NBAA Requests Extension for GA Pilot Medicals, Other Requirements, Under SFAR 118
/The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and other associations today requested the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) extend the effective date for several exemptions or extensions for pilot medical certifications, training proficiency and a host of other requirements contained in Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 118.
The relief package, which became effective on April 30, 2020, with most extensions expiring on June 30, 2020, provides regulatory relief for affected pilots to remain in compliance with several FAA mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a May 29 letter to FAA Associate Administration for Aviation Safety Ali Bahrami, NBAA and other associations expressed gratitude to the FAA for the agency’s quick response to the compliance challenges caused by stay-at-home and other mandates resulting from COVID-19. While many states are lifting stay-at-home mandates, and businesses are beginning to reopen, some restrictions continue to negatively impact general aviation.
To ensure general aviation can continue to play a vital role in COVID-19 response, management and recovery, the associations requested:
- An additional month of flexibility for pilots, operators, and certificate holders to comply with certain training, recent experience, testing and checking requirements provided in SFAR 118;
- Additional relief until September 30 for duration, medical and renewal requirements provided in SFAR 118, and;
- Relief for pilots, operators and certificate holders facing expiring experience, testing, checking, duration, medical and renewal requirements in July, August and September.
Associations signing on to the letter include the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Helicopter Association International (HAI), National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) and National Air Transportation Association (NATA).