : February 12, 2014 at 1335 UTC Location : Fresno, California Beginning Date and Time : February 14, 2014 at 2200 UTC Ending Date and Time : February 15, 2014 at 0200 UTC Reason for NOTAM : Temporary flight restrictions for VIP Movement Type : VIP Replaced NOTAM(s) : N/A http://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_8188.html

Petition Submitted To FAA To Revise WINGS Program For Experienced Pilots – ‘Pro-WINGS’ Program Would Recognize Pilots Who Fly Frequently And Stay Proficient

Two aviation professionals have submitted a petition to the FAA for a change in one of its signature safety programs. Robert A. Wright, President of Wright Aviation Solutions, and Kent Ewing, President of Bonanza/Baron Pilot Training, have joined together to file a petition with the FAA to modify its WINGS program. They have named their proposed change the “Pro-WINGS” program.

Says agency must carefully consider ‘measured risks’ – FAA apologizes for delay in responding to the AOPA-EAA third-class medical petition.Administrator Michael Huerta has formally responded to an AOPA request for an update on the status of the association’s third-class medical petition, but it remains unclear when the agency will make a final decision. (CalPilots Editor’s Note: This is an excellent example of CalPilots The Three Tiered Airport/Aviation Defense. The AOPA and the EAA are large national organizations with a presence in Washington DC and as a team they are hard to ignore). 

Proposed Legislation Would Cut Third-Class Medical Requirement for Many GA Pilots
December 11, 2013 – Reps. Todd Rokita (R-IN) and Sam Graves (R-MO) introduced a bill in the U.S. House today that seeks to abolish the third-class medical certificate for many pilots who fly recreationally. (CalPilots Editor’s Response: Hats off to the EAA and AOPA for pushing on the FAA to stop dragging their heels on this no brainer regualtion change).