WASHINGTON, DC – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to open the public comment period for 45 days on July 1, 2020 for a proposed rule that would ban piston powered aircraft from operating in the lean of peak (LOP) condition.
An Internet search of “lean of peak” yields thousands of results including Facebook groups and aviation forums where the topic of LOP is discussed ad nauseum; however, no minds ever seem to change and not enough flight instructors know how to teach it.
The FAA was lobbied for this ban by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) citing concern that if pilots refuse to learn how responsible lean of peak operations are conducted then it should simply be banned.
An executive with one of the big two engine manufacturers, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Aviation Daily News,
“It’s not like there isn’t plenty of reputable data and fact based information available online about how to safely join the LOP club. People like Paul Ferraris have written about LOP operations for Gami with an article posted on their website that even uses charts and pictures to explain the concept! Noted expert Mike Busch has also written on the subject of LOP numerous times, here is just one example: https://www.avweb.com/ownership/the-savvy-aviator-59-egt-cht-and-leaning/.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.
