Work groups report on
aging aircraft
By David Sakrison
Seven industry-led work
groups reported progress on studying and solving issues related to aging
general aviation (GA) aircraft Thursday at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, at a
meeting attended by representatives of aircraft type clubs, the FAA, and
EAA. The work groups were launched at an FAA Aging Aircraft Summit
Meeting in Kansas City earlier this year. FAA sponsored that meeting to
bring the general aviation community together with the FAA to solve the
problems facing the aging GA fleet. The work groups are addressing:
-
The definition of
"aging aircraft"
-
The possible need for
separate maintenance requirements for aircraft operating in extreme
environments or conditions—aircraft routinely subjected to
"hard use"
-
Education and
training of aircraft mechanics, owners, and operators about aging
aircraft issues
-
Availability of
repair data for aging aircraft
-
Availability of type
certificate data
-
Availability of parts
and materials
-
Enhancing the
quantity, quality, usefulness, and availability of Service
Difficulty Reports
Kim Smith, manager of the
FAA’s Small Aircraft Directorate, told the gathering that the FAA’s
goal is to keep aging airplanes flying safely, not to stop them from
flying. She also emphasized that the FAA is looking for grassroots
solutions to problems facing aging aircraft.
"This process is not
about [FAA] mandates," she said. "It’s about finding ways to
solve the problems that don’t require us to regulate. You guys are
part of the solution. We are on a journey [to solve aging aircraft
problems], and we want you with us."
"Aging is not
determined by a calendar year," said Earl Lawrence, EAA vice
president for governmental and public affairs, and a member of the
"definition" work group. The definition was hotly debated in
Kansas City. Lawrence’s work group will issue a final report late next
month, but he said that "fatigue, corrosion, and
deterioration" are the factors that identify an aging aircraft.
They might affect a 5-year-old aircraft, he added, and might not be
present in a 70-year-old aircraft.
Barry Ballenger, an
aerospace engineer in the Continued Operational Safety Branch of the FAA’s
Small Airplane Directorate, said the work groups’ reports will be
available on the FAA’s website and encouraged any member of the
general aviation community to offer input—positive or negative—on
the work groups or the FAA on aging aircraft issues.
"You guys can be
part of the solution," Smith told the gathering. "We’re
begging for your help—that’s why we’re here. We can’t do it
right without your help."
For the Internet link to the work group
reports, or to offer input or get involved, send an e-mail to Barry.Ballenger@faa.gov.
