AFS-11-047-E Dec 13 2010 Exemption No. 8551D Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2005-20651

Mr. Michael J. Grimm Director of Flight Operations Aero Union Corporation 3237 Peacekeeper Way, Suite 201 McClellan, CA 95952

Dear Mr. Grimm:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your petition to extend Exemption No. 8551, as amended. It explains the basis for our decision and describes its effect.

The Basis for Our Decision

By letter dated November 11, 2010, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on behalf of Aero Union Corporation (AUC) for an extension of Exemption No. 8551, as amended. That exemption from § 91.611 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) allows AUC to conduct ferry flight s with one engine inoperative on its eight

Lockheed P-3A/B aircraft without obtaini ng a special flight permit for each flight.

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 AUC.

Our Decision

The FAA has determined that the justification for the issuance of Exemption No. 8551, 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. 40113 and 44701, which the FAA2

Administrator has delegated to me, I grant your petition, subject to the conditions and

limitations listed below.

Conditions and Limitations

1. Before exercising the privileges of this exemption, an appropriately rated and certificated maintenance technician must inspect and review the following to determine if the aircraft is in safe condition for a one-engine-inoperative ferry flight:

a. the affected airplane, its engines, and maintenance records;

b. the aircraft maintenance manual;

c. the instructions for continued airworthiness; and

d. the discrepancy logs.

The technician must determine whether the propeller brake may be used to lock the propeller of the affected engine to prevent windmilling with the propeller in the featherhead position. If the propeller brake is inoperative, the propeller must be removed, the engine intake plugged, and a plate installed to prevent air damage to the cowling. The technician must make an entry in the aircraft’s maintenance records certifying that the airplane is in safe condition for a one-engine-inoperative flight.

2. One-engine-inoperative ferry flights are permitted only when visual flight conditions are forecast at points of takeoff and la nding or any alternate points of landing.

3. One-engine-inoperative ferry flights are permitted only with crew essential to the flight.

4. Before exercising the privileges of this exemption, AUC must provide the Sacramento Flight Standards District Office (FS DO), 6650 Belleau Wood Lane, Sacramento, California 95822, with a current copy of its policy and procedures manual. Although the FSDO shall not approve or accept the policy and procedures manual, AUC must also provide the FSDO with any changes to that manual. If changes to the manual affect the provisions of this exemption, no one-engine-inoperative ferry flights can be conducted until the change is reviewed by the FAA and its impact on the conditions of the exemption is determined.

5. Before exercising the privileges of this exemption, AUC must provide the Sacramento FSDO with the names and position title of management personnel with responsibility for the Air Tanker Division. During the use of this exemption, the Air Tanker Division must promptly notify the Sacramento FSDO of any changes in management personnel or Air Tanker Division policies and procedures. If changes to Air Tanker Division management personnel policies or procedures affect the provisions of this exemption, no one-engine-inoperative ferry flights can be conducted until the change3

is reviewed by the FAA and its impact on the conditions of the exemption is

determined.

6. When exercising the privileges of this exemption, one-engine-inoperative ferry flights must be conducted by a dedicated ferry fli ghtcrew. This flightcrew must receive appropriate training in three-engine ferry flights that is in accordance with AUC’s three-engine ferry procedures and policy manual that is acceptable to the Sacramento

FSDO.

7. When exercising the privileges of this exemption, the operating weight of the P-3 is limited to 100,000 pounds maximum, unless further limited by climb performance, field altitude, runway length, or temperatures. Takeoffs must be made from a dry runway surface with consideration given to existing crosswind with regard to required runway length and directional control.

8. When exercising the privileges of this exemption, the operating weight of the P-3 airplanes must be the minimum necessary for the one-engine-inoperative ferry flight with necessary reserve fuel load.

9. The approved flight manual for each airplane operated pursuant to this exemption must contain performance data and operating and maintenance procedures for the safe operation of the airplane as required by § 91.611.

The Effect of Our Decision

Our decision extends the termination date of Exemption No. 8551, as amended, to April 30, 2013, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/ Raymond Towles Acting Director, Flight Standards

Service