Sport Pilot Rule Delayed (again...)
By Brian Gilomen
On March 24, 2004, it was officially announced that the Federal Aviation Administration had requested that the proposed Sport Pilot rule be returned to the FAA from the Office Of Management & Budget. 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 The rule was not sent back by OMB, as was erroneously announced days earlier at an industry Safety Seminar, but was withdrawn by FAA request.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. This decision is likely a good sign, and should 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.
Where to now?: