Posted on 01/09/2012 9:19:03 AM PST by Western Phil
The 2011 ultralight-led Whooping crane migration is currently on hold in Alabama while the Federal Aviation Administration sorts out a regulatory issue involving OM’s pilots and aircraft.
The FAA is working with OM to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. In the meantime, this year’s cohort is safely penned in Franklin County, Alabama, watched over daily by OM personnel.
The issue in question is whether or not OM’s pilots are flying “for hire,” or, for the furtherance of a non-profit. OM aircraft are licensed as Light Sport Aircraft (LSAs) which came into effect in 2008. FAA regulations prohibit flying LSAs for hire or as part of business activities. The FAA has begun the process of evaluating a waiver to OM, exempting its pilots and aircraft from that rule.
OM has always maintained that its pilots are hired for a wide range of non-flying skills and duties, and that they volunteer their time as pilots. In 2010, the FAA Flight Service District Office (FSDO) in Milwaukee investigated the status of OM’s flight operations and accepted OM’s explanation. We were told by the FSDO director that “no further action would be taken.” Based on that ruling, we began the 2011 season.
In August 2011 the FAA inspected our aircraft, which passed with flying colors. In November a Letter of Investigation was sent to each pilot. After discussions with the FAA in December, Operation Migration voluntarily ceased any flying while the matter is resolved. We hoped that would happen during the Christmas break, but it is taking longer than anticipated.
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An FAA waiver would be based on two main factors: safety and public good. OM has never had an aircraft-related accident and its contribution to wildlife conservation is well-established.
(Excerpt) Read more at operationmigration.org ...
I don’t understand why they can’t find a licensed commercial pilot. They are a dime a dozen around most rural airports.
If the feds won’t let them use an ultralight, get a J-3 or an Aircoupe and paint it up like the ultralight. Flying speeds will be about the same, and these planes can be used for this type of commercial flight.
I’m glad to see that while the entire country is going to total and irreversible hell, the government is like white on rice over a national crisis as described here.
Control, Control, Control, it is all about CONTROL.
This is a perfect example of why you don’t want the government regulating everything. They can only get in the way. That’s their only function. Next some government will prohibit advertising that bottled water will help rehydrate your body. Oh wait, that’s already been done.
The FAR's have always recognized several PAID "aerial work operations" like aerial photography, aerial application (cropdusting), banner towing... that did NOT require a commercial certificate.
FAR Part 61.113 is germane COPY & PASTE:
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgFAR.nsf/0/3181CF6A199F78F4862576C400578B6B?OpenDocument
The pilot and the organization should simply lie.
It’s the Obama way.
And besides, it’s none of the Obamaloon’s Clown Show of Felon/Cretin’s smelly business.
Shove it, Obama FAA.
Shove it often.
Shove it deep.
And then stick your pointy heads up there to make sure you’ve shoved it in the right place.
Kind of reminds me of the Gov’t flunkies shutting down Gibson Guitars over the possibility the wood might be something endangered.
The answer to big government is shut it down and replace with one 1/2 the size.
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