Changes Proposed for Pilot, Flight Instructor Rules
The FAA has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for changes to rules governing certification of pilots, flight instructors, and pilot schools. According
to the FAA, the reasons for these revisions include changing
aviation technologies, recent research findings, and a
rededicated focus on ensuring that pilots have adequate
training and qualifications to operate safely in the national
airspace system.
The proposals include requiring pilot-in-command (PIC)
proficiency checks for pilots who act as PIC of single-piloted,
turbojet-powered airplanes; allowing pilot applicants to
apply for a private pilot certificate and an instrument rating
simultaneously; and making allowance in the rule to provide
for the issuance of standard U.S. pilot certificates on the basis
of an international licensing agreement between the FAA
and a foreign civil aviation authority (such as in place with
Canada).
The FAA is also proposing that pilot schools can use
Internet-based training programs without requiring a
physical ground training facility. The FAA is also proposing
to allow pilot schools and provisional pilot schools to apply
for a combined private pilot certificate and instrument
rating course. In addition, the FAA proposes revisions to the
definition of “complex airplane.”
Public comments must be submitted to the FAA on or before
November 30, 2009. Instructions on submitting a comment
are contained within the NPRM. To access the NPRM and the
link, visit
www.EAA.org/news/2009/2009-09-03_nprm.asp.
COPPERSTATE to Host Fuelventure 400
This month’s 37th annual COPPERSTATE Fly-In, October 22-24, at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport in Casa Grande, Arizona, will include
the second annual Fuelventure 400. This is a contest to
determine the most fuel-efficient aircraft and to spawn
competition for fuel-efficiency improvements that could
eventually benefit all of general aviation.
Each aircraft and its pilot/passengers are weighed and
then flown around a 400-mile triangular course. Upon
completion of the course, the aircraft and pilot/passengers are again weighed and the difference in weight is the
fuel burned. Calculations are performed and two awards
are given—one based on the CAFE Foundation formula,
which gives credit for cruise speed and passenger payload,
and a second for pure miles-per-gallon performance.
More than $1,000 in prize money will be given to the
top finishers in each weight class. There is no entry fee,
but liability coverage is required. The Fuelventure 400
event is open to all aircraft.
For more information about the competition, go to
www.Fuelventure.org; to learn more about the fly-in, visit
www.COPPERSTATE.org.
Fly the Flight Design CTLS or MC
The world’s best selling Light Sport Aircraft!
The Flight Design CTLS is the new version of the
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But don’t take our word for it. Come fly it yourself!
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www.FlightDesignUSA.com/dealers.asp
The Flight Design MC (or “Metal Concept”) offers true
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making the MC ideal for flight training or flying club use.
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+ 1 (860) 963-7272
