AFS-13-265-E

April 29, 2013

 Exemption No. 10754

 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 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 February 25, 2013, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

on behalf of M7 Aerospace LLC (M7) for an extension of Exemption No. 5367, as amended. 

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

M7 to conduct production and experimental 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. However, that exemption expired on March 31, 2013. Therefore, we will treat 

your request as a new petition.

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.

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

those presented in your petition. In Grant of Exemption No. 5367, the FAA found the 

justification for the issuance of that exemption remains valid with respect to this exemption, is 
2

in the public interest, and permits M7 type-rated company pilots to conduct production and 

experimental test flight operations in SA-227-CC and SA-227-DC model commuter category 

airplanes without a second in command.

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 No. 5367;

• the reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed Grant of Exemption No. 5367 also 

apply to the situation you present; and 

• a grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

The FAA has modified and/or added to the conditions and limitations on this exemption. 

These changes were made in order to clarify original content, and further define the intent and 

provide consistency of safety-related aspects of the conditions and limitations. 

Limitation Nos. 1, 4, and 7 were modified to clarify the language regarding the relief provided 

under the exemption.

Condition No. 6 was added because the FAA has not reviewed M7 Corporation’s Flight 

Operations Procedures Manual recently. This condition will need to be satisfied in order for 

M7 to exercise the privileges of this exemption for production or experimental test flights.

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

has delegated to me, I hereby grant M7 Aerospace LLC an exemption from 14 CFR 

§ 91.531(a)(3) to the extent necessary to allow M7 to conduct production and experimental 

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 conditions and limitations described 

below.

Conditions and Limitations

1. Operations required to be conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 

CFR) parts 121 or 135 are not permitted under the terms of 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. 
3

4. This exemption applies only to those operations performed by M7 and by M7 

employees involving:

a. Production and experimental test flights;

b. Flights for the purpose of 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 will be conducted 

with strict adherence to the following subject matter policies set out in the M7 

Corporation Flight Operations Procedures Manual:

• Pilot prerequisites

• Pilot data files

• Physical examinations

• Pilot in command recent flight experience

• Weather minimums

• 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). 
4

The Effect of Our Decision

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

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service