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The challenges resulting from COVID-19 continue to affect us in the general aviation community. Here's what you should know about policy changes coming soon...
A few weeks ago, we wrote an article about how the FAA published a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) in reaction to COVID-19. It temporarily changed regulations governing medical certificates, BFRs, PIC recency requirements, PIC proficiency checks, SIC qualifications, and more for some pilots.
This 93-page document covers all of the changes in detail. For a full list of requirements and regulation relief, read each relevant section. This SFAR was due to expire on June 30th for most regulations.
On June 18th FAA Deputy Administrator Daniel Elwell announced in an online General Aviation Safety Town Hall that a rule is in the works to extend (for a second time) airman medical certificates that expired during the coronavirus pandemic. AOPA's President Mark Baker, a panelist during the town hall, stated that SFAR guidance for general aviation is a top policy initiative they're advocating for.
How and when to end the SFAR is a complex issue for the FAA to tackle. They don't want everyone falling under a singular exemption to go non-current or non-legal all on the same day. Yet, the SFAR will have to end at some point. Industry leaders like EAA, AOPA, ALPA, and more will be tasked with planning next-steps with the FAA.
Keep an eye out for more updates to come soon. The FAA hasn't finalized their extension deadline yet. When we find out, we'll let you know right away.
How is the current industry climate affecting your flying? Tell us in the comments below.
Swayne is an editor at Boldmethod, certified flight instructor, and a First Officer on the Boeing 757/767 for a Major US Carrier. He graduated as an aviation major from the University of North Dakota in 2018, holds a PIC Type Rating for Cessna Citation Jets (CE-525), is a former pilot for Mokulele Airlines, and flew Embraer 145s at the beginning of his airline career. Swayne is an author of articles, quizzes and lists on Boldmethod every week. You can reach Swayne at swayne@boldmethod.com, and follow his flying adventures on his YouTube Channel.