Organization Says While Many Are Good, Some Lack Detail, Others Decrease Proficiency

Following an extensive review by an experienced group of NAFI-member aviation professionals, the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) submitted its comments to an FAA Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that covers a variety of changes to pilot-certification requirements and training procedures.

"NAFI has taken a great deal of care in reviewing the proposals," said NAFI Executive Director, Jason Blair. "NAFI agrees with many of the proposals that were made, but we believe some of them lack the detail needed to fully allow their implementation. Others, instead of enhancing safety, actually decrease the level of flight proficiency and experience students will gain through their training activities."

The comments provided by NAFI come from the perspective of instruction and safety for flight training, Blair said. "We know that these proposals affect flight training and aviation safety significantly, and, overall, we believe the FAA is on the right track. However, we also believe that further research on a number of these proposals is needed before final rules can be finalized."

NAFI's response to the FAA's proposed regulatory changes resulted from collaboration among a group of NAFI members who represent a variety of aviation experiences, Blair said. While all group members were flight instructors, they also brought insight gained as a designated pilot examiners, commercial airline pilots, corporate pilots, and full-time training providers.

FMI: www.NAFINet.org