Backcountry Aviation Safety: Clarifying Minimum Altitude Rules for Pilots.
This law modifies FAA rules regarding minimum flight altitudes for pilots conducting specific safety maneuvers, such as go-arounds, site inspections, or practice approaches. It aims to increase operational flexibility and safety for qualified pilots operating in remote or undeveloped areas. The changes provide legal clarity, protecting pilots from penalties for necessary low-altitude maneuvers.
Key points
Qualified pilots can perform safety maneuvers (e.g., landing site inspection, go-around) at low altitudes without violating standard minimum altitude regulations.
The FAA must update its regulations within 180 days to incorporate these specific exceptions, and enforcement actions are restricted until new rules are published.
In legal disputes over low-altitude flying, the burden of proof shifts entirely to the FAA to demonstrate the pilot was not performing an authorized maneuver.
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