The FAA stated today that it is beginning the proposal process for requiring pilot's certificates to contain a photograph for additional security and as an additional anti-counterfeiting measure.
The photo is in addition to the last change that required that all certificates be made of plastic and include a hologram. Prior to that change, certificates were printed on paper with little to no anti-counterfeiting measures.
A 2004 law actually required that certificates also include biometric data, such as fingerprints and iris scans. Senator John Mica of Florida earlier this year questions why the FAA had not complied with the 2004 law. The current requirements did require a pilot to also carry a government issued photo-id, such as a driver's license, along with his pilot certificate for security and identification purposes and the FAA replied that it was in the process of presenting the Notice of Public Rule Making to introduce the photograph requirement.
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt stated that 'Our current certificates are plastic and tamper-resistant, but this proposal will make them even more secure.' In addition, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said 'This is an important safeguard to help make sure individuals can't pose as pilots, whatever their intentions.'
There would be a cost of $22 for the new certificate and no specification has been made as to how or where the photograph would be taken.
If the proposal is presented as is and accepted, it would require all new pilot certificates and instructor certificates to contain a photograph. Existing airline transport pilots would have 3 years to comply with obtaining the new certificate. Commercial pilots would have 4 years and private, sport and recreational pilots would have 5 years.
Once the new certificate is obtained, it would need to be renewed every 8 years with a new photograph, with the $22 fee being paid with each renewal. The FAA stated that the amount is comparable to current fees for obtaining a drivers' license.
The original FAA Press Release can be located here.
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