The FAA has withdrawn a proposed rule that would have required pilots to replace their paper certificates with upgraded, counterfeit-resistant plastic certificates. Just before the 90-day Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review period expired, the FAA pulled back the proposal, saying it needed to reevaluate the plan because of a "new" congressional requirement for a picture on the pilot certificate.
Personally, I really like the new certificates. But, I can see what a huge hassle it would be to have to require photos, similarly to drivers licenses. The AOPA has been pushing for photos on certificates for years now, and with Congress in their corner I suspect it's only a matter of time…and money…the taxpayers that is.
I’ve with AOPA on this one. If the FAA requires a form of photo ID to accompany the pilot certificate, then why not just include the darned thing on the license?