I took some time out to research this issue. I have enough info for several pages of posts but here are the key points.
First, never refer to this issue as third class exemption. What we are talking about here is reforming the licensing process for a significant portion of private pilots and which, no surprise to anyone who has been involved, is not working for the good of GA pilots.
HR bill 3708, introduced last winter, now has gathered 113 cosponsors,
The bill was referred to the Aviation subcommittee of the House Committee on Transportation. It remains in the Aviation subcommittee. A spokesperson for the committee would only comment that the committee is actively working with Rokita. No formal activities have been scheduled. No hearings have been set and may not be needed.
Eventually if there is enough support and enough information has been submitted the bill could be deliberated on, formally or informally. If it receives a positive nod it will be discharged to the full Committee for further deliberation. At that point if there is enough support in the full committee, the House Leadership will have to be convinced to bring the bill to the floor for further deliberation and a vote.
The Aviation subcommittee is chaired by Rep Frank Lobiondo, a twenty-or-so year senior congressman from NJ and a Republican. I contacted his office and they would give me no information regarding this issue.
If the bill passes the House in whatever form, it will be referred to the Senate.
Eventually the Senate could vote on the House bill and and any differerences or amendments would have to be ironed out before a final bill would be passed by both houses.
S2103, a sister bill in the Senate, has been sent to the Commerce Science, and Transportation committee, which is a full committee and is chaired by Senator Jay Rockefeller, a Democrat and a lame duck senator, in that he is not seeking re-election. In addition, congressional decorum usually dictates that the House bill, which was introduced first, will be allowed to play out first. For all those reasons, and maybe more, do not expect much if any activity from the Senate at this time. There are now 10 Senators who are cosponsors of S2103. More are needed.
The House aviation subcommittee members come from these states.
NJ, WI (2), NC (2), TN (2), GA, TX (3), IN (2), PA, FL (2),
CA, KY, MT, IL (3), WA OR, DC, MA, MN, NV, NY
Go to:
http://www.contactingthecongress.org/ and look for committees.
If you from these states and have not contacted your congressman, you should.
Write letters to your Congressman?s local branch office but email or call their DC office.
Be brief, polite and courteous and have your facts together. State who you are and, if you own a business or have other connections, state them. The staffers need to know who they are talking to.
If you have aviation-related activities, (manufacturing, etc.) in your state, list them. Your rep needs to know how important this bill is to people in his/her district .
Talking points:
- 600,000 GA pilots in this country. They tend to be very analytical and aware individuals and are a positive influence on the community. Many have prior military or commercial aviation experience. They are watching closely how Congress is dealing with this legislation.
-These two bills are for reform of the medical certificate process and NOT exempting pilots from responsibility.
-The current system used by the FAA is cumbersome, irrational in its approach, and in some cases, discriminates against pilots.
-Supporting these bills will stimulate all aspects of general aviation, including manufacturing, not just recreational flying.
-The creation of the Light Sport Pilot program has been an outstanding success with a good safety record and some of the aircraft flying under the light sport rules have greater performance than many aircraft that are certified by the FAA and that pilots currently must have a third class medical for.
- You may want to note that the two main detractors of this bill, the FAA and CAMA have a vested and STRONG financial interest in keeping these bills out of deliberation.
-Finally, it is up to Congress to do something because the FAA has demonstrated by its actions, its unwillingness to make any changes.
-Most importantly, you would like your rep TO BE A COSPONSOR OF THE BILL.
Being a cosponsor shows they are serious about their promises and not just ?glad-handing? you.
It will take broad-based bipartisan support to move this bill. At this point in time the most important thing you can do is get your Congressman to be a cosponsor of the bill.
Dave A.