Flights Aren't Subject To New Air Tour Rule, FAA Agrees

A week of work by EAA and FAA have ensured the future vitality and success of the Young Eagles program, by removing possible barriers that were part of the new Air Tour Rule announced earlier this month.

EAA President Tom Poberezny, along with EAA's Earl Lawrence and Doug Macnair, met Thursday with FAA's senior leadership, including Administrator Marion Blakey. They discussed the Air Tour Rule's possible effect on Young Eagles, especially limits on what aircraft could be used for Young Eagles flights, plus additional restrictions on pilot qualifications and frequency of Young Eagles activities.

"Everyone we met with at FAA assured us that there was no intent to harm the Young Eagles program in any manner through the air tour rule," Poberezny said. "FAA's staff showed true concern for the program and immediately moved toward a positive solution."

When Poberezny arrived at FAA headquarters the agency had, in anticipation of the meeting, drafted a letter clarifying Young Eagles flights as non-compensation flights. The letter emphasized that the Air Tour Rule does not apply to Young Eagles flights where the pilot does not receive compensation.

The final version of that letter will arrive at EAA within the next few business days. In addition, Administrator Blakey and FAA senior officials pledged that technical corrections would be made to the air tour rule's preamble before the rule takes effect on March 15, 2007.

For EAA members who plan on flying Young Eagles, it means they may continue to operate as they have in the past when providing Young Eagles flights.

"The rapid, positive resolution to this situation is an example of the outstanding working relationship between EAA and FAA," Poberezny said. "FAA has helped provide the environment where nearly 1.3 million Young Eagles have been flown, and they continue their support of what has become the largest youth education program in aviation history. We are very pleased with the outcome and appreciate FAA's immediate attention to this issue."

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.faa.gov