MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS:
The Federal Aviation Administration is delaying the effective date of the Helicopter Air Ambulance, Commercial Helicopter and Part 91 Helicopter Operations final rule published Feb. 21, 2014. (Federal Register notice)
In that rule, the FAA amended its regulations to revise the helicopter air ambulance, commercial helicopter and general aviation helicopter operating requirements. The April 22, 2014, effective date does not provide an adequate amount of time for the affected certificate holders to implement the new requirements. By extending the effective date to April 22, 2015, the affected certificate holders will have sufficient time to implement the new requirements.
This action will only impact the effective date of the provisions of the rule scheduled to take effect April 22, 2014. Other provisions in the rule with specified compliance dates will not be affected.
The effective date of the rule amending 14 CFR Parts 91, 120 and 135 published Feb. 21, 2014, (79 FR 9932) is delayed until April 22, 2015. The amendment to Sec. 135.293 in this document is effective April 22, 2015.
Should you disagree with the agency's actions, you may submit comments on or before May 21, 2014.
AEA COMMENTARY:
The majority of the April 2014 requirements are administrative and pilot qualifications. The equipment requirements were generally for April 2017, and those dates remain.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, by email at ricp@aea.net or by phone at 202-589-1144.