FAA’s stated goal is to implement rule by January deadline
October 20, 2016 – After President Obama in July signed a short-term FAA funding bill that included aeromedical reform long sought by EAA, the question has emerged: Now what? For those who have been waiting to get back to flying through medical reform, it’s tough to wait some more. That is, however, where things stand.
EAA has updated its Q&A to reflect current circumstances, but some of the highlights include:
- The legislation directed the FAA to implement the rule 180 days after its signing. That would by January 12, 2017. The agency has stated it intends to honor that deadline.
- If the FAA misses the deadline, it has until the one-year mark (July 16, 2017) to act before it would no longer have authority to enforce medical rules against pilots who comply with the new medical provisions.
“We are pleased the FAA has set a goal of meeting the rulemaking deadline in January,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “However, we will keep a close eye on how the FAA implements this legislation into its regulations. We will make sure there are no surprises that would diminish the intent of aeromedical reform as passed by Congress.”
EAA is also working with its aeromedical and legal advisory councils to provide resources that will help members and their personal doctors understand the provisions of the new regulations.
