Years Of Waiting Coming To A Conclusion

ANN has been monitoring a number of sources and insiders the last few days and feels reasonably confident that the long-awaited Sport Pilot rule will see the light of day within a few days... if not hours.

We've received some interesting details from sources who claim to be in the know, and the two areas that seem to be of most interest (medical and GW), may wind up being resolved in a way that may please the Sport and General Aviation community. We understand that the 'Driver's License Medical' program has survived the review process, and that an increase over the originally quoted gross weight may also have been approved.

The rule has just passed from OMB back to the FAA -- leaving them to release it at will... which appears to be just around the corner. A lightly publicized press briefing is currently scheduled for early Tuesday and if it does come to pass, ANN has former USUA President and light aircraft expert John Ballantyne (one of the first people to become involved in the Rulemaking process that ultimately resulted in this effort) ready to attend and dissect the information that is to be presented. We are also hoping for a few more 'leaks' over the next day or so... so keep an eye on this space... as soon as we have something to share, we'll make sure you get it right away.

FMI: www.faa.gov