Take Action on Critical Flight Training Issue

August 12, 2021 – Earlier this year, a federal court determined that compensated flight instruction in experimental, limited, and primary category aircraft, even instruction obtained in an individual’s own aircraft, was contrary to FAA regulation. While the FAA has used letters of deviation authority (LODAs) and exemptions to temporarily address the issue, a long-term fix is years away under the normal rulemaking process.

This is unacceptable to EAA and the rest of the general aviation community. That is why we are backing the Certainty for General Aviation Pilots Act to quickly address the issue. With the help of EAA, twin bills have been introduced in the Senate and House that would require the FAA to recognize flight training and the Additional Pilot Program for homebuilt flight testing as permitted activities not requiring any special authorization. The Senate bill is S.2458, introduced by Senators James Inhofe (R-OK), John Boozman (R-AR), and Angus King (I-ME), and the House bill is H.R.4645, introduced by Representative Sam Graves (R-MO).

Contact your members of Congress today and ask them to cosponsor the Certainty for General Aviation Pilots Act. While personal phone calls, emails, or letters are the most impactful ways to make your voice heard, EAA has set up a convenient way to send a note of support to your congressional delegation. Go to EAA.org/TakeAction.

Have a question about the flight training issue? Go to EAA.org/LODAFAQs.