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Friday, 19 November, 2010

FAA Proposes To Require Photos On Pilot Certificates

FAA PROPOSES TO REQUIRE PHOTOS ON PILOT CERTIFICATES

November 19, 2010

What’s at Issue
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would require all pilots, when operating an aircraft, to carry a pilot certificate with a photo.

Why it’s Important
These proposed rules will alter the procedures and cost for individuals to obtain a pilot (including student pilot) certificate.

Major Provisions
The purpose of the NPRM is to require, after implementation, all pilots to carry, when operating an aircraft, a pilot certificate with a photo. Since the new pilot certificates will contain photos, the FAA proposes to remove the requirement for pilots to carry a government-issued photo ID while operating an aircraft. Due to the significant cost of issuing pilot certificates with photos, the FAA proposes a $22 fee for the new certificates.

The FAA is proposing a five-year, dual-track implementation schedule. Individuals experiencing a “triggering” event would be required to upgrade to the new photo certificates at that time. An example of a triggering event would be the issuance of a new pilot certificate or rating. A pilot not experiencing a “triggering” event would be required to upgrade to the new photo certificates based upon the following schedule:

Airline Transport Pilot Certificate – Upgrade within three years of the effective date
Commercial Pilot Certificate – Upgrade within four years of the effective date
Private, Recreational or Sport Pilot Certificate – Upgrade within five years of the effective date

Initially, individuals applying for a photo pilot certificate would be required to submit a paper “passport style” photograph with their application, but the agency proposes eventually allowing for digital submission of photographs. Applications for photo pilot certificates would need to be made in person at a Flight Standards District Office or other FAA designee, such as a Knowledge Testing Center or designated pilot examiner.

NATA Position
NATA concurs with the FAA that pilot certificates with photographs are a necessity. NATA will review the NPRM in detail and provide comment to the agency.

Status
The photo pilot certificate NPRM is available here, and is open for public comment until February 17, 2011.

Staff Contact:     Michael France
Director, Regulatory Affairs
mfrance@nata.aero

View in PDF format.

For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.