The following is from the EAA website, http://www.sportpilot.org/ " 03/25/04 - FAA TEMPORARILY RETRACTS SPORT PILOT PROPOSAL Action Allows FAA to Answer OMB Questions March 25, 2004 - FAA Administrator Marion Blakey ordered an administrative move on Wednesday, March 24, that keeps the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule on track for final approval this spring. She withdrew the proposal from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to answer several final questions about the rulemaking package. That maneuver saves the rule from facing a potential significant delay in its approval. By bringing the proposal back to FAA, Blakey can address OMB's questions in the most expeditious manner and return it quickly for final approval. FAA will return the rulemaking package directly to OMB without another complete review by the Department of Transportation. March 24 marked the end of OMB's 90-day review period. Had FAA not retracted the rule, OMB could have rejected it, severely delaying issuance of a final rule. While expressing disappointment in the 11th-hour development, EAA President Tom Poberezny commended FAA's decision and acknowledged it as the best way for the agency to address OMB's questions and secure a final rule as quickly as possible. "This is a temporary timing setback," he said. "EAA continues to champion and support the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule, as evidenced by the considerable resources we've dedicated to developing programs and services for our members, including the introduction this week of EAA Sport Pilot & Light-Sport Aircraft magazine." Poberezny also noted an upcoming announcement regarding a major sport pilot and instructor training program. FAA officials confirmed to EAA that answering OMB's questions about the proposed rule is a top priority." I guess we can only hope, Dick Hartwig Waunakee, WI [email protected]
