Sat, Apr 05, 2003
Three Major Sport Pilot Experts Chat
BY ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne
Two representatives of the Light Sport Aircraft
standards committees for powered parachutes and trikes, plus the
retired FAA Flight Standards ARAC representative found themselves
sitting across a round, plastic table under an exhibit tent in the
morning Florida air. This unplanned meeting illustrates one of the
benefits of national aviation events which draw notable
personalities together.
Our interest is in their perception of the progress of the Light
Sport Aircraft and Sport Pilot projects underway by FAA. First
we listened to William (Bill) Cook who retired from FAA just as the
Ultralight ARAC group concluded the 7+ year development (Aug, 1993
to December, 1999) of what is popularly known as "Sport Pilot."
Cook reports remaining in close contact with FAA
Washington. He received a recent update from FAA that
continues to envision the release of the draft sport Pilot rule as
early as June or July. The draft rule then would go need
approval from Department of Transportation, then from Office of
Management and Budget. Only after that could it become a final
rule. Cook's optimism is consistent with past input from other
FAA officials who agree with rapid progress toward a target date
for a final rule around August, only months away.
Also in the impromptu discussion were Jim Stephenson and Scott
Toland, chairmen of ASTM airworthiness programs for powered
parachutes and weight-shift trikes, respectively. These are
the airworthiness programs FAA expects to utilize for the planes
flown by Sport Pilots.
Repeatedly during the discussion, both of them
commented on the helpful interactions they are experiencing with
the FAA during the process. They are expecting FAA to follow
through with release of a great set of airworthiness requirements
and sport pilot certification programs.
After the gathering concluded, we talked with Tom Peghiny
(right, in white shirt) who is chair for the only other
airworthiness committee chairman. His committee is developing
standards for certification of airplanes for Sport Pilots (and
others). He was quick to agree that the FAA folks involved in the
process are being open and helpful. He, too, expressed
optimism at the rapid progress and determination of FAA and all
those involved.
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