The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) welcomed an additional FAA provision, allowing Part 135 to continue to operate in these uncertain times. Today, the FAA announced that pilot flight crewmembers and flight engineers with expiring airmen medical certificates will be allowed to continue to fly.

FAA granted this temporary halt on enforcement due to “extraordinary circumstances related to the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic”and solely to pilot flight crewmembers or flight engineers with certificates expiring within the prescribed timeframe of March 31 through June 30, 2020. The language can be found here.

“NATA is grateful the FAA is continuing to listen to our requests to support the 135 industry during this critical time. We look forward to continuing to engage with FAA leadership to communicate the needs of this vital aviation sector,” stated NATA Senior Vice President Ryan Waguespack.

The FAA encourages airmen who are able to complete their regularly required airman medical certificate exam with an FAA AME to continue to do so at this time.

The FAA indicated that it is continuing to work with leadership on other interim medical certificate solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this week, the FAA had issued exemptions in response to NATA's requests for relief from certain crew training and checking requirements for Part 135 operators.

For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero. 

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.