AOPA Asks FAA for Flexibility

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) sent a letter urging the FAA to exert a “maximum amount of flexibility” to help keep pilots and aircraft up and running during the coronavirus pandemic, following concerns by members facing obstacles for remaining in regulatory compliance.

In the letter to FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, AOPAPresident and CEO Mark Baker described the impact on GA (general aviation)pilots and urged a flexible approach that allows extensions and relief fromregulatory time restrictions for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis.

Many pilots confront dilemmas in the face of closures, curtailmentof travel, and the recommendations of health officials to practice socialdistancing. “For example, federal requirements require pilots to renew theirmedical certificate in person, to complete their pilot certificationexaminations within a certain amount of time, and to complete knowledge testsat off-site testing facilities,” Baker wrote. “The current restrictions to theU.S. population create an impossible barrier for these individuals to meet thenecessary airman and aircraft requirements.”

One challenging situation confronts instructors whosecertificates expire every 24 months and must be renewed by one of severalmethods within the 90 days before the expiration date (doing so afterwardrequires starting over with a practical test). Many CFIs renew via onlineflight instructor refresher courses — but others attend in-person FIRCs, manyof which have now been canceled because of the coronavirus. “Without anextension or relief, some individuals’ instructor certificates will expire inthe next month or two,” said Christopher Cooper, AOPA director of regulatoryaffairs.

Some existing problems will be exacerbated during thecoronavirus crisis including dealing with limited availability of designatedpilot examiners (DPEs) to conduct practical tests. The FAA is consideringwaiving some DPE management policies, but some DPEs have canceled appointmentswith practical test applicants because of the outbreak. “As a result,applicants may run into the issue of not being able to complete their practicalwithin the required time limits,” Cooper said.

A related concern for applicants is that airman knowledgetests are valid as a practical test prerequisite for two years from the datethey are taken. But if a knowledge test were to expire with testing facilitiesstill closed, applicants would have no way to retake their knowledge tests,leaving them ineligible for the practical test indefinitely without some kindof FAA relief.

Reduced access to aircraft and CFIs could affect pilots’livelihoods and the ability to exercise their privileges by triggering a waveof expirations of instrument proficiency checks, flight reviews, andrecency-of-experience intervals unless the FAA can make exceptions, Cooperadded.

Medical certificate expiration dates are also looming. AOPA’s medical certification team is monitoring the situation and working with the FAA on contingencies, he said.

Aircraft maintenance and continuing airworthinessrequirements must also be addressed.

AOPA is receiving numerous member inquiries about how todeal with currency requirements during the pandemic. AOPA’s government affairsteam is working with the FAA to create solutions, said Cooper.