In a rare opportunity for an informal chat with FAA officials, USUA Executive Vice President Rich Pendergist had a chance to talk with Steve Brown, Associate Administrator for Air Traffic Services and Peggy Gilligan, FAA, Deputy Associate Administrator, Regulation and Certification.

The opportunity came moments after a more formal "Meet the FAA" forum during Sun 'n Fun 2003, where Gilligan reported the FAA is, "making progress everyday," and that "FAA people in the most senior decision making levels are working on the Sport Pilot NPRM."

According to the Associate Administrator, "There were over 4,900 comments that had to be read, analyzed and dealt with before moving into the final stages of implementing the rule." Gilligan further stated that although there will be no "sweeping change" to the proposal, there would be some changes made due to the public comments.

Associate Administrator Steve Brown reported, "Sport Pilot is a groundbreaking rule that we are really looking forward to getting in place. We really want to get it right the first time, it deserves the time and effort." Brown also reiterated the FAA's intention of continuing its support to PART 103. "The FAA has no intention of making things harder for those who want to continue operating under PART 103. Part 103 itself will not change."

USUA staffers at Sun ‘n Fun said that the number one question on everyone's mind is "When will the Sport Pilot rule will be enacted?" Gilligan stated that, if possible, the FAA's intention is to announce the rule at this year's Oshkosh Fly-in. "We will either announce the rule or announce why we aren't finished yet." she said.