Here we are on September 3rd, 2004- two days after the new Sport Pilot Rule became effective- and I would like to thank all of the USUA members and instructors who have been so supportive and considerate of USUA HQ Staff throughout this time. In the weeks prior to the September 1 effective date of the rule, and continuing up to that magic day, it was quite humbling to hear your phone messages acknowledging your understanding of the fact that your small (but mighty) HQ Staff were busy helping members with last minute registrations.

USUA Staff has indeed been busy processing the many requests for membership, pilot and BFI registrations, leaving very little time to handle other matters. Since August 1, 2004, USUA Membership and Registration Administrator Donna Barth, has processed 305 Ultralight Pilot registrations. This not only sets a record, but also indicates that there is an overwhelming number of USUA members desiring to participate in the new Sport Pilot program. USUA applauds you for taking the time to formalize your piloting skills. By proceeding in this direction, the special provisions FAA has offered Ultralight Pilots registered before the September 1st deadline are now available to you.

But what about those who didn't register before the deadline? If you have not yet registered as an Ultralight Pilot, you still have a chance to get in on some of the goodies. Follow through with your UL Pilot registration, and you will be able to use your logged ultralight time toward Sport Pilot certification. That's right, you can still benefit from your ultralight registration. Unlike those who registered before the deadline, you will be responsible for all prescribed registration requirements, but your ultralight time can be used to offset the time requirements of Sport Pilot. The same is true with BFI candidates; finalize your BFI registration, and the same advantages can be afforded to you, as well. FAA has been very accommodating in this regard, so you should take advantage of those accommodations, while they last. All applicants, regardless of UL Pilot registration or not, will be taking the knowledge and practical tests.

USUA has been preparing, and will soon be announcing, programs designed to accommodate training and testing of Sport Pilot candidates, as well as repairmen and aircraft certification. These new programs reflect USUA's continued commitment to safety, and member services. You can expect details of these programs to be announced in mid-September.

Next week, USUA Director Jim Sweeney and myself, will be attending meetings with industry leaders, and FAA in Oklahoma City. Details of implementation procedures will be discussed, as well as the up-till-now unpublished fine points of the rule (knowledge and practical test requirements, etc.). A full report will be available on our website, and your Regional Representatives will be provided with information to help you with localized training and registration issues.

Dale Hooper
USUA Member A1953