Sept. 23, 2020
Operators of piston airplanes, small airplanes and all helicopters using the NBAA Small Aircraft Exemption, which allows the operator to utilize the limited cost reimbursement permitted under Part 91, Subpart F of the Federal Aviation Regulations, must submit a Notice of Joinder by Sunday, Sept. 27.
NBAA recently created an online tool to assist operators in submitting the Notice of Joinder to the Federal Docket. View the online tool to assist members.
“This tool offers NBAA members a simple option for operators to comply with the Notice of Joinder requirement in FAA Exemption Number 7897K,” said Brian Koester, CAM, NBAA’s director flight operations and regulations. “We encourage all members who utilize this exemption to submit their notice using this tool by Sunday, Sept. 27, to retain the right to use this exemption.”
Earlier this year, the FAA approved a 24-month extension to NBAA’s Small Aircraft Exemption through March 31, 2022, allowing NBAA members that operate small aircraft to take advantage of the flexibility usually offered to operators of larger, turbine-powered aircraft.
The current version of the exemption – officially known as Exemption 7897K, the NBAA Small Aircraft Exemption – provides operators of piston-powered airplanes, small airplanes (those with a gross weight of 12,500 pounds or less) and rotorcraft a number of advantages, including the use of alternative maintenance programs and limited cost-reimbursement for certain flights in accordance with Part 91 Subpart F of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
Time sharing, interchange and joint ownership agreements are also permitted under Part 91 Subpart F. Certain provisions of Subpart F are particularly useful when transporting a guest on a company aircraft or using an aircraft to transport employees of a subsidiary company, among other common scenarios.
The cost-sharing benefits of Part 91 Subpart F are typically limited to aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of over 12,500 pounds, multi-engine turbojet aircraft or fractional ownership program aircraft.
The updated exemption includes a new item in the conditions and limitations section, requiring operators to file the Notice of Joinder, which contains the operator’s name, contact information, NBAA membership number and an attestation that the member will comply with the terms of Exemption 7897K.
Koester explained the notice will help ensure the NBAA Small Aircraft Exemption continues to be used appropriately and remains a valid, compliant means of cost sharing for certain small aircraft operators.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.