FAA Formally Proposes Eliminating Paper Certificates

January 9, 2007 — Following up on its unveiling of upgraded, counterfeit-resistant plastic airmen certificates at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2003, the FAA is proposing making the less durable and less secure paper certificates obsolete within two years.

A notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published Friday, January 5, calls for changes in FAA certification that would eliminate the use of paper pilot certificates within two years after issuance of a final rule. The NPRM also calls for phasing out certain other paper airmen certificates, such as those of flight engineers and mechanics, within five years after issuance of the final rule.

Another provision in the NPRM would require those who transfer ownership of U.S.-registered aircraft to notify the FAA Aircraft Registry within five days of the transaction, providing printed or types name with their signature.

The proposals are in response to concerns raised in the FAA Drug Enforcement Assistance Act and aim to upgrade the quality of data and documents to assist federal, state, and local agencies in enforcing U.S. drug laws.

FAA’s deadline for public comments on the NPRM is March 6, 2007.