It may be the next-to-last time it happens, but USUA mailed the latest extension of Exemption 4274 to its BFI’s on June 19.

When the SportPilot/Light Sport Aircraft rules become effective, perhaps in late 2003 or early 2004, the training exemption to Part 103 will be on a count down to extinction. Rumors abound, but if all goes according to the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM), the exemption will disappear 36 months after the effective date of the new rules. Therefore, there will only be a one-year extension (or less) of the exemption when the present extension expires in July 2005.

This is just one of many changes that the new rules will bring to the ultralight community. Much of the significant content of the rules won’t see the light of day until after the rules are published, which may be as early as August 2003. FAA has announced its intention to announce the rules this summer at Air Venture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The new rules are expected to be somewhat different from the specifics spelled out in the NPRM. FAA reported the public made over 4,000 comments and some of the comments will result in changes to the proposal. There are certain givens that can be counted on.

For instance, when the rules become effective:

• We know that if you want to flying the same two-seat aircraft (yes, you can call them aircraft now) you have been flying as a registered trainer, you will need to become a Sport Pilot or something higher in the FAA hierarchy of registered airmen -- such as recreation or private pilot. According to the NPRM, Part 103 pilots registered with USUA, with logged time, will be given credit for their aeronautical experience. In addition, they will be required to pass written, oral and practical tests to qualify for Sport Pilot.

• We know that the aircraft you are flying today will have to be certified as a light sport aircraft experimental class, complete with an airworthiness certificate and N-number. According to the NPRM, if you operate a light-sport aircraft that does not meet the existing definition of an ultralight vehicle in 14 CFR 103.1, you have to apply for an experimental airworthiness certificate for your aircraft under this provision. Further, you will have to register your aircraft no later than 24 months after the effective date of the final rule. Your aircraft will be inspected and an airworthiness certificate issued no later than 36 months after the effective date of the final rule. You could use aircraft with an airworthiness certificate issued for this experimental purpose for sport and recreation and flight training. For a period of 3 years after the effective date of the final rule, you may operate these aircraft for compensation or hire, while conducting flight training.

• We know that USUA Basic Flight Instructors (BFIs), who want to continue training, will eventually need to become instructors for Light Sport Aircraft or Certified Flight Instructors (CFI’s). According to the NPRM, BFI’s will be given a three-year period to use their BFI registration for credit in becoming instructors for Light Sport Aircraft.

• We know that the NPRM says, that aircraft currently being used as trainers by BFI/AFI’s, cannot be used for training after a certain transition period. After the transition period, the aircraft must be factory built.

• We know that the NPRM says if you want to perform maintenance on your aircraft, you will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete a 16-hour maintenance course that will allow you to work only on your own aircraft.

The list goes on and thousands of USUA airmen are growing weary of this long wait-and-see period. From USUA’s perspective, it seems inevitable that the rules will eventually be published and implemented. USUA airmen, especially those flying two-seat aircraft or craft that are otherwise outside the regulatory limits of Part 103, should be preparing for the changes.

USUA can provide pilots with the following general knowledge and practical requirements information that may be helpful in making their transition to Sport Pilot:

• The FAA’s Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, a handbook that provides a broad spectrum of knowledge, essential to all pilots as they progress with their training, $18.95

• The FAA’s Airplane Flying Handbook, a handbook used in conjunction with the FAR/AIM manual to improve flying proficiency and aeronautical knowledge. This handbook conforms to pilot training and certification concepts established by the FAA, $15.95

• The FAR/AIM Manual 2003, which includes fundamental information required to fly in the United States National Air Space. It includes items of interest to pilots concerning health and medical facts, factors affecting flight safety, a pilot/controller glossary of terms used in the ATC System and information on safety, accident and hazard reporting. This publication is not regulatory, but it is useful in executing the proper required operating techniques and procedures outlined in other publications and regulations, $15.95

• Visualized Flight Maneuvers Handbook (for high or low wing aircraft), a handbook that provides student pilots with the basic parts of each flight maneuver required by the test standards. It covers all the required maneuvers a Sport Pilot candidate may be tested on and more, $18.95

• Say again Please!, a guide to proper techniques and use of radio communications in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace, $19.95

If purchased together, these handbooks are available at the discounted price of $74.95. Ask for the Preliminary Sport Pilot Candidate Transition Package. All of this material is available for purchase online in the Sport Pilot section of the USUA Flying Store.

In addition, USUA highly recommends that anyone interested in becoming a Sport Pilot, whether they are a previous UL pilot/instructor or not, should be reviewing FAA CFR 14 Part 1, Abbreviations; Part 61, Certification; and Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules. All of these regulations may be reviewed by visiting the Rules & Regulations page on our website.

Ultimately, USUA will provide a one-stop shop for information on how to make the transition to Sport Pilot. Products and services are being developed that will provide information on how members can make the transition. USUA will provide details on all the necessary steps, who to see, where to find instructors and examiners, how to get aircraft N-numbered, etc. Packages containing specific knowledge requirements and practical test standards for Sport Pilot, along with study guides and handbooks, will be available as soon as details of the final rule are known. Visit this web site frequently for updates.