Pilots Bill of Rights... Again

[Releew]

I haven't seen anything on this topic in a while.  So.... today a GA pilot was pulled from his plane, drunk, with his child in the back.  I know this does not represent us as a group but to the average (no interest in aviation) person who see's this on the nightly news it looks as if we need more regulation.  I sincerely hope this Bill passes but it seems like there is no flame left in the fire.  Where are you AOPA?  Did you really have that much support or was this another fund raising effort?

 

Rick

[1964-M20E]

AOPA just sent out another mailer asking for more money and to contact your legislators.  I'm not sure how many co-sponsors they have now but how many does it take to get the bill on the floor?

[mike_elliott]

Is not the issue with the DOT having something like 90 days to respond to what Congress has sent them at this point? Isnt it up to their boss to enforce this mandate or am I really mislead on where the hangup is?

[BKlott]

The DOT was supposed to review the FAA's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Third Class Medical Reform within the 90 day time period. Apparently that is not legally binding. I know of an AOPA member who recently suggested to the AOPA that perhaps there was some collusion between the FAA and the DOT (we'll submit a NPRM for Medical Reform to get everyone off our backs before we visit Airventure 2014 and you sit on it indefinitely, type of thing) AND asked if the AOPA had considered filing a request under the Freedom of Information Act for all related communications between the FAA and the DOT on this subject? The AOPA responded to this guy I know that they genuinely believe that the FAA is as perplexed with the DOT delay as the rest of us are.

Representative Rokita stated during a recently taped interview with the AOPA that he still believes that reform will occur this year. He stated that he and the General Aviation Caucus members have been speaking to other members of Congress and are gaining support for the legislation. He said that there has been surprisingly little push back of any significance. So he remains very positive although his message to all of us was to keep calling, writing, EMAILing our Senators and Representatives to ask for their support.

Personally, I think that our best hope is that they attach either the Pilots Bill Of Rights 2 or the General Aviation Pilots Protection Act of 2015 as an Amendment to the FAA Reauthorization Bill which is due this year sometime around September.

I am on Special Issuance so unless this gets done, I will not spend the money on ADS-B, the paint job or the interior job that my airplane needs. I cannot justify the costs of any of these events when my ability to legally fly my airplane is dependent on an annual Stress Test and Lab Work results. The clock is running and this either needs to get done or I will be done with it soon.

I'll tell you this, I forsee a lot of guys selling their airplanes because they have decided that they aren't going to spend the money on ADS-B.

[N601RX]

The original bill had a lot of co sponsors but never made it out of sub committee. Kind of made me wander if the really wanted to pass it or just did it to shake up the FAA a little. It looks like the new bill is picking up a lot of sponsors. You can see which ones are added each day here.

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/hr1062

[aviatoreb]

The original bill had a lot of co sponsors but never made it out of sub committee. Kind of made me wander if the really wanted to pass it or just did it to shake up the FAA a little. It looks like the new bill is picking up a lot of sponsors. You can see which ones are added each day here.

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/hr1062

 

I'm Just a Bill - on Capital Hill....

 

 

Back to the story.... I clicked on your link - the prognosis software there says this bill has a 5% chance of becoming law.  Hourumph!

[Danb]

Erik ur just full of all this civic knowledge...a real cool clip...

[aviatoreb]

Erik ur just full of all this civic knowledge...a real cool clip...

 

That's cuz I watched too much tv in the early 70's....Saturday morning cartoons were nicer then.  Remember conjunction junction, what's your function?  Love it.

[MyNameIsNobody]

If you could skate, you would be great, if you could make a figure eight. That's a circle that turns round upon itself. Turn it on its side it means....infinity.

LOVED School House Rock. '70's, bad clothes, war winding down, a lying crook running the show. At least flying was affordable. Not much has changed...

[AndyFromCB]

 So.... today a GA pilot was pulled from his plane, drunk, with his child in the back.  

 

Maybe he was rusty on his instrument skills and needed something to take the edge off? 

 

[carusoam]

This one...?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3100871/Florida-pilot-arrested-flying-infuence-crashing-Cessna-airport-shed-young-son-onboard.html

Pilot: 57

Son: 10

Search drunken pilot and see how many people show up...

Best regards,

-a-

[cujet]

 

1) I am on Special Issuance so unless this gets done, I will not spend the money on ADS-B, the paint job or the interior job that my airplane needs. I cannot justify the costs of any of these events when my ability to legally fly my airplane is dependent on an annual Stress Test and Lab Work results. The clock is running and this either needs to get done or I will be done with it soon.

2) I'll tell you this, I forsee a lot of guys selling their airplanes because they have decided that they aren't going to spend the money on ADS-B.

1) I have been led to believe that pilots who have been denied a medical will not be able to fly under the proposed rules. In much the same way as the "light sport" rules today. I'm special issuance and the very first FAA letter I received clearly stated that I am not eligible for a 3rd class medical. Followed shortly thereafter by a "special issuance". This supposedly automatically prevents me from ever flying light sport without a medical. 

 

2) I'm probably not going to purchase ADSB. My 45 year old airplane will fly just fine without it. I simply won't be able to go where a transponder is required. Furthermore, I believe we should be grandfathered in. The electronic tracking does not sit well with me on private, VFR flights. 

[Hank]

I thought Light Sport was an option for anyone who has not had their most recent medical Denied. Being told that you aren't eligible then getting an SI means that you have a medical and could let it lapse and fly LSA with only your drivers license. Before proceeding down either path, I would discuss it with a knowledgable person, like your AME.

[Marauder]

I thought Light Sport was an option for anyone who has not had their most recent medical Denied. Being told that you aren't eligible then getting an SI means that you have a medical and could let it lapse and fly LSA with only your drivers license. Before proceeding down either path, I would discuss it with a knowledgable person, like your AME.

I believe you need to either have a clean FAA medical or no medical to be eligible for the Light Sport license. I believe cujet is correct that if you are under an SI, you can't just go Light Sport if you let your medical expire.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[midlifeflyer]

I believe you need to either have a clean FAA medical or no medical to be eligible for the Light Sport license. I believe cujet is correct that if you are under an SI, you can't just go Light Sport if you let your medical expire.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I guess one can believe what one wants to.

Or, one can read the FAR and learn that one can fly light sport so long as one has (among other things)

#########

Not have had his or her most recently issued medical certificate (if the person has held a medical certificate) suspended or revoked or most recent Authorization for a Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate withdrawn

#########

[midlifeflyer]

I want to apologize for the snotty tone of that last post. Only excuse (and not much of one) is a bad day. Sorry.

[GeorgePerry]

I haven't seen anything on this topic in a while.  So.... today a GA pilot was pulled from his plane, drunk, with his child in the back.  I know this does not represent us as a group but to the average (no interest in aviation) person who see's this on the nightly news it looks as if we need more regulation.  I sincerely hope this Bill passes but it seems like there is no flame left in the fire.  Where are you AOPA?  Did you really have that much support or was this another fund raising effort?

 

Rick

Rick

 

I can assure you AOPA is all over this and working hard on 3rd Class medical reform every day.  AOPA's Government Affairs office has the lead on this effort and would be happy to answer your questions.  Feel free to call anytime to speak with them.  1800-USA-AOPA

[midlifeflyer]

I thought Light Sport was an option for anyone who has not had their most recent medical Denied. Being told that you aren't eligible then getting an SI means that you have a medical and could let it lapse and fly LSA with only your drivers license. Before proceeding down either path, I would discuss it with a knowledgable person, like your AME.

 

Keep in mind your AME has a vested interest in you having to get a medical.

[bonal]

This is a bit off topic but the subject of annual inspections is on my mind since I'm in mine at this time. I remember hearing or reading about a proposal to have annuals set at every other year or every 100 hours which ever came first. As one who can only manage 70 hrs a year at most it seems like I'm wearing my airplane out more by taking it apart and back together than I am by flying it. Was this something that was being looked at or just my imagination.

[midlifeflyer]

This is a bit off topic but the subject of annual inspections is on my mind since I'm in mine at this time. I remember hearing or reading about a proposal to have annuals set at every other year or every 100 hours which ever came first. As one who can only manage 70 hrs a year at most it seems like I'm wearing my airplane out more by taking it apart and back together than I am by flying it. Was this something that was being looked at or just my imagination.

 

I can't say I've ever heard of such a proposal. I'm sure you know about 100 hour inspections for aircraft carrying passengers for hire or for flight instruction and 24 month inspections for certain equipment. There is also an option for progressive inspections (where one might, for example, have multiple smaller inspections over the course of a year), but those are generally used only by aircraft that fly a lot.

[Marauder]

I guess one can believe what one wants to.

Or, one can read the FAR and learn that one can fly light sport so long as one has (among other things)

#########

Not have had his or her most recently issued medical certificate (if the person has held a medical certificate) suspended or revoked or most recent Authorization for a Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate withdrawn

#########

I want to apologize for the snotty tone of that last post. Only excuse (and not much of one) is a bad day. Sorry.

No need to apologize, we are all in a learning mode. If medical reform doesn't go through, we all will need to understand how this works.

I've been through the SI process and was told clearly (either rightly or wrongly) by my AME that if I did not renew my medical while I was under the SI, I could not simply go Light Sport. According to him, the existing SI requirement doesn't go away and without a valid medical I was considered ineligible for Light Sport.

Fortunately, my SI has been removed but I know A LOT of pilots have SIs for one reason or another that they deal with year after year.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[midlifeflyer]

No need to apologize, we are all in a learning mode. If medical reform doesn't go through, we all will need to understand how this works.

I've been through the SI process and was told clearly (either rightly or wrongly) by my AME that if I did not renew my medical while I was under the SI, I could not simply go Light Sport. According to him, the existing SI requirement doesn't go away and without a valid medical I was considered ineligible for Light Sport.

Fortunately, my SI has been removed but I know A LOT of pilots have SIs for one reason or another that they deal with year after year.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

I've had an SI in the past as well. Although there have been no pronouncements by the FAA I am aware of, the words of the regulation suggest your AME was incorrect (if you think about it, there's no reasons for an AME to be well-versed in the rules about when his services are not required) and, unless the SI was withdrawn for some reason prior to the normal expiration of your medical, the pilot is good to go under sport pilot rules.

 

The grounds for which the FAA Air Surgeon's office may "withdraw" an SI that has been issued the are in FAR 67.401(f). They include such things as an adverse change in the condition, failure to comply with conditions (a 3-year SI with a requirement for an annual medical report each year, for example), or discovery of a false statement in the application. Not included in the list is normal expiration of the underlying medical certificate.

[Releew]

George,

 

I hope you are correct.....  I am fortunate that I can pass the medical but have several close friends that are on the fence.  They have all been flying for years and are excellent pilots.  GA is hard pressed enough and is fighting for survival.  If AOPA does not come through with this change I do not see anyone else on the horizon who can.  It is VERY frustrating to see the possible Bill "pass percentage" in comparison to the time and money (guessing millions) that has been spent on this topic.  For those of us who run a business, not wealthy non-profits we are judged by our expeditious successes in solving problems and being profitable.  I see this dragging on with multiple calls for funding.  How much....1...2M more? Get the result or put leadership in place that can. Doing everything they can is a term used way to often.......  That's what I hear when I speak to their representation.  

 

Can anyone point out at least 5 successful problems solved by AOPA to the General Aviation community?  I'm truly not being a SA...just very curious what they provide besides a magazine.  Lets not refer to Credit Cards, Life Insurance, Legal Service.  One can shop that anywhere.  Lets name some real GA problems solved by AOPA.  

 

 

Rick 

[GeorgePerry]

George,

 

I hope you are correct.....  I am fortunate that I can pass the medical but have several close friends that are on the fence.  They have all been flying for years and are excellent pilots.  GA is hard pressed enough and is fighting for survival.  If AOPA does not come through with this change I do not see anyone else on the horizon who can.  It is VERY frustrating to see the possible Bill "pass percentage" in comparison to the time and money (guessing millions) that has been spent on this topic.  For those of us who run a business, not wealthy non-profits we are judged by our expeditious successes in solving problems and being profitable.  I see this dragging on with multiple calls for funding.  How much....1...2M more? Get the result or put leadership in place that can. Doing everything they can is a term used way to often.......  That's what I hear when I speak to their representation.  

 

Can anyone point out at least 5 successful problems solved by AOPA to the General Aviation community?  I'm truly not being a SA...just very curious what they provide besides a magazine.  Lets not refer to Credit Cards, Life Insurance, Legal Service.  One can shop that anywhere.  Lets name some real GA problems solved by AOPA.  

 

 

Rick 

Rick

 

I too share many of your frustrations esp with the pace of change when the FAA/DOT and Congress are involved.  However I am not familiar with any solicitations for funds to support the effort, only a call for action asking our members to contact their elected federal officials in support of 3rd Class Medical Reform.   Member dues fund the vast majority of AOPA's advocacy efforts.  While the effort to reform the 3rd class medical is taking a very long time, there are no exorbitant expenses associated with the effort.  So I would caution you to not assume just because the pace of change is slow it is somehow linked proportionately with cost...That is just not the case.  AOPA has been able to build the largest Caucus in congress to support 3rd class medical reform and while slow we are making progress (see Congressman Rokita's video).  

 

Also I'll take issue with your characterization that AOPA is a "wealthy" non profit.  As someone who sits in the budget meetings I can assure you every dollar is spent wisely in a way designed to do the most overall good for the GA community.  

 

To your last point, AOPA does many things for the benefit of the community.  I'm happy to list a few

 

1. Over 300 Free safety and education products provided by the Air Safety Institute which has had a positive impact on GA safety for 39 years and counting.  Last year was the safest year on record for general aviation

2. No user fee's in the federal budget.  AOPA has fought and won every year since the current administration took office to keep user fees at bay.

3. A pilot's information center that fields over 300,000 calls annually from pilots with questions that cover the gamut.  Providing members accurate information, helping pilots understand the complexities of various FARs and guiding them to solutions when no one else can help.

4. Provides a variety of free planning tools including WX, Airport directory, online flight planning and TFR alert emails to warn pilots of pop up TFR's in their area.

5. Responding to members with a more grass roots, customer service oriented approach as seen in our regional fly in campaign

6. Put an end to the illegal stops and searches by CBP

7. Award winning publications including AOPA Pilot, Flight Training Magazine, AOPA Live, AOPA ePilot, and CFI to CFI Newsletter

8. Leading the effort to push through Part 23 reform

9. The AOPA foundation provides grants to numerous aviation organizations so they can do their work.  Additionally the AOPA's foundation funds a host of scholarships to help young aviation enthusiasts achieve their dreams.

10. Established the Flying Club initiative to help pilots connect and share the love (and costs) of flying. 

 

Rick, while it's easy to focus on areas of frustration I think it's important to also acknowledge areas of success.  Is AOPA perfect, no.  Has it made some blunders over the years...YES! Are the people there committed to achieving the very same things you are...ABSOLUTELY.   If you'd like to lend your voice (and channel your frustration) to the fight for 3rd Class Medical Reform, please do engage with your elected officials, call the pilot information center, speak directly with a team member in Government Affairs department and ask what you can do to help.  

 

Thanks for voicing your concerns and I hope the information I've provided makes a compelling case that AOPA is committed to serving our members and making some much needed improvements within the GA community. 

 

George

[Releew]

Thanks George!