“Unfortunately, the FAA is trying to make a ‘one-size-fits-all’ rule,” said Herrick. “This will basically eliminate operators offering local rides in historic aircraft …” Other than so-called “discovery flights,” which might lead to flight training, the proposed rule would also prevent people from hiring a local commercial pilot to take them for a ride. Under the proposed rule, carrying passengers for hire would require Part 135 certification. Herrick said very few vintage aircraft owners have money or time to spend on the record-keeping and reporting requirements of Part 135 operations. By the same token, unless they can charge for rides, they won’t be able to keep the old birds flying. The comment period for the NPRM closes Jan. 20 and Herrick is urging people to make their feelings known. He said the commercial sightseeing companies have lobbyists and national organizations to get their points across in Washington but small operators and vintage aircraft owners are on their own. He’s urging people to write the FAA in support of the little guys and urge that the ride-for-hire provisions remain a Part 91 activity. “People offering airplane rides, whether in a Ford Tri-motor, a biplane or a Cessna at your local airport, have introduced millions of Americans to the joys of flight,” Herrick said. “They deserve our help.”
…Comment Period Closes Jan. 20
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA's proposed "one-size-fits-all" rule would require Part 135 certification for all passenger-for-hire operations, effectively eliminating local rides in historic aircraft and by small commercial pilots.
- This change would make it financially unfeasible for vintage aircraft owners and small operators to offer rides, as they cannot afford the extensive record-keeping and reporting requirements of Part 135.
- The article urges the public to submit comments to the FAA by Jan. 20, advocating for ride-for-hire provisions to remain under Part 91 to preserve these operations and continue introducing people to aviation.
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