Source: http://fsims.faa.gov/WDocs/8700.1%20GA%20Ops%20Insp%20Handbk/Volume%202/2_048_00.htm
Timestamp: 2018-01-21 04:50:42
Document Index: 67884822

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 91', 'art 91', 'art 6', 'art 91', '§ 91', '§ 91', '§ 91', '§ 91', '§ 91', 'art 91', '§ 91', '§ 91', '§ 91', '§ 91', '§ 91', 'art 91', '§ 91', '§ 91', '§ 91', '§ 91', 'art 91', '§ 91', 'arts 1', 'arts 1', 'art 6']

Chapter 48. ISSUE A CERTIFICATE OF WAIVER OR
AUTHORIZATION FOR AN AEROBATIC PRACTICE AREA OR AN AEROBATIC CONTEST BOX
1. PROGRAM TRACKING AND REPORTING SUBSYSTEM (PTRS) ACTIVITY CODE:
• Aerobatic Practice Areas: 1232
• Aerobatic Contest Box: 1233
2. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this task is to evaluate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Form 7711-2, Certificate of Waiver or Authorization Application (figure 48-1), and issue an FAA Form 7711-1, Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (figure 48-2), for the purpose of establishing an aero­batic practice area and/or an aerobatic competition box. Completion of the task results in the approval or disapproval of the applicant's FAA Form 7711-2. If approval is granted, FAA Form 7711-1 with attached special provisions is issued to the applicant.
NOTE:As per volume 1, chapter 1, section 2, page 1-7, paragraph 3 of this handbook, no regional supplements to aviation event policy are permitted.
3. GENERAL. In this chapter, waiver preparation for an aerobatic practice area and an aerobatic contest box will be discussed separately in both sections 1 and 2.
A. Background. Section 1 expands on the back­ground for evaluating an application and issuing a waiver for both types of waivered airspace, including the requirements of the application process, the issu­ance of the waiver, and the surveillance of the activity. Background and special provisions unique to each activity are found in paragraphs 4 and 5 following.
(1) A separate set of suggested special provi­sions that may be used for each type of waivered airspace is included.
(2) Section 1 also outlines the requirements necessary to establish and use either an aerobatic prac­tice area or an aerobatic contest box.
(3) Waivers are issued for two specific activi­ties in these two airspace areas.
(a) An aerobatic practice area is established for the purpose of practicing aerobatic skills.
(b) The aerobatic contest box is established for the sole purpose of conducting competitive aerobatic demonstrations in accordance with the rules, procedures, and practices of the International Aerobatic Club.
(4) The user of an aerobatic practice area or an aerobatic contest box is not required to hold an FAA Form 8710-7, Statement of Acrobatic Competency.
(5) Each activity may require a waiver with attendant special provisions appropriate to the site and the activity.
B. Procedures. Section 2 contains specific proce­dures for the processing and issuance of waivers for each type of waivered airspace.
C. Regulatory Authority. The regulatory authority for the issuance of waivers of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91 for aerobatic practice areas and aerobatic contest boxes is based on the authority vested in the Department of Transporta­tion (DOT) by Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.). The regulations contained in 14 CFR part 91 are actually the responsibility of air traffic control (ATC). However, certain portions of these regulations have been delegated to the Flight Standards Service for oversight and enforcement in accordance with FAA Order 7210.3, Facility Operation and Administration, part 6, chapter 18, paragraph 18-1-3 (current edition). Even though the mandate to desig­nate and supervise operations within waivered airspace is within Flight Standard's purview, all airspace waivers are fully coordinated with Air Traffic to ensure safety of flight in the National Airspace System (NAS). Requests for waivers and authorizations are processed by the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). The final approval of the waiver or authorization is the responsibility of the FSDO manager who has jurisdic­tion over the geographic area in which the terms of the waiver or authorization are to be exercised.
D. Operation of Transponders. Transponders must be installed, operational, and used in the appropriate airspace, as required by 14 CFR part 91, § 91.215 . The use of a transponder and its altitude reporting capability facilitates better ATC service and aircraft separation, thereby increasing the safety between waivered and non-waivered, nonparticipating aircraft operating in the NAS. ATC may authorize a deviation from these requirements on the basis of the provisions of 14 CFR § 91.215 .
E. Application and Approval. Applications for a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization are processed, approved, and issued by the FSDO.
(1) Form Used. FAA Form 7711-2 is used by the applicant for a Certificate of Waiver or Authoriza­tion. All Items on the form may not apply, and, in some cases, additional information may be required (figure 48-1).
(2) Authority to Sign. The FSDO manager or a delegated representative (i.e., "acting manager") shall sign a waiver or authorization when the application is approved.
(3) Assisting Applicants with Waiver of Autho­rization Applications. Thorough planning has a direct bearing on the success and safety of any aerobatic practice area. The applicant should be encouraged to develop an effective plan that will cover all facets of the coordination and use of the practice area or contest box. The inspector should assist the applicant by discussing the following subjects:
(a) The proper site selection, (controlled and uncontrolled airports, or other sites suitable for aerobatics).
(b) The size, scope, and environmental impact of the proposed area. For environmental procedures coordinate with the regional Flight Standards division. (See appendix 4, paragraph 3c, of FAA Order 1050.1D, Policies and Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts.)
(c) The number and status of other users of the practice area.
(d) A plan for spectator control, if appropriate.
(e) The preparation of Notices to Airmen (NOTAM).
(4) Review of FAA Form 7711-2. Upon receipt, FAA Form 7711-2 should be reviewed for obvious discrepancies. If discrepancies exist, a meeting with the applicant is helpful in resolving them to mutual satisfaction. The information submitted by the appli­cant on the FAA Form 7711-2 MUST NOT be altered by the issuing office.
A. Waivers. When a waiver is issued for an aero­batic practice area, it generally includes provisions for aerobatic flight below 1,500 feet AGL.
(1) Other portions of 14 CFR § 91.303 may be waived if the proposed operation involves a Federal airway or Class B, C, D, or E airspace designated for an airport.
(2) Proponents of proposed aerobatic practice areas located directly over or in the immediate vicinity of an airport should coordinate the planned activity with airport management. This is in keeping with the "good neighbor" policy and provides a means for addressing potential aviation safety concerns. The issuing FSDO will review, verify, and evaluate any potential safety concerns and modify the special provi­sions attached to the Certificate of Waiver accordingly to address these concerns.
(3) When an aerobatic practice area is located in the vicinity of a populated area, the waiver applicant may wish to coordinate with the landowners and resi­dents if aerobatic flight is planned to be conducted directly over or near their property. This is in keeping with the "good neighbor" policy and assists in reducing noise and livestock damage complaints.
(4) Those waivers requested for areas which are designated as environmentally sensitive, as defined in advisory circular (AC) 91-36, VFR Flight Near Noise-Sensitive Areas (current edition) must be coor­dinated with the appropriate Federal and/or state agency.
(1) Aerobatic Flight. The provisions of 14 CFR § 91.303 constitute the definition of aerobatic flight.
(2) Inspector-in-Charge (IIC). The aviation safety inspector (operations) who is assigned the responsibility of issuing the waiver and conducting the ongoing surveillance of the aerobatic practice area.
(3) Responsible Person(s). The person(s) named in block 2 on the FAA Form 7711-2 and noted in the "Issued To" block of FAA Form 7711-1.
C. Scope of Waivers. Waivers of the 14 CFR and the attendant special provisions to those waivers may vary in scope, depending on the regulations that an applicant requests to be waived.
(1) Some aerobatic maneuvers may require only a waiver of 14 CFR § 91.303(e)to permit aero­batic flight at less than 1,500 feet above the surface. Others may require the waiver of speed limitations, minimum safe altitudes, operations in controlled airspace, or specific prohibitions while operating in the vicinity of an airport.
(2) The following approved sections of the 14 CFR part 91 may be waived: §§ 91.117 , 91.119 , 91.127 , 91.129 , 91.130 , 91.131 , and 91.303 , depending on the location, congestion, and complexity of the area in which aerobatics will take place.
(3) Waivers of the basic visual flight rules (VFR) weather minimums specified in 14 CFR § 91.155 may be considered only in areas where the entire aerobatic maneuvering sequence can be provided separation from participating and nonpartici­pating aircraft by ATC.
D. Regulations that May Not Be Waived.
(1) Title 14 CFR § 91.119(a)and (b) may not be waived at any time for an aerobatic practice area.
(2) Title 14 CFR § 91.151 may not be waived for any operations conducted in an aerobatic practice area. However, the International Aerobatic Club (IAC) holds an exemption for fuel required during flight in VFR conditions. This exemption applies only during the conduct of an officially sanctioned aero­batic contest.
(3) Title 14 CFR § 91.307 may not be waived at any time for pilots flying in the aerobatic practice area. Specific authority exists in the 14 CFR to allow certain operations without the use of a parachute.
E. Air Traffic Coordination. Aerobatic practice areas may be located at controlled or uncontrolled airports or in sparsely populated areas far removed from any persons and/or congested areas. The location of these practice areas is determined through proper coordination with the waiver applicant and appropriate ATC and FSDO personnel. Use of the area may be for a short duration, once each year for annual qualifica­tion, or for all hours of the day and/or evening. Inspectors should contact the ATC facility having primary airspace jurisdiction over the proposed prac­tice area. Where an ATC hub facility exists, one call can be made to the airspace and procedures specialist to facilitate expeditious coordination action. In other areas, inspectors may need to contact the air route traffic control center (ARTCC) which exercises control over the affected airspace. In all cases, the waiver shall not be signed unless the working file contains documentation of ATC coordination.
F. Night Operations. Aerobatic performers who conduct night airshow operations must practice their routines in realistic conditions before the actual flight at an aviation event. Numerous air show performers of both powered and unpowered aircraft need to practice their routines in areas that offer no obstructions and little or no distractions during the hours of darkness.
(1) In order to facilitate their practice sessions, inspectors should determine if aerobatic practice areas previously approved for daylight operations only are acceptable for night operations as well.
(2) Many performers of night aerobatic maneu­vers use some type of flares or pyrotechnic devices to highlight their maneuvers. Other performers use only lights and strobes for their acts. In either case, it will be necessary to coordinate and approve all facets of the waiver and any special provisions to ensure safety is not compromised if the operation is conducted at night.
G. Temporary Aerobatic Practice Areas. During the airshow season, the FSDO may be called upon to issue a waiver for the establishment of a temporary aerobatic practice area. These waivers may be offered to the sponsor of a proposed airshow at the same time the application for the airshow waiver is submitted. This additional waiver may be prepared for the specific purpose of providing a temporary area in which only airshow performers may practice their routines before and during the airshow. In addition, it will provide a safe and approved area for those performers who may be from other states or countries and who need to adapt to the weather and altitude conditions intrinsic to the local area. Even though this will be a separate waiver which becomes effective two or three days before the airshow, it must be prepared so as to terminate on the same date and time as the airshow waiver.
(1) Some of the parameters to consider in establishing this temporary practice area are as follows:
(a) The actual airshow site may be suitable as a temporary practice area if it is a controlled environment and there will be no conflict with other nonparticipating aircraft. Effective times must be thoroughly coordinated with the pertinent air traffic facilities before approval and issuance of the waiver.
(b) The temporary practice area should be established no more than 20 or 30 miles from the actual airshow site.
(c) All coordination required for the establishment of a (regular) aerobatic practice area should also be accomplished for preparation of a temporary aerobatic practice area.
(d) The sponsor must control access to the temporary aerobatic practice area, and only those persons performing in the airshow should be permitted to use the area.
(e) The physical parameters of the temporary practice area should be large enough to encompass all of the maneuvers that will be performed in the actual airshow.
(f) The responsibility for site selection, coordination, approvals, application, and oversight of the temporary aerobatic practice area rests solely with the event sponsor/applicant.
(2) The International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) will maintain a current listing, prepared by the ICAS staff, that delineates established waivered aero­batic practice areas which may be used for performer practice with the concurrence of the waiver holder. It is the responsibility of the airshow sponsor to coordi­nate the use of these established practice areas. If no site is available, it is incumbent upon the airshow sponsor to request a temporary aerobatic practice area, or the inspector preparing the airshow waiver may wish to suggest that one be established.
H. Standard Special Provisions. The following are samples of standard special provisions that may be used when issuing a certificate of waiver for an aero­batic practice area. Material in brackets [ ] indicate where the applicant must insert information specific to the waiver being sought.
(1) Aerobatic flight shall be confined to the area designated on the pictorial chart attached to this certificate of waiver and defined in special provision (2). A definitive pictorial chart or photo­graph of the underlying area should be attached to the application and the final, approved waiver.
(2) The aerobatic practice area is further defined as follows: [This item should contain a literal description of the entire practice area, including all delineating boundaries and the altitudes for each specific section of the practice area.]
(3) No aerobatic maneuvers may be performed over any open air assembly of persons or congested area of any city, town, or settlement.
(4) No person may operate an aircraft in aero­batic flight when the visibility is less than [number] miles or a ceiling less than [number] feet.
(5) Before commencing aerobatic flight opera­tions, the person(s) authorized to activate and deacti­vate the aerobatic practice area shall be responsible for advising the [name of flight service station (FSS) and telephone number] of the activity and requesting that a NOTAM that includes the following information be issued:
(a) The location, dates, and times the aerobatic activity will be in effect.
(b) If appropriate, the runway(s) that will be closed during the aerobatic activities.
(6) All certificates of waiver granting relief from appropriate sections of 14 CFR part 91 must also contain guidance stipulating that the person(s) respon­sible for activation of the aerobatic practice area provide the controlling FSS with a copy of the certifi­cate of waiver at least 48 hours before activation of the NOTAM. For certificates of waiver that are issued on a long term basis, additional wording should be included advising the holder to ensure that the FSS keeps the waiver on file for future NOTAM activation.
(7) Notification shall be made to the [name of air traffic facility or FSS and telephone number] at least 30 minutes before the commencement of aero­batic activity in the practice area, or, if a letter of agreement exists, notification shall be made as speci­fied in that document. The [name of facility] shall also be notified at the termination of aerobatic activities.
(8) The person(s) authorized to activate and deactivate the aerobatic practice area described in special provision (2) is [name of the person(s) to whom the waiver is issued or the person(s) delegated by the waiver holder].
(9) The person named in special provision (8) shall also be responsible for the following:
(a) Ensuring that all pilots and aircraft operating within the confines of the waivered aerobatic practice area are properly certificated.
(b) Briefing each pilot to ensure that all users of the practice area comply with the limitations imposed by the certificate of waiver and its attendant special provisions.
(c) Maintaining a log containing the pilot's name, airman certificate number, aircraft registration number, date, and time the aerobatic practice was in use and providing this information to the FAA upon request.
(10) When required by ATC, all pilots must monitor [name of ATC facility and frequency assigned] on a continuous basis while operating within the aerobatic practice area.
(11) All pilots operating within the waivered aerobatic practice area shall maintain VFR at all times and shall be responsible for seeing and avoiding all conflicting traffic.
(12) Aerobatic flight shall be conducted only between the hours of [specific times of use].
(13) The holder of this certificate of waiver or delegated representative is responsible for halting or canceling activity in the aerobatic practice area if, at any time, the safety of persons or property on the ground or in the air is in jeopardy, or if there is a failure to comply with the terms or conditions of this waiver.
(14) The FAA has the authority to cancel the certificate of waiver or delay any activities if the safety of persons or property on the ground or in the air is in jeopardy, or if there is a violation of the terms of the waiver or authorization.
5. AEROBATIC CONTEST BOXES. A general overview of the aerobatic contest box is contained in figure 48-3 and depicts the dimensions of the area for powered aircraft engaged in competitive aerobatics. figure 48-4 depicts the dimensions of the area for non-powered aircraft engaged in competitive aerobatics.
(1) IIC. The aviation safety inspector (opera­tions) who is assigned the responsibility of issuing the waiver and monitoring the aerobatic contest box, as deemed necessary by the FSDO manager, to determine compliance with the applicable 14 CFR.
(2) Contest Director. At an aerobatic contest, the person who acts as the general manager of the overall event and is responsible for all SAFETY related issues. The contest director may delegate specific duties, functions, and authority but must retain complete accountability for the safety of the event. The contest director may also be the person who is designated by the FAA to monitor the event. The contest director ensures that all participants comply with all rules set forth in the IAC rules book as well as the provisions of the certificate of waiver.
(3) Chief Judge. At an aerobatic contest, the person assigned as the primary judge of one or more categories of competition. The chief judge does not actually judge the competitors, but helps to ensure the safety of competitors within the contest box. The chief judge is assisted by numerous other persons located on the ground and/or in the immediate vicinity of the contest box.
(4) Safety Director. The person who reports directly to the contest director and is responsible for flight and ground safety.
(5) Chief Technical Monitor. A person assigned duties by the contest director, who will perform a tech­nical inspection of each competing aircraft and its equipment. The chief technical monitor should hold an airframe and powerplant certificate; however, this posi­tion may be filled by the contest director with the "best qualified" person available.
(6) Aerobatic Contest Box. A block of airspace 3,300 feet long, 3,300 feet wide, and having an upper limit of 3,500 feet AGL (4,000 AGL for gliders). The lower limit of the contest box is 1,500 feet for Basic and Sportsman Categories, 1,200 feet for Intermediate, 800 feet for Advanced, and 328 feet for the Unlimited Category. For gliders, the lower limit of the box is 1,500 feet for the Sportsman Category, 1,200 feet for the Intermediate Category, and 600 feet for the Unlim­ited Category. (See figures 48-3 and 48-4.)
(7) Participant. Any individual and/or pilot specifically involved with, or participating in, the waivered aerobatic activities.
(8) Nonparticipant. Any individual and/or pilot not specifically involved with, or participating in, the waivered aerobatic activities.
(9) Competition Categories. The five different competition categories, as defined by IAC official contest rules, currently designated for powered aircraft aerobatics. Each category has a different set of aero­batic sequences. In addition, there are currently three competition categories for gliders, each category having its own specialized set of aerobatic sequences.
(a) Powered Aircraft.
(i) Basic Category. Aircraft in this cate­gory operate from an altitude of 1,500 to 3,500 feet AGL.
(ii)Sportsman Category. Aircraft in this category operate from an altitude of 1,500 to 3,500 feet AGL.
(iii) Intermediate Category. Aircraft in this category operate from an altitude of 1,200 to 3,500 feet AGL.
(iv) Advanced Category. Aircraft in this category operate from an altitude of 800 to 3,500 feet AGL.
(v)Unlimited Category. Aircraft in this category operate from an altitude of 328 to 3,280 feet AGL.
(b) Gliders.
(i) Sportsman Category. Aircraft in this category operate from an altitude of 1,500 to 4,000 feet AGL.
(ii) Intermediate Category. Aircraft in this category operate from an altitude of 1,200 to 4,000 feet AGL.
(iii) Unlimited Category. Aircraft in this category operate from an altitude of 600 to 4,000 feet AGL.
B. Scope of Waivers. The following regulations MAY NOT be waived:
(1) Title 14 CFR § 91.119(a)and (b) may not be waived at any time for an aerobatic contest box.
(2) Title 14 CFR § 91.151 may not be waived for operations conducted in an aerobatic contest box; however, the IAC holds an exemption for minimum fuel required during flight in VFR conditions. This exemption applies only during the conduct of an offi­cially sanctioned aerobatic contest.
(3) Title 14 CFR § 91.307 may not be waived at any time for pilots flying in the aerobatic contest box. Specific authority exists in the 14 CFR to allow certain operations without the use of a parachute.
C. Air Traffic Coordination. An aerobatic contest box may be located at a controlled or uncontrolled airport. The location is determined and approved through proper coordination with the waiver applicant, airport management, FSDO inspectors, and appro­priate ATC personnel. Inspectors should contact the ATC facility having primary airspace jurisdiction over the proposed aerobatic contest box. Where a hub facility exists, one call can be made to the airspace and procedures specialist to facilitate expeditious coordina­tion action. In other areas, inspectors will need to contact the ARTCC which exercises control over the affected airspace. In all cases, the waiver SHALL NOT be signed unless the working file contains docu­mentation of ATC coordination.
D. Standard Special Provisions. The following special provisions are listed below to provide a sample of standard provisions that may be used when issuing a waiver for an aerobatic contest box. Material in brackets [ ] indicate where the applicant must insert information specific to the waiver being sought.
(1) The aerobatic competition area that these special provisions pertain to is depicted and described on attachment [attachment number] to this certificate of waiver.
(2) This waiver is not valid if the in-flight visi­bility is less than 3 statute miles or the ceiling, if a ceiling exists, is less than 3,000 feet AGL for standard sequences or 2500 feet AGL for alternate flat sequences. Flight operations shall be conducted IAW 14 CFR § 91.155 .
(3) The contest director is responsible for ensuring that [ATC facility] is notified by telephone [ATC primary telephone number] or [ATC backup telephone number] at least 30 minutes before opera­tions begin and again when the flight activity has been terminated.
(4) Before commencing aerobatic flight opera­tions, the contest director is responsible for advising the [name of FSS and telephone number] of the activity and for requesting that a NOTAM that will ensure wide dissemination and include the following information, appropriate to the operation, be issued:
(b) When appropriate, runway(s) that will be closed during the aerobatic activities. [This information must also be included in the traffic advisory to non-participating aircraft.]
(c) No touch and go landings are permitted during the times the NOTAM is in effect. [This information must also be included in the traffic advisory to non-participating aircraft.]
(d) All traffic at [name of airport] will use [specific traffic pattern information] when landing on or taking off from [list runway(s)] while the NOTAM is in effect. [This information must also be included in the traffic advisory.]
(5) All certificates of waiver granting relief from appropriate sections of 14 CFR part 91 must also contain guidance stipulating that the person(s) respon­sible for activation of the aerobatic contest box provide the controlling FSS with a copy of the certificate of waiver at least 48 hours before activation of the NOTAM.
(6) The segmented circle, when installed, will prominently depict the change of traffic pattern during all aerobatic activity. [This information must also be included in the traffic advisory to non-participating aircraft.]
(7) Aerobatics shall only be conducted between the hours of official sunrise and sunset.
(8) Each aircraft operating within the aerobatic contest box must be appropriately equipped to main­tain continuous radio reception with the chief judge.
(9) The holder of the waiver must obtain the permission of the [name of airport] manager to conduct aerobatic activities and, in addition, ensure that the airport management fully understands and will abide by the terms and conditions of the certificate of waiver.
(10) Aerobatics are limited to those aircraft and pilots who are approved by the holder of the certificate of waiver or a designated representative. The contest director is responsible for ensuring that:
(a) Each aircraft competing in the aerobatic competition has the appropriate documents necessary to show current registration and airworthiness;
(b) Each pilot participating in the aerobatic competition is properly certificated and possesses the currency and/or endorsements appropriate to the flight operation being conducted; and
(c) Before any waivered aerobatic operation, each pilot participating in the aerobatic competition receives a briefing from the waiver holder or designated representative. This briefing must include the terms of the waiver, the confines of waivered airspace, and any special limitations or procedural considerations contained therein (figure 48-5).
NOTE:See paragraph 5A(2) above regarding delegation of authority by the contest director.
(11) A crowd line consisting of a physical barrier and/or adequate policing shall be established at least 500 feet from the aerobatic box to confine all spectators within a designated area.
(12) When operating within waivered airspace, 14 CFR § 91.119(c)is waived only if unoccupied structures are involved or to allow participating waivered aircraft to operate closer than 500 feet to participating personnel, vehicles, or vessels on the ground. All participating aircraft must maintain at least 500 feet from persons not participating in the aviation event.
(13) Before performing any aerobatic sequence, the area must be scanned thoroughly by both the competitor and the chief judge. The competitor must not enter and/or initiate any aerobatic maneuvers unless the chief judge has ensured that the area is free of any conflicting traffic and has advised the pilot that the aerobatic contest box is clear.
(14) The FAA has the authority to cancel the certificate of waiver or delay any events if the safety of persons or property on the ground or in the air is in jeopardy, or if there is a violation of the terms of the waiver or authorization.
E. Additional Special Provisions. The following special provisions are issued to a waiver holder for an aerobatic contest box established at an uncontrolled airport where a runway(s) remains open during compe­tition. These provisions do not have to be copied verbatim and any portion may be edited to fit a unique or individual need. The provisions should be used as appropriate to the type of scenario encountered.
(1) [Name of airport] will be closed to all traffic when the competitive activity of Advanced and Unlimited Category pilots may create a conflict with continuing nonparticipant flight operations. [Also include this information in the NOTAM and traffic advisory, as required.]
(2) No touch and go landings are permitted. [Also include this information in the NOTAM and traffic advisory.]
(3) Aerobatic operations must not be conducted at altitudes lower than 1,200 feet AGL when the aero­batic contest box is located over a runway that is OPEN and that activity may create a conflict with continuing nonparticipant flight operations.
(4) The contest director, or a person specifi­cally designated by the contest director, will continu­ously monitor the unicom frequency while the aerobatic box is active. That person will advise any aircraft operating at or near [name of airport] of poten­tial traffic conflicts which may occur while operating in close proximity to the aerobatics box. The person assigned to monitor the unicom frequency will have direct access to the chief judge by radio, telephone, or direct contact. Should there be an actual or potential conflict, the chief judge has the final authority to call for a cessation of aerobatics.
(5) The unicom shall be manned by a person who has been briefed on the aerobatics activity, special pattern rules, and restrictions. If needed, a scripted version of the advisory will be furnished by the waiver holder in order to provide a standardized advisory to all pilots.
NOTE: An aerobatic contest box located at an airport does not have to occupy 5 miles of waivered airspace. A contest box may need only a 180 degree quadrant on the West side of an airport within 1 mile. At other locations, there may be a contest box located over the airport and an aerobatic practice area 4 miles north of the airport, both being used at the same time. The top of the box or area should not unnecessarily waste airspace for the user or ATC. There may be ATC concessions made when an aircraft is transponder and radio equipped because the aircraft can be readily identified for air traffic purposes. Conversely, at some locations, the input from ATC may reveal that the box or area is directly in the way of radar vector arrival or departure routes, in which case a disapproval may be warranted.
F. Aerobatic Competition that is not Sanctioned by the IAC. The following special provision will be issued to a waiver holder conducting an aerobatic competition that is not sanctioned by the IAC, excluding competitive flying displays at airshows conducted in accordance with a Certificate of Waiver issued under the provisions of chapter 49.
(1) Participants will have in their possession, a valid IAC computer generated score sheet or other document acceptable to the FAA from a aerobatic competition sanctioned by the IAC and completed within the last 24 calendar months indicating that he/ she has successfully competed in the specific competi­tion category he/she intends to compete in, at this event.
(2) Except for takeoff and landing, all partici­pants will fly no lower than the minimum altitude prescribed for this specific competition category as stated in the IAC official contest rules.
NOTE: The minimum altitudes for each com­petition category are also defined in paragraph 5A(9).
A. Prerequisites. This task requires knowledge of the regulatory requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 1, 61, 91, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) orders and policies. In addition, the person preparing and coordi­nating the waiver must be qualified as an aviation safety inspector (ASI) (operations).
B. Coordination. This task may require coordina­tion with an air traffic control (ATC) facility, a local, state or Federal government agency, and the affected property owners with property underlying or adjacent to the practice area or aerobatic contest box, as appro­priate.
• 14 CFR parts 1, 61, and 91
• FAA Order 7210.3, Facility Operation and Administration, part 6, chapter 18, paragraph 18-1-3 (current edition)
• FAA Order 1050.1, Policies and Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts (current edition)
• Advisory Circular 91-36, VFR Flight Near Noise-Sensitive Areas (current edition)
• PTRS Procedures Manual (PPM)
• FAA Form 7711-1, Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (figure 48-2)
• FAA Form 7711-2, Certificate of Waiver or Authorization Application (figure 48-1)
• FAA Form 8000-36, PTRS Transmittal Form
• Sample figures
A. Aerobatic Practice Area.
(1) Brief the applicant on the prerequisites of site selection and any coordination that may be appro­priate to the area.
(2) Provide FAA Form 7711-2 to the applicant.
(3) Brief the applicant on the procedures for preparing and submitting the FAA Form 7711-2.
(4) Open a Program Tracking and Reporting Subsystem (PTRS) file.
(5) Upon receipt of a completed application visit the proposed site, if required, to obtain first hand knowledge of the operational parameters of the airspace to be used and the underlying terrain. In addi­tion, determine the environmental impact the proposed aerobatic activity might create and coordinate with the regional Flight Standards division, as appropriate.
(6) Before issuing the waiver, ensure that all proposals are coordinated with Air Traffic and any other entity directly affected by the establishment of the aerobatic practice area.
(7) If the application is approved, prepare FAA Form 7711-1 and the attendant special provisions.
(8) Submit FAA Form 7711-1 to the FSDO manager for signature.
(9) Prepare a file for the applicant that includes, but is not limited to, a copy of the following:
(a) FAA Form 7711-1 and attendant special provisions;
(b) FAA Form 7711-2;
(c) letter of disapproval of the application, if applicable; and
(d) documentation of ATC coordination.
(10) Send the applicant the originals of FAA Forms 7711-1 and 7711-2 and the attendant special provisions.
(11) Send a copy of both forms with all attach­ments to the regional office.
(12) Make appropriate PTRS entries.
(13) Prepare an office file with copies of all forms.
B. Aerobatic Contest Box.
(4) Open a PTRS file.
(5) Visit the proposed site, if required, to obtain first hand knowledge of the operational parameters of the airspace to be used and the underlying terrain. In addition, determine the environmental impact the proposed aerobatic activity might create and coordi­nate with the regional Flight Standards division, as appropriate.
(6) Before issuing the waiver, ensure that all proposals are coordinated with Air Traffic and any other entity directly affected by the establishment of the aerobatic contest box.
(10) Send the applicant the originals of FAA Forms 7711-1 and 7711-2 and the special provisions.
(14) For aerobatic contest boxes, send a copy of both forms with all attachments to Airspace and Rules Division, ATA-400 at FAA headquarters in Washington DC.
4. TASK OUTCOMES. Completion of this task results in one of the following:
A. Issuance of a Certificate of Waiver or Authoriza­tion with attached special provisions.
B. Disapproval of an Application for a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization with the reasons for the disapproval noted on the reverse side of the form in the "Remarks" block.
A. Surveillance of activities/events conducted in the aerobatic practice area or aerobatic contest box, especially events not sanctioned by IAC.
B. Possible cancellation of the certificate of waiver due to noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the waiver and/or action necessary to ensure future compliance.
C. Consideration of a future application for waiver of regulations pertaining to aerobatic maneuvers conducted in an aerobatic practice area and/or aerobatic contest box.
FAA FORM 7711-2, APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF WAIVER OR AUTHORIZATION
FAA FORM 7711-1, CERTIFICATE OF WAIVER OR AUTHORIZATION
AEROBATIC CONTEST BOX FOR AIRPLANES
AEROBATIC CONTEST BOX FOR GLIDERS
SAMPLE BRIEFING SIGNATURE PAGE
I have read and/or been briefed on this document and fully understand the procedures, requirements, and limitations of the waiver and all of its special provisions.
1. CONTEST DIRECTOR: _____________________________________________________________
2. CHIEF JUDGE: ___________________________________________________________________
3. SAFETY DIRECTOR: ______________________________________________________________
4. UNICOM MONITOR: ______________________________________________________________