November 26, 2014

Exemption No. 6631L

Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2000-8468

Mr. Raymond F. Hunter

Assistant Director of Flight Operations

Yankee Air Force

1601 Dicken Drive

Ann Harbor, MI 48103

Dear Mr. Hunter:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your petition to extend Exemption No. 6631, 

as amended. It explains the basis for our decision and describes its effect.

The Basis for Our Decision

By letter dated September 5, 2014, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

on behalf of Yankee Air Force, Inc. (Yankee Air Force), for an extension of Exemption

No. 6631, as amended. That exemption from §§ 91.315, 119.5(g), and 119.21(a) of Title 14, 

Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) allows Yankee Air Force to operate its North 

American B-25 (B-25) and Boeing B-17 (B-17) 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 basis 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 on this petition would be detrimental to Yankee Air Force.

AFS-14-454-E
2

Our Decision

The FAA has modified and/or added to the conditions and limitations of Exemption No. 6631 

to address several issues raised by another exemption holder. These changes are to clarify the 

original content, and further define the intent and provide consistency of the safety-related 

aspects of the conditions and limitations. The FAA will be making these changes to all living 

history flight experience (LHFE) exemptions as they are amended or extended.

Please note that the conditions and limitations included with an exemption are not based on 

specific regulations but are the FAA’s means of ensuring that the exemption would provide a 

level of safety at least equal to that provided by the rule(s) from which you seek the 

exemption. This may necessitate limitations that go beyond the established regulations due to 

the fact that the proposed operation is, by its need for an exemption, outside the normal 

regulatory structure.

The FAA has determined that the justification for the issuance of Exemption No. 6631, as 

amended, remains valid with respect to this exemption and is in the public interest. Therefore, 

under the authority provided by 49 U.S.C. §§ 106(f), 40113 and 44701, which the FAA 

Administrator has delegated to me, I grant the Yankee Air Force, Inc. petition for exemption 

from §§ 91.315, 119.5(g), and 119.21(a), subject to the following conditions and limitations.

Conditions and Limitations

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

a. B-17, N3193G

b. B-25, N3774

2. Yankee Air Force must 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 PIC must—

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

multiengine land rating, an airplane instrument rating, and a B-17 or B-25, as 

appropriate, unrestricted type rating;
3

b. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Yankee Air Force’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, Yankee Air Force'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 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) must —

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

multiengine land rating and an airplane instrument rating;

b. Have completed within the previous 12 calendar months, Yankee Air Force’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, Yankee Air Force’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.
4

5. Yankee Air Force must 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 TASK

a. General information and description of the airplane;

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 crewmembers;

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

emergency equipment, including—

1. First aid equipment and its proper use; and

2. 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—

1. 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

2. 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
5

6. Yankee Air Force must 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 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 

Yankee Air Force:

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
6

(iii) Rejected landing

(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. Yankee Air Force must 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 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
7

these areas prior to serving in an SIC position in the B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, for

Yankee Air Force:

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. Yankee Air Force 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 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 Detroit 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. YAF must notify the Detroit FSDO at least 5 working days (Monday through Friday) 

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.

11. Yankee Air Force 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 

Detroit FSDO. That documentation and records must contain the following 

information:
8

a. Date of each training session. 

b. Date of each testing session.

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.

12. When requested, Yankee Air Force’s pilot qualification and recurrent ground- and 

flight-training programs and/or records listed in condition Nos. 5, 6, 7, and 10 must be 

made available to the Detroit FSDO, Willow Run Airport – East Side, 8800 Beck 

Road, Belleville, Michigan 48111, (734) 487-7222.

13. Yankee Air Force must 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.

14. Yankee Air Force 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 Yankee Air Force 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; and

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.
9

15. Before permitting a person to be carried on board its airplane for the purposes 

authorized under this exemption, Yankee Air Force 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.

16. Yankee Air Force must notify the Detroit 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.

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.
10

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.

17. 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. The 

operator must provide information pertaining to the proposed route of flight,

which will avoid densely populated areas or congested airways in accordance with

14 CFR § 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 congested 

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 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
11

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 firefighting services available or within close proximity of the airport.

18. No persons other than the assigned flight crewmembers may be permitted on the pilot 

station of the aircraft during flight operations.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. Yankee Air Force 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.

22. Yankee Air Force must notify the Detroit 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.

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

grant of exemption, Yankee Air Force must notify the jurisdictional FAA FSDO where 

it intends to conduct the flight operations and shall provide a copy of this exemption to 

that jurisdictional FAA FSDO.

24. The PIC is prohibited from performing aerobatic flight while passengers are onboard 

the aircraft.

25. For all aircraft subject to this exemption, flight within 500 feet of another aircraft

(i.e., formation flying) is prohibited.

26. Prior to flight, the PIC must ensure that a passenger briefing meeting the scope and 

content of § 135.117 has been provided to the passenger(s).

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

manipulate the flight controls during flight operations.

28. 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.
12

29. Yankee Air Force 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.

30. This exemption is not valid for operation outside the United States.

31. 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. 6631, as 

amended.

The Effect of Our Decision

Our decision extends the termination date of Exemption No. 6631, as amended, to

November 30, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely,

//s//

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service