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LSeptembers, 2011 

U.S. Oepartment of Transportation 

Docket Operations, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Exemption from FAR 91-313 

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Flying Fireman is certificated under Part 137 and operates a PBY-6A (N85U), which has a restricted type 

certificate for agriculture or firefighting purposes. (TC AR-22). 

The PBY is a historical aircraft with significance not only to the aviation community as a whole, but also 

those remembering its role in World War II. Given the significance of the PBY, Flying Fireman has been 

requested to attend air shows and special events honoring our World War II veterans. As such, we are 

requesting an exemption to the following provisions of FAR 91-313: 

(a) No person may operate a restricted category civil aircraft— 

(1) For other than the special purpose for which it is certificated; or 

(2) In an operation other than one necessary to accomplish the work activity directly associated 

with that special purpose 

(e) Except when operating in accordance with the terms and conditions of a certificate of waiver or special 

operating limitations issued by the Administrator, no person may operate a restricted category civil 

aircraft within the United States— 

(1) Over a densely populated area; 

(2) In a congested airway; or 

(3) Near a busy airport where passenger transport operations are conducted. 

PROPOSED OPERATION: _ _ ^ . __ ^ 

The proposed operation would involve flying N85U from Flying Fireman's designated base of operation 

or contract base to select air shows or veterans events. These events would consist of static display and 

select fly-by displays in coordination with air show coordinators. 

PUBLIC INTEREST: 

The PBY is an important part of aviation history and played and significant role in World War II. 

Participation in air shows and historic events provides our veterans with a glimpse into the past and 

allows them to tell their stories to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, keeping their 

memories alive. In addition, it allows all aviation students and enthusiasts to see one of the few PBY still 

actively flying in the world today and get a better understanding of its place in history. See attached PBY 

history (Exhibit A) 

26117 34^ Avenue East, Spanaway, WA 98387 
Flying Fireman, Inc. 

Exemption from FAR 91-313 

Pag e I 2 

NO IMPACT ON SAFETY: 

The proposed exemption will have no impact on safety. The modifications to N85U for firefighting do 

not impact the performance or flight characteristics of the aircraft. 

N85U is maintained and current on an FAA approved AAIP maintenance program in accordance with 

FAR PART 91-409(f)(4). This program was last approved on 9/21/2010. 

N85U is equipped for FAR Part 91IFR flight conditions and will be operated in accordance with 

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Air shows may be held in densely populated areas, in congested airways or near busy airports were 

passenger transport operations are conducted. However, air shows are coordinated with the FAA and 

TFR's typically restrict the traffic around the air show activity. In addition, the aircraft will be operated 

in accordance with FAR Part 91 rules. 

FOREIGN OPERATIONS: 

The Sitka Alaska Historical Society has requested the PBY for a large week long celebration being held in 

honor of Alaska's purchase from Russia, and a celebration of our Aviation History. Repositioning the 

aircraft from its base in Arlington, WA to Sitka, AK will necessitate flying through Canada. 

FEDERAL REGISTER SUMMARY: 

Flying Fireman, Inc. requests and exemption to 91-313 (a) and (e) for the purpose of attending air shows 

with its aircraft N85U. N85U is maintained and current on an Approved Aircraft Inspection Program 

(AAIP) in accordance with FAR Part 91-409(f)(4). In addition, the aircraft is equipped for flight under the 

applicable FAR Part 91 rules. 

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Noel Rude 

FLYING FIREMAN, INC. 

26117 34^''Avenue East 

Spanaway, WA 98387 

— Phoner-6i4-774-G782 - — — — - - -

Fax; 614-567-6229 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 614-774-0782. 

Regards, 

FLYING FIREMAN, INC. 

Noel Rude 

President 
Flying Fireman, Inc. 

Exemption from FAR 91-313 

Pag e I 3 

EXHIBIT A 

PBY HISTORY 

The Catalina PBY-6A is the latest version of the Consolidated Vultee Catalina flying boats. The aircraft 

was designed as water based patrol bomber for the U.S. Navy, but was used for reconnaissance, search 

and rescue, and cargo transport as well. The last PBY aircraft was retired from U.S. Navy service on 3 

January 1957. Other countries around the world utilized the Catalina well into the 1980's. It was one of 

themost widely used mufti-ro(e aircraft of World Ward and served with every branch of the U.S. 

Military and in the Air Forces and Navies of many other nations. 

Initially the PBY aircraft was designed as a water based flying boat but in 1939, at the request of the 

Army Air Corps, a landing gear system was developed for the PBY-5 and the amphibious version became 

the PBY-5A. Production of the PBY-5A began October 1941 and continued through January 1945 with 

803 of these aircraft built. 

The PBY-6A was the last variant of the aircraft and was produced from January 1945 through May 1945 

with a production run of 175 aircraft. The PBY-6A aircraft was amphibious, powered by two Pratt & 

Whitney R1830-92 engines generating 1200 HP each, with improvements over the PBY-5A including a 

taller vertical stabilizer, increased wing strength for greater carrying capacity, and an upgraded electrical 

system. 

From initial production of the PBY-1 aircraft to the final PBY-6A an estimated 4,051 aircraft were built. 

The PBY Catalina, (U.S. Navy designation of the Consolidated PBY), Cansos, (Canadian built under license 

by Canadian Vickers), and the GSTs (Soviet built version of the PBY-5 "Gydro Samoliot Transportnyj") 

saw military and civilian service around the world. All versions were produced between June 1937 and 

May 1945 and production ceased at the end of WW II. 

The first commercial use of the PBY was 29 June 1943 through July 1945 by Qantas Airlines. After WW II 

the amphibious version of the aircraft was utilized by many airlines for passenger and freight service. 

The current surviving aircraft are primarily used for aerial firefighting. 
Flying Fireman, Inc. 

Exemption from FAR 91-313 

Pag e I 4 

Flying Fireman 

Aircraft Inspection Program 

EXHIBIT B 

W&BForm 

Revision: Nine 

03.01.201 

N85U Aircraft Equipment List 

Aircraft N85U (SIN 64041) was weighed with the following equipment installed. 

2" Suction Gage (2) 

Accelerometer 

8 Day Clock 

Turns Slip Indicator (Electric) 

Vertical Speed Indicator 

Directional Gyro (2) 

VOR/GS Indicator 

Dual Manifold Pressure Gage 

Dual CHT Indicator 

Dual Fuel Pressure Gage 

Dual Oil Temperature Gage 

Hydraulic Pressure Gage (Main) 

Passenger Seat and Seat Belt (2) 

Captain Seat and Seat Belt 

Co-Pilot Seat and Seat Belt 

Wet Compass 

Water Tank Level Indicator (Tank Mount) 

Personal Flotation Device (4) 

First Aid Kit 

Electric Hydraulic Pump 

King KT76A Transponder and Encoder 

King KX175B Nav/Com Radios (2) 

NAT Audio Panel (2y- ^ " " " 

24 Volt Main Battery (2) 

Foam Tank 

Hobbs Hour Meter 

Carburetor Air Temperature Gage (2) 

Turn and Slip Indicator (Vacuum) 

Airspeed Indicator (2) 

Artificial Horizon (2) 

Altimeter (2) 

VCR Indicator 

Dual Tachometer 

3 Light Marker Beacon 

Dual Oil Pressure Gage 

Hydraulic Pressure Gage (Brakes) 

Hydraulic Pressure Gage (Emergency) 

Water Tank Level Indicator (Panel Mount) 

Emergency Hydraulic Hand Pump 

Inflatable Life Raft 

Bilge Pump (Rule 1750) (2) 

Hydraulic Accumulator (Brakes) 

Hydraulic Accumulator (Emergency) 

NAT NPX FM Transceiver 

King KR86 ADF 

Apollo Flybuddy GPS 

FSC PA-300 Siren and Exterior Speaker 

"Water Orop'arKrScoopTank'Sysrem 

Electric GROCO Model Foam Pump 

Hamilton Std 23E50-437 Propeller (2)