FAA Rolls Out New AME Guidance on OSA

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On March 2, 2015, FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine rolled out its new guidance for AME’s on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). In response to feedback from pilots, other industry stakeholders, and Congress, FAA heavily revised guidance that was previously proposed last year. To address concerns that were raised by pilots, the new guidance asks AMEs to evaluate applicants on multiple criteria rather than Body Mass Index (BMI) alone. If a pilot exhibits some of the criteria but is deemed to be at low risk of OSA, the AME will Regular (AE1) issue the medical certificate with some educational material on OSA. Applicants meeting some criteria and deemed to be at high risk of OSA will still be Regular issued but with a request for more information after a consultation from their regular doctor within 90 days. Only applicants that report, or if the AME observes severe symptoms of OSA, will the applicant then be deferred to the Aerospace Medical Certification Division.

This new approach will not rely on a single criterion and will allow the AME latitude in dealing with applicants that may be at risk for OSA. Also note that the medical certificates of all but the most at-risk airmen will be handled as Regular Issuances and not under the Special Issuance process. For more information, go here.

Support the Pilot’s Bill of Rights

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EAA members should get involved NOW with the community’s top priority in GA advocacy. Contact your Senators and Representatives and urge them to co-sponsor and support S. 571 and H.R. 1062, the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2. EAA helped to draft the newly introduced twin bills, and they already have bipartisan support from top lawmakers. The bill aims to allow pilots flying certain aircraft to operate using a driver’s license in lieu of a traditional third-class medical, and it will build upon the first Pilot’s Bill of Rights in ensuring that pilots and other airman are given due process in enforcement proceedings.

Go here to help.

Glider Instruction Coming to Lincoln Regional Airport

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Soar Truckee, Inc. will be starting a certificated glider license instruction course at LHM beginning April 1st, 2015. Richard Pearl – CFIG, LRAA member, and president of Soar Truckee, said that this April and May session is designed for current power pilots who want to experience another form of aviation…this one without an engine. Depending on the number of students, the course could be run either during the week or on weekend.

The course is designed to be an accelerated program of flight instruction, which helps to keep down the cost of the license. It typically takes 12 +/- flights to solo on an accelerated basis for a current power pilot, at a cost of approximately $1,500. Added to this are costs for the solo flights and flight check with a D.P.E. Students can opt for either the private glider license, or the commercial license. No medical is required to fly a glider.
Students who cannot complete the course before the end of May would finish the program at the Truckee gliderport (TRK).

Even without gaining the license (which also qualifies for a Biennial flight review), the knowledge gained from “engine-off” operations can be a lifesaver for power pilots. Soar Truckee will also offer a four-hour “Emergency Landings for Power Pilots” program consisting of a ground school session and two glider flights.

Contact Richard Pearl for more information