Rich Walenda

The FAA is proposing photographs on US pilot certificates. The photograph is a good idea but it must be done properly. Since the average fee for a state driver’s license with a photo is $20 the federal pilot certificate should also be that fee. Also, the FAA should contract with the GSA or post office to process the paperwork for the certificates. The post office already handles the paperwork for US Passports and the postal clerks have been trained in recognizing the proper identification required. The idea of using designated pilot examiners and allowing them to charge a fee is stupid. Student pilots can get a student certificate for free by visiting a FSDO but a designated examiner charges about $25 for the same certificate. If there is a processing fee the US Government should get the fee for debt reduction and not some examiner who will just pocket the money and probably not report it on his/her income tax form. Again, the pilot certificate with photo should not cost more than $20 with no extra application or DPE fee. The student pilot certificate should be valid without a photo – just like the state issued learner driver permits.