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FAA Takes Issue with Stadium Flyovers

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Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA is investigating pilots of Experimental-category aircraft for unapproved stadium overflights, a practice that has grown popular following the grounding of military flight demonstration teams.
  • The agency believes many of these overflights by Experimental aircraft do not comply with current regulations and operating limitations, leading to regulatory scrutiny.
  • The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is engaging with the FAA to find a solution, such as an exemption process, to allow professionally conducted overflights to continue, while cautioning pilots to seek advance guidance from their local FSDO.
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Remember that record flyover of 49 Van’s RVs at last season’s Chiefs-Raiders game in Kansas City? The FAA remembers too. In the wake of that sanctioned overflight, some pilots of Experimental-category airplanes are now receiving letters of investigation from the agency for other flights that may have run afoul of regulations.

Formation flights over NFL games, NASCAR races and other major sporting events by Experimental aircraft have become more popular following the government sequestration, which grounded military flight demonstration teams. But without proper approval, such flights can put a pilot’s license at risk.

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