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
rhartwi...@juno.com
