14 December 2004
The US Congress has sent the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act to President Bush. The bill implements many of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.
Within the huge bill is a provision requiring the FAA to start issuing improved pilot certificates within a year. These must include a photo of the pilot and may have the capability to store biometric information.
The bill allows the FAA or an aviation medical examiner to take a digital photo of the pilot as part of the exam and transmit the photo to the FAA along with the medical data.
Pilots are not required to immediately replace existing certificates but will get a photo certificate when they add a new rating or certificate.
