EAA-Supported AirCam Deviation Granted by FAA

February 28, 2019 - An EAA-supported deviation to policy that allows AirCam owners to use their airplane, equipped with floats and not equipped with feathering propellers, to take a practical test to add a multiengine seaplane rating was approved by the FAA early this week.

The deviation was requested by Phil Lockwood, EAA 211596, with the full support of EAA. EAA facilitated a meeting with key FAA and industry stakeholders last year at the SUN ’n FUN International Fly-In & Expo. Sean Elliott, EAA vice president of advocacy and safety, said the deviation represents progress for the AirCam and for all experimental aircraft that have a flight training role to fill.

“The AirCam community is experiencing a serious shortage of available aircraft to utilize for training and testing for the AMES rating add on,” Sean said. “Allowing AirCam owners to train in their own aircraft for this add-on rating is a great step forward, but there is still more progress to be made with training under Letters of Deviation Authority. Experimental aircraft like the AirCam have proven track records as safe, affordable options, and allowing them to be used for training when nearly no other types are left to fulfill this role is good for the health of general aviation seaplane operations.”

The deviation is available to owners of AirCam aircraft that already have their multiengine land rating and are looking to add a multiengine seaplane rating.