The Medical Reform Bill, ADS-B Rebates and Hybrid-Electric Planes

After a long struggle and many failed attempts by general-aviation advocacy groups, new federal legislation was passed this summer that mandates changes in the way private pilots are medically certified. The B-29 Doc took to the air in July for the first time in 60 years, following thousands of hours of restoration work by scores of dedicated volunteers. With a deadline of 2020 looming for the owners of more than 100,000 general-aviation aircraft to install ADS-B capabilities, the industry and regulators are creating incentives to encourage owners to upgrade sooner rather than later. On July 4, Siemens completed the first public flight of its hybrid-electric motor installed in an Extra 330LE aerobatic airplane, from an airfield near Dinslaken, Germany.

Editorial Staff

Friday, August 05, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Congress passed new federal legislation reforming medical certification for private pilots, which will streamline requirements for many once the FAA implements new regulations.
The B-29 "Doc" made its first flight in 60 years after extensive restoration, becoming the world's second flying Superfortress.
The FAA and industry are offering rebates and incentives to encourage general aviation aircraft owners to install ADS-B capabilities before the January 1, 2020, deadline.
Siemens successfully debuted a hybrid-electric motor with a public flight, marking a significant step towards the electrification of aviation and enabling future larger hybrid-electric aircraft.

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Congress Passes Medical-Reform Bill

After a long struggle and many failed attempts by general-aviation advocacy groups, new federal legislation was passed this summer that mandates changes in the way private pilots are medically certified. “This moment has been a long time coming and resulted from an incredible amount of work over the past five years,” said EAA chairman Jack Pelton. “This win is for everyone who loves recreational flight.” Under the new legislation, pilots who held medicals in the last 10 years might not have to be recertified to fly many aircraft weighing under 6,000 pounds. Exceptions include those who develop new medical conditions requiring a special issuance, for which a one-time medical would be required. The changes won’t take effect until the FAA creates new regulations, which is expected to take about a year.

Doc Flies!

The B-29 “Doc” took to the air in July for the first time in 60 years, following thousands of hours of restoration work by scores of dedicated volunteers. The flight launched from McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, the same city where the airplane was built in 1944. Piloted by Charlie Tillman and David Oliver of the Commemorative Air Force, Doc joined the CAF’s Fifi as the world’s second flying Superfortress. Doc’s Friends, a nonprofit group, has been working since 1991 to raise funds and organize volunteers to restore the airplane.