Aviation group calls for withdrawal of photo certificate proposal
March 3, 2011, 11:10 pm
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has called on the Federal Aviation Administration to withdraw its proposal to require pilot photographs on licensing certification, the group announced.
According to the group, these photographs would not have any significant safety or security benefits, but would add additional expense both for the federal government as well as for individual pilots.
"Even in the proposal, there is discussion raised about a near-future increase in the fee imposed by the FAA. Additionally, there is uncertainty regarding the fee that will be charged by designees to process the application. Add to all the fees, the expense in travel, time, cost to obtain a photo, etc. and this proposal equates to a substantial economic impact to airmen," said Rob Hackman of the AOPA.
Right now, the overall estimated cost to airmen over 20 years is $445.8 million, the AOPA reported.
With the excess funds going towards obtaining photographs and reprinting and renewing certificates, pilots may have to sacrifice more important investments such as life insurance for pilots, which could help provide for their families if they are fatally injured during a plane accident.
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