FAA GA Medical Reform

The current agenda for general aviation medical reform is to remove the requirement of renewing your third class medical certificate completely. Anyone who has received a third class medical certificate within the past ten years would not be required to renew that certificate if the bill passes. Anyone who receives a third class medical certificate (if the bill passes) would not be required to renew that certificate unless a new medical condition is developed requiring a special issuance medical certificate (Tennyson 2015). A logbook endorsement would take the place of renewing the third class medical certificate and would be completed by an aeronautical medical examiner every four years.

The suggested reform is already far in the regulatory process. The suggested reform is currently a bill and is awaiting vote on an amendment by the Senate (Tennyson 2015). The legislation must first be signed into law prior to the Federal Aviation Administration beginning the regulatory rulemaking process. The rulemaking process could take up to a year.

I agree with increasing the renewal time requirement of a third class medical certificate. This would allow third class privileges for a longer period of time which will benefit general aviation pilots (primarily those above the age of 40). I am against removing the renewal time requirement completely though. I think the third class medical certificate renewal should still be required (to ensure medical standards are met). Removing the requirement completely may create a safety hazard. I think requiring a logbook endorsement every four years by an aeronautical medical examiner is a positive response.

I do feel that medical reform is necessary for general aviation pilots. The current third class renewal time requirement is too short and should be extended to accommodate general aviation pilots (primarily those above the age of 40). Requiring them to renew their third class medical certificate every few years is not necessary.

Tennyson E. (2015 November 29). Closer Than Ever. Retrieved November29 2015.

Competitor to Airbus and Boeing

I do not believe this aircraft will ever receive FAA certification. This will prevent it from reaching primary markets and prevent is from operating within the United States. The certification problems come from a lack of competence exhibited by the Civil Air Administration of China (CAAC) during an earlier project in 2011 (Perret 2013). The aircraft may still be sold to local markets but the goal was to receive the FAA certification and compete with Airbus and Boeing products.

The certification of this aircraft would provide many challenges for American carriers. The public perception may play a role if American carriers chose to operate this aircraft. There is already a perception among the public that products produced in China are generally not durable and lack quality (because of mass production). I do not think American carriers would choose to operate this aircraft even if it was able to receive the required certification. Airbus and Boeing are both more reliable manufacturers.

The Commercial Aircraft Corporate of China (COMAC) is a Chinese state owned aerospace manufacturer. The primary project is currently the 919 (including receiving the required certification). The 929 and 939 are proposed projects and are larger variants (more seats) of the 919. The company was created (and owned) by the Chinese government to reduce the reliability on Airbus and Boeing products.

The certification of this aircraft would open up the opportunity for other aerospace companies to compete with Airbus and Boeing. This may provide additional problems as other companies may cut costs in an attempt to be competitive (risking safety in the process).

Airbus and Boeing have responded to the development of this aircraft by producing aircraft that are more economically friendly (including producing new variants of the A320 and 737-800). The engines on the older variants were replaced to provide the more economically friendly variants (Gates 2015).

Gates D. (2015 September 15). Boeing starts final assembly of 737 max. Retrieved November 8 2015.

Perret B. (2013 December 16). 919 may be largely limited to Chinese market. Retrieved November 8 2015.

Aviation Organizations

The Airline Pilot Association (ALPA) represents pilots of regional airlines in the United States. This includes pilots of Envoy Air (operating as American Eagle). I plan on becoming a pilot for Envoy Air upon reaching the ATP minimums. The Airline Pilot Association is the largest airline pilot union in the United States. They represent the views of pilots and negotiate with both Congress and the regional airlines (including negotiating regional airline contracts with mainline operators). The Airline Pilot Association will support me throughout my career by representing the needs of the pilot and promoting safety.

The Allied Pilot Association (APA) represents pilots of American Airlines. I plan on upgrading to American Airlines following employment with Envoy Air (operating as American Eagle). The Allied Pilot Association is the largest independent pilot union in the United States. They represent the views of the American Airlines pilots and work to promote safety within the airline. The Allied Pilot Association is operated by former American Airlines pilots and understands the need of current pilots. The Allied Pilot Association will support me throughout my career by representing the needs of the pilot and promoting safety.

Airline Pilot Association

Allied Pilot Association