The FAA is holding a training session on field approvals and the supplemental type certificate (STC) application process in Wasilla, Alaska, on January 7, 2004. AOPA had requested that additional sessions be held to provide the opportunity for dialog on the impact of policy changes, which went into effect in Alaska on October 1.

The Wasilla training session follows similar training held in Fairbanks and Anchorage.

"Field approvals are important in the lower 48 states but absolutely crucial in Alaska's harsh flying environment," said AOPA Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Melissa Bailey. "After all the confusion created when the FAA amended the field approval process in 2002, these training sessions are important to make sure that inspectors are all working from the same rulebook, and that pilots understand the process as well."

The sessions in Wasilla are open to both the public and FAA inspectors. Field approval training is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon, followed by STC application training from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Both sessions will be held at 3210 N. Travel Air Drive, in the Anderson Lake Subdivision. Instructors will include staff from the FAA Aircraft Certification Office and Flight Standards.

FMI: contact Bob Christensen at FAA Alaska Region, 271-5215 or bob.christensen@faa.gov, www.faa.gov