AFS-13-393-E

September 11, 2013

 Exemption No. 10863

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2013-0476

Mr. Joseph P. Brennan 

Chief Program Pilot, Standardization and Safety 

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Main Street – P.O. Box 9729 

Stratford, Connecticut, 06615-9129

Dear Mr. Brennan:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our 

decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, 

including the date it ends.

The Basis for Our Decision

By letter dated May 23, 2013, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) for an exemption from § 91.313(a) and (b)

of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) to the extent necessary to allow Sikorsky

to conduct part 61 flight crewmember training in a restricted category aircraft.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to Sikorsky.

The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to 

those presented in your petition. In Grant of Exemption Nos. 5428, 8568, 10410A, 10410, 

10348 (copies enclosed), the FAA found that granting the exemption was appropriate.

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that—

• they are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in the enclosed Grant 

of Exemption Nos. 5428, 8568, 10410A, 10410, 10348,
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• the reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed Grant of Exemption Nos. 5428, 

8568, 10410A, 10410, 10348 also apply to the situation you present; and 

• a grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

Under the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 40113 and 44701, which the FAA Administrator 

has delegated to me, I hereby grant Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation an exemption from 

14 CFR § 91.313(a) and (b) to the extent necessary to conduct part 61 flight crewmember 

training in a restricted category aircraft, subject to the conditions and limitations described 

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, short body S-61 rotorcraft operated, leased, or 

owned by Sikorsky.

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 by the Certificate Holding District Office (CHDO) in the geographic 

region where the aircraft is based if a designee 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 by part 61, §§ 61.31 (a) and (b) (type rating requirements), and 

§ 61.58 (Pilot-in Command proficiency checks). 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 in the geographic region where the aircraft is based 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 Sikorsky S-6IA, N56ISC, serial number 61272, 

rotorcraft at a weight greater than the weight that, with the critical engine 
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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. Sikorsky must provide a 

written report validating compliance before beginning training or checking and 

quarterly thereafter. 

9. The report will also include validation that life-limits have not been exceeded.

10. A copy of this exemption most be provided to the CHDO in the geographic region 

where the aircraft is based and must be carried aboard the aircraft at all times.

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

authority authorized by this exemption.

This exemption terminates on September 30, 2015, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

Michael J. Zenkovich

Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures