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FAAExtendingAircraftRegistrationPeriod
FAA EXTENDING AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION PERIOD
By Amelia Walsh
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AOPA
Aircraft owners will have more time to renew their aircraft registration now that the FAA has issued a new rule to extend the duration of certificates from three to seven years.
Advocates have been urging the FAA to address the extension for the past four years, as many aircraft owners have experienced long and frustrating delays due to agency backlog, which currently stands at more than 180 days. According to the FAA, delays are often due to owners failing to update their addresses with the FAA – something that will need to be continually addressed once the new rule is in effect.
“It’s taken too long, but we applaud the FAA for making changes to these current requirements. This action will help alleviate the enormous backlog and streamline the process for all aircraft owners and pilots,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “Rep. Sam Graves spearheaded this effort and we are obviously pleased that it is finally done. Sam is a GA pilot and understands the frustrations as a result of the delays with the FAA’s registry.”
Graves (R-Mo.), the top Republican on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the presumptive chairman of that committee in the upcoming Congress, was influential in requiring the FAA to put forward regulations to accomplish this extension. Graves also serves as co-chair of the House General Aviation Caucus.
“I’m happy that the FAA has finally issued this commonsense update to the length of aircraft registrations, based on the amendment I put forward to the FAA Authorization Act of 2018,” Graves said. “This change will reduce paperwork burdens and the chances for inadvertent registration violations, while allowing the FAA to focus its attention on safety and other issues that matter most. In addition, this will actually save pilots and aircraft owners as much as $12 million in reduced fees.”
Prior to 2010, aircraft registrations did not expire as long as the aircraft remained in service, but that regulation led to many inaccurate and ghost registrations. The three-year limit for re-registration was enacted in 2010, though AOPA and other groups argued it was too onerous for private operators.
It wasn’t until the 2018 FAA reauthorization that Congress directed the FAA to extend the three-year period to seven for noncommercial GA aircraft. Although the legislation required the registration for GA aircraft, the FAA extended the registration duration for all aircraft, including commercial, to seven years.
The registration extension will take effect Jan. 23 following a 30-day comment period, and will apply to all aircraft currently registered under existing FAA regulations. While all registrations that are valid on the effective date will be extended to seven years after they were issued, those registrations that are currently expired will first need to be renewed.
AOPA supports the new rule, and encourages members to provide supporting comments by Dec. 22. See the new rule document at the Federal Register website, www.federalregister.gov, where you can also leave comments.
FAA has issued a new rule to extend the duration of aircraft registration certificates from three to seven years. (Mike Fizer/AOPA)
NEW DE-ICING PADS WILL KEEP PACKAGES MOVINGAT KEY CARGO AIRPORTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Ice and snow will be no match for packages this winter at a key air cargo airport and sorting center. Federal, state, local and business leaders on Nov. 29 marked the completion of 3.3 millionsquare-foot de-icing pads at Memphis International Airport, home to FedEx’s largest air cargo sorting facility. The pads are large enough to de-ice 12 wide-body cargo aircraft simultaneously, which will help get goods where they need to go quicker and more efficiently this holiday season. The FAA invested $174 million to help make this project a reality.
“This holiday season and every season, it’s critical that American families and businesses get the goods they need when they need them,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Memphis International Airport is the biggest cargo airport in the country, and this innovative aircraft de-icing facility is one of the many ways we’re modernizing America’s supply chains.”
With these innovate de-icing pads at Memphis International Airport, message boards eliminate the need for audio communication with pilots, taxiway lead-in lights eliminate the need for follow-me vehicles or marshallers, and infrared cameras help position airplanes in the deicing bays.
These pads offer more environmentally friendly de-icing procedures with wider safety margins. De-icing planes at a central pad instead of the gate allows an aircraft to depart sooner, reducing the need to de-ice an aircraft again. The new pads have a segregated drainage system and large-volume containers to collect de-icing fluid. The fluid’s release is metered into the sanitary sewer system, where it breaks down and helps sanitize city wastewater.
“Innovative projects like this are key to improving safety, increasing efficiency and advancing sustainability across the country.” said Deputy FAA Administrator A. Bradley Mims.
“We want to thank the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration and Memphis International Airport for their support of this new Consolidated De-icing Facility an example of how to deploy technology to improve operational efficiency,” said Richard W. Smith, president and CEO, FedEx Express. “The timing could not be better as FedEx enters the busy holiday season. This facility is a shining example of how we can help ensure our team members are safely operating throughout the winter season as we deliver outstanding service for our customers.”
The FAA is also helping airports with funding to tackle debilitating winter elements.
The FAA invested $174 million for 3.3 million-square-foot de-icing pads at Memphis International Airport, home to FedEx’s largest air cargo sorting facility. The pads are large enough to de-ice 12 wide-body cargo aircraft simultaneously. (Courtesy FAA)
LETIT SNOW: AIRPORTS ACROSS U.S. RECEIVE FAA FUNDING TO TACKLE WINTER WEATHER
As winter approaches, 85 airports in 28 states will be better prepared to keep airport operations running safely and smoothly. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has awarded more than $76.2 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 for snowplows, de-icing equipment, and new or upgraded buildings to store this equipment.
“We can’t let winter weather stop aircraft from safely landing and taking off. This funding will help keep airports operating this winter and get passengers and cargo to their work, families and vacations safely,” said Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta Griffin, P.E.
Approximately $46.2 million will be used to purchase snow removal equipment, such as: • $3,667,964 to Rickenbacker International in Columbus, Ohio • $3,152,552 to Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska • $607,500 to Ford Airport in Iron Mountain, Michigan
