AFS-16-1837-E December 30, 2015

Exemption No. 11125A Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2014-0980

Mr. Joseph R. Batten Director of Operations National Air Cargo Group, Inc. 5955 TG Lee Blvd, Suite 500 Orlando, FL 32822

Dear Mr. Batten:

This letter is to inform you that we have extended the time limit of Exemption No. 11125, but we have not changed the “Conditions and Limitations” of the exemption. It explains the basis for our decision, describes its effect, and lists the conditions and limitations.

The Basis for Our Decision

By letter dated September 25, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on behalf of National Air Cargo Group, Inc. (National Airlines), for an extension to and amendment of Exemption No. 11125. That time-limited exemption from §§ 91.9(a), 91.1025(a), 121.135(a)(4), 121.135(b)(21), and 121.141 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), allows National Airlines to not apply the forward emergency-landing load factor of 9G specified in § 25.561(b)(3)(ii) for restraint of cargo on the main deck of Boeing 747 series airplanes. It applies only to all-cargo flights originating in Afghanistan for transport of cargo for the United States (US) Department of Defense (DoD). The FAA’s determination for granting Exemption No. 11125 was based on the limited risk exposure of the DoD Afghanistan retrograde mission coupled with the importance of the mission as it related to US National Security.

In your petition for extension to and amendment of Exemption No. 11125, 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. In Exemption No. 11125, the FAA provides its analysis of your substantiating data and reasons relative to public interest and2

safety that are the same basis of this request for extension and amendment. Based on the FAA analysis presented therein, the FAA concludes that granting this exemption for all Boeing 747 cargo operations is not in the public interest.

Federal Register Publication

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition in the Federal Register because the requested extension to and amendment of the exemption would not set a precedent, and any delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to

National Airlines.

Additional Information

The FAA has held discussions with the DoD regarding air-carrier cargo operational support for DoD missions to remove/relocate military equipment in Afghanistan. The DoD has indicated that it will continue to conduct ongoing military operations in Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. The DoD has indicated that they will continue to use commercial carriers throughout 2016 to support its mission. By continuing to ease the current limitations in the air-carrier cargo operator manuals, extension of this exemption would allow the petitioner to better support the DoD mission.

Our Decision

The FAA has determined that the justification for the issuance of Exemption No. 11125, remains valid and is in the public interest. 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 National Air Cargo Group, Inc. an exemption from §§ 91.9(a), 91.1025(a), 121.135(a)(4), 121.135(b)(21), and 121.141, to not apply the forward emergency landing load factor of 9G specified in § 25.561(b)(3)(ii), for restraint of cargo on the main deck of Boeing 747 series airplanes, subject to the conditions and limitations below.

Conditions and Limitations

1. This exemption applies only to all-cargo flights originating in Afghanistan for the transport of cargo for the United States Depa rtment of Defense, including all flight segments to reach the intended final destination, provided the cargo or method to secure the cargo is not altered or changed prior to reaching the final destination.

2. All cargo must be secured for all flight loads as required by 14 CFR part 25, subpart C. This exemption provides no relief from 14 CFR part 25, subpart C, flight loads.3

3. The flight crew must carry a copy of this exemption on all flights operated under this exemption.

The Effect of Our Decision

Our decision extends the termination date of Exemption No. 11125, to December 31, 2016, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. This letter must be attached to, and is a part of, Exemption No. 11125.

Sincerely,

//s//

John S. Duncan Director, Flight Standards Service