LOA-LOOA Conversions Hit Snag at FAA —Affected Pilots Take Note!
EAA Addresses Immediate Problem through Extensions and On-Site Conversions at AirVenture
EAA has obtained an agreement with the FAA Flight Standards Division to allow pilots of U.S. and non-U.S. surplus military aircraft and certain turbine-powered experimental amateur-built/experimental exhibition aircraft to operate beyond the July 31 deadline for Letters of Authorization (LOA) and Letters of Operational Authority (LOOA) under certain specific circumstances. As EAA announced in April, pilots have until July 31, 2004, to exchange their LOA and LOOA for new airman certificates. However some pilots who have sent their materials to the FAA have not received their certificates yet due to internal administrative issues.
EAA has obtained agreement from the FAA that pilots who have proof that they submitted their materials (registered mail, FedEx, UPS receipt, etc.) prior to the July 31, application deadline may continue to operate for up to 90 days beyond the July 31 deadline while their application packages are processed and new airman certificates are mailed. Pilots who sent application packages but do not have legal evidence that shipment was made are being asked to re-submit their materials to the address listed below on or before the July 31 application deadline and retain proof of mailing. This will allow individuals to continue to operate for an additional 90 days. However, all pilots should note that this is not an extension of the application deadline; all applications must be postmarked or shipped on or before July 31, 2004 or the existing LOA and/or LOOA will be null and void.
Federal Aviation Administration
Flight Standards Technical Programs Branch, AGL-230
Attn: Ed Tobin
2300 East Devon Avenue
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Pilots whose temporary certificates are due to expire in the near future may reapply for replacement certificates to extend their validity. Proof of reapplication should also be retained.
Finally, affected pilots who plan to attend EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will be able to complete their LOA-LOOA conversion on the convention grounds. Those wanting to convert their certificates at AirVenture must bring their full application package with them to the event. Times and location for onsite conversions will be announced soon on the EAA and EAA Warbirds of America websites.
