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FAAST Blast Notice Number: NOTC2707 FAAST Blast — Week of November 29, 2010 Biweekly FAA Safety Briefing News Update FAA Proposes Rule to Require Pilot Certificate Photos     On Nov. 18, 2010, the FAA issued a proposed rule that would require all pilot certificates to include a photo of the certificate holder. This action follows a requirement of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act that all pilot certificates be made of plastic and contain a photo, a hologram, and an ultraviolet-sensitive layer, to prevent tampering, altering, and counterfeiting.     The proposed change includes both a phased-in and trigger-based implementation approach. Trigger events would leverage times when a pilot would normally need to interact with the FAA, such as applying for a new certificate or rating. Because not all pilots will have a triggering event during the implementation period, the FAA also proposes a phased approach for requiring photo certificates. Commercial pilot certificate holders would have four years after the effective date of the final rule to comply, while a private, recreational, or sport-pilot certificate holder would have five years to get a new photo certificate.    New certificates would have a photo expiration date of eight years, after which pilots must resubmit a photo and receive a new certificate. FAA also proposes to charge a $22 processing fee for the new photo certificate, which is comparable to drivers' license fees in many states. For more details, reference the NPRM on page 70871 in the Federal Register, vol. 75, No. 223 at www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/. Comments will be accepted until Feb. 17, 2011.   FAA to Sow Safety at Agricultural Aviation Convention    The 44th National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) Convention and Exhibition, a showcase event for commercial aerial applicators nationwide, will be held Dec. 6-9, 2010, in Savannah, Ga. In addition to a lineup of special events and guest speakers, the convention provides training sessions that highlight safety and security concerns for aerial applicators. Among this year's presenters will be FAA Flight Standards General Aviation and Commercial Division Manager Mel Cintron, who will provide an update on the FAA's 5-year strategy to transform general aviation (GA) and reduce the GA fatal accident rate. The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) will also be on hand providing safety tips and information on the WINGS program. For more information on the convention, go to www.agaviation.org/.   When the Lights Go Out     Anyone who claims not to have a fear of the dark may change their tune quickly if the lights suddenly go out during a flight. FAA aerospace engineer Peter Rouse helps dispel this fear and discusses what to do during an aircraft electrical failure in his Nov/Dec 2010 FAA Safety Briefing article. "It pays to know what your electrical system looks like, how it functions, and what happens when it breaks," says Rouse.    Also, if your plans this holiday season include any flying, be sure to review articles from our Nov/Dec 2009 issue on safe winter flying. Fly safely!   Produced by the FAA Safety Briefing editors, http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/ Address questions or comments to: SafetyBriefing@faa.gov. Follow us on Twitter @FAASafetyBrief or http://www.twitter.com/FAASafetyBrief. This notice is being sent to you because you selected "General Information" in your preferences on FAASafety.gov. If you wish to adjust your selections, log into https://www.faasafety.gov/Users/pub/preferences.aspx where you can update your preferences.
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Anthony Harper