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Today, USUA received a letter from FAA (dated May 12, 2006) denying the petition submitted in June 2005 that would have extended the deadlines allowed for ultralight pilots and vehicles transitioning into Sport Pilot. USUA's reasoning for the extension of those deadlines is based upon the relatively low number of available pilot and instructor examiners, as well as the few available airworthiness representatives needed to certify the aircraft. To remedy the problems addressed in the petition, FAA promises to get "aggressive" with their scheduling of courses designed to produce the number of examiners needed to to effectively transition ultralight pilots, instructors and aircraft.

The letter states: "For 2006 the FAA has scheduled an additional 6 SPE courses and 6 DAR courses. This aggressive schedule will significantly increase our cadre of designees We intend to expand this schedule throughout the coming years to meet the needs of the Sport Pilot community. We are confident that these measures will address the concerns voiced by USUA and the supporters of this petition."

USUA Executive Vice President Dale Hooper comments, "USUA is disheartened by this decision from FAA, and will monitor the progress of FAA’s efforts, and comment again to FAA should the situation not improve. All transitioning ultralight pilots should continue to pursue their Sport Pilot license and aircraft certification without delay. We are pleased that FAA acknowledges the need for an aggressive approach to the matter, and hope that their efforts will result in the smooth conversion of the 15,000 transitioning ultralight pilots that were mentioned in the rule."

The remaining Sport Pilot timeline is as follows:

January 31, 2007: Deadline for an ultralight pilot to take the sport pilot practical test if the pilot wants previous ultralight flight time to count toward the required sport pilot flight experience.

January 31, 2008:

• Deadline for an ultralight instructor to take the practical test for sport pilot instructor and still receive credit for previous ultralight instructing experience.

• The FAA issued ultralight training exemptions allowing BFIs to use 2 seaters for training expires.

• Last day "fat ultralights" and ultralight trainers can be registered as E-LSA under 14 CFR 21.191(i)(1).

January 2010: End of transition period, where existing ELSA trainers, under 14 CFR 21.191(i)(1), can be used for compensation, or for hire.

View the FAA denial here.

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