LODA Revision Reopens Flight Training Avenues

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released revised Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA) guidance on June 3, with changes allowed for primary flight instruction in ultralight vehicles, rotorcraft gyroplanes, and for sport pilot certificates in previously exempted Experimental light-sport aircraft (ELSA).

     In addition, the LODA still allows for compensated transition training in Experimental- category aircraft, which is an essential part of enhancing the safety record of amateur-built aircraft. It also fits into FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt’s call for more transition training for pilots.

     “There were some huge challenges to fix with the previously issued document and the revision is not perfect, it is a major step forward,” says David Oord, EAA government and advocacy specialist. “This was a point of emphasis for EAA during our February meetings with FAA, because these changes will break down barriers to flight and enhance safety. The agency noted the urgency that was necessary to preserve these segments of aviation that were neglected under the original policy.”

     The LODA revision specifically allows:

      • Rotorcraft gyroplane training at all levels. Essential for this class of aircraft since gyros cannot be certificated as S-LSA. Pilots receiving training no longer need “category and class” privileges to receive training.

      • Sport pilot certificate training is allowed, which is a big win for the  low-mass/high-drag community. The drawback is this training must be conducted in a previously exempted E-LSA, owned and operated by the LODA applicant.

     A person applying to conduct flight training in an Experimental aircraft must submit an application package to the FSDO in the district in which the training will take place.

     “There is still some work to do, and EAA does have concerns that some potential flight instructors are no longer eligible because of frustration while waiting for this remedy,” Oord says. “Still, we encourage owners of these aircraft to apply for the LODA and will continue to urge the FAA to grant them willingly and without delay.”