Record of Telephone & E-mail Communication

September 4, 2014

Docket No. FAA-2014-0482

CAF Petition for Exemption From 91.319(c) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations

Exemption No. 10853

From: Vasconcelos, Miguel (FAA) 

Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2014 1:10 PM

To: Glista, Tom (FAA)

Subject: Proposed E-mail to CAF (Bob Stenevik)

Mr. Stenevik,

As discussed, below are some questions to assist in an Equal level of Safety (ELoS) for N529B 

as required by 14 CFR Part 11 and using a SMS-based process. We put together these questions 

so as to have a structured starting point or baseline for this process. By definition, ensuring an 

adequate level of safety in this case, is a two-way street which requires the operator’s input, 

adjustments, and alternatives. If any other issues come up, we’ll pass them along as well. If this 

concept is workable, the format can be adjusted to the B-24 as well.

Please call if you have any questions or if any issue requires clarification. I can be reached at 

(202) 385-9634.

Thanks

Miguel Vasconcelos

Aviation Safety Analyst

AFS-830

FAA - HQ

Initial ELoS Questions (B-29)

1. What are the design and manufacturing features of the B-29 that create hazardous 

conditions which could impact people and property being overflown which would 

not be found by the operation of a similar civil type, i.e. DC-7?

2. What safety data do you have concerning the aircraft while in service such as 

accident rate and types and classification of accidents? In other words, what 

failed and what is likely to fail, and how, and what is being done to mitigate these.

3. How have you incorporated the applicable Air Force Regulations and SOPs 

(operational) applicable to the B-29 to CAF’s operations?

4. What is the technical substantiation for the modifications to the R-3350 engines (-95 

Powercase & -26 Blower) installed in the aircraft? Please submit a copy of these 

materials to include a reliability analysis, proving & validation test data. 

5. How were engine-related issues in the C-119 and Douglas AD-series considered? 

Was the -95 and the -26 option chosen because these were available and 
affordable or because a civil certificated version of the powerplant was not 

technically possible? Please explain.

6. What is the modification status of the aircraft? Please submit relevant records, 

especially those made to the aircraft after it was grounded in 2006?

7. What is being done to address the recent deficiencies (Aug 2014) which resulted in 

the FSDO not accepting the AIP for N529B?

8. Can you provide a listing and data showing that all applicable USAF T.Os and 

TCTOs (to end of operational service) have been complied with?

9. What ADs, SBS, or other civil requirement/guidance applicable to the R-3350s and 

the propellers installed in N529B have been considered? In other words, what safety 

issues were addressed in the civil side are relevant to enhancing the safety of 

N529B?

10. What are all of the applicable USAF T.Os for the aircraft in effect at the time of 

retirement?

11. What flight emergencies, in-flight failures, and post-flight discrepancies have 

occurred since the aircraft returned to airworthy condition in August 2010?

12. Is the fire detection and suppression system functional and properly inspected?

13. What is the SOAP frequency and results since August 2010?

14. What are the details of the aging aircraft and corrosion control programs in place?

15. What are the configurations and redundancies installed in the aircraft?

16. The expectation is that the most experienced crew would be used. As such, can 

you please provide the qualifications and experienced of the proposed crew for 

the flight?

17. Can you provide information showing that the FE in the B-29 properly rated? 

18. What special pre-flight and post-flight inspections can be performed to enhance 

safety?

19. What QC processes are used in addressing supplier and parts acquisition and use?

20. Has the CAF implemented SMS/CRM/MRM/ORM? If so, please provide details.

21. On the issue of engine/powerplant and propeller failure and related issues, please 

provide the mitigating strategies for the following: 

 Engine Failure & Fire (Including Overheating, Magnesium Components, Accessory 

Drave Shaft, PRTs, Low Compression, Valves (e.g., Pounding), Cylinders, Metal in 

Sumps);
 APU Fire & Containment;

 Propeller Overspeed and Separation;

 Hydraulic & Electrical Failures;

 Tail Strike and Landing Gear Failure;

 MEL & Flight Abort Criteria;

22. What coordination has been done with other Military/Federal entities concerning 

the proposed overflight?

23. For flight over populated areas, please discuss and provide detail on the following:

 Egress/Ingress (Airports & Areas);

 Ground References & Landmarks;

 Formation, Mixed Formation, and In-Trail;

 Lateral Separation & Maneuvering Room;

 Straight & Level, Minimum Maneuvering;

 Rehearsal, if Special Event is Involved;

 Performance, e.g., (1) minimum airspeed for which it is still possible to climb away, 

without change of configuration, if any one engine fails, (2) symmetrical thrust 

should be maintained at all times, and power changes minimized, (3) glide ratio.

 In-Flight Divert Procedures Including Divert Airports (e.g. DCA, Andrews AFB) and 

Crash Landing Areas (e.g. Potomac River);

 Reduced operating weight, power settings;

From: Robert Stenevik [mailto:rstenevik@cafhq.org] 

Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2014 6:09 PM

To: Vasconcelos, Miguel (FAA)

Cc: Glista, Tom (FAA); rstenevik@cafhq.org

Subject: RE: ELoS for N529B and Overflight

Good Afternoon Miguel;

I’m glad we talked on the phone about this, however, it still looks like it is going to take many pages and 

lots of documents. I will attempt to put the information in a format to make review as easy as possible. 

However, while I am doing this, please send me any additional requirements/questions as soon as you 

get them. That way I can have some continuity when putting this together. 
Robert A. Stenevik

Vice President of Safety, Operations and Maintenance

Commemorative Air Force

817-705-5817