APPENDIX 3. - FAA order 8130.27

PILOT QUALIFICATION AND OPERATION OF TURBINE POWERED AIRCRAFT, LARGE AIRCRAFT, OR PISTON-POWERED AIRCRAFT GREATER THAN 800 HP AND Vne EXCEEDING 250 KNOTS

1.PURPOSE. This appendix provides guidance for qualifying pilots to operate turbine powered aircraft, large aircraft, or piston powered aircraft having more than 800 HP and a Vne (never-exceed speed) that exceeds 250 KIAS under a letter of authorization (LOA), as required by operating limitations issued for this type of aircraft.

2. DEFINITIONS. a. Aircraft Type. As used in this appendix, means a specific make and basic model, e.g., Mikoyan MiG-15 or Douglas A-4. b. Comparable. As used in this appendix, means aircraft with similar characteristics. Some characteristics to consider when determining comparability of aircraft are straight-wing versus swept wing, subsonic versus supersonic, gross weight, and number of engines. c. Letter of Operational Authority. A letter of operational authority issued by the FAA may allow an individual to evaluate an applicant's knowledge and flight proficiency and to provide a recommendation to the FAA for the issuance of an LOA. In addition, the holder of a letter of operational authority may endorse an existing LOA holder for continued solo flight after a period of 6 calendar months of inactivity. d. Surplus Military Aircraft. As used in this appendix, unless otherwise stated, applies to both turbine-powered and piston-powered surplus military aircraft. e. Piston-Powered Aircraft. As used in this appendix, means an aircraft with over 800 hp and Vne that exceeds 250 knots.

3. BACKGROUND. a. Operating limitations issued for experimental aircraft may require the pilot-in-command to either obtain an LOA from the FAA or hold a type rating on their pilot certificate when an aircraft type rating has been established. b. Type ratings for certain aircraft are required by 14 CFR part 61 section 61.31(a). The FAR requires type ratings for large aircraft or turbine-powered aircraft when they have been certificated in the standard category. Section 61.31(h)(3) provides an exception for type ratings for operation of aircraft certificated in the experimental or provisional category.

4. ELIGIBILITY. To be eligible for an LOA to serve as PIC, an applicant must: a. Possess at least a private pilot certificate with appropriate category and class rating (such as airplane, single-engine land). b. Meet the flight experience eligibility requirements. The applicant is only required to meet one of the following two methods in order to meet the experience requirements for turbine-powered aircraft: (1) The applicant must have logged a minimum of 1,000 hours pilot flight time, including 500 hours as PIC in the aircraft category; or (2) The applicant must have logged a minimum of 500 hours pilot flight time in the aircraft category and have completed the U.S. armed services qualification checkout, or manufacturer's training and qualification program as specified under the general training requirements, paragraph 7a of this appendix. c. Have logged a minimum of 500 hours of pilot flight time to serve as PIC of a piston-powered aircraft. d. Possess at least a valid third-class FAA medical certificate.5. APPLICATION PROCEDURES. a. An applicant shall submit an application letter and an FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application, to the FSDO where the applicant resides or in the area where the flight(s) will begin at least 30 days before the date of the first intended operation. The application letter shall include at least the following information: (1) The name of the applicant. (2) The current address of the applicant and a telephone number where the applicant can be reached during normal business hours. (3) The grade of the applicant's pilot certificate, number, rating(s), and limitations, along with a description of the pilot's background and hours of experience in the type of aircraft involved or a similar type aircraft. (4) The pilot's plan for transition training to the specific aircraft, including ground, flight, and simulator training if applicable. Minimum standards for such training are specified under general training requirements, paragraph 6 of this appendix. (5) The date and class of FAA airman medical certificate held, including any limitations, and whether the pilot applicant has had high altitude physiological training, including the date of such training, as appropriate. (6) The make, model, and manufacturer of the aircraft to be flown. (7) The name of the airport where the aircraft will be based and a description of the proposed flight, or series of flights, including the purpose, airport of departure, airports of intended use enroute, and airport of destination, as applicable. (8) The portions of the aircraft operating manual that includes the operating limitations for that aircraft and its current airworthiness status. b. Once the application, including the applicant's proposed training plan has been received by the FSDO, an FAA inspector will review the application and advise the applicant whether the application is acceptable or whether revisions and/or amendments are necessary.

6. GENERAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. The FAA requires documented evidence of appropriate training. The training which the applicant receives should be obtained from the most complete program available. For example, the manufacturer, the military, or outside contractors may be potential sources for ground, simulator, or flight training. The EAA has developed a Jet Operations Manual, including suggestions and recommendations for civilian jet operations creating a positive image and noise abatement procedures. The FAA encourages persons considering operating surplus military aircraft to become familiar with and use the procedures such as those outlined in the EAA's Jet Operations Manual. a. To act as PIC in the particular type aircraft or in a "comparable" surplus military type fighter or attack aircraft, the applicant is required to show evidence of completion of an appropriate U.S. military service qualification checkout (U.S. Air Force F-86, U.S. Navy A-4, etc.). The applicant must also show evidence of having flown as PIC of a turbine or piston-powered aircraft, as applicable, within the preceding 3 calendar months and logged 10 hours as PIC in the particular type aircraft or a "comparable" type aircraft during the preceding 12 calendar months. b. The applicant may show evidence of satisfactory completion of the manufacturer's PIC qualification checkout in the particular type aircraft. In such case, the applicant must provide a copy of the manufacturer's training program curriculum. c. If the above methods of training are not available, the applicant may provide an endorsement by the holder of a current and appropriate Letter of Operational Authority in that type aircraft, who has also been authorized in writing by the FAA to make the endorsement that ground instruction has been given and that the applicant is adequately knowledgeable of: (1) The aircraft's systems and components. (2) Normal and emergency procedures, including the use of ejection seats if such seats are operational (abnormal if described in the aircraft's checklist). (3) Use of performance charts including, but not limited to, takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, and landing. (4) Fuel requirements and management. (5) Runway requirements and limitations (minimum length and crosswind limits of the aircraft). (6) Contents of the aircraft flight manual or equivalent. (7) Operating limitations prescribed for the particular aircraft, including the adverse effects of exceeding any limitation. (8) Operation of the aircraft in the high altitude regime, if applicable. Instruction will be given in the Areas of Operation and the applicable Tasks, and standards of performance required will be that shown in the Airline Transport Pilot and Type Rating Practical Test Standards, FAA-S-8081-5 (as amended). d. In addition to the knowledge requirements of subparagraph c of this appendix, the applicant must present an endorsement by the holder of a current and appropriate LOA in that type aircraft, who has been authorized in writing by the FAA to make the endorsement that they have personally flown with the applicant in the type aircraft for multiple-place or a comparable aircraft for single-place and has found the applicant competent to perform safely the following: (1) Aircraft preflight. (2) Cockpit resource management, as appropriate. (3) Powerplant start procedure, taxing, and pre-takeoff checks. (4) Takeoffs and landings (normal, crosswind, and arrestment procedures), as applicable. (5) Aborted takeoffs. (6) Flight at critically slow airspeeds. (7) Approaches to stalls (if appropriate to the aircraft used). (8) Recovery from specific flight characteristics. (9) Normal and emergency procedures (abnormal if described in the aircraft's checklist). (10) Maneuvering to landings with simulated powerplant failure, multi-engine aircraft. (11) Zero-flap landings, as appropriate. (12) Rejected landings. (13) Aerobatics - if appropriate to the aircraft and requested by the applicant, and if the applicant does not wish to have the limitation, "Aerobatic maneuvers are not authorized" placed on their LOA. Instruction will be given in the Areas of Operation and the applicable Tasks, and standards of performance required will be that shown in the Airline Transport Pilot and Type Rating Practical Test Standards, FAA-S-8081-5 (as amended). e. The applicant may propose a written training program curriculum of their own choice and design. The training program curriculum should provide transition ground and flight training appropriate to the aircraft and consist of the Areas of Operation and the applicable Tasks shown in the Airline Transport Pilot and Type Rating Practical Test Standards, FAA-S-8081-5 (as amended). The training program shall ensure that the applicant, after satisfactorily completing the proposed training program, will have received training at least equal in scope and content to that contained in paragraphs 6a or b, or c and d of this appendix. f. Some single-place military surplus aircraft have two-place models that may be available for the applicant's use in training. An applicant with a single-place aircraft, e.g., MiG-15, must accomplish the training required by this appendix. However, the applicant may accomplish that training in a comparable two-place aircraft, e.g., T-33. In determining what constitutes a comparable two-place aircraft for training purposes and for issuing authorizations for single-place aircraft, the FAA requires the applicant to receive training in the most complex airplane that most nearly duplicates the characteristics of the single place model. g. A temporary LOA to fly a multiple-place or single-place aircraft may be granted for proficiency and practice flying in preparation for the practical tests required by this appendix. This temporary LOA may be issued on the basis of the applicant having satisfactorily completed the appropriate training program. This temporary LOA shall be valid for a maximum period of 60 days and shall be limited to flights in a prescribed geographical area. Thistemporary LOA may be reissued for an additional 60 days if the applicant can show that he/she was prevented from proficiency and practice flying by circumstances beyond their control, such as weather or mechanical problems. In any case, the applicant must comply with the aircraft's airworthiness limitations, as amended.

7. PRACTICAL TEST - MULTIPLE-PLACE AIRCRAFT. a. After the applicant has satisfactorily completed the proposed training program which was deemed acceptable to the FAA, a demonstration of the applicant's knowledge and flight proficiency will not be required (for VFR flight only) if the applicant has accomplished one of the following: (1) Has satisfactorily completed the appropriate U.S. military service qualification as outlined in paragraph 6a of this appendix and has shown evidence of having flown as PIC of any turbine or piston-powered aircraft, as applicable, within the preceding 3 calendar months and logged 10 hours as .pilot in command in the particular type aircraft or in a "comparable" type fighter or attack aircraft during the preceding 12 calendar months; or (2) Has satisfactorily completed the training and was endorsed by the holder of a current and appropriate Letter of Operational Authority as outlined in paragraphs 6c and 6d of this appendix. b. After the applicant has satisfactorily completed the proposed training program which was deemed acceptable to the FAA, a demonstration of the applicant's knowledge and flight proficiency will be required (for VFR flight only) if the applicant has done one of the following: (1) Has satisfactorily completed the appropriate military service qualification as outlined in paragraph 6a of this appendix, but has not flown as pilot in command of any turbine or piston-powered aircraft, as applicable, within the preceding 3 months and has not logged 10 hours as pilot in command in the particular type aircraft or in a "comparable" type fighter or attack aircraft during the preceding 12 calendar months; (2) Has satisfactorily completed the manufacturer's PIC qualification as outlined in paragraph 6b of this appendix; or (3) Has satisfactorily completed the training program curriculum developed by the applicant as outlined in paragraph 6e of this appendix. c. The knowledge and flight proficiency demonstration will be conducted by an FAA operations inspector in accordance with the standards shown in FAA-S-8081-5, Airline Transport Pilot and Type Rating Practical Test Standards (as amended). The demonstration should include the maneuvers and procedures listed under paragraphs 6c(1) through (8) and 6d(1) through (13) of this appendix to the maximum extent possible and will include three takeoffs and landings. The flight may be observed from the ground, from another aircraft, or may be conducted by an inspector on board the aircraft being used for the test. If conducted by an inspector on board the aircraft, the aircraft must have fully functioning dual controls. Inspectors should exercise extreme care when observing from a chase plane, and shall ensure proper preflight and inflight coordination between the crews of the two aircraft. Inspectors assigned to administer such flight checks should preferably have a background in military aircraft similar to those in which the checks are given. For surplus turbine-powered aircraft, inspectors must be initially qualified in turbine powered aircraft under the provisions of FAA Order 8700.1, General Aviation Operations Inspector's Handbook. If an inspector with experience in similar military type turbine-powered aircraft is unavailable, an inspector "well qualified," under the provisions of Order 8700.1, Volume II, Chapter 1, Section 2, paragraph 13, may be designated by the appropriate regional office in an LOA to conduct the flight check.

8. PRACTICAL TEST - SINGLE-PLACE AIRCRAFT. a. After the applicant has gained proficiency, made three takeoffs and landings, and logged at least 3 hours of flight time in the type of single-place aircraft under a temporary LOA, a demonstration of the applicant's knowledge and flight proficiency will not be required (for VFR flight only) if the applicant has satisfactorily completed the appropriate military qualification checkout as training. b. After the applicant has gained proficiency and made three takeoffs and landings and logged at least 3 hours of flight time in the type of single-place aircraft under a temporary LOA, a demonstration of the applicant's knowledge and flight proficiency will be required (for VFR flight only) if the applicant has satisfactorily completed the manufacturer's checkout or has received an endorsement for aeronautical knowledge in this type or in a comparable aircraft. c. The knowledge and flight proficiency demonstration will be conducted by an FAA operations inspector in accordance with the standards shown in FAA-S-8081-5, Airline Transport Pilot and Type Rating Practical Test Standards (as amended). The demonstration should include the maneuvers and procedures listed under paragraphs 6c(1) through (8) and 6d(1) through (13) of this appendix to the maximum extent possible and will include three takeoffs and landings. The flight may be observed from the ground, or when necessary, observed from another aircraft. Extreme care should be taken when utilizing a chase aircraft to ensure proper preflight coordination is completed between the crews.9. UNSATISFACTORY PRACTICAL TEST. If an applicant does not perform satisfactorily, the inspector may still issue a letter giving the applicant credit for maneuvers performed satisfactorily. The letterwould allow credit for retesting within 60 days of the failure, but the letter must clearly state that it is not an LOA. If an applicant's temporary LOA has expired, the inspector may issue another temporary LOA to authorize practice and proficiency flying for the retest.10. ISSUANCE OF AN LOA. a. After the application has been received by the FSDO, the appropriate training accepted and satisfactorily completed, and the practical test administered and satisfactorily accomplished, as appropriate, an LOA will be issued to the pilot applicant. b. The initial LOA for a turbine-powered aircraft will have an expiration date but may be reissued as outlined in paragraph 14 of this appendix. The initial LOA for a piston-powered aircraft is also issued with an expiration date, but may be reissued for an indefinite period. Once a pilot has qualified in three different types of single-engine or multi-engine piston-powered aircraft, at least one of which is a tail wheel airplane, a single LOA without an expiration date may be issued. This LOA would read, "All types and makes of high performance single or multi-engine piston-powered airplanes." This LOA must contain the limitation that the pilot, before acting as PIC of any high performance single-or multi-engine piston-powered aircraft not previously authorized, shall obtain an endorsement from an authorized LOA holder. c. A separate LOA shall be issued to the applicant for each type of aircraft, either piston or turbine-powered. Superseded LOA's are not valid and should be surrendered. d. Except for a temporary LOA, an initial LOA for a turbine-powered aircraft is valid for 24 calendar months; for a piston-powered aircraft, 12 calendar months. A pilot who has held a current LOA to operate that type of turbine-powered airplane for the preceding 24 months, who meets the recency of experience requirements in paragraph 13 of this appendix, and who has established a record of safe operation, may be reissued an LOA for another 24 months. An LOA reissued for a piston-powered aircraft is valid indefinitely. Holders of expired LOA's for turbine-powered aircraft may have their LOA's reissued for 24 calendar months provided they meet the recency of experience requirements of paragraph 13 of this appendix or comply with the requirements for initial issuance.

11. DESIGNATION OF PERSONS OR ORGANIZATIONS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE REQUIRED ENDORSEMENTS. Various local and national organizations have adopted comprehensive internal rules pertaining to pilot checkout in high performance aircraft. Those persons or organizations with a Letter of Operational Authority may be designated to endorse an applicant for the issuance of an LOA or for continued solo flight after a 6 calendar months period of inactivity. Procedures for issuance of a letter of operational authority are contained in FAA Order 8700.1, Volume II, Chapter 32, Section 1, Paragraph 23.

12. LIMITATIONS. a. The appropriate provisions of parts 61 and 91 must be adhered to. Additional limitations to the LOA, other than those associated with an experimental exhibition airworthiness certificate, may be issued when considered necessary by the FAA. Examples of such limitations are as follows: (1) "Supersonic flight is not authorized." (2) "Aerobatic maneuvers are not authorized." (3) "VFR only." (4) "Formation flight is not authorized."NOTE: The FAA may remove specific limitations when the applicant can justify to the FAA that the limitations are no longer necessary, that safety would not be derogated with the limitation removed, and that the appropriate training has been accomplished. b. Pilots should be reminded that no person may operate an aircraft in formation flight, except by arrangement with the PIC of each aircraft in the formation. Formation flight demands extreme vigilance on the part of the pilots involved. Therefore, before formation flight, a thorough preflight discussion is paramount to flight safety.

13. RECENCY OF EXPERIENCE. a. The holder of an LOA may not exercise the privileges of that letter unless: (1) Within the preceding 6 calendar months, the holder has made at least three takeoffs and landings in one of the models authorized or a comparable model. (2) After the 6 calendar months inactive period, the holder has obtained the following: (a) A flight review including the normal and emergency (and abnormal if contained in the aircraft's checklist) procedures and maneuvers in the particular type or comparable type of aircraft. (b) The endorsement by the holder of a current Letter of Operational Authority, so authorized by the FAA, who has found the pilot competent to operate the aircraft safely, or the endorsement of an organization that holds a letter of operational authority issued by the FAA.

14. INSTRUMENT PRIVILEGES. a. An applicant who desires instrument flight privileges on the LOA must show compliance with the instrument flight competency specified in § 61.63(d)(3). Otherwise, a VFR only limitation will be placed on the LOA. This limitation will be placed on the LOA for each type of aircraft for which the applicant does not demonstrate instrument flight competency. b. If the applicant holds an instrument rating for aircraft and supplies evidence of demonstration of instrument flight competency, and the aircraft is properly equipped for instrument flight rules and not limited by the operating limitations, a VFR only limitation will not be placed on the LOA. c. A pilot may have a VFR only limitation removed by satisfactorily completing an instrument competency demonstration within the 6 months preceding application for the limitation's removal. d. Demonstration of instrument flight competency may be conducted in the aircraft for which an LOA is sought or in a simulator or "comparably" equipped aircraft. A "comparably" equipped aircraft should contain similar equipment to the aircraft for which an LOA is sought for the instrument flight competency demonstration. e. This demonstration may be conducted in conjunction with that required by another operating rule or military instrument proficiency check. f. When the demonstration is conducted in a simulator or "comparably" equipped aircraft, the applicant must demonstrate competency based solely upon the equipment/crew complement contained in the actual aircraft for which an LOA is sought. For example, if the aircraft does not require a second-in-command or does not have an auto pilot system, then the applicant may not utilize a second-in-command or an auto pilot for the instrument flight competency demonstration. g. In the case of a single-place aircraft, demonstration of instrument competency may be given in a simulator or two-place aircraft that adequately duplicates the characteristics of the single-place aircraft.

15. PILOT-IN-COMMAND PROFICIENCY CHECKS. If an experimental airworthiness certificate requires more than one pilot crewmember, the pilot in command must comply with part 61 § 61.58. In addition, the second-in-command must be qualified in accordance with part 61 § 61.55.

 

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