AFS-15-426-E

April 30, 2015

 Exemption No. 10754A

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2000-8179

Mr. Bob Frizzell

FAA Coordinator 

M7 Aerospace LLC

10823 N.E. Entrance Road

San Antonio, TX 78216

Dear Mr. Frizzell:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your petition to extend Exemption No. 

10754. It explains the basis for our decision, describes its effect, and lists the conditions and 

limitations.

The Basis for Our Decision

By letter dated January 14, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

on behalf of M7 Aerospace LLC (M7) for an extension of Exemption No. 10754. That 

exemption from § 91.531(a)(3) of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) allows M7 

to conduct test flights in SA227-CC and SA227-DC Metro 23 airplanes without a pilot 

designated as second in command (SIC). In addition, it permits all operators of M7 commuter 

category airplanes (SA227-CC, SA227-DC, and other airplanes on the same type certificate) 

to conduct flight operations without a designated SIC, provided the airplane is type 

certificated for single-pilot operations and is carrying nine or fewer passengers. 

In your petition, you indicate identical 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 M7.
2

Our Decision

The FAA has determined that the justification for the issuance of Exemption No. 10754

remains valid with respect to this exemption and is in the public interest. The FAA added 

Condition and Limitation No. 10 because the petition request did not contain a request for 

relief in accordance with § 11.83. Therefore, under the authority provided 

by 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113 and 44701, which the FAA Administrator has delegated to me, I 

grant M7 Aerospace LLC an exemption from 14 CFR § 91.531(a)(3) to allow M7 to conduct 

test flights in SA227-CC and SA227-DC Metro 23 airplanes without a pilot designated as 

SIC. In addition, it permits all operators of M7 commuter category airplanes (SA227-CC, 

SA227-DC, and other airplanes on the same type certificate) to conduct flight operations 

without a designated SIC, provided the airplane is type certificated for single-pilot operations 

and is carrying nine or fewer passengers, subject to the following conditions and limitations.

Conditions and Limitations

1. Operations under parts 121 or 135 are not permitted under this exemption. 

2. Each pilot operating under this exemption must use a boom microphone for air to 

ground and cockpit communications. 

3. This exemption applies only to M7 commuter category airplanes (SA227-CC, SA227-

DC, and other airplanes on that same type certificate). In addition, this exemption 

applies to those M7 commuter category airplanes that are type certificated for 

operations with one pilot and the airplane is carrying nine or fewer passengers. 

4. This exemption is limited to M7 operations for:

a. Production and experimental test flights;

b. Flights for the purpose of aircraft delivery or recovery;

c. Ferry flights for the purpose of obtaining maintenance; and

d. Other operations permitted by 14 CFR part 91, Subpart F, limited to a 

maximum of nine passengers. For the purpose of limiting the seating 

configuration to nine passenger seats, the seats not to be occupied must be 

placarded “Not to be Occupied” prior to the flight. 

5. Production and experimental test flights in SA227 series aircraft must be conducted in 

accordance with all policies identified in the M7 Corporation Flight Operations 

Procedures Manual, including but not limited to: 

 Pilot prerequisites

 Pilot data files

 Physical examinations

 Pilot in command recent flight experience

 Weather minimums
3

 Production test area and documentation

6. M7 may not exercise the privileges of this exemption for production and experimental 

test flights unless M7 holds a letter indicating acceptance of the M7 Corporation Flight 

Operations Manual from the FAA General Aviation & Commercial Division (AFS800). 

7. This exemption applies to operators of M7 commuter category airplanes (SA227-CC, 

SA227-DC, and other airplanes on that same certificate) and applies only to operations 

involving:

a. Flights for the purpose of delivery or recovery of those airplanes;

b. Ferry flights for the purpose of obtaining maintenance; and 

c. Other operations permitted by 14 CFR part 91, Subpart F, limited to a 

maximum of nine passengers. For the purpose of limiting the seating 

configuration to nine passenger seats, the seats not to be occupied must be 

placarded “Not to be Occupied” prior to the flight. 

8. No person may provide training nor may any person receive training while passengers 

are on board the aircraft during operations conducted under the privileges of this 

exemption. 

9. For single-pilot operations, each pilot in command must hold a type rating in the 

SA227 with no limitations (e.g., SIC required).

10. This exemption is not valid for operations outside the United States.

The Effect of Our Decision

This exemption terminates on April 30, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John Barbagallo

Acting Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service