Today's FAA Statement: "The FAA has granted an exemption to Operation Migration that will allow pilots to continue to aid the whooping crane migration. Normally, the FAA limits light sport aircraft and pilots to personal flights without compensation. Because the operation is in "mid-migration," the FAA is granting a one-time exemption so the migration can be completed. The FAA will work with Operation Migration to develop a more comprehensive, long-term solution."
Young Whooping Crane, Operation Migration image
Welcomed by Operation Migration, the statement was cheered by all those supporting the conservation efforts on behalf of the Whooping Cranes. Originally, the route from Wisconsin to Florida included five stops in Alabama, two of which offer viewing opportunities. Although, viewing has to be out of eyeshot of the birds that are carefully shielded from human forms.
Operation Migration
The migration was stalled in Franklin County in December over the issue of pilots flying Trike sport aircraft possibly operating in a commercial capacity, which is not consistent with current FAA regulations. The Trikes, a weight shift category, have lead endangered fledgling cranes to re-establish a migration route for ten years. FAA light sport aircraft regulations have evolved to include Trikes.
Operation Migration and the FAA have been working on a solution and today the one-time-waiver allows the migration to continue while a resolution can be reached. More information and live video:
http://www.operationmigration.org/Field_Journal.html and https://www.facebook.com/OperationMigration . -B Meyer