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11/25/14 Rev. 1

Lone Star Flight Museum

LHFE Operations Manual

1. To ensure an equivalent level of safety, the Lone Star Flight Museum will adhere to the following 

policies and procedures while operating under the Living history Flight Exemption with its B-17 and B-25 

aircraft.

2. Lone Star Flight Museum will maintain its B-17 and B-25 in accordance with the:

a. Maintenance requirements as specified in the B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, 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 or B-25, as appropriate, military technical manuals. 

3. The pilot in command (PIC) will—

a. Hold at least a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane multiengine land rating, an 

airplane instrument rating, and a B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, type rating; 

b. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Lone Star Flight Museum’s PIC 

qualification and recurrent flight and ground training program in the B-17 or B-25, as 

appropriate, for which PIC privileges are sought; 

c. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Lone Star Flight Museum's PIC 

proficiency check in the B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, 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 a B-17 or B-25, as 

appropriate; or have at least a total of 1,000 hours of aeronautical flight experience in airplanes, 

200 hours of aeronautical flight experience in a multiengine land airplane, and 100 hours and 50 

takeoffs and 50 landings in a B-17 or B-25, as appropriate; and 

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

stop in a B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, for which PIC privileges are sought. For initial PIC 

qualification in a B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, or if the pilot has allowed his/her takeoff and 
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landing currency to lapse in a B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, the takeoff and landing currency may 

not be accomplished during passenger-carrying operations. 

4. The second in command (SIC) will:

a. Hold at least a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane multiengine land rating and an 

airplane instrument rating; 

b. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Lone Star Flight Museum’s SIC 

qualification and recurrent flight and ground training program in a B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, 

for which SIC privileges are sought; 

c. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Lone Star Flight Museum’s SIC 

proficiency check in a B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, for which SIC privileges are sought; 

d. Have at least a total of 1,500 hours of aeronautical flight experience, 250 hours of 

aeronautical flight experience in a multiengine land airplane; or have at least a total of 500 

hours of aeronautical flight experience in airplanes, 100 hours of aeronautical flight experience 

in a multiengine land airplane, and 25 hours and 10 takeoffs and 10 landings in a B-17 or B-25; 

as appropriate, and 

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

stop in a B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, for which SIC privileges are sought. For initial SIC 

qualification in a B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, or if the pilot has allowed his/her takeoff and 

landing currency to lapse in a B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, the takeoff and landing currency may 

not be accomplished during passenger-carrying operations. 

5. Lone Star Flight Museum will develop and maintain a written B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, 

qualification and recurrent ground training program for its PICs and SICs that covers the training subjects 

listed below. Each PIC and SIC 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 or B-25, as appropriate: 

REQUIRED TRAINING TASKS 

a. General information and description of the airplane; 

b. Aircraft limitations; 

c. Aircraft servicing; 

d. Airspeeds; 
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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 

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; 

(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 other abnormal situations involving passengers or 

crewmembers; 

m. Weight and balance; 

n. Performance planning; 

o. Airplane's checklist; and 

p. Differences in type 

6. Lone Star Flight Museum will develop and maintain a written B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, 

qualification and recurrent flight training program for its PICs that covers the areas of operations and 

tasks, as listed in the following table of training tasks. Each PIC must successfully accomplish this training 

before being assigned PIC responsibilities and duties. Each PIC must receive and successfully accomplish 
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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 or B-25, as appropriate, for Lone 

Star Flight Museum: 

REQUIRED TRAINING TASKS 

a. Preflight Preparation 

(i) Aircraft exam (oral or written) 

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

b. Ground Operations 

(i) Preflight inspection 

(ii) Cockpit resource management 

(iii) Powerplant start procedures 

(iv) Taxiing 

(v) Pre-takeoff checks 

c. Takeoffs & Departures 

(i) Normal & crosswind takeoffs 

(ii) Powerplant failure 

(iii) Rejected takeoffs 

d. In-flight Maneuvers 

(i) Steep turns 

(ii) Approach to stalls 

(iii) Powerplant failure 

(iv) Specific flight characteristics 

e. Landings & Approaches to Landing 

(i) Normal & crosswind approaches & landing 

(ii) Maneuvering to a landing with a simulated powerplant failure 

(iii) Rejected landing 
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(iv) Landing from a no flap or a nonstandard flap approach 

f. Normal & Abnormal Procedures 

(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 & de-ice system 

(xi) Aircraft & personal emergency equipment 

g. Emergency Procedures 

(i) In-flight fire & smoke removal 

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

(iii) Emergency descent 

(iv) Ditching 

(v) Emergency evacuation 

h. Postflight Procedures 

(i) After landing procedures 

(ii) Parking and securing aircraft 

7. Lone Star Flight Museum will develop and maintain a written B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, 

qualification and recurrent flight training program for its SICs that covers the areas of operations and 

tasks, as listed in the following table of training tasks. Each SIC must successfully accomplish this training 
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before being assigned SIC responsibilities and duties. Each SIC 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 an SIC position in the B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, for Lone 

Star Flight Museum:

REQUIRED TRAINING TASKS 

a. Operational procedures 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. Engine-out procedures and maneuvering with an engine out while executing the duties of PIC. 

f. Crew resource management training. 

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

8. Lone Star Flight Museum will not use a pilot in any aircraft unless, since the beginning of the 12th 

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 Flight Standards District Office (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. 

9. Recurrent flight training for pilots must include, at least, flight training in the maneuvers and 

procedures in this exemption. However, satisfactory completion of the check required by this exemption 

within the preceding 12 calendar months may be substituted for recurrent flight training. 

10. Lone Star Flight Museum 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 Houston FSDO. That 

documentation and records must contain the following information: 

a. Date of each training session. 

b. Date of each testing session. 
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c. The amount of time of each session of ground and flight training given. 

d. The amount of time of each session of ground and flight testing given. 

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

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

g. The airplane identification number in which each flight training session was received. 

h. The airplane identification number in which each flight testing session was received. 

i. The name and certificate number of the pilot who provided each session of training. 

j. The name and certificate number of the pilot who provided each session of testing. 

k. The signature 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. 

l. The signature and printed name of the pilot who received the testing. That pilot’s signature 

will serve as a verification of having received each session of testing. 

11. When requested, Lone Star Flight Museum’s pilot qualification and recurrent ground- and flighttraining programs and/or records listed in condition Nos. 5, 6, 7, and 10 must be made available to the 

Houston FSDO.

12. Lone Star Flight Museum will have the services of an FAA-certificated airframe and powerplant 

mechanic or an appropriately rated repair station available at all stopovers to perform all required 

maintenance inspections and repairs. 

13. Lone Star Flight Museum 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 Lone Star Flight Museum authorizes to conduct flight 

operations in its airplanes 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 to comply with condition Nos. 3, 4, 8, and 10; 

and 
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c. Records of maintenance performed and maintenance inspection records to comply with 

condition No. 2. Maintenance and inspection records must meet the requirements of §§ 91.405, 

43.9, and 43.11. 

14. Before permitting a person to be carried on board its airplane for the purposes authorized under this 

exemption, Lone Star Flight Museum will inform that person that its airplanes hold only a limited 

airworthiness certificate; the significance of the airworthiness certificate as compared 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 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 manufacturing standards. In contrast, standard category airworthiness certificated 

aircraft are manufactured to FAA-approved standards, 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 

airplane—

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. 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. 

15. Lone Star Flight Museum will notify the Houston FSDO within 24 hours of any of the following 

occurrences by written report, by electronic mail, or by facsimile: 

a. Each in-flight fire in any system or area that requires activation of any fire suppression system 

or discharge of a portable fire extinguisher. 

b. Each exhaust system component failure including the turbocharger components that causes 

damage to any engine, structure, cowling, or components. 
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c. Each airplane 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. 

d. Except for training, each occurrence of engine shutdown or propeller feathering, and the 

reason for such shutdown or feathering. 

e. Each failure of the propeller governing systems or feathering systems. 

f. Any landing gear system or component failures or malfunctions, which require use of 

emergency or standby extension systems. 

g. Each failure or malfunction of the wheel brake systems that causes loss of brake control on 

the ground. 

h. Each airplane structure that requires major repair due to damage, deformation, or corrosion, 

and the method of repair. 

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

j. Each malfunction, failure, or defect in any system or component that requires taking 

emergency action of any type during the course of any flight. 

k. For the purpose of this section, "during flight" means the period from the moment the 

airplane leaves the surface of the earth on takeoff until it touches down on landing. 

16. 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 miles and a minimum ceiling of not 

less than 1,500 feet AGL; 

e. Passenger-carrying operations for compensation may be conducted at distances greater than 

25 statute miles of the departure airport up to 50 statute miles with concurrence of the FAA 

FSDO having geographic responsibility for the aviation event. For such flights, landings are only 

permitted at the departure airport;

f. For passenger-carrying flights greater than 25 statute miles from the departure airport and up 

to 50 statute miles, the PIC will obtain weather reports and forecasts prior to flight and valid for 
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the duration of the proposed operation that indicate that the weather would be no less than 5 

statute miles visibility and cloud ceilings no less than 2,000 feet AGL. Passenger-carrying 

operations shall be terminated if ceiling and visibility become less than the minimum required 

by these conditions and limitations. Weather forecasts listing discriminators such as probability 

(PROB), becoming (BECOMG), or temporarily (TEMPO) shall be limiting; and 

g. The aircraft may only be operated from an airport that has a fire station or fire-fighting 

services available or within close proximity of the airport. 

17. No persons other than the assigned flight crewmembers may be permitted on the pilot station of the 

aircraft during flight operations.

18. All 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. 

19. All aircraft will have the equipment listed in §§ 91.205(b) and 91.207 and that equipment must be in 

an operable condition during the flight. 

20. Lone Star Flight Museum 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 under §§ 509(a)(1) 

and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code. 

21. Lone Star Flight Museum will notify the Houston FSDO 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. 

22. No later than 72 hours prior to commencing flight operations under the terms of this grant of 

exemption, Lone Star Flight Museum must notify the jurisdictional FAA FSDO where it intends to 

conduct the flight operations.

23. The PIC is prohibited from performing aerobatic flight while passengers are onboard the aircraft. 
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24. For all aircraft subject to this exemption, flight within 500 feet of another aircraft (i.e., formation 

flying) is prohibited. 

25. Prior to flight, the PIC will ensure that a passenger briefing meeting the scope and content of § 

135.117 has been provided to the passenger(s). 

26. No persons other than the assigned flight crewmembers may be permitted to manipulate the flight 

controls during flight operations. 

27. 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. 

28. Lone Star Flight Museum must develop a continuous analysis and management program for all 

aircraft subject to this exemption that ensures compliance with its inspection program, training 

program, and conditions and limitations of this exemption.
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Appendix

List of FARs referenced in the Operations manual:

§91.409 Inspections.

(e) Large airplanes (to which part 125 is not applicable), turbojet multiengine airplanes, turbopropellerpowered multiengine airplanes, and turbine-powered rotorcraft. No person may operate a large 

airplane, turbojet multiengine airplane, turbopropeller-powered multiengine airplane, or turbinepowered rotorcraft unless the replacement times for life-limited parts specified in the aircraft 

specifications, type data sheets, or other documents approved by the Administrator are complied with 

and the airplane or turbine-powered rotorcraft, including the airframe, engines, propellers, rotors, 

appliances, survival equipment, and emergency equipment, is inspected in accordance with an 

inspection program selected under the provisions of paragraph (f) of this section, except that, the owner 

or operator of a turbine-powered rotorcraft may elect to use the inspection provisions of §91.409(a), 

(b), (c), or (d) in lieu of an inspection option of §91.409(f). 

(f) Selection of inspection program under paragraph (e) of this section. The registered owner or operator 

of each airplane or turbine-powered rotorcraft described in paragraph (e) of this section must select, 

identify in the aircraft maintenance records, and use one of the following programs for the inspection of 

the aircraft: 

(1) A continuous airworthiness inspection program that is part of a continuous airworthiness 

maintenance program currently in use by a person holding an air carrier operating certificate or 

an operating certificate issued under part 121 or 135 of this chapter and operating that make 

and model aircraft under part 121 of this chapter or operating that make and model under part 

135 of this chapter and maintaining it under §135.411(a)(2) of this chapter. 

(2) An approved aircraft inspection program approved under §135.419 of this chapter and 

currently in use by a person holding an operating certificate issued under part 135 of this 

chapter. 

(3) A current inspection program recommended by the manufacturer. 

(4) Any other inspection program established by the registered owner or operator of that 

airplane or turbine-powered rotorcraft and approved by the Administrator under paragraph (g) 

of this section. However, the Administrator may require revision of this inspection program in 

accordance with the provisions of §91.415.

Each operator shall include in the selected program the name and address of the person 

responsible for scheduling the inspections required by the program and make a copy of that 

program available to the person performing inspections on the aircraft and, upon request, to 

the Administrator. 
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(g) Inspection program approved under paragraph (e) of this section. Each operator of an airplane or 

turbine-powered rotorcraft desiring to establish or change an approved inspection program under 

paragraph (f)(4) of this section must submit the program for approval to the local FAA Flight Standards 

district office having jurisdiction over the area in which the aircraft is based. The program must be in 

writing and include at least the following information: 

(1) Instructions and procedures for the conduct of inspections for the particular make and 

model airplane or turbine-powered rotorcraft, including necessary tests and checks. The 

instructions and procedures must set forth in detail the parts and areas of the airframe, engines, 

propellers, rotors, and appliances, including survival and emergency equipment required to be 

inspected. 

(2) A schedule for performing the inspections that must be performed under the program 

expressed in terms of the time in service, calendar time, number of system operations, or any 

combination of these. 

Sec. 135.117

Briefing of passengers before flight.

(a) Before each takeoff each pilot in command of an aircraft carrying passengers shall ensure that all 

passengers have been orally briefed on—

(1) Smoking. Each passenger shall be briefed on when, where, and under what conditions 

smoking is prohibited (including, but not limited to, any applicable requirements of part 252 of 

this title). This briefing shall include a statement that the Federal Aviation Regulations require 

passenger compliance with the lighted passenger information signs (if such signs are required), 

posted placards, areas designated for safety purposes as no smoking areas, and crewmember 

instructions with regard to these items. The briefing shall also include a statement (if the aircraft 

is equipped with a lavatory) that Federal law prohibits: tampering with, disabling, or destroying 

any smoke detector installed in an aircraft lavatory; smoking in lavatories; and, when applicable, 

smoking in passenger compartments.

(2) The use of safety belts, including instructions on how to fasten and unfasten the safety belts. 

Each passenger shall be briefed on when, where, and under what conditions the safety belt 

must be fastened about that passenger. This briefing shall include a statement that the Federal 

Aviation Regulations require passenger compliance with lighted passenger information signs and 

crewmember instructions concerning the use of safety belts.

(3) The placement of seat backs in an upright position before takeoff and landing;

(4) Location and means for opening the passenger entry door and emergency exits;

(5) Location of survival equipment;

(6) If the flight involves extended overwater operation, ditching procedures and the use of 
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required flotation equipment;

(7) If the flight involves operations above 12,000 feet MSL, the normal and emergency use of 

oxygen; and

(8) Location and operation of fire extinguishers

(b) Before each takeoff the pilot in command shall ensure that each person who may need the 

assistance of another person to move expeditiously to an exit if an emergency occurs and that person's 

attendant, if any, has received a briefing as to the procedures to be followed if an evacuation occurs. 

This paragraph does not apply to a person who has been given a briefing before a previous leg of a flight 

in the same aircraft.

(c) The oral briefing required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be given by the pilot in command or a 

crewmember.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section, for aircraft certificated to carry 19 

passengers or less, the oral briefing required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be given by the pilot in 

command, a crewmember, or other qualified person designated by the certificate holder and approved 

by the Administrator.

(e) The oral briefing required by paragraph (a) of this section must be supplemented by printed cards 

which must be carried in the aircraft in locations convenient for the use of each passenger. The cards 

must—

(1) Be appropriate for the aircraft on which they are to be used;

(2) Contain a diagram of, and method of operating, the emergency exits; and

(3) Contain other instructions necessary for the use of emergency equipment on board the 

aircraft; and

(4) No later than June 12, 2005, for scheduled Commuter passenger-carrying flights, include the 

sentence, "Final assembly of this aircraft was completed in [INSERT NAME OF COUNTRY]."]

(f) The briefing required by paragraph (a) may be delivered by means of an approved recording playback 

device that is audible to each passenger under normal noise levels.

Sec. 91.205b

Powered civil aircraft with standard category U.S. airworthiness certificates: Instrument and 

equipment requirements.

(a) General. Except as provided in paragraphs (c)(3) and (e) of this section, no person may operate a 

powered civil aircraft with a standard category U.S. airworthiness certificate in any operation described 

in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section unless that aircraft contains the instruments and equipment 
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specified in those paragraphs (or FAA-approved equivalents) for that type of operation, and those 

instruments and items of equipment are in operable condition. 

(b) Visual-flight rules (day). For VFR flight during the day, the following instruments and equipment are 

required: 

(1) Airspeed indicator. 

(2) Altimeter. 

(3) Magnetic direction indicator. 

(4) Tachometer for each engine. 

(5) Oil pressure gauge for each engine using pressure system. 

(6) Temperature gauge for each liquid-cooled engine. 

(7) Oil temperature gauge for each air-cooled engine. 

(8) Manifold pressure gauge for each altitude engine. 

(9) Fuel gauge indicating the quantity of fuel in each tank. 

(10) Landing gear position indicator, if the aircraft has a retractable landing gear. 

(11) For small civil airplanes certificated after March 11, 1996, in accordance with part 23 of this 

chapter, an approved aviation red or aviation white anti-collision light system. In the event of 

failure of any light of the anti-collision light system, operation of the aircraft may continue to a 

location where repairs or replacement can be made. 

(12) If the aircraft is operated for hire over water and beyond power-off gliding distance from 

shore, approved flotation gear readily available to each occupant and, unless the aircraft is 

operating under part 121 of this subchapter, at least one pyrotechnic signaling device. As used 

in this section, "shore" means that area of the land adjacent to the water which is above the 

high water mark and excludes land areas which are intermittently under water. 

(13) An approved safety belt with an approved metal-to-metal latching device for each occupant 

2 years of age or older. 

(14) For small civil airplanes manufactured after July 18, 1978, an approved shoulder harness for 

each front seat. The shoulder harness must be designed to protect the occupant from serious 

head injury when the occupant experiences the ultimate inertia forces specified in Sec. 

23.561(b)(2) of this chapter. Each shoulder harness installed at a flight crewmember station 

must permit the crewmember, when seated and with the safety belt and shoulder harness 

fastened, to perform all functions necessary for flight operations. For purposes of this 

paragraph--
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(i) The date of manufacture of an airplane is the date the inspection acceptance records 

reflect that the airplane is complete and meets the FAA-approved type design data; and 

(ii) A front seat is a seat located at a flight crewmember station or any seat located 

alongside such a seat.

(15) An emergency locator transmitter, if required by Sec. 91.207. 

(16) For normal, utility, and acrobatic category airplanes with a seating configuration, excluding 

pilot seats, of 9 or less, manufactured after December 12, 1986, a shoulder harness for--

(i) Each front seat that meets the requirements of Sec. 23.785 (g) and (h) of this chapter 

in effect on December 12, 1985; 

(ii) Each additional seat that meets the requirements of Sec. 23.785(g) of this chapter in 

effect on December 12, 1985.

(17) For rotorcraft manufactured after September 16, 1992, a shoulder harness for each seat 

that meets the requirements of Sec. 27.2 or Sec. 29.2 of this chapter in effect on September 16, 

1991.

Sec. 91.207

Emergency locator transmitters.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section, no person may operate a U.S.-registered 

civil airplane unless—

(1) There is attached to the airplane an approved automatic type emergency locator transmitter 

that is in operable condition for the following operations, except that after June 21, 1995, an 

emergency locator transmitter that meets the requirements of TSO-C91 may not be used for 

new installations:

(i) Those operations governed by the supplemental air carrier and commercial operator 

rules of parts 121 and 125;

(ii) Charter flights governed by the domestic and flag air carrier rules of part 121 of this 

chapter; and

(iii) Operations governed by part 135 of this chapter; or

(2) For operations other than those specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, there 

must be attached to the airplane an approved personal type or an approved automatic 

type emergency locator transmitter that is in operable condition, except that after June 
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21, 1995, an emergency locator transmitter that meets the requirements of TSO-C91 

may not be used for new installations.

(b) Each emergency locator transmitter required by paragraph (a) of this section must be attached to 

the airplane in such a manner that the probability of damage to the transmitter in the event of crash 

impact is minimized. Fixed and deployable automatic type transmitters must be attached to the airplane 

as far aft as practicable.

(c) Batteries used in the emergency locator transmitters required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this

section must be replaced (or recharged, if the batteries are rechargeable)—

(1) When the transmitter has been in use for more than 1 cumulative hour; or

(2) When 50 percent of their useful life (or, for rechargeable batteries, 50 percent of their useful 

life of charge) has expired, as established by the transmitter manufacturer under its approval.

The new expiration date for replacing (or recharging) the battery must be legibly marked on the 

outside of the transmitter and entered in the aircraft maintenance record. Paragraph (c)(2) of 

this section does not apply to batteries (such as water-activated batteries) that are essentially 

unaffected during probable storage intervals.

(d) Each emergency locator transmitter required by paragraph (a) of this section must be inspected 

within 12 calendar months after the last inspection for—

(1) Proper installation;

(2) Battery corrosion;

(3) Operation of the controls and crash sensor; and

(4) The presence of a sufficient signal radiated from its antenna.

(e) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, a person may—

(1) Ferry a newly acquired airplane from the place where possession of it was taken to a place 

where the emergency locator transmitter is to be installed; and

(2) Ferry an airplane with an inoperative emergency locator transmitter from a place where 

repairs or replacements cannot be made to a place where they can be made.

No person other than required crewmembers may be carried aboard an airplane being ferried 

under paragraph (e) of this section.

(f) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to--

(1) Before January 1, 2004, turbojet-powered aircraft; 

(2) Aircraft while engaged in scheduled flights by scheduled air carriers;

(3) Aircraft while engaged in training operations conducted entirely within a 50-nautical mile 

radius of the airport from which such local flight operations began;

(4) Aircraft while engaged in flight operations incident to design and testing;
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(5) New aircraft while engaged in flight operations incident to their manufacture, preparation, 

and delivery;

(6) Aircraft while engaged in flight operations incident to the aerial application of chemicals and 

other substances for agricultural purposes;

(7) Aircraft certificated by the Administrator for research and development purposes;

(8) Aircraft while used for showing compliance with regulations, crew training, exhibition, air 

racing, or market surveys;

(9) Aircraft equipped to carry not more than one person; and

(10) An aircraft during any period for which the transmitter has been temporarily removed for 

inspection, repair, modification, or replacement, subject to the following:

(i) No person may operate the aircraft unless the aircraft records contain an entry which 

includes the date of initial removal, the make, model, serial number, and reason for 

removing the transmitter, and a placard located in view of the pilot to show "ELT not 

installed."

(ii) No person may operate the aircraft more than 90 days after the ELT is initially 

removed from the aircraft; and 

(11) On and after January 1, 2004, aircraft with a maximum payload capacity of more than 

18,000 pounds when used in air transportation.]