Two Forward, One Backward

We all love to bash the FAA, if for no other reason than the agency is so...bashable. Still, our favorite aviation agency also has done a few things right over the years. Its owner-produced parts policy, which allows owners to fabricate comparable but unobtainable components, is a good example. Recently, two other examples of the FAA doing something right came to light, even after initial signs were that it wouldn’t. Sadly, another example arose which, if implemented, appears to be a step backward. The first right item involves inspector authorization (IA) renewals. The IA designation to a technician’s airframe and powerplant certificate means he or she can return to service aircraft after their annual inspection is completed.

Key Takeaways:

• The FAA made positive changes by clarifying "actively engaged" for Inspector Authorization (IA) renewals, allowing part-time technicians to more easily maintain their credentials.
• New revisions to FAR 91.109 permit flight instruction in single-control airplanes, such as those with throwover yokes, under reasonable conditions, removing a previous prohibition.
• The FAA is reversing its policy of providing free electronic aeronautical chart data 17 days before its effective date, now requiring payment for early access (more than 24 hours prior), which is seen as a step backward for chart aggregators and operators.

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