The first Pilot’s Bill of Rights, signed into law in 2012, is in need of an update, Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., said this week, so he’s working on new legislation to expand pilot protections. “The goal of Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 is to continue to address unfair practices and regulations towards the aviation industry,” Inhofe said. The proposal would expand the third-class medical exemption to most general aviation pilots and curb searches of GA aircraft by agents of Customs and Border Patrol. We can once again thank Senator Inhofe for bringing key general aviation issues before Congress,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “This new version of the very popular Pilot’s Bill of Rights comes at a time when the GA industry is actively engaged in actions aimed at protecting pilots’ civil liberties and freedom to fly.”
EAA also welcomed the effort. “This legislation would further enhance the pilot and general aviation reforms in the first Pilot’s Bill of Rights,” said Jack Pelton, EAA chairman of the board. “We are pleased to have worked with Sen. Inhofe and his staff to identify several key issues that are addressed within this bill, which would ease burdens on average Americans who participate in flying.” Inhofe will host a briefing on the proposed legislation during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Forum Pavilion 1 on the AirVenture grounds. Details about Inhofe’s proposals, and a request for input and comments from the aviation community, can be found at a dedicated website he launched this week. Among other provisions, Inhofe’s proposal would allow local airport officials, instead of federal workers, to manage the use of private hangars at airports, and would promote changes in certification rules to make it easier to install new safety-enhancing equipment on older aircraft. The deadline for comments is Aug. 8.
