Exemption No. XXXXX

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

WASHINGTON, DC 20591

In the matter of the petition of

SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT

for an exemption from § 91.313(a, b)

of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations

Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2013-XXXX

GRANT OF EXEMPTION

By letter dated May 23, 2013, Mr. Joseph P. Brennan, Chief Program Pilot, Standardization and 

Safety, Main Street – P.O. Box 9729, Stratford, Connecticut, 06615-9129, petitioned

the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on behalf of Sikorsky Aircraft for an exemption 

from § 91.313 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). The proposed exemption, if

granted, would permit Sikorsky to conduct part 61 flight crewmember training in a restricted 

category aircraft.

The petitioner requires relief from the following regulations:

Section 91.313(a) prescribes, in pertinent part, that no person may operate a restricted

category civil aircraft for other than the special purpose for which it is certificated; or in

an operation other than one necessary to accomplish the work activity directly associated 

with that special purpose.

Section 91.313(b) prescribes, in pertinent part, that operating a restricted category civil

aircraft to provide flight crewmember training in a special purpose operation for which

the aircraft is certificated is considered to be an operation for that special purpose.

The petitioner supports its request with the following information:

The petitioner requests an exemption from § 91.313(a, b) to conduct training required by Part 61

in a restricted category Sikorsky S-61. The petitioner does not own an S-61 and requires type 

rated pilots to support S-61 short body production. Sikorsky asserts that the availability of 

standard category, short body S-61 in the United States is extremely limited. The use of this

rotorcraft is vital to provide flight crewmember initial type rating training and recurrent Pilot-inCommand proficiency checks for pilots supporting aircraft production for the Department of 

State. This S-61 is virtually identically configured to its standard category counterpart and 

therefore, conducting the requested training poses no additional risk to the public.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for waiving the requirement for Federal Register 

publication because the exemption, if granted, would not set a precedent, and any delay in acting 

on this petition would be detrimental to Sikorsky Aircraft and the Department of State.
The FAA's analysis is as follows:

The FAA has reviewed the information submitted by Sikorsky. The FAA has determined that a 

grant of exemption is appropriate. Thus, as outlined below, the FAA has determined that a grant 

of exemption would be in the public interest and not have an adverse impact on safety.

Airworthiness standards for restricted category aircraft are not designed to provide the same

level of safety that is required for aircraft certificated in the standard category under parts 23

and 29 that are required for use in part 91. The operating limitations set forth in § 91.313 are 

designed to compensate for this and to provide the necessary level of safety for special purpose 

operations. See Amdt 9 1-12, 30 FR 2531 , 2532 (Feb. 25, 1965); see also 33 FR 12825 (Sept. II, 

1968) (adding allowance to conduct training related to the special purpose for which the aircraft 

was certificated). The training operations the petitioner proposes to conduct can be safely 

conducted in accordance with the safety standards set forth in part 91. The FAA finds in light of 

the public interest to support the Department of State that a grant of exemption is warranted

to ensure pilots are properly trained and qualified. 

The FAA has reviewed the petitioner's assertions that "the restricted category S-61 is virtually

identically configured to its standard category counterpart." The FAA recognizes that this S-61

is equipped to ensure full and constant radio communications. It is also capable of instrument

landing approaches. The FAA has determined, based on the equipment installed and capabilities 

of this rotorcraft, in conjunction with the conditions and limitations set forth below, that an 

equivalent level of safety to that set forth by the regulation may be established.

The FAA's Decision

In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. §§ 40113 and 44701, delegated to

me by the Administrator, Sikorsky Aircraft is granted an exemption from § 91.313(a, b) to

the extent necessary to allow Sikorsky to conduct training required under Part 61 in a

restricted category rotorcraft S-61, subject to the conditions and limitations listed below.

Conditions and Limitations

1. This exemption is only valid until a standard category, short body S-61 aircraft becomes 

available for use by Sikorsky. This exemption will terminate upon the availability of a standard

category S-61 rotorcraft operated, leased, or owned by Sikorsky Aircraft.

2. This exemption is limited to Sikorsky S-61A, N561SC, serial number 61272.

3. No operations for compensation or hire shall be conducted during operations under this

exemption.

4. All routes and training locations must be suitable to the FAA inspector conducting the check 

or as authorized by the CHDO if a check airman is permitted to conduct the check.

5. Sikorsky may only use this aircraft for the special purposes identified on the restricted 

category airworthiness certificate for the rotorcraft and the following training required under part 

61:

a. Sections 61.31, 61.55, 61.58. To complete checks and evaluations required by §61.31 and 

61.58 the aircraft must be certificated for flight into instrument meteorological conditions;

6. An aircraft configuration analysis including but not limited to flight deck, flight manual, 

operating limitations, and procedures must be completed and provided to the CHDO reflecting 
the capability of the aircraft to perform all required procedures and maneuvers to meet part 61 

training and checking requirements. 

7. No person may operate this S-6IA, N56ISC, serial number 61272, helicopter at a weight 

greater than the weight that, with the critical engine inoperative, would permit a rate of climb of 

at least 50 feet per minute at an altitude of at least 1,000 feet above the elevation of the highest 

ground or obstruction within the area to be operated or at an altitude of 5,000 feet, whichever is 

higher.

8. The aircraft must be maintained in accordance with the Sikorsky equalized inspection and 

maintenance program SA 4047-13. The operator must provide a written report validating 

compliance before beginning training or checking and quarterly thereafter. The report will also 

include validation that life-limits have not been exceeded.

9. A copy of this exemption most be provided to the POI and must be carried aboard the aircraft 

at all times.

10. Failure to meet any of the conditions of this exemption immediately cancels the authority 

authorized by this exemption.

Issued in Washington, D.C., on May XX, 2013.

Flight Standards Service