AFS-13-109-E January 17, 2013

Exemption No. 6631K 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 Novem ber 29, 2012, 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.2

Our Decision

The FAA has m odified 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.

Limitation No. 18 had previously given the inco rrect impression that the aircraft could be operated at weights greater than permitted by operating limitations. The wording was revised to clarify that the aircraft must be operated within the weight and balance limitations prescribed at all times.

Limitation No. 23 has been added to ensure that the intent of the exemption is clear. Passengers wishing to experience aerobatics can obt ain rides in aircraft type certificated for aerobatics. The (LHFE) exemptions are designed to provide for experiences not otherwise available to the public. Therefore, this limitation will be added to all LHFE exemptions in order to clarify the intent of the exemptions.

Limitation No. 24 prohibits formation flight. Formation flight is already prohibited by § 91.111(b) but this is added to ensure that the exemption holders have a clear understanding
of this restriction. This limitation will be added to all LHFE exemptions to clarify the intent of the exemptions.

Limitation No 25 requires a preflight briefing but permits other than the PIC to provide the necessary preflight briefing; however, Yankee Air Force is reminded that in accordance with § 91.107(a)(2), the briefing remains a PIC responsibility. This requirement will be added to all LHFE exemptions.

Limitation No. 26 is added to clarify the issue of manipulating the flight controls. The LHFE exemptions have never permitted the passengers to manipulate the flight controls. Only trained crewmembers may manipulate the flight controls. This clarification will be added to all LHFE exemptions.

Limitation No. 28 is added to require that operators of LHFE 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. This requirement will be added to all LHFE exemptions.3

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. 40113 and 44701, which the FAA Administrator has delegated to me, I grant your petition, 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 a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane multiengine land rating, an airplane instrument rating, and a B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, type rating;

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 PIC4

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 a 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.

5. Yankee Air Force must develop and maintain a written B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, qualification and recurrent ground training progr am 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 TASKS 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;5

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— A. First aid equipment and its proper use; and B. 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—

A. 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 B. 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

6. Yankee Air Force must develop and maintain a written B-17 or B-25, as appropriate, qualification and recurrent flight training progr am 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 & Departures6

(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 (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 progr am 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 training7

within the previous 12 calendar months and be found to be competent and proficient in 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 12 th 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. 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:

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.8

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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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 certif icate, medical certificate, qualifications, and initial and recurrent training and testing documentation to comply with condition Nos. 3, 4, 8, and 10; 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.

14. 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 requirements9

of §§ 91.315, 91.319, 119.5(g), and 119.21(a). The e xplanation 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.

15. 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.

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.10

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.

16. 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 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.

17. No persons other than the assigned flight crewmembers may be permitted on the pilot station of the aircraft during flight operations.11

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

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

the aircraft.

24. For all aircraft subject to this exemption, flight within 500 feet of another aircraft (i.e., formation flying) is prohibited.

25. 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).

26. No persons other than the assigned flight crewmembers may be permitted to manipulate the flight controls during flight operations.

27. 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.

28. 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.

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.12

The Effect of Our Decision

Our decision extends the term ination date of Exemption No. 6631, as amended, to November 31, 2015, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/
John M. Allen Director, Flight Standards Service