AFS

- 14

- 014

- E January 31, 2014

Exemption No. 6540N Regulatory Docket No. FAA

- 2001

- 11089

Mr. Robert F. Collings, Jr.
Executive Director The Collings Foundation
P.O. Box 248 Stow, MA 01775

Dear Mr. Collings:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your pet ition to extend Exemption No. 6540, as amended. It explains the basis for our decision, describes its effect, and lists the
conditions and limitations.

The Basis for Our Decision

By docket submission dated October 9, 2013 , you petitioned the Federal Avi ation Administration (FAA) on behalf of The Collings Foundation (Collings) for an extension of Exemption No. 6540,
as amended . That exemption from §§ 91.315, 91.319(a), 119.5(g), and 119.21(a) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations allows Collings to op erate its B oeing B

- 17 (B

- 17), Consolidated
B

- 24 (B

- 24), North American B

- 25 (B

- 25), McDonnell Douglas F

- 4 Phantom (F

- 4), McDonnell Douglas TA

- 4J Skyhawk (A

- 4), Grumman TBM (G

- TBM), Fieseler Co. Fi

- 156 Storch (Storch),
and Bell UH

- 1 (UH

- 1) for the purpose of carrying passengers for compensation or hire on local flights for educational and historical purposes.

In your petition, you indicate that there has been no change in the conditions and reasons relative to public interest and safety that were the basi s for granting the original exemption.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition in
the Federal Register because the requested extension of the exemption would not set a precedent, and any delay in acting o n this petition would be detrimental to Collings.2 Since issuance of Exemption No. 6540M, the FAA developed a research paper ‘Civil Airworthiness Certification: Former Military High

- Performance Aircraft’ dated September 19,
2013 that includes potential saf ety issues and risk factor s associated with high

- performance former military aircraft. It contains valuable safety data, recommendations and resources we believe can contribute to the safe operation of your aircraft. The FAA released this research

paper for the purposes of communicati n g safety information to those involved in the certification, operation, and maintenance of those aircraft. The identified safety issues and recommended mitigation strategies can be considered as part of the certification, o peration, and maintenance of the aircraft. As a result, we recommend that the information contained in the research paper be considered by Collings, especially for the operation of the TA

- 4J and the
F

- 4D. The research paper is available at: http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/airworthiness_certification/former_military/

Our Decision

The FAA has modified the conditions and limitations of Exemption No. 6540, to address inconsistent terminology used when describing the requ ired training tasks. The changes are to clarify the original content

, further define the i ntent

, and provide consistency in the safety related aspects of the conditions and limitat ions of the Living History Flight Experience ( LHFE ) exemptions as they are amend

. In addition, the FAA has clarified, in greater detail, the applicable technical guidance (maintenance, operations, and training) affecti n g the F

- 4D and the
TA

- 4J aircraft

.

Please note that the conditions and limitation s included with an exemption are not based on specific regulations but are the FAA’s means of ensuring an equivalent level of safety. This may necessitate limitations that go beyond the established regulation s because the proposed operation /exemption is outside the normal regulator y struct ure

.

Throughout the limitations, all general references to the “F

- 4” and “A

- 4” were changed to the specific model, namely F

- 4D and TA

- 6J respectively, as discussed in the te chnical guidance.

Limitation No.5 was changed by adding examples of USAF references to ensure a more accurate representation of the applicable guidance.

Limitation No. 6 was changed by adding examples of NAVAIR reference s to ensure a more accurate repres entation of the applicable guidance.

Limitation No. 11 was split into 11 and 12 to differentiate between the F

- 4D and the TA

- 4J
aircraft . The multi

- engine configuration of the F

- 4D makes that distinction necessary.

Also, the reference to the applicable USAF proficiency standard standardization check procedures was added for clarity.

Limitation No. 22 thru 26

, Required Training Tasks table, for tasks (c) , (d)

, and (e) as previously drafted lead the reader to the incorrect impression that an actual shutdo wn of the powerplant was required during task (c) ; Takeoffs & Departures. A clarification is necessary since the term3 “simulated powerplant failure” was used in task (e). The wor ding is revised to clarify that the
actual shutdown (and re

- start) of a powerplant should only be demonstrated in task (d); Inflight
Maneuvers for the B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25. The revision also stipulates that an actual shut down
and re

- start of a powerplant is only required for initial PIC qualification, and it would not apply
to the F

- 4D, where simulation is acceptable.

Limitation No. 27, Required Training Tasks table for s econd in c ommand (SIC) in the B

- 17,
B

- 24, and B

- 25 task (e) had previously used the terms “engine

- out procedures ” and “maneuvering with an engine

- out” which is in consistent with the terminology used in the PIC training table. The wording is revise d to state the requirements are “engine

- out procedures” and

“ maneuvering with an engine out” consistent with § 61.55.

Limitation No. 47 was changed to reference the Mart in Baker MK.7 ejection seat system in the
F

- 4D.

The FAA has determined that the justification for the issuance of Exemption No. 6540, as amended, remains valid with respect to this exemption and is in the public interest. Therefore, under the authority p rovided by 49 U.S.C. 106(f)

, 40113 and 44701, which the FAA Administrator has delegated to me, I grant Co llins Foundation as exemption f r o m §§ 91.315, 91.319(a), 119.5(g), and 119.21(a) for the purpose of carrying passengers for compensation or
hire on loc al flights for educational and historical purposes , subject to the following conditions
and limitation

.

Conditions and Limitations

1. This exemption applies only to the aircraft listed below:

a. Boeing B

- 17, N93012;

b. Consolidated B

- 24, N224J;

c. North American B

- 25 , N3479G;

d. McDonnell Douglas F

- 4 Phantom, N749CF;

e. McDonnell Douglas TA

- 4J Skyhawk, N524CF;

f. G

- TBM, N9590Z;

g. Fieseler Co. Fi

- 156 Storch, N156FC; and

h. Bell UH

- 1, N911KK.

2. Collings must maintain its B

- 17 in accordance with the:

a. Maintenance requirements as specifie d in the B

- 17 type specification sheet, as amended;

b. FAA

- approved maintenance inspection program that meets the requirements of § 91.409(e), (f)(4), and (g); and

c. B

- 17 military technical manuals.4
3. Collings must maintain its B

- 24 in accordance with the:

a. Mainte nance requirements as specified in its B

- 24 operating limitations, as

a mended;

b. FAA

- approved maintenance inspection program that meets the scope and content of § 91.409(a) and (b); and

c. B

- 24 military technical manuals.

4. Collings must maintain its B

- 25 in acc ordance with the:

a. Maintenance requirements as specified in the B

- 25 type specification sheet, as amended;

b. FAA

- approved maintenance inspection program that meets the requirements of § 91.409(e), (f)(4), and (g); and

c. B

- 25 military technical manuals.

5. Collings must maintain its F

- 4 D in accordance with the:

a. Maintenance requirements as specified in its F

- 4 D operating limitations, as amended;

b. FAA

- approved maintenance inspection program that meets the requirements of § 91.409(e), (f)(4), and (g);

c. F

- 4 D military tech nical manuals ; and

d. M anufacturers and U

. S

. G overnment inspection, maintenance, overhaul, and life
limits of all aircraft systems and components

. For example, (1) the most current
USAF T.O. IF

- 4D

- 6

- 1 Aircraft Scheduled Inspection and Maintenance Requirement for the F

- 4D, and (2) all applicable Time Critical Technical Orders (TCTOs) and (3) the most current F

- 4D Operational Supplements (OS).

6. Collings must maintain its T A

- 4 J in accordance with the:

a. Maintenance requirements as specified in its T A

- 4 J operating l imitations, as amended;

b. FAA

- approved maintenance inspection program that meets the requirements of § 91.409(e), (f)(4), and (g);

c. T A

- 4 J military technical manuals; and

d. M anufacturers and U

. S

. G overnment inspection, maintenance, overhaul, and life
limits of a ll aircraft systems and components

. For example, TECHNICAL
MANUAL

- Daily/Servicing Preservation/ASPA Maintenance Requirements Model
TA

- 4F/J and OTA

- 4M Aircraft, NAVAIR, 01

- AVD

- 6

- 3 and all applicable Technical Directives, including Powerplant Changes, Airfra me Bulletin, the most current Airframe Changes and Aircraft Service Changes.5

7. Collings must maintain its G

- TBM in accordance with the:

a. Maintenance requirements as specified in its G

- TBM operating limitations, as amended;

b. FAA

- approved maintenance inspectio n program that meets the requirements of § 91.409(a) and (b); and

c. G

- TBM military technical manuals.

8. Collings must maintain its Storch in accordance with the:

a. Maintenance requirements as specified in its Storch operating limitations, as amended;

b. FAA

- approve d maintenance inspection program that meets the scope and content of § 91.409(a) and (b);

c. Storch technical manuals; and

d. M anufacturers and U

. S

. G overnment inspection, maintenance, overhaul, and life
limits of all aircraft systems and components

.

9. Collings mu st maintain its UH

- 1 in accordance with the:

a. Maintenance requirements as specified in its UH

- 1 operating limitations, as amended;

b. FAA

- approved maintenance inspection program that meets the requirements of § 91.409(f) (4) and (g); and

c. UH

- 1 military technica l manuals.

10. The pilot in command ( PIC ) for the B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25 must:

a. Hold at least a n unrestricted commercial pilot certificate with an aircraft multiengine land rating, an airplane instrument rating, and the appropriate
unrestricted type rating;

b. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Collings’ PIC qualification and recurrent flight and ground training program in each aircraft for which PIC privileges are sought;

c. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Collings’ PIC profic iency check in each aircraft for which PIC privileges are sought;

d. Have at least a total of 2,500 hours of aeronautical flight experience, 1,000 hours of aeronautical flight experience in multiengine land airplanes

, and 25 hours in the specific aircraft; or have at least a total of 1,000 hours of aeronautical flight experience, 200 hours of aeronautical flight experience in a multiengine land airplane, and 100 hours and 50 takeoffs and 50 landings in the specific aircraft;
and6

e. Have accomplished within the pr evious 90 days, three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop in each aircraft for which PIC privileges are sought. For initial PIC qualification in the specific aircraft or if the pilot has allowed his/her takeoff and landing currency to lapse in the specific aircraft, the takeoff and landing currency may not be accomplished during passenger

- carrying operations.

11. The PIC for the F

- 4 and A

- 4 must:

a. Hold at least a n unrestricted commercial pilot certificate with an airplane multiengine land rating, an airp lane instrument rating, and the appropriate
unrestricted experimental aircraft authorization;

b. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Collings’ PIC qualification and recurrent flight and ground training program in each aircraft for
which PIC privileges are sought; The ground training must be a structure ground school/academic modeled on the applicable USAF F

- 4D ground school and taught by an instructor with experience in type;

c. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Collings’ P IC proficiency check in each aircraft for which PIC privileges are sought;

d. Have at least a total of 2,500 hours of aeronautical flight experience, 1,000 hours of aeronautical flight experience in multiengine land airplane

, and 25 hours in the
F

- 4D ; or have at least a total of 1,000 hours of aeronautical flight experience, 200 hours of aeronautical flight experience in a multiengine land airplane, and 100 hours and 50 takeoffs and 50 landings in the F

- 4D ; and

e. Have accomplished within the previous 90 days, th ree takeoffs and three landings
in the F

- 4D

. For initial PIC qualification in the F

- 4D or if the pilot has allowed his/her takeoff and landing currency to lapse in the F

- 4D , the takeoff and landing currency may not be accomplished during passenger

- carryin g operations.

Note: Training must follow standard USAF proficiency standardization check procedures.

12. The PIC for the TA

- 4J must:

a. Hold at least a n unrestricted commercial pilot certificate with an aircraft single

engine land rating

, an airplane instrument r ating , and the appropriate unrestricted experimental aircraft authorization;

b. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Collings’ PIC qualification and recurrent flight and ground training program in each aircraft or which PIC privileges are so ught. The ground training must be a structure ground school/academics modeled on the applicable CNATRA TA

- 4J ground school and taught by an instructor with experience in type ;

c. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Collings’ PIC proficiency check in each aircraft for which PIC privileges are sought ;7
d. Have at least a total of 2,500 hours of aeronautical flight experience, 1,000 hours of aeronautical flight experience in single

- engine land airplanes

, and 25 hours in
the TA

- 4J ; or have at least a total of 1,000 hours of aeronautical flight experience, 200 hours of aeronautical flight experience in a single

- engine land airplane, and 100 hours and 50 takeoffs and 50 landings in the TA

- 4J ; and

e. Have accomplished within the previous 90 days, three tak eoffs and three landings to a full stop in the TA

- 4J

. For initial PIC qualification in the TA

- 4J or if the pilot has allowed his/her takeoff and landing currency to lapse in the TA

- 4J , the takeoff and landing currency may not be accomplished during passen ger

- carrying operations.

Note: Training must follow standard NAVAIR/CNATRA proficiency standardization check procedures.

13. The PIC for the G

- TBM must:

a. Hold at least a n unrestricted commercial pilot certificate with an aircraft single

engine land rating

, an a irplane instrument rating , and a n unrestricted G

- TBM type rating ;

b. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Collings’ PIC qualification and recurrent flight and ground training program in the G

- TBM;

c. Have completed within the previous 12 calend ar months, Collings’ PIC proficiency check in the G

- TBM;

d. Have at least a total of 2,500 hours of aeronautical flight experience, 1,000 hours of aeronautical flight experience in single

- engine land airplanes

, and 25 hours in
the G

- TBM; or have at least a to tal of 1,000 hours of aeronautical flight experience, 200 hours of aeronautical flight experience in a single

- engine land airplane, and 100 hours and 50 takeoffs and 50 landings in the G

- TBM; and

e. Have accomplished within the previous 90 days, three takeoff s and three landings to a full stop in the G

- TBM. For initial PIC qualification in the G

- TBM or if the pilot has allowed his/her takeoff and landing currency to lapse in the G

- TBM, the takeoff and landing currency may not be accomplished during passenger

- carrying operations.

14. The PIC for the Storch must:

a. Hold at least a n unrestricted commercial pilot certificate with an airplane single

engine land rating and an aircraft instrument rating;

b. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Collings’ PIC qualification and recurrent flight and ground training program in the Storch;

c. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Collings’ PIC proficiency check in the Storch;8
d. Have at least a total of 2,500 hours of aeronautical flight experience, 1,00 0 hours of aeronautical flight experience in single

- engine land airplanes

, and 25 hours in
the Storch ; or have at least a total of 1,000 hours of aeronautical flight experience,
200 hours of aeronautical flight experience in a single

- engine land airplane, and 100 hours and 50 takeoffs and 50 landings in the Storch; and

e. Have accomplished within the previous 90 days, three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop in the Storch. For initial PIC qualification in the Storch or if the pilot has allowed his/her takeoff and landing currency to lapse in the Storch, the takeoff and landing currency may not be accomplished during passenger

- carrying operations.

15. The PIC for the UH

- 1 must:

a. Hold at least a n unrestricted commercial pilot certificate with a rotorcr aft
hel icopter rating ;

b. Have completed within t he previous 12 calendar months, Collings’ PIC qualification and recurrent flight and ground training program in the UH

- 1;

c. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Collings’ PIC proficiency check in the U H

- 1;

d. Have at least a total of 2,500 hours of aeronautical flight experience, 1,000 hours of aeronautical flight experience in helicopters, and 25 hours in the UH

- 1; or at least a total of 1,000 hours of aeronautical flight experience, 200 hours of

aeronaut ical flight experience in helicopters, and 100 hours and 50 takeoffs and
50 landings in the UH

- 1; and

e. Have accomplished within the previous 90 days, three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop in the UH

- 1. For initial PIC qualification in the UH

- 1 or if the pilot has allowed his/her takeoff and landing currency to lapse in the UH

- 1, the takeoff and landing currency may not be accomplished during passenger

- carrying operations.

16. The second in command (SIC) for the B

- 17, B

- 24, or B

- 25 must:

a. Hold at least a n unrestricted commercial pilot certificate with an airplane multiengine land rating and an airplane instrument rating;

b. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Collings’ SIC qualification and recurrent flight and ground training program in the aircraft for which SIC privileges are sought;

c. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Collings’ SIC proficiency check in each aircraft for which SIC privileges are sought;

d. Have at least a total of 1,500 hours of aeronautical flight exper ience, 250 hours of aeronautical flight experience in a multiengine land airplanes; or have at least a total of 500 hours of aeronautical flight experience, 100 hours of aeronautical9 flight experience in a multiengine land airplanes, and 25 hours and 10 ta keoffs
and 10 landings in each aircraft for which SIC privileges are sought; and

e. Have accomplished within the previous 90 days, three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop in the aircraft for which SIC privileges are sought. For initial SIC qualifica tion in the specific aircraft or if the pilot has allowed his/her takeoff and landing currency to lapse in the specific aircraft, the takeoff and landing currency may not be accomplished during passenger

- carrying operations.

17. Collings must develop and maint ain written B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25 qualification and recurrent ground training programs for its PICs and SICs in the B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25 that cover the training subjects listed below. Each PIC and SIC in the B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25 must receive the following training within the previous 12 calendar months and be found to be competent and proficient in these areas prior to serving in a PIC or SIC position in
the B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25:

REQUIRED TRAINING TASKS :

a. General information and description of the aircraft;

b. Aircraft limitations;

c. Aircraft servicing;

d. Airspeeds;

e. Fuel system;

f. Electrical system;

g. Hydraulic system;

h. Engines;

i. Instruments and avionics;
j. Landing gear, brakes, controls, and flaps systems;

k. Propeller;

l. Emergency procedures, including

—
i. Instruction in emergenc y assignments and procedures, including coordination among ground and flight crewmembers;

ii. Individual instruction in the location, function, and operation of emergency equipment, including

—
A. First aid equipment and its proper use; and

B. Portable fire extinguis hers, with emphasis on the type of extinguisher to be used on different classes of fires;

iii. Instruction in the handling of emergency situations, including

—10
A. Fire in flight or on the surface and smoke control procedures with emphasis on electrical equipment an d related circuit breakers found in cabin areas; and

B. Illness, injury, or other abnormal situations involving passengers or crewmembers;

m. Weight and balance;

n. Performance planning;

o. Aircraft ’ s checklist; and

p. Differences in type.

18. Collings must develop and maint ain written F

- 4 D and T A

- 4 J qualification and recurrent ground training programs for its PICs in the F

- 4 D and T A

- 4 J that cover the training subjects listed below. Each PIC in the F

- 4 D and T A

- 4 J must receive the following training within the previous 12 cal endar months and be found to be competent and proficient in these areas prior to serving in a PIC position in the F

- 4 D and T A

- 4 J :

REQUIRED TRAINING TASKS :

a. General information and description of the aircraft;

b. Aircraft limitations;

c. Aircraft servicing;

d. Airspe eds;

e. Fuel system;

f. Electrical system;

g. Hydraulic system;

h. Engines;

i. Instruments and avionics;
j. Landing gear, brakes, controls, and flaps systems;

k. Emergency procedures, including

—
i. Instruction in emergency assignments and procedures, including coordination

among ground and flight crewmembers;

ii. Individual instruction in the location, function, and operation of emergency equipment, including

—
A. First aid equipment and its proper use; and

B. Portable fire extinguishers, with emphasis on the type of extinguisher to be used on different classes of fires;11

iii. Instruction in the handling of emergency situations, including

—
A. Fire in flight or on the surface and smoke control procedures with emphasis on electrical equipment and related circuit breakers found in cabin areas; and

B. Illn ess, injury, or other abnormal situations involving passengers or crewmembers;

l. Weight and balance;

m. Performance planning;

n. Aircraft ’ s checklist;

o. Differences in type ; and

p. Ejection seat characteristics, hazards, and safety precautions

.

19. Collings must develop an d maintain a written G

- TBM qualification and recurrent ground training program for its PICs in the G

- TBM that covers the training subjects listed below.
Each PIC in the G

- TBM must receive the following training within the previous
12 calendar months and be found to be competent and proficient in these areas prior to serving in a PIC position in the G

- TBM:

REQUIRED TRAINING TASKS :

a. General information and description of the aircraft;

b. Aircraft limitations;

c. Aircraft servicing;

d. Airspeeds;

e. Fuel system;

f. Electrical system;

g. Hydraulic system;

h. Engines;

i. Instruments and avionics;
j. Landing gear, brakes, controls, and flaps systems;

k. Propeller;

l. Emergency procedures, including

—
i. Instruction in emergency assignments and procedures, including coordination among ground and flight crewmembers;

ii. Individual instruction in the location, function, and operation of emergency equipment, including

—12
A. First aid equipment and its proper use; and

B. Portable fire extinguishers, with emphasis on the type of extinguisher to be used on different clas ses of fires;

iii. Instruction in the handling of emergency situations, including

—
A. Fire in flight or on the surface and smoke control procedures with emphasis on electrical equipment and related circuit breakers found in cabin areas; and

B. Illness, injury, or oth er abnormal situations involving passengers or crewmembers;

m. Weight and balance;

n. Performance planning; and

o. Aircraft ’ s checklist.

20. Collings must develop and maintain a written Storch qualification and recurrent ground training program for its PICs in the Stor ch that covers the training subjects listed below. Each PIC in the Storch must receive the following training within the previous
12 calendar months and be found to be competent and proficient in these areas prior to serving in a PIC position in the Storch :

REQUIRED TRAINING TASKS :

a. General information and description of the aircraft;

b. Aircraft limitations;

c. Aircraft servicing;

d. Airspeeds;

e. Fuel system;

f. Electrical system;

g. Hydraulic system;

h. Engines;

i. Instruments and avionics;
j. Landing gear, brakes, controls, and fl aps systems;

k. Propeller;

l. Emergency procedures, including

—
i. Instruction in emergency assignments and procedures, including coordination among ground and flight crewmembers;

ii. Individual instruction in the location, function, and operation of emergency equipment , including

—13
A. First aid equipment and its proper use; and

B. Portable fire extinguishers, with emphasis on the type of extinguisher to be used on different classes of fires;

iii. Instruction in the handling of emergency situations, including

—
A. Fire in flight or on t he surface and smoke control procedures with emphasis on electrical equipment and related circuit breakers found in cabin areas; and

B. Illness, injury, or other abnormal situations involving passengers or crewmembers;

m. Weight and balance;

n. Performance planning ; and

o. Aircraft ’ s checklist.

21. Collings must develop and maintain a written UH

- 1 qualification and recurrent ground training program for its PICs in the UH

- 1 that covers the training subjects listed below.
Each PIC in the UH

- 1 must receive the following trai ning within the previous 12 calendar months and be found to be competent and proficient in these areas prior to serving in a PIC position in the UH

- 1:

REQUIRED TRAINING TASKS :

a. General information and description of the aircraft;

b. Aircraft limitations;

c. Aircr aft servicing;

d. Airspeeds;

e. Fuel system;

f. Electrical system;

g. Hydraulic system;

h. Engines;

i. Instruments and avionics;
j. Flight control system;

k. Rotors;

l. E mergency procedures, including

—
i. Instruction in emergency assignments and procedures, including coordination

among ground and flight crewmembers;

ii. Individual instruction in the location, function, and operation of emergency equipment, including

—14
A. First aid equipment and its proper use; and

B. Portable fire extinguishers, with emphasis on the type of extinguisher to be used on different classes of fires;

iii. Instruction in the handling of emergency situations, including

—
A. Fire in flight or on the surface and smoke control procedures with emphasis on electrical equipment and related circuit breakers found in cabin areas; and

B. Illn ess, injury, or other abnormal situations involving passengers or crewmembers;

m. Weight and balance;

n. Performance planning;

o. Aircraft ’s checklist; and

p. Differences in each model

.

22. Collings must develop and maintain written B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25 qualification an d recurrent flight training programs for its PICs in the B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25 that cover the areas of operations and tasks, as listed in the following table of training tasks. Each PIC
in the B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25 must successfully accomplish this training before being assigned PIC responsibilities and duties. Each PIC in the B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25 must receive and successfully accomplish the following training within the previous 12 calendar months and be found to be competent and proficient in these areas prior to serving in a PIC position in the B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25 for Collings:

REQUIRED TRAINING TASKS :

a. Preflight Preparation, including

—
i. Aircraft exam (oral or written); and

ii. Aircraft performance & limitations (oral or written);

b. Ground Operations, including

—
i. Preflight inspection;

ii. Cockpit resource management;

iii. Powerplant start procedures;

iv. Taxiing; and

v. Pretakeoff checks;

c. Takeoffs & Departures, including

—
i. Normal & crosswind takeoffs;

ii. Powerplant failure; and

iii. Rejected takeoffs;15
d. In

- flight Maneuvers, including

—
i. Steep turns;

ii. Approach to stalls;

iii. Powerplant failure; and

iv. Specific flight characteristics;

e. Landings & Approaches to Landing, including

—
i. Normal & crosswind approaches & landing;

ii. Maneuvering to a landing with a simulated powerplant failure;

iii. Rejected landing; and

iv. L anding from a no flap or a nonstandard flap approach;

f. Normal & Abnormal Procedures, including

—
i. Powerplant;

ii. Fuel system;

iii. Electrical system;

iv. Hydraulic system;

v. Environmental & pressurization system (as appropriate and if equipped);

vi. Fire detection & extinguish ing system;

vii. Navigation & avionics system;

viii. Automatic flight control system, electronic flight instrument system, & related systems (as appropriate and if equipped);

ix. Flight control system;

x. Anti

- ice & deice system; and

xi. Aircraft & personal emergency equipment;

g. Emergency Procedures, including

—
i. In

- flight fire & smoke removal;

ii. Emergency descent;

iii. Ditching; and

iv. Emergency evacuation;

h. Postflight Procedures, including

—
i. After landing procedures; and

ii. Parking and securing aircraft

.16
23. Collings must develop and maintain writt en F

- 4 and A

- 4 qualification and recurrent flight training programs for its PICs in the F

- 4 and A

- 4 that cover the areas of operations and tasks, as listed in the following table of training tasks. Each PIC in the F

- 4 and A

- 4 must successfully accomplish this training before being assigned PIC responsibilities and
duties. Each PIC in the F

- 4 and A

- 4 must receive and successfully accomplish the following training within the previous 12 calendar months and be found to be competent and proficient in these ar eas prior to serving in a PIC position in the F

- 4 and A

- 4 for Collings:

REQUIRED TRAINING TASKS :

a. Preflight Preparation, including

—
i. Aircraft exam (oral or written); and

ii. Aircraft performance & limitations (oral or written);

b. Ground Operations, including

—
i. Pre flight inspection;

ii. Cockpit resource management;

iii. Powerplant start procedures;

iv. Taxiing; and

v. Pretakeoff checks;

c. Takeoffs & Departures, including

—
i. Normal & crosswind takeoffs;

ii. Powerplant failure; and

iii. Rejected takeoffs;

d. In

- flight Maneuvers, including

—
i. Steep tur ns;

ii. Approach to stalls;

iii. Powerplant failure; and

iv. Specific flight characteristics;

e. Landings & Approaches to Landing, including

—
i. Normal & crosswind approaches & landing;

ii. Maneuvering to a landing with a simulated powerplant failure;

iii. Rejected landing; and

iv. Landi ng from a no flap or a nonstandard flap approach;17
f. Normal & Abnormal Procedures, including

—
i. Powerplant;

ii. Fuel system;

iii. Electrical system;

iv. Hydraulic system;

v. Environmental & pressurization system (as appropriate and if equipped);

vi. Fire detection & extinguishing system;

vii. Navigation & avionics system;

viii. Automatic flight control system, electronic flight instrument system, & related systems (as appropriate and if equipped);

ix. Flight control system;

x. Anti

- ice & deice system; and

xi. Aircraft & personal emergency equipment;

g. Eme rgency Procedures, including

—
i. In

- flight fire & smoke removal;

ii. Rapid decompression (as appropriate and if equipped with a pressurization system);

iii. Emergency descent;

iv. Ditching; and

v. Emergency evacuation;

h. Post flight Procedures, including

—
i. After landing procedur es; and

ii. Parking and securing aircraft

.

24. Collings must develop and maintain a written G

- TBM qualification and recurrent flight training program for its PICs in the G

- TBM that covers the areas of operations and tasks, as listed in the following table of train ing tasks. Each PIC in the G

- TBM must successfully accomplish this training before being assigned PIC responsibilities and
duties. Each PIC in the G

- TBM must receive and successfully accomplish the following training within the previous 12 calendar month s and be found to be competent and proficient in these areas prior to serving in a PIC position in the G

- TBM:

REQUIRED TRAINING TASKS :

a. Preflight Preparation, including

—
i. Aircraft exam (oral or written); and

ii. Aircraft performance & limitations (oral or writte n);18
b. Ground Operations, including

—
i. Preflight inspection;

ii. Cockpit resource management;

iii. Powerplant start procedures;

iv. Taxiing; and

v. Pretakeoff checks;

c. Takeoffs & Departures, including

—
i. Normal & crosswind takeoffs;

ii. Powerplant failure; and

iii. Rejected takeoffs;

d. In

- f light Maneuvers, including

—
i. Steep turns;

ii. Approach to stalls;

iii. Powerplant failure; and

iv. Specific flight characteristics;

e. Landings & Approaches to Landing, including

—
i. Normal & crosswind approaches & landing;

ii. Maneuvering to a landing with a simulated powerplant failure;

iii. Rejected landing; and

iv. Landing from a no flap or a nonstandard flap approach;

f. Normal & Abnormal Procedures, including

—
i. Powerplant;

ii. Fuel system;

iii. Electrical system;

iv. Hydraulic system;

v. Environmental system (as appropriate and if equipped);

vi. Fire detect ion & extinguishing system;

vii. Navigation & avionics system;

viii. Automatic flight control system, electronic flight instrument system, & related systems (as appropriate and if equipped);

ix. Flight control system;

x. Anti

- ice & deice system; and19
xi. Aircraft & personal emer gency equipment;

g. Emergency Procedures, including

—
i. In

- flight fire & smoke removal;

ii. Emergency descent;

iii. Ditching; and

iv. Emergency evacuation;

h. Postflight Procedures, including

—
i. After landing procedures; and

ii. Parking and securing aircraft

.

25. Collings must develop an d maintain a written Storch qualification and recurrent flight training program for its PICs in the Storch that covers the areas of operations and tasks, as listed in the following table of training tasks. Each PIC in the Storch must successfully accompli sh this training before being assigned PIC responsibilities and
duties. Each PIC in the Storch must receive and successfully accomplish the following training within the previous 12 calendar months and be found to be competent and proficient in these area s prior to serving in a PIC position in the Storch:

REQUIRED TRAINING TASKS :

a. Preflight Preparation, including

—
i. Aircraft exam (oral or written); and

ii. Aircraft performance & limitations (oral or written);

b. Ground Operations, including

—
i. Preflight inspection;

ii. Co ckpit resource management;

iii. Powerplant start procedures;

iv. Taxiing; and

v. Pretakeoff checks;

c. Takeoffs & Departures, including

—
i. Normal & crosswind takeoffs;

ii. Powerplant failure; and

iii. Rejected takeoffs;

d. In

- flight Maneuvers, including

—
i. Steep turns;

ii. Approach to stall s;20
iii. Powerplant failure; and

iv. Specific flight characteristics;

e. Landings & Approaches to Landing, including

—
i. Normal & crosswind approaches & landing;

ii. Maneuvering to a landing with a simulated powerplant failure;

iii. Rejected landing; and

iv. Landing from a no flap or a nonstandard flap approach;

f. Normal & Abnormal Procedures, including

—
i. Powerplant;

ii. Fuel system;

iii. Electrical system;

iv. Hydraulic system;

v. Environmental system (as appropriate and if equipped);

vi. Fire detection & extinguishing system;

vii. Navigation & avionics system;

viii. Automatic flight control system, electronic flight instrument system, & related systems (as appropriate and if equipped);

ix. Flight control system;

x. Anti

- ice & deice system; and

xi. Aircraft & personal emergency equipment;

g. Emergency Procedures, including

—
i. In

- fligh t fire & smoke removal;

ii. Emergency descent;

iii. Ditching; and

iv. Emergency evacuation;

h. Post flight Procedures, including

—
i. After landing procedures; and

ii. Parking and securing aircraft

.

26. Collings must develop and maintain a written UH

- 1 qualification and recurrent flig ht training program for its PICs in the UH

- 1 that covers the areas of operations and tasks, as listed in the following table of training tasks. Each PIC in the UH

- 1 must successfully accomplish this training before being assigned PIC responsibilities and duties. Each PIC
in the UH

- 1 must receive and successfully accomplish the following training within the21 previous 12 calendar months and be found to be competent and proficient in these areas prior to serving in a PIC position in the UH

- 1:

REQUIRED TRAININ G TASKS :

a. Preflight Preparation, including

—
i. Aircraft exam (oral or written); and

ii. Aircraft performance & limitations (oral or written);

b. Ground Operations, including

—
i. Preflight inspection;

ii. Cockpit resource management;

iii. Powerplant start procedures;

iv. Taxiing; and

v. Pretakeoff checks;

c. Takeoffs & Departures, including

—
i. Normal & crosswind takeoffs;

ii. Powerplant failure; and

iii. Rejected takeoffs;

d. In

- flight Maneuvers, including

—
i. Steep turns;

ii. R apid decelerations ;

iii. Powerplant failure; and

iv. Specific flight characteristics;

e. Landing s & Approaches to Landing, including

—
i. Normal & crosswind approaches & landing;

ii. Maneuvering to a landing with a simulated powerplant failure; and

iii. Rejected landing;

f. Normal & Abnormal Procedures, including

—
i. Powerplant;

ii. Fuel system;

iii. Electrical system;

iv. Hydraul ic system;

v. Environmental system (as appropriate and if equipped);

vi. Fire detection & extinguishing system;22
vii. Navigation & avionics system;

viii. Automatic flight control system, electronic flight instrument system, & related systems (as appropriate and if equipped);

ix. Flight control system;

x. Anti

- ice & deice system; and

xi. Aircraft & personal emergency equipment;

g. Emergency Procedures, including

—
i. In

- flight fire & smoke removal;

ii. Emergency descent;

iii. Ditching; and

iv. Emergency evacuation;

h. Postflight Procedures, including

—
i. After la nding procedures; and

ii. Parking and securing aircraft

.

27. Collings must develop and maintain written B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25 qualification and recurrent flight training programs for its SICs in the B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25 that cover the areas of operations and tasks, as listed in the following table of training tasks. Each SIC
in the B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25 must successfully accomplish this training before being assigned SIC responsibilities and duties. Each SIC in the B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25 must receive and successfully accomplish the following training within the previous 12 calendar months and be found to be competent and proficient in these areas prior to serving in a n SIC position in the B

- 17, B

- 24, and B

- 25 for Collings:

REQUIRED TRAINING TASKS :

a. Operational procedur es applicable to the powerplant, equipment, and systems;

b. Performance specifications and limitations;

c. Normal, abnormal, and emergency operating procedures;

d. Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop as the sole manipulator of the flight controls;

e. Engi ne

- out procedures and maneuvering with an engine out while executing the
duties of pilot in command ;

f. Crew resource management training; and

g. Familiarization with the aircraft flight manual, placards, and markings.

28. Aircraft specific limitations for pilot com petency checks :23

a. For the B

- 17, B

- 24, B

- 25, G

- TBM, UH

- 1

, and Storch : Collings may not use a pilot nor may any pilot serve as a pilot in any aircraft unless since the beginning of the 12th calendar month before that service, that pilot has passed a competenc y check given by the FAA or an authorized check pilot in that aircraft to determine the pilot ’ s competence in practical skills and techniques in the appropriate aircraft. The competency check will consist of the appropriate maneuvers and procedures curren tly required for the original issuance of the commercial pilot
certificate. The FAA ’ s North Florida Flight Standards District Office ( FSDO ) will determine what maneuvers and procedures are critical, such as preflight preparation, ground operations, takeof fs and departures, and normal procedures, etc., and maneuvers and procedures that may be unsafe for a particular aircraft ; and

b. For the F

- 4 D

, and TA

- 4J : Collings may not use a pilot nor may any pilot serve as a pilot in any aircraft unless since the beginn ing of the 12 th calendar month before that service, that pilot has passed a competency check given by the FAA or an authorized check pilot in that aircraft to determine the pilot ’ s competence in practical skills and techniques in the appropriate aircraft. The competency check will consist of the appropriate maneuvers and procedures currently required for the original issuance of the commercial pilot certificate. The FAA ’ s Houston

, T exas , FSDO will determine what maneuvers and procedures are critical, such as preflight preparation, ground operations, takeoffs and departures, and normal procedures, etc., and maneuvers and procedures that may be unsafe for a particular aircraft. The check pilot authorized to conduct F

- 4 D and T A

- 4 J checks must be approved by the Houston FSDO and must be concurred with by the
FAA ’s General Aviation and Commercial Division, AFS

- 800, Washington, D

. C

.

29. Recurrent flight training for pilots must include, at least, flight training in the maneuvers and procedures in this exemption. Ho wever, satisfactory completion of the check required by this exemption within the preceding 12 calendar months may be substituted for recurrent flight training

.

30. Collings must notify the North Florida or Houston FSDO, as appropriate, at least
5 working days (Mondays through Fridays) before conducting any PIC or SIC initial or recurrent qualification training and any PIC or SIC initial or recurrent proficiency checks required to be conducted under the terms of this grant of exemption.

31. Aircraft s pecific l imita tions for pilot training/testing records :

a. For the B

- 17, B

- 24, B

- 25, G

- TBM, UH

- 1

, and Storch : Collings must document and record all ground and flight training and/or testing required by this grant of exemption in a manner acceptable to the FAA ’ s North Flor ida FSDO. That documentation and records must contain the following information :

i. Date of each training session;

ii. Date of each testing session;24
iii. A mount of time of each session of ground and flight training given;

iv. A mount of time of each session of ground and flight testing given;

v. R esults of each session of ground and flight testing given;

vi. Location where each session of ground and flight training was given;

vii. Location where each session of ground and flight testing was given;

viii. A ircraft identification number in whi ch each flight training session was received;

ix. A ircraft identification number in which each flight testing session was received;

x. N ame and certificate number of the pilot who provided each session of training;

xi. N ame and certificate number of the pilot who pro vided each session of testing;

xii. S ignature and printed name of the pilot who received the training. That pilot ’ s signature will serve as a verification of having received each session of training; and

xiii. S ignature and printed name of the pilot who received the testing. That pilot ’ s signature will serve as a verification of having r eceived each session of testing;

b. For the F

- 4 D and T A

- 4 J : Collings must document and record all ground and flight training and/or testing required by this grant of exemption in a man ner acceptable to the FAA ’ s Houston FSDO. That documentation and records must contain the following information :

i. Date of each training session;

ii. Date of each testing session;

iii. A mount of time of each session of ground and flight training given;

iv. A mount of tim e of each session of ground and flight testing given;

v. Results of each session of ground and flight testing given;

vi. Location where each session of ground and flight training was given;

vii. Location where each session of ground and flight testing was given;

viii. A ircr aft identification number in which each flight training session was received;

ix. A ircraft identification number in which each flight testing session was received;

x. N ame and certificate number of the pilot who provided each session of training;25
xi. N ame and certifi cate number of the pilot who provided each session of testing;

xii. S ignature and printed name of the pilot who received the training. That pilot ’ s signature will serve as a verification of having received each session of training; and

xiii. S ignature and printed na me of the pilot who received the testing. That pilot ’ s signature will serve as a verification of having r eceived each session of testing.

32. Aircraft specific limitations for the availability of pilot records :

a. For the B

- 17, B

- 24, B

- 25, G

- TBM

, and Storch : W hen requested, Collings’ pilot qualification and recurrent ground and flight training programs and/or records listed under the conditions of this exemption must be made available to the
North Florida FSDO ; and

b. For the F

- 4 D and T A

- 4 J : When requested, Col lings’ pilot qualification and recurrent ground and flight training programs and/or records listed under the conditions of this exemption must b e made available to the Houston FSDO

.

33. Collings must have the services of an FAA

- certificated airframe and powerp lant mechanic or an appropriately rated repair station available at all stopovers to perform all required maintenance inspections and repairs

.

34. Collings will maintain the following information and records and will make those records
available for review to the FAA when requested :

a. The name of each pilot crewmember Collings authorizes to conduct flight operations in its aircraft under the terms of this exemption ;

b. Copies of each PIC ’ s and SIC ’ s pilot certificate, medical certificate, qualifications, and initial and recurrent training and testing documentation ; and

c. Records of maintenance performed and maintenance inspection records as appropriate. Maintenance and inspection records must meet the requirements of §§ 43.9, 43.11

, 91.405

.

35. Before permitting a person to be carried on board its aircraft for the purposes authorized under this exemption, Collings will inform that person that its aircraft hold only a limited or experimental airworthiness certificate; the significance of the airworthiness certificate

as com pared to a standard airworthiness certificate; and that the FAA has authorized this flight under a grant of exemption from the requirements of §§ 91.315, 91.319, 119.5(g), and 119.21(a). The explanation of the significance of a limited airworthiness certi ficate, or experimental airworthiness certificate compared to a standard airworthiness certificate must include at least the following information:

a. The FAA has not established nor has it approved limited category airworthiness
certificated aircraft manufac turing standards. The FAA has not established nor has it approved experimental category airworthiness certificated aircraft26 manufacturing standards. In contrast, standard category airworthiness certificated
aircraft are manufactured to FAA

- approved stand ards, including standards addressing the design of the aircraft and life

- limited parts ;

b. Limited category airworthiness certificated aircraft are issued when the FAA finds
the aircraft

—
i. Has been previously issued a limited category type certificate and the aircraft conforms to that type certificate; and

ii. To be in a good state of preservation and repair and is in a safe operating
condition ;

c. An aircraft may be issued an experimental airworthiness certificate for the purpose of exhibition when the aircraft is in tended only for exhibition of the
aircraft’ s flight capabilities, performance, or unusual characteristics at airshows, motion picture, television, and similar productions and the maintenance of exhibition flight proficiency, including (for persons exhibiti ng the aircraft) flying to and from such airshows and productions;

d. Standard category airworthiness certificates are issued for an aircraft when the
FAA finds the

—

i. Aircraft has been built and maintained in accordance with that aircraft ’ s type certification standards as established by the FAA; and

ii. Aircraft ’ s inspection and maintenance requirements are in compliance with the applicable Federal Aviation Regulations ; and

e. For flights conducted in the F

- 4 D and T A

- 4 J , the PIC must inform all passengers of the med ical risks associated with possible ejection and that flight in these aircraft may not be appropriate for persons with a history of neck or back problems.

36. Collings must notify the FSDO with oversight of the specific aircraft within 24 hours of any of the o ccurrences listed below by written report, electronic mail, or facsimile

. For the purpose of this section, “ during flight ” or “in

- flight” means the period from the
moment the aircraft leaves the surface of the earth on takeoff until it touches down on
lan ding

.

a. Any of the following in

- flight occurrences:

i. Each in

- flight fire in any system or area that requires activation of any fire suppression system or discharge of a portable fire extinguisher;

ii. Each aircraft component or system that causes, during flight, accumulation or circulation of noxious fumes, smoke, or vapor in any portion of the
cabin or crew area ;

iii. Except for training, each occurrence of in

- flight engine shutdown or propeller feathering and the reason for such shutdown or feathering ;27
iv. Any landing g ear system or component failures or malfunctions, which require use of emergency or standby extension systems ; and

v. Each malfunction, failure, or defect in any system or component that requires taking emergency action of any type during the course of any
fl ight ;

b. Any of the following in

- flight and/or ground occurrences:

i. Each exhaust system component failure, including the turbocharger (supercharger) components, that causes damage to any engine, structure, cowling, or component s;

ii. Each failure of the propeller governing systems or feathering systems ; and

iii. Each failure or malfunction of the fuel system, tanks, pumps, or valves ;

c. Each failure or malfunction of the wheel brake system that causes loss of brake control on the ground ; and

d. Each aircraft structure that re quires major repair due to damage, deformation, or corrosion and the method of repair

. 37. All flight operations must be conducted:

a. At a minimum operating altitude of not less than 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL);

b. Between the hours of official sunrise and sunset, as established in the American Air Almanac, as converted to local time;

c. Within a 25

- statute

- mile radius of the departure airport with landings only permitted at the departure airport;

d. With a minimum flight visibility of not less than 3 statute mile s and a minimum ceiling of not less than 1,500 feet AGL;

e. Passenger

- carrying operations for compensation may be conducted at distance s greater than 25 statute miles of the departure airport up to 50 statute miles with concurrence of the FAA FSDO having geog raphic responsibility for the aviation event. For such flights, landings are only permitted at the departure airport. The operator must provide information pertaining to the proposed route of flight,
which must avoid densely populated areas or congested airways in accordance with § 91.319(c) for aircraft certificated in the experimental category. Those operators utilizing aircraft certificated in the limited category are not bound by the restriction regarding the avoidance of densely populated areas or c ongested airways;

f. For passenger

- carrying flights greater than 25 statute miles from the departure airport and up to 50 statute miles, the PIC must obtain weather reports and forecasts prior to flight and valid for the duration of the proposed operation tha t indicate that the weather would be no less than 5 statute miles visibility and cloud ceilings no less than 1

, 000 feet AGL. Passenger

- carrying operations shall be28 terminated if ceiling and visibility become less than the minimum required by
these conditi ons and limitations. Weather forecasts listing discriminators such as probability (PROB), becoming (BECOMG), or temporarily (TEMPO) shall be limiting;

g. The aircraft

, other than the F

- 4 D and T A

- 4 J

, may only be operated from an airport
that has a fire statio n or fire

- fighting services available or within close proximity of the airport ;

h. Operations of the F

- 4 D and T A

- 4 J are only permitted at airports with operational arresting systems ; and

i. Operations of the F

- 4 D and T A

- 4 J are only permitted at airports with air port crash fire rescue stations that have been trained by Collings on the hazards and safety issues of the installed ejection seats.

38. For all aircraft subject to this exemption, flight within 500 feet of another aircraft (i.e., formation flying) is prohibit ed.

39. In addition, the PIC is prohibited from performing aerobatic flights while passengers are
onboard the aircraft

.

40. Prior to flight, the PIC must ensure that a passenger b riefing meeting the scope and
content of § 135.117 has been provided to the passeng er(s)

.

41. No persons other than the assigned flight crewmembers may be permitted on the pilot station of the aircraft during flight operations.

42. No persons other than the assigned flight crewmembers may be permitted to manipulate the flight controls during fli ght operations

.

43. A ll flight operations must carry no more than the maximum number of passengers permitted by the aircraft ’ s weight and balance limitations and number of approved seats
in the aircraft.

44. All aircraft must have the equipment listed in §§ 91.205 (b) and 91.207 and that equipment must be in an operable condition during the flight.

45. Collings must hold and continue to hold a determination from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service that it is a § 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax

- exempt, charitable organization und er §§ 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code.

46. No later than 72 hours prior to commencing flight operations under the terms of this grant of exemption, Collings must notify the jurisdictional FAA FSDO where it intends to
conduct the fli ght operations and shall provide a copy of this exemption to that jurisdictional FAA FSDO.

47. Additional t raining r equirements for T A

- 4 J and F

- 4 D aircraft: Passengers must satisfactorily complete the appropriate sections of the T A

- 4 J Skyhawk

- Escape IG329 Eject ion Seat Training or F

- 4 D

- Ground Training Egress System (Martin Baker Mk. 7)

, and the results of this training must be recorded prior to operation.

48. Collings must develop a continuous analysis and management program for all aircraft subject to this exemptio n that ensures compliance with its inspection program, training program, and conditions and limitations of this exemption.

49. Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be grounds for the immediate suspension or revocation of Exemption No. 6540, as
amended.

The Effect of Our Decision
Our decision extends the termination date of Exemption No. 6540, as amended, to March 31, 201 6 , unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/
Michael J. Zenkovich Deput y Director, Flight Standards Services