AFS-12-460-E August 10, 2012

Exemption No. 10599 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2012-0740

Captain Mickey Moman Director of Training

Mesa Airlines

410 North 44 th Street Phoenix, AZ 85008

Dear Capt. Moman:

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 June 29, 2012, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on behalf of Mesa Airlines (Mesa) for an exemption from §§ 61.39(a)(1) and (b)(1)(i) and 61.157(b) and (c) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). That exemption, if granted, would allow a second in command (SIC) to use an expired knowledge test when applying for the practical test for an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate or a type rating completed concurrently with an ATP certificat e after successful completion of an approved part 121 SIC training program. The exemption would also allow completion of a part 121 air carrier's approved SIC qualification training progr am to satisfy the training and endorsement requirements in § 61.157(b).

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition

in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to Mesa.

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. 10556 (copy enclosed), the FAA2

found that approved part 121 SIC training program s provide extensive training specific to the aircraft type and the part 121 operation in which the pilot will be serving. Allowing SICs to utilize the exceptions in §§ 61.39(b)(1) and 61.157(c) after successfully completing an air carrier's approved SIC training program w ill minimize the burden on part 121 certificate holders as they prepare to schedule the training hours and certification activities required to provide ATP certification to the large number of first officers who currently hold commercial pilot certificates. This exemption serves the public interest as it will allow carriers to certificate their SICs in advance of the August 2013 deadline set forth in Public Law 111-216 without disruption of service or a compromise to safety.

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. 10556;

 the reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed Grant of Exemption No. 10556 also apply to the situation you present; and

 a grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

Under the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 40113 and 44701which the FAA Administrator has delegated to me, I hereby grant Mesa Airlines an exemption from 14 CFR §§ 61.39(a)(1) and (b)(1)(i) and 61.157(b) and (c) to the extent necessary to allow a SIC to use an expired knowledge test when applying for the practical test for an ATP certificate or a type rating completed concurrently with an ATP certificat e after successful completion of an approved part 121 SIC training program. The exemption would also allow completion of a part 121 air carrier's approved SIC qualification training progr am to satisfy the training and endorsement requirements in § 61.157(b), subject to the conditions and limitations described below.

Conditions and Limitations

1. SICs must meet the eligibility requirements for ATP certification in § 61.153, the applicable flight proficiency requirements in § 61.157, and the aeronautical experience requirements in § 61.159.

2. SICs must successfully pass a proficiency check conducted by an Aircrew Program Designee for the air carrier, a Training Center Evaluator authorized to conduct ATP certification for the air carrier through a check pilot authorization, or an FAA inspector in accordance with the provisions of § 61.157(f) and § 61.71(b). Under an Advanced Qualification Program (AQP), SICs must meet the certification requirements identified in § 121.919 as approved within the specific air carrier's AQP.

3. The approved SIC training program must include training on any tasks and maneuvers required for ATP certification for which the SIC has not previously received flight3

training in new hire, initial, transition, or recurrent training, or, under AQP, Indoctrination, Qualification, or Continuing Qualification.

This exemption terminates on August 31, 2014, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan Acting Director, Flight Standards

Service

Enclosure