http://www.eaa.org/news/2012/2012-05-03_yefuel.asp
Did you know that pilots donating 100% FREE RIDES to children in the EAA Young Eagles program cannot accept any donations for flight expenses? If a non-pilot wants to help pay for fuel so a few extra children could have a flight experience, the Pilot cannot accept any money for Fuel or any other expenses of the flight. This puts an unnecessary limitation on the number of people who are able to experience General Aviation!
Why can’t the pilot accept a “Fuel” donation? Because it would be considered reimbursement that is contrary to operations by private pilot, recreational, or sport pilot certificate holders, or the operation of experimental aircraft and accepting the donation would be in violation of Federal Law.
§ 61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (h) of this section, no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft.
It’s time to change the Regulations! Write your senators and congressmen and ask them to support the petition to the FAA. We need all the support we can for this important exception to the regulation.
Response from Senator Herb Kohl: Thank you for actually reading my request Senator Kohl!
Dear Mr. Lettow:
Thank you for taking the time to contact me about your support for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles and Eagle Flight program. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome this opportunity to respond.
As you may know, the Experimental Aircraft Association has petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide free fuel for volunteer pilots who fly with young people. The FAA currently prohibits volunteer pilots from accepting any compensation, including free fuel.
The Young Eagles and Eagle Flight programs are excellent programs that are crucial to educating the next generation of our nation’s aviators. Headquartered in Oshkosh, the Young Eagles program has helped young people throughout our state develop an interest in flying. I support any efforts to ensure the Young Eagles and Eagle Flight programs continue their success.
I appreciate you weighing in on the issue, and will keep your thoughts in mind should Congress consider any changes to the FAA regulations regarding fuel donation exemptions. Please do not hesitate to contact me again about other matters important to you and your organization.
Sincerely,
Herb Kohl
United States Senator
Response from Senator Ron Johnson: This completely generic response was disappointing. It would appear Senator Johnson is not very interested in aviation or education related programs and does not actually read his constituents requests.
Dear Mr. Lettow,
Thank you for taking the time to contact me and share your thoughts. It is important for me to hear the views and concerns of the citizens of Wisconsin and for you to know where I stand on issues. Since taking office, I have received over 400,000 pieces of correspondence and have had over 200,000 participants in live forums and telephone town hall meetings.
Unfortunately, the federal government has expanded far beyond its enumerated powers. The size, scope, and cost are threatening America’s future prosperity. The main reason I ran for office is because we are bankrupting America and mortgaging the future of our children and grandchildren. This continues to be my primary focus and should be the number one issue on everyone’s agenda in Washington.
Because of government’s intrusion into our lives, there are literally thousands of issues that might be debated in the U.S. Senate. It is impossible for me to have a position on all of them. Should your issue or concern come before the Senate, I will review the correspondence I have received and take your views and opinions into consideration.
Please feel free to contact me in the future with anything that is of concern to you or your family. You can also visit my website at www.ronjohnson.senate.gov if you would like information on legislation that I am sponsoring, press releases, and my stance on other issues that are important to you. It is an honor serving you and the good people of Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate.
Sincerely,
Ron Johnson
United States Senator
