Do you have a new rating? Congratulations. But be prepared. Pilots are currently experiencing long delays and other problems in getting their new certificates back from the FAA. While this is not a new problem, predating the September 11th attacks by many months at least, it seems to be getting worse.
Last April I added my single-engine seaplane rating at Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base in Winter Haven, Florida. The flight school’s proprietor and FAA- designated examiner, Jon Brown, issued me my temporary certificate, good for 120 days after its issuance. He then filed the paperwork electronically through the FAA’s automated computer filing program. I promptly put my temporary certificate in my wallet and waited for the FAA to mail me my permanent ticket. I then made the mistake of waiting until my 120-day temporary certificate had expired before inquiring about the delay. After snaking my way through the phone maze at the Oklahoma City certification branch of the FAA, I spoke with a friendly staffer who gave me the startling news that not only was my permanent certificate not in the mail, but the FAA’s computer showed no record of my having ever added the Aircraft Single Engine Sea rating.
