Organization says several changes deadlines do not represent setbacks for the Sport Pilot Rule

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is reminding its members and other aviation enthusiasts not to misinterpret announcements from the Federal Aviation Administration extending certain implementation deadlines.

"Because of EAA's prominent role in bringing about the sport pilot regulations and our tireless work to ensure the most efficient and effectual implementation possible, the aviation community is counting on us to lead the way," said Earl Lawrence, EAA's vice president of government and industry relations, who last month led the EAA contingent attending key meetings on sport pilot implementation at FAA's facilities in Oklahoma City.

"We want our members to understand that the recent FAA announcement of some revisions to the implementation schedule does not represent a setback in rolling out sport pilot aviation."

Although the revised time line moves the first day on which individuals may submit sport pilot student applications from November 15, 2004, to January 15, 2005, this delay does not severely impede the prospective student sport pilot.  Even under the original timeline, prospective sport pilots would have had to wait until January 15, 2005, to take their sport pilot flight tests (also commonly known as checkrides).

According to Martin Weaver, FAA Light-Sport Aviation Branch manager, FAA Form 8710-11 for airman certification - updated to include sport pilot application - will be completed, but the airman records division will not be ready to process those applications until January 15, 2005.

Meanwhile, EAA continues to provide recommendations on, and assistance with, implementation every step of the way.

"We pushed hard for expeditious implementation and applauded the FAA when it announced an approximate six-month time frame," said Lawrence, who chairs the ASTM International oversight committee charged with establishing and maintaining consensus standards for sport pilot materials, equipment, systems, and services.  "Considering the massive infrastructure required to support this new province of flying, we knew the schedule was ambitious and we expected a few hiccups along the way.  So far, though, the overall rollout still appears to be on track.

"Meanwhile, EAA continues to provide leadership to ensure that the implementation of sport pilot gets done not only quickly but also, and more importantly, the right way.  Our constructive, fully engaged relationship with the FAA and our leadership of the ASTM-standards groups positions EAA to continue influencing favorable outcomes for those interested in pursuing sport pilot opportunities."

Benchmark implementation projects and dates that the FAA announced this week include:

• Aircraft Registration: It will begin October 15. The FAA Form 8050-2 Aircraft Bill of Sale and the FAA Form 8050-88A will be available on-line beginning October 1.
• Airman Certification: It will begin January 15. The new FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application for Sport Pilot, will be available January 1.
• Sport Pilot Knowledge (written) Test:  FAA estimates that it will be ready for distribution on or before November 15, 2004.
• AC 61.65 (revision), Certification of Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors: FAA estimates that it will be available in January 2005 to provide policy and guidance to flight instructors for conducting proficiency checks and endorsement requirements.
• FAA Order 8710.X, Sport Pilot Examiner Handbook: FAA estimates that it will be available in late October to establish the sport pilot examiner program.
• FAA Form 8710-12, Light-Sport Standardization Board - Designated Pilot Examiner Candidate Application: FAA estimates availability by November 1.

FMI: www.eaa.org