Originally posted by Jim Branaum
I like the idea of a pilot certification program but I very seriously doubt it will help the AMA or the hobby as the only way to implement it is to take away rights that have already been given.
It might be possible to tie tiered rates into a certification program that part of the waiver process, but I think that gets cumbersome. I also know of more than one guy with lots of $ and not much experience in flying or building. That is probably what will forever drive the limit to 55 or lower.
The only way to institute a certification program is to "Grand Daddy" existing members. In the case of jets, leave it to the JPO to figure out if the existing waiver holders should be re-tested. They have a better handle on it.
The heck with tired rates, the money is not significant, administration costs may raise, and the clubs don't need the hassle either. Keeping tack of certifications at the club level would be easy enough by issuing different colored membership cards to be put on the frequency board, or some such thing. As long as we don't have 20 different certifications and tiered rates coupled up with it, it should be easy enough.
I am glad to see that the jet guys always seem to offer to pay a little more insurance, but, at least at this point, it's non-sense.
JR