The FAA issued a new ruling at the request of several parties seeking an overturn of a legal interpretation limiting exemptions to the 24-month flight review requirements. But it also comes as the agency and industry look at areas of flight instructor and pilot requirements to help boost the pilot population and improve general aviation safety. A new rule is easing restrictions on pilot flight review and recency requirements for both flight instructors and pilots of commuter and on-demand operators.
Published Sept. 16, the rule:
- Eases certificate requirements by permitting an airman who passes a practical test for a flight instructor certificate, by allowing additional rating to an existing flight instructor certificate and the renewal of the certificate or reinstatement of flight instructor certificate to meet the 24-month flight review requirements.
- The rule further clarifies that recent flight experience
requirements do not apply to a commuter or on-demand pilot-in-command (PIC) if
that pilot meets the specific PIC requirements of the operator.
- A third change in the rule permits requests for replacement
airman and medical certificates to be made online.
The FAA published the rule as a "direct final" that bypasses
the traditional notice and comment period because the rule "alleviates
unnecessary burdens by expanding the exceptions to a flight review, removes the
redundant recently requirements for pilots flying for certificated operators
under Part 135 and provides a regulatory basis for the Airmen Certification to
provide Airmen online services."
While the rule is final, the FAA is accepting comments
through Oct. 16. The rule will take effect Nov. 15, unless the agency receives
a comment in opposition to the rule.