I recognize that AOPA, SAFE, CALPILOTS, many individuals, you and me have plugged away trying to inform and motivate other CFIs and connected organizations to voice complaints about this irresponsible and damaging act. Our response should be under an organized approach coming from all sides and altitudes, from large groups and individuals. I agree with you that this organized response needs to be kept alive and consistently louder as we are out of time. Count on my contribution to yours.

Thanks for the effort,

Rafael Sierra, CFI, CFII
http://www.palmspringspilots.com
760-285-3273

AB48, aka “The California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009″ was signed into law by the Governor last October. This law created the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education, an agency tasked with implementing the statue. Flight Schools are simply one of many, many educational entities that fall under the BPPE’s jurisdiction. However, while pleading our case to the BPPE may make us feel better, it is a useless approach as they do not have the authority to modify or selectively apply the law.

To be effective, the effort needs to concentrate on explaining to the legislature that they must provide additional guidance to the BPPE regarding the application of the law to flight training entities. Without specific instructions, the BPPE is free to apply the law as they see fit … and so far that means the “one size fits all” approach that will treat flight schools the same as 4-year colleges and other technical trade schools.

An online forum specifically dedicated to discussing this issue has been created … the California Aviation Instruction Providers Forum, located at http://www.flightfix.com/flighttraining./

All aviation educators are encouraged to read, learn, and participate in the discussion. If California is successful in squeezing revenue out of flight schools you can bet other states will follow.

To: Randy Babbitt/AWA/FAA@FAA
Date: 06/18/2010

Subject: California’s AB 48 is an aviation safety issue

Dear Mr. Babbitt, I had the pleasure of addressing you during the ground breaking ceremony of the new PSP tower. I asked you to explain the role of ADSB at PSP. Your answer was quite explicit and detailed. I am quite satisfied that your administration is on the right track because of you leadership.

Now, we are facing a dilemma that will disturb flight instruction gains made after 9/11. Nationwide there are less active pilots now than in 1970 when I started flying. NextGen forecasts require more and better trained pilots. California’s AB 48 is not helping, it is detrimental – the nation cannot afford this. We need your assistance to assure that the supply and quality of California’s trained pilots will not be allowed to decrease. If allowed, AB 48 will close Flight Schools, more flight instructors will become unemployed as the financial burden is unaffordable.

Below is a statement I have sent to goverment officials with the hope that someone will intervene and help balance this situation.

——————————————————————————–
From: Randy Babbitt/AWA/FAA@FAA
Date: 06/18/2010
Subject: California’s AB 48 is an aviation safety issue

Rafael,

Thank you for your note and comments. While I agree that we should all do as much as possible to inspire the “best and brightest” to pursue education and occupations in the aerospace world, I am limited with my federal position. I am prohibited from lobbying or promoting any legislation, federal or state. That said, your message is a good one.

With kind regards,

Randy

California has the most airports, the most air traffic, the most pilots and the most flight instructors by FAA region or State. As of December 31, 2009 there were 61,709 active pilots residing in California, 17%, or approximately 9,316, were listed as Flight Instructors. Flight instructors are the essence of aviation in an ever more complicated and extensive aeronautical environment.

Flight Instructors are needed to maintain and increase aviation safety levels and to facilitate growth in General and Commercial aviation for the State of California. Adding statutory financial burdens to Flight Instructors and Flight Schools, especially under this economy, will reduce the availability of the much needed human resources now providing initial, currency and proficiency training. Less Flight Instructors will reduce the safety and growth ratios – flying in California will become more expensive and dangerous.

NextGen: The FAA is anticipating an increase in domestic flight operations in the U.S to double what it is now by 2025, the State of California is not exempt. AB 48 will reduce the number of Flight Instructors and Flight Schools in the State of California that provide the needed safety training to maintain the State’s growth and its direct connection to aviation safety and accident prevention. It is irresponsible to implement AB 48 and not to evaluate the safety impact of AB 48…it is an aviation safety issue. Repeal AB 48
California’s Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

Rafael Sierra, CFI, CFII

http://www.commercialpilottraining.net/