FLYING FIREMAN, INC

26117 34Th Avenue East, Spanaway, WA 98387

February 17, 2015

U.S. Department 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 / Amendment to exemption 10407

Dear Mr. Glista: 

Flying Fireman was issued and exemption to FAR 91-313 with exemption number 10407. Flying Fireman 

wishes to amend Exemption No. 10407 to include flights for the production of movies. Flying Fireman 

requires this amendment no later than June 1, 2015. 

In addition to attending in airshows or publicly recognized and Government/industry-sponsored events, 

Flying Fireman has been requested to provide its aircraft for filming of a WWII movie in which the PBY 

played a key role. 

PROPOSED OPERATION FOR FILM MAKING:

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

or contract base to select film location. This event would consist of static display, filming inside the 

aircraft while on the ground and select fly-by and landing to facilitate filming. Cameras may be placed in 

the aircraft to record flight activity; however the cameras will be fixed and only the essential crew will 

be on board the aircraft during flight. 

PUBLIC INTEREST:

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

Participation in the filming process of a World War II movie will add credibility to the story being told 

and honor our veterans for their incredible heroism. 

NO IMPACT ON SAFETY:

The aircraft will be operating in accordance with the existing exemption (10407), with a modification to 

Conditions and Limitations #2 to include flights for the production of movies. All other supporting facts, 

requirements, permissions and restrictions of the original exemption are to remain the same.

Current - Conditions and Limitations #2

This exemption allows FF to operate a restricted category aircraft (N85U) for the special purpose of 

participation in airshows or publicly recognized and Government/industry-sponsored events. 

Proposed - Conditions and Limitations #2
Flying Fireman, Inc.

Exemption from FAR 91-313

Page | 2

This exemption allows FF to operate a restricted category aircraft (N85U) for the special purpose of 

participation in airshows, publicly recognized and Government/industry-sponsored events and the 

production of movies. 

FEDERAL REGISTER SUMMARY:

Flying Fireman, Inc. requests an amendment to its exemption number 10407 authorizing an exemption 

to 91-313(a) and (e) for the purpose participation in airshows or publicly recognized and 

Government/industry-sponsored events with its aircraft N85U. Said amendment would include use of 

the aircraft for the production of movies.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Noel Rude

FLYING FIREMAN, INC.

26117 34Th Avenue East

Spanaway, WA 98387

Phone: 614-774-0782

Email: NoelRude@Hotmail.com

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

Page | 3

PBY HISTORY

EXHIBIT A

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 

the most widely used multi-role aircraft of World War II 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

Page | 4

EXHIBIT B

Flying Fireman Revision: Nine 

Aircraft Inspection Program W&BForm 03.01.201 

N85U Aircraft Equipment List 

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

2" Suction Gage (2) Hobbs Hour Meter 

Accelerometer Carburetor Air Temperature Gage (2) 

8 Day Clock Turn and Slip Indicator (Vacuum) 

Turn& Slip Indicator (Electric) Airspeed Indicator (2) 

Vertical Speed Indicator Artificial Horizon (2) 

Directional Gyro (2) Altimeter (2) 

VOR / GS Indicator VOR Indicator 

Dual Manifold Pressure Gage Dual Tachometer 

Dual CHT Indicator 3 Light Marker Beacon 

Dual Fuel Pressure Gage Dual Oil Pressure Gage 

Dual Oil Temperature Gage Hydraulic Pressure Gage (Brakes) 

Hydraulic Pressure Gage (Main) Hydraulic Pressure Gage (Emergency) 

Passenger Seat and Seat Belt (2) Water Tank Level Indicator (Panel Mount) 

Captain Seat and Seat Belt Emergency Hydraulic Hand Pump 

Co-Pilot Seat and Seat Belt Inflatable Life Raft 

Wet Compass Bilge Pump (Rule 1750) (2) 

Water Tank Level Indicator (Tank Mount) Hydraulic Accumulator (Brakes) 

Personal Flotation Device (4) Hydraulic Accumulator (Emergency) 

First Aid Kit NAT NPX FM Transceiver 

Electric Hydraulic Pump King KR86 ADF 

King KT76A Transponder and Encoder Apollo Flybuddy GPS 

King KX175B Nav/Com Radios (2) FSC PA-300 Siren and Exterior Speaker 

NAT Audio Panel (2) Water Drop and Scoop Tank System 

24 Volt Main Battery (2) Electric GROCO Model Foam Pump 

Foam Tank Hamilton Std 23E50-437 Propeller (2)