Long-Running SFAR Dictated Upgraded Training Protocols... Successfully

A 13 year old SFAR, instituted after a number of training related R-22 and R44 accidents, is to be continued by the FAA, according to an NPRM just published in the Federal Register.

According to the NPRM, The FAA states that, "This action proposes to continue the existing special training and experience requirements in Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) No. 73 and eliminate the termination date for SFAR 73. Currently, SFAR No. 73 is a final rule that will expire on June 30, 2009. Since 1998, the FAA has extended SFAR 73 for two 5-year periods. The FAA recently re-issued SFAR No. 73 and extended the rule’s expiration date to June 30, 2009. SFAR No. 73 requires special training and experience for pilots operating the Robinson model R–22 or R–44 helicopters in order to maintain the safe operation of Robinson helicopters. It also requires special training and experience for certified flight instructors conducting student instruction or flight reviews in R–22 or R–44 helicopters.

The NPRM seeks respondents to submit all comments on or before November 5, 2008, for Docket Number FAA–2002–13744.

Respondents may make their feelings known by a number of methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically.
   
• Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W12–140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590–0001.
   
• Hand Delivery or Courier: Bring comments to Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
   
• Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202–493–2251.

FMI: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-18239.pdf, http://www.regulations.gov (Docket Number FAA–2002–13744)