8/6/05
EAA  e-hotline  Volume 4, Number 41      www.eaa.org
An updated “Likely Candidates for Light-Sport Aircraft” list is now available on EAA’s sport pilot website, www.sportpilot.org. Click on that title under the “Light Sport Aircraft” tab to access the list. EAA staff has spent the past week updating the list based on the latest information obtained from manufacturers, dealers, and distributors during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004. The combined list includes fixed-wing aircraft, weight-shift trikes, and powered parachutes. The three aircraft categories are listed separately, and divided by those manufactured in the United States and those manufactured in Canada or overseas. It includes aircraft that are sold as plans, kits, or anticipated to be sold as ready-to-fly aircraft. (A listing for gliders and gyroplanes will be prepared at a later date.) 


8/6/05
EAA  e-hotline  Volume 4, Number 41      www.eaa.org
EAA work on sport pilot/light-sport aircraft cleared the way for many pilots to use their valid state driver’s license to satisfy the medical requirements. According to the final rule published on July 27 in the Federal Register, only pilots whose most recent medical application was not denied, revoked, or suspended are allowed to use their driver’s license as proof of medical certification. The effective date of the rule is September 1, 2004. Those who wish to verify what the FAA has on record regarding their medicals can contact their Regional Medical Office of the Aerospace Medical Certification Division. Pilot name, Social Security number, and date of birth are required to run the check. For a listing of the FAA regional offices, visit www.cami.jccbi.gov/AAM-300/rfs.html. 
(read more)


7/20/04
www.usua.org
This morning at about 10:30 AM eastern time, to a room full of press and ultralight organization representatives (including USUA EVP Dale Hooper), the Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft rule was officially announced by FAA Administrator Marion Blakey. Describing this new rule  as "really great news", Ms. Blakey went on to say that "effective September 1st, the FAA begins to certify Sport Pilots, and their aircraft. This Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft rule reduces the barriers to becoming a pilot and an aircraft owner while assuring that safety will always be the priority."

An over view of the rule was given by Administrator Blakey,  Ron Wojnar (Deputy Director, Aircraft Certification Service) and Jim Ballough (Director, Flight Standards Service), followed by a brief question and answer period. The official FAA Press Release, describing more details can be found at FAA News.

According to the rule, Light Sport Aircraft are: airplanes, gliders, gyroplanes, balloons, airships, weight shift control (trikes), and powered parachutes. Helicopters and powered lifts are excluded because of complexity.

The new rule describes Light Sport Aircraft as:
*1,320 lbs. maximum takeoff weight (an increase from the original proposed 1232 lbs.)
*1,430 lbs. seaplanes maximum takeoff weight
*1 or 2 occupants
*single engine (non-turbine)
*maximum stall speed (without lift enhancing devices) of 45 knots (51.78 mph)
*maximum airspeed in level flight  of 120 knots (138.09 mph)
*fixed landing gear
*fixed pitch propeller

Outside, on the sidewalk of 800 Independence Avenue (home of FAA Headquarters) was displayed an Airborne Trike (owned by Wayne Kerr- USUA 80468), A Kitfox IV (owned by Doug Kelly), and a Powrachute Pegasus (owned by John Yonkin- USUA 83730). As to be expected, these airplanes drew much attention, and caused quite a stir in downtown Washington DC. After the press conference, a photo session was held featuring these Light Sport Aircraft type airplanes. Administrator Blakey tried them all on for size.

7/19/04
It is anticipated that there will be press conference tomorrow Tuesday, 10:30 AM,  at 800 Independence AVE, Washington, DC to announce the new Sport Pilot Rule. In addition the new rule should be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday 7/20/04.

7/18/04
usua.org
USUA is pleased to announce that after months of evaluation, the Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft Rule has been signed by the White House Office Of Management And Budget (http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/library/OMBREGSC.html#DOT), and preparations have already begun by FAA for it's release sometime next week.

As was reported earlier by USUA Headquarters, the final rule will look different than the NPRM, which was published in the Federal Register Feb. 5, 2002. Meetings are scheduled between FAA, USUA, EAA and ASC to discuss the final rule, and the implementation procedures involved. No details concerning any changes  are available at this time.

In the coming weeks, USUA members with questions concerning the specifics of the final rule can look to the USUA website for updated information , and USUA Regional Representatives will soon be supplied with detailed materials to help members and clubs with  localized support. USUA will provide access to materials and support for all members who choose to participate in Sport Pilot.

The release of Sport Pilot is only the beginning. There will be a period of time before the rule is effective, which will allow prospective Sport Pilots, the opportunity to position themselves for participation. It will also allow for the creation and registration of Sport Pilot instructors and examiners. Instructors desiring involvement on these levels will soon be provided the opportunity to do so.

In preparation for this rule, USUA urges all members who have not yet done so, to register as ultralight pilots. If you are in the process of becoming a BFI, finalize that registration soon. These ultralight registrations will allow you to take advantage of special transitional provisions FAA has put in place for registered ultralight pilots and instructors wishing to participate in Sport Pilot.

After so many months of preparation, USUA applauds FAA in their continued dedication to this project, which will allow USUA members yet another option to "Fly For Fun".


7/16/04
EAA  e-hotline  Volume 4, Number 29      www.eaa.org
Sport Pilot Rule Clears Final Hurdle! 
Publication Expected Within Days
A bright new age of aviation participation is ready to unfold, capping a decade of effort by the Experimental Aircraft Association and the aviation community, as the highly anticipated sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule has cleared its last governmental hurdle. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released the rule to the Federal Aviation Administration, the last of many federal approvals that were necessary before this major rule could be published.

“We are extremely pleased that this rule is finally becoming reality,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA President. “It has long been a goal of the aviation community and provides the first rulemaking package specifically written for recreational flying. EAA is proud of its role to make personal flight more accessible and build aviation’s infrastructure through this new entry-level base for pilots.”

The regulation, commonly known as the “sport pilot rule,” is now ready for publication in the Federal Register within several days. It gives aviation enthusiasts a way to focus on the basics of flying by lowering costs while enhancing safety and security considerations. The light-sport aircraft portion of the regulation, meanwhile, opens the door to more affordable aircraft.
(read more)


7/16/04
AOPA ePILOT      Volume 6, Issue 29 • July 16, 2004            www.aopa.org
SPORT PILOT FINAL RULE EXPECTED NEXT WEEK
The FAA is expected to announce the Sport Pilot and Light-Sport Aircraft final rule next week. It is expected to allow certificated pilots who no longer have current medical certificates to fly again in low-performance aircraft—such as some Piper J-3 Cubs—by using a valid state-issued driver's license to meet the medical requirement. What remains to be seen is when the rule would actually go into effect. Once it does, previously certificated pilots should be able to fly immediately under more limited sport pilot rules. For more about the initiative, see AOPA Online.


7/1/04
AVWeb    www.avweb.com    Volume 10, Number 27b -- July 1, 2004
Let the Games Begin ...

When the Aero Sports Connection (ASC), a membership group for sport flyers and ultralight pilots, sent out a letter last week to its registered ultralight instructors asking them if they want to become FAA Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) in the proposed Sport Pilot category, it opened a can of worms -- which may be only the first of many such cans lying in wait, as the long-anticipated Sport Pilot rule, with its multitude of devilish details, creeps toward finalization. "We need to get started on this," ASC President Jim Stephenson told AVweb yesterday. "We have over 2,400 instructors, and we'll have to have examiners to give them check rides." But to some, the action seemed premature. The letter asked instructors to submit information to the ASC about their background and experience. "This is our own internal process," Stephenson said.
 

.. As EAA Calls for Clarification ...

About 5 p.m. Tuesday, a teleconference with EAA, the ASC, the FAA, and the U.S. Ultralight Association (USUA) was held to clarify the procedure for authorized ultralight instructors to become DPEs in the proposed Sport Pilot category. "FAA emphasized that, contrary to some reports, the application process has NOT started and that no action to start the DPE process would begin until a final Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft rule is published in the Federal Register and subsequently the DPE policy is released," EAA said on its Web site Tuesday night. Stephenson said that his letter to instructors was "fully compatible and coordinated with the FAA process." On the ASC Web site, an announcement is posted regarding Sport Pilot Examiners: "The Sport Pilot program requires many pieces of infrastructure. ... One of those pieces is a set of examiners who are competent in these light craft. A transitional plan is now starting to identify and train a significant number of examiners from our ranks. The first step in this plan is to send a letter to all BFIs and AFIs [basic and advanced flight instructors] to see who wants to be an examiner. ... Those who wish to be considered will supply background and experience information to aid in the evaluations. Once ASC has recommended candidates for SPE [Sport Pilot Examiner], the FAA examiner evaluation board will select from the pool of available candidates."

... But Apples May Not Be Oranges, Anyway

The confusion seems to have arisen from two separate provisions in the expected Sport Pilot rule. While only the FAA can designate a DPE, the major ultralight organizations -- ASC, USUA, and EAA -- may endorse applicants, and that endorsement, although it is not required, will add to the value of the application. It was that endorsement process that the ASC was trying to get a jump-start on, Stephenson said, so it would have a pool of qualified applicants ready to go when the gate opens. USUA Director Jim Sweeney said that his organization also encourages its registered flight instructors to consider becoming a Sport Pilot DPE or CFI. "It is critical that we have as many Light Sport DPEs and CFIs that are knowledgeable and competent with ultralight aircraft as possible [to] participate in these programs," Sweeney said in a e-mail to AVweb yesterday. The USUA also said it will provide its members with "accurate information regarding Sport Pilot and the regulatory process as it becomes available." In the teleconference, the FAA said all applications from DPEs must be made on FAA application forms, which are to be available in due time on the FAA AFS-610 Web site. There will be no fees charged by the FAA, nor is there any plan to require a potential applicant to work through any organization.

The confusion is not completely unexpected -- some in the ultralight community have long been somewhat dubious whether the complex Sport Pilot rules will make flying in any way better for them, with the instructor issues high on the list of concerns. Nonetheless, both the ASC and the USUA are actively supporting the rule. "Giving our pilots and instructors more options, an FAA certificate, and the ability to fly for fun and recreation in the planes that they want to fly has always made sense," Stephenson says on the ASC Web site. The USUA, on its Web site, acknowledges that the transition for some ultralight flyers may be "difficult and expensive," especially if they don't act quickly enough to take advantage of transition provisions in the new rule, but nonetheless supports the rule overall. EAA has always been a staunch advocate for the proposal.

6/30/04
usua.org
At 5PM, Tuesday June 29,2004, USUA EVP Dale Hooper participated in a teleconference with FAA EAA and ASC, discussing the Sport Pilot DPE registration program. Reports of inaccurate information that have recently been circulated throughout the industry, prompted FAA to call this meeting in order to clarify the registration process.

First, it must be clear that the process has not yet begun. Sport Pilot has not been signed, and no action can be taken regarding any of the particulars of the final rule, until it has been published. At that time, DPE applicants will be able to download an application from the FAA AFS-610 website. This FAA application will be the only document considered as authorized for registration.

DPE registration is open to anyone, regardless of organizational affiliation. In fact, no affiliation is required for application. If the applicant is a member of one of the major ultralight organizations (USUA, EAA, or ASC), they may obtain an endorsement from that organization. This endorsement will add to the value of the application.

All USUA Basic and Advanced Flight Instructors are encouraged to consider becoming a Sport Pilot DPE, or CFI. "It is critical that we have as many
Light Sport DPEs and CFIs that are knowledgeable and competent with ultralight aircraft as possible participate in these programs" commented
USUA Director Jim Sweeney.

USUA will provide accurate information regarding Sport Pilot and the regulatory process as it becomes available.


6/3/04
EAA e-HOT Line    Vol. 4, No. 22
Sport Pilot Rule Returned to OMB
The sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rulemaking package has been returned to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for final approval. OMB’s website acknowledges receipt of the rule on June 1, 2004. No deadline for final action is listed on the website. However, when EAA Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs Earl Lawrence visited OMB, along with fellow ASTM Committee chairmen Phillip Lockwood and Eric Tucker, they stressed the need for swift approval of the rule.

The rule, which had been withdrawn from the Office of Management and Budget by FAA in late March, is now back at OMB for what is hoped to be the final review before publication. FAA had withdrawn the rule to answer questions presented by OMB, in a procedural move that would keep the rule on-track instead of creating a major setback if it was completely rejected by OMB. This advancement is another major step forward for the rule. Once OMB approves the rulemaking package, it will be returned to FAA for publication in the Federal Register. This year’s AirVenture event will include a major focus on sport pilot as it provides an exciting opportunity for growth in many areas of the aviation community.

EAA will continue to monitor the rule’s progress and report any news as soon as it’s available.

4/23/04
EAA e-HOT LINE
April 23, 2004   Volume 4, Number 16
News You Can Use ---
Congressional Representatives Join EAA in Urging OMB to Approve Sport Pilot Rule Now
Two senators, five U.S. Representatives submit petition with thousands of signatures
EAA’s efforts to finalize the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule drew the support of seven members of Congress this week, as these elected officials were invited to join EAA members and aviation enthusiasts in urging the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve the rule “in the most expeditious manner possible” when it receives the proposal back from the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The elected officials, who are also pilots or knowledgeable aviation supporters, include Senators James Inhofe (R-OK) and Michael Crapo (R-ID); and Congressional representatives Sam Graves (R-MO); Tom Petri (R-WI); Robin Hayes (R-NC); Vernon Ehlers (R-MI); and Dennis Rehburg (R-MT). Each signed the letter addressed to OMB Director Joshua B. Bolten, expressing strong support for the FAA’s proposed rule, Certification of Aircraft and Airman for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft (Docket No. FAA-2001-11133).
(read more)

Join the Sport Pilot Petition Drive Now!
Petition Drive Ends April 25
In less than a week, thousands of EAA members and other aviation enthusiasts have signed a petition to the federal Office of Management and Budget urging it to expedite release of the proposed sport pilot/light sport aircraft rule when it returns from FAA in the next few weeks. This rule is a huge step for those who are looking to overcome personal time or financial burdens that keep them from pursuing their aviation dreams, or for those who want a viable way to return to the sky. If you haven’t made your voice heard, do it now. Join the petition drive in less than two minutes by visiting the EAA website. This petition will go directly to the OMB as a show of support from the aviation community for the opportunities available through what’s commonly known as the “sport pilot” rule.
(read more)


April 22, 2004
Sport Pilot Revisions Almost Ready
By Russ Niles
Newswriter, Editor
AVweb

The FAA says it will have a revised version of the Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in front of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the next week or so. FAA spokeswoman Allison Duquette told AVweb Wednesday that the goal is to get the rule out "as soon as possible." About three weeks ago, the FAA withdrew the NPRM from the OMB, which must sign off on it, after the OMB raised concerns about parts of the proposed rule. The hang-ups have never been made public. "I can't discuss that because we are in rulemaking," said Duquette. She said she doesn't know how long the OMB will need to assess the revised NPRM but it has not placed any time limits on the process.

3/25/04
From www.usua.org
Sport Pilot Update
On March 24, 2004, it was officially announced that FAA had requested that the proposed Sport Pilot rule be returned from the Office Of Management & Budget, to FAA. This action was taken by the Administrator to address issues that seem to have been of concern to OMB. The rule was not sent back by OMB, as was erroneously announced days earlier at an industry Safety Seminar, but was withdrawn by FAA request.

By withdrawing the rule by FAA's own request at this time, it could save the rule from being rejected by OMB, and keep it from having to pass through the entire regulatory process once again -- possibly avoiding a rewrite or worse. USUA applauds FAA for taking this action. This decision will eventually help expedite the Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft regulations, allowing those anxiously awaiting the final rule the opportunity to participate in this long awaited program. Manufacturers, dealers and pilots of aircraft that will be affected by these rules have endured difficult times throughout the process, and any effort to bring this matter to fruition is welcome.

USUA will stay on top of the ongoing situation, and provide more information, as it becomes available. As stated before, USUA will only report verifiable information from FAA sources.

United States Ultralight Association, Inc.
Dale Hooper
Executive Vice President


12/24/03
USUA received a phone call at 10AM EST from Sue Gardner of FAA informing us hat late yesterday afternoon, the Secretary of the Department of transportation has signed off on the proposed Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft Rule. It now goes to the Office of Management and Budget, the final step in the rulemaking process. OMB is expected to use their allotted 90 days to evaluate the rule and act accordingly. If all goes well, and there is little to expect otherwise, we may see SP/LSA sometime after April 2004.

"This is great news for our community," says USUA EVP Dale Hooper, "USUA members who have not yet registered as ultralight pilots, are encouraged to do so immediately so that the special provisions allowed to persons holding this registration may be taken advantage of."

USUA will continue to monitor the development of these proceedings and encourages all members to visit www.usua.org for any and all news and announcements.


5/15/03
eMentor                             Issue 0503b                        May 15, 2003
FAA Opens Sport Pilot Office
The FAA announced this week that funding has been approved to establish a Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) Operations Program Office for implementing the pending sport pilot/light-sport aircraft final rule (SP/LSA). The office will be set up as a branch within the Regulatory Support Division in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 
When the final rule is announced, it will initially require the FAA to certificate an existing fleet of an estimated 10,000-plus uncertificated aircraft and airmen using a standardized methodology. The LSA office will provide the policy guidance and infrastructure for both industry and FAA field offices; program oversight; and continued standardization of this program, from the effective date of the SP/LSA rule and into the foreseeable future.
Over the next 10 years the FAA expects more than 12,000 new pilots to seek sport pilot certificates and purchase new LSA. This will be in addition to the many private pilots that left flying for financial or other reasons who will re-enter general aviation as a result of the new rule. The new set of regulations is also expected to generate an additional 9,000 repairmen over the course of the next 10 years in addition to 9,000 people who will apply for certification in the first three years.
The new office’s responsibilities will include developing and providing designee training (DPE/DAR); developing and maintaining Pilot Practical Test Standards and knowledge test item banks; approving and monitoring industry training for sport pilots, sport pilot CFIs and light-sport repairmen; and providing a data repository for light-sport information.


2/7/03
The Official Electronic Newsletter of EAA
February 7, 2003   Volume 3, Number 6
PPC Standards First To Emerge From ASTM Committee
Powered parachute manufacturers are leading the way in developing the first aircraft standards for the upcoming light-sport aircraft category, as an industry group has finalized requirements for the design and manufacturing of those aircraft under the Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft initiative. The final rule, commonly known as Sport Pilot, is expected to be released by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later this year. (read more)


1/31/03
The Official Electronic Newsletter of EAA
January 31, 2003   Volume 3, Number 5
FAA Sport Pilot Team Advice: 
Use the Ultralight Registration Programs to Get Started on Your Sport Pilot Rating
FAA’s sport pilot team attending the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) International meetings in Florida on January 28-29 reminded the industry and community that the transition process for ultralight pilots and instructors will offer the simplest path for individuals wishing to become sport pilots or sport pilot instructors. As proposed, ultralight pilots who are registered with EAA, AeroSports Connection (ASC), or the United States Ultralight Association (USUA) will be able to transition readily to sport pilot status..
(read more)
  
ASTM Light Sport Aircraft Committee Concludes Florida Meeting  
The ASTM International Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) Committee wrapped up its winter meeting work mid-afternoon on Wednesday, January 29.In early morning sessions, both the Fixed-Wing and Weight-Shift subcommittees continued to refine various standards they have in process. Good progress was made on resolving a number of negative issues on those standards, and both groups are optimistic they’ll have design standards ready for use by the time FAA completes the final rule.
(read more)
  
FAA Pledges Continued Efforts Toward Final Sport Pilot Rule
FAA sport pilot team manager Sue Gardner assured the ASTM International Light-Sport Aircraft Committee Tuesday, January 28, that FAA resources continue to focus on meeting the congressionally mandated September 2003 deadline to take action on the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule. Gardner briefed the 60 committee members during the first day of a two-day meeting at the Fantasy of Flight Museum in Polk City, Florida. The meetings are centered on creating the consensus standards for light-sport aircraft (LSA), which are being worked on alongside the final rule.
(read more)


7/9/02
From Aero-News Network                           www.aero-news.net
Sport Pilot Seminars at Oshkosh
If you've been wondering about what's going on with Sport Pilot since the comment period closed in early May, you're not alone. A good way to find out (in addition to staying tuned to these pages, of course) is to go to Oshkosh and ask the questions yourself! Just so you'll know what's going on, and when, here's the schedule for the public meetings:
Sport Pilot Events for AirVenture 2002
Tuesday July 23:
8:30  - 10:00   EAA Forum, Sport Pilot…An Update
2:30  -  4:00   EAA Forum, Sport Pilot…What’s Happening Now?
Wednesday July 24
10:00  - 11:30    FAA Forum…Proposed Sport Pilot Regulation Update
Thursday July 25
 8:30  - 10:00  EAA Forum, Sport Pilot…EAA, FAA and Industry, Laying A Strong Foundation
11:30 -   1:00  EAA Ultralight Forum,  Sport Pilot – How EAA Will Help You Transition
4:00 -   5:30   EAA Ultralight Forum,  ASTM Powered Parachute Forum
Friday July 26
2:30 -   4:00   EAA Forum, Light Sport Aircraft – Will They Be Insurable? (AVEMCO)
FMI: http://www.airventure.org/forums/default.asp
For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/sport.cfm?ContentBlockID=4625


5/9/02
From    AVflash            Vol. 8, Issue 19b            Thursday, May 9, 2002        www.avweb.com   
SPORT PILOT MOVES ON TO THE NEXT PHASE...
The time to digest, rehash and regurgitate has arrived.  The FAA's deadline for public comments on its Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) officially passed on Monday, but not before about 2,000 comments were recorded.  EAA submitted its 18 pages of remarks on the final day.  Among its main suggestions: increase the aircraft gross weight limit to 1,300 pounds, eliminate the top speed limitation, revise the make/model endorsement requirements, extend the
time limit on use of converted ultralight trainers for instruction, and eliminate the 87-knot speed restriction for student Sport pilots.


4/26/02
From     Aero-News Network Propwash E-Mail Aero-News Summary Issue 28/2265    www.aero-news.net
USUA Goes Public on Sport Pilot
The United States Ultralight Association Looks for Support on Sport Pilot NPRM Issues. Here's Their Note:
This widely-broadcast [notice] is to ask for your help to demonstrate to U.S. FAA substantial support for a two-level approach for Sport Pilot NPRM 11133. The two levels are: One for pilots/instructors and aircraft with maximum speeds of 130mph, maximum weights of 1,232 pounds, with flights over cities and into ATC-controlled airports. This is FAA's existing proposal, with which USUA basically agrees. In addition, USUA urges your support in recommending that FAA also establish a second level for pilots/instructors and aircraft which are best referred to as ultralight aircraft... For the WHOLE story, http://www.aero-news.net


3/22/02
From EAA        For more information go to  www.sportpilot.org
PUBLIC SPORT PILOT FORUMS AT SUN 'N FUN EAA FLY-IN
Sun 'n Fun attendees will have a number of opportunities to ask questions and gain more information about the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft NPRM during the annual fly-in in Lakeland, Florida, April 7-13. Individual questions can be addressed to EAA staff and volunteers at both the EAA Sport Pilot tent in the main air show area as well as at the Ultralight Tent located at the entrance to Paradise City. The Sport Pilot tent in the main air show area will be adjacent to the EAA building, which is located directly across the road from the FAA Pavilion. http://www.sun-n-fun.org


3/19/02
From Aero-News Network                           www.aero-news.net
FAA To Hold Internet Forum on Sport Pilot Proposal     Sets Up New Sport Pilot Web Address
To assist the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in developing a clear and comprehensive final sport pilot rule, the agency will hold an on-line public forum from April 1 to 19 to allow the public to read and respond to 15 questions about the proposal. The FAA will monitor the responses throughout the three-week forum and may ask clarifying questions. The public comment period closes on May 6. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)...  For the WHOLE story, http://www.aero-news.net


1/30/02
From     Jim Stephenson ASC    www.aerosports.org
Sport Pilot word is to be  published in Federal Register on Feb 5th.  Closing date to be May 6th.
Expected to have the document available on the FAA web site today.
http://www.faa.gov/avr/arm/sports013002.htm     
Trying to get the data up on the web site now.  


1/31/02
From     AVWeb       www.avweb.com     
AVflash           Vol. 8, Issue 05b        Thursday, January 31, 2002
SPORT PILOT/LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT PROPOSAL (FINALLY) TAKES WING...
After years of effort and months of any-minute-now anticipation, the FAA's Sport Pilot proposal, long stalled at the hangar door, yesterday
made it to the runway and took off.  The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) has already been posted online by the FAA, and is scheduled to be officially published in the Federal Register next Tuesday.  The NPRM will then circle the runway for 90 days -- until May 6 -- while the FAA accepts comments.  With such a wide-ranging proposal -- affecting certification of pilots, aircraft, and repairmen -- we don't doubt there
will be plenty of comments for the FAA folks to sort through.

...WITH NO UNEXPECTED PARTS...
The NPRM contains no big surprises -- the main components have been hashed out bit by bit at many FAA briefings over the last few years.
The proposal would limit light-sport aircraft to 1,232 lbs. maximum weight, two occupants, a single engine (non-turbine), a stall speed of
39 knots, maximum airspeed of 115 knots, and fixed landing gear.  Among currently certificated aircraft, J3 Cubs, Aeronca Champs and Chiefs, and early-model Taylorcrafts would likely qualify.  Either an FAA medical certificate or a U.S. driver's license would make you good to go.

...AND PROMISING A HIGH-FLYING FUTURE
The FAA estimates 10,000 existing aircraft will be certified and 10,000 people will become certificated sport pilots and flight instructors.
The rule will increase safety in the light-sport aircraft community, the FAA says, saving an estimated 80 lives over the next 10 years.  In
addition to the regular comment period, the FAA will hold a "virtual public meeting."  You will be able respond online via the Internet to
questions that the FAA will ask regarding the proposal.  The FAA said it will publish a notice in the Federal Register shortly with details.


1/21/02
From AVweb        www.avweb.com       
Sport Pilot -- Neither Rain, Nor Sleet ... Possibly Anthrax

Yes, we know. The Sport Pilot proposal has seen more peaks and valleys than a climbing expedition. We've calmly waited while the FAA prepares to publish the much-anticipated NPRM. This was originally scheduled to happen a few weeks back, but then a student pilot decided to fly his airplane into a Tampa skyscraper. Now, it seems that mail -- and lots of it -- is the latest blockade in this paper-bound obstacle course. You may remember that tons of U.S. mail destined for federal offices was held in quarantine after the various episodes of Anthrax mail attacks took place. Well, now that mail is being released the FAA (along with other agencies) is claiming that it's coming in at an overwhelming rate. While playing catch-up, FAA officials must now also sift through the comments for other NPRMs already published. Obviously, these are the priority and the yet-to-be released Sport Pilot NPRM will have to wait for its turn. AVweb spoke with the folks at the Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA) Government And Industry Affairs Office concerning this issue and they tell us that they are ready to set upon the NPRM for dissection and interpretation -- just as soon as they see it. "It's the calm before the storm," one EAA staffer told us. Stay tuned ...

1/5/02
EAA e-HOT LINE        The Official Electronic Newsletter of EAA        www.eaa.org
----------------------------------
Vol. 1, No. 42 January 4, 2002
----------------------------------
OMB APPROVES SPORT PILOT PROPOSAL; NPRM IMMINENT ---
FAA officials confirmed on Friday, January 4, 2002, that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the long-awaited sport ilot/light-sport aircraft rulemaking proposal, clearing the last hurdle for the proposal to be published as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). The NPRM will likely be published in the Federal Register during the week of January 7, FAA said, with a 90-day public comment period to follow.

FAA officials called OMB's approval of the sport pilot proposal "a great start to the new year," and thanked EAA for its efforts in keeping the proposal moving through the regulatory process.

Upon learning of OMB's approval, EAA President Tom Poberezny said, "Our efforts to see this rulemaking proposal reach the public comment stage have paid off. The support of FAA, the Department of Transportation, and OMB for this rule is significant. We look forward to the final rule's passage and the boost it will provide to all facets of sport and general aviation."

The sport pilot proposal has been a major initiative of EAA for several years. To keep members and enthusiasts informed, EAA created a special website, http://www.sportpilot.org, and Sport Pilot newsletter. At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2001, a Sport Pilot Center highlighted the opportunities the proposal would offer for growth in the aviation community. http://www.eaa.org

1/4/02
From AOPA            www.aopa.org

SPORT PILOT NPRM EXPECTED NEXT WEEK
FAA sources tell AOPA that the long-anticipated Sport Pilot-Light Sport Aircraft proposed rule will "hit the streets" next week, barring any last-minute glitches. The FAA will publish a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to allow the public to comment on the rule. The proposal would regulate aircraft that are too large to be ultralights, but too small to economically meet current FAA certification standards. It also proposes a sport pilot certificate that could be obtained with about 20 hours of training and that would allow pilots to operate these aircraft with either a third class FAA medical certificate or a valid driver's license. "AOPA congratulates the Experimental Aircraft Association on its efforts in working with the FAA and the industry to obtain the release of this proposal,"  said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "AOPA  applauds any initiative that serves to lower the cost of learning to fly, and the continuing enjoyment of flight activity. The association will carefully evaluate each provision of the proposed rule once it becomes public, and will offer comments to ensure that safety is not compromised while maintaining a reasoned approach to sport aircraft and pilot certification." AOPA will post the rule on AOPA Online as soon as it becomes public and will provide a message area so that members can send their comments on the proposal directly to the FAA.

1/3/02   
FROM AVweb      www.avweb.com

AVflash            Vol. 8, Issue 01a        Monday, December 31, 2001

O SPORT PILOT, WHERE ART THOU?...
After months of waiting, debating and deliberating, the much-anticipated Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) should truly now be "sitting at the hangar door ready to taxi."  AVweb faithful will remember those were the words used by DOT Secretary Norm Mineta back in July at EAA AirVenture 2001.  Mineta told the standing-room-only crowd at the "Meet the Administrator" session that the new pilot certificate -- nearly nine years in the making -- was close to becoming a reality.  Unfortunately, that turned out to be "close" in dog years, not human years.

...AS NEW YEAR TOLLS, NPRM GETS CLOSER...
The snail's pace is not surprising, though.  The proposal means changing eight different parts of the FARs and it has the potential of adding thousands of new pilots to the ranks -- which has the potential to do wonders for national paranoia.  In addition, the rules will create new opportunities for manufacturers who build aircraft that fit the Light Sport Plane category (read: many ultralight and kitplane manufacturers). The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) had returned the proposal to the FAA for additional information about the large economic impact when September 11 dawned, and everything not having to do with national security went from fast track to off the tracks.

...SITTING AT OMB, AWAITING RETURN...
The FAA has since returned the proposal to the OMB with answers to their questions.  After getting the OMB's seal of approval it will, according to EAA, travel back to the DOT for another sign-off.  Only then will it head to the FAA for publication as an NPRM in the Federal Register. Once that occurs, you can have your say on it for 90 to 120 days.  All the comments received will be taken and sifted through to create a final version of the new Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft rule.

NOTE: For more on what the NPRM will likely include, visit AVweb's    NewsWire at <http://avweb.com/n/?01a>.


12/28/01
From EAA              EAA e-HOT LINE-Text Vol. 1 No. 41            www.eaa.org

SPORT PILOT/LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT CLOSE TO NPRM ---
At the close of 2001, status of the much-anticipated, often-delayed notice of the Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft proposal is about the same as it was six months earlier at AirVenture Oshkosh: "Sitting at the hangar door, all set to taxi," as described by Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. At that time sport pilot, one of the most significant aviation rulemaking efforts in years, was being reviewed at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), but it was returned to the DOT with some questions about budgetary impact. As the FAA was working to address OMB's questions, priorities were suddenly and violently altered by September 11 and sport pilot was set aside.
Several weeks before the end of the year, movement resumed when answers to budgetary concerns were provided and forwarded to OMB, where it again awaits approval. Once OMB approves and returns sport pilot to FAA, an NPRM will be published in the National Register allowing for public comment. If approved as proposed, sport pilot will establish a new pilot certificate, "sport pilot," and a new aircraft category, "light-sport aircraft." Many expect sport pilot to have a huge impact on aviation, allowing more people to experience the freedom of flight than ever before.  
http://www.sportpilot.org