The FAA approved a request to extend NBAA’s small aircraft exemption for another 12 months, expiring on March 31, 2016, the association announced on March 30. Available only to NBAA members operating in the U.S.,Exemption 7897F allows Part 91 operators of small aircraft (mtows of 12,500 pounds or less) to take advantage of the flexibility usually offered to operators of larger, turbine-powered airplanes.
This includes use of alternative maintenance programs and limited cost reimbursement for certain flights as permitted under FAR Part 91, Subpart F. It also applies to the use of time-sharing, interchange and joint-ownership agreements that are typically reserved only for aircraft with an mtow of more than 12,500 pounds; multi-engine turbojet aircraft, regardless of size; and fractional program aircraft. However, the NBAA exemption does not apply to Part 135 operations or fractional operators.
“NBAA is pleased that the FAA continues to recognize the importance of this tool to NBAA member business aircraft owners seeking to maximize the efficiency and usability of a small aircraft,” said NBAA vice president of regulatory and international affairs Doug Carr.
Many aircraft that use the small aircraft exemption fly to international locations, and the FAA is also reviewing NBAA’s request to remove a previously imposed limitation that barred use of the exemption for operations conducted outside the U.S. However, the FAA first wants to ensure that removing this limitation would comply with ICAO standards.