EAA To Participate In Advising Agency Rulemaking On Commercial Operations

The FAA has established the Commercial Air Tour Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) to review and assist in developing recommendations to enhance the safety of commercial air tour operations.

This action is to comply with the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 requiring the agency to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to create regulations aimed at increasing the safety of commercial air tour operators.

Commercial air tours comprise a variety of operations including conducting non-stop sightseeing flights within a 25-statute mile radius of the departure airport as defined in 14 CFR 119.1(e)(2). Such operators include flight schools offering non-instructional rides, museums, and small single-pilot operators at local airports.

Congress included a provision that exempts small businesses/operators that conduct 100 or fewer commercial air tours within a calendar year from provisions of the NPRM resulting from ARC recommendations.

The FAA is soliciting nominations to participate in the Commercial Air Tour ARC. Nominees must be air tour operators or organizations representing such operators, representatives of industry such as aircraft and aircraft technology manufacturers, or experts in aviation safety with specific knowledge of safety management systems and flight data monitoring programs under Part 135.

The EAA is also a provider of commercial air tours using a number of aircraft including the Ford Tri-Motor, as well as biplane and helicopter rides. The organization has decades of safe air tour operations, extensive maintenance experience, and a fully integrated safety management system. As such, the EAA will be requesting to participate in the ARC.

FMI:  www.eaa.org/