Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does a 'Special Flight Permit' allow an aircraft to do?
What does a 'Special Flight Permit' allow an aircraft to do?
- Conduct regular commercial flights.
- Operate despite not meeting airworthiness conditions. (correct)
- Demonstrate new capabilities to prospective buyers.
- Fly without any repairs.
Which term describes the status of an aircraft when it conforms to its approved design?
Which term describes the status of an aircraft when it conforms to its approved design?
- Defective
- Repaired
- Airworthy (correct)
- Unairworthy
What is the main purpose of a maintenance check flight (MCF)?
What is the main purpose of a maintenance check flight (MCF)?
- To ensure the performance and functioning of systems. (correct)
- To verify airworthiness before purchasing.
- To prepare the aircraft for commercial flights.
- To train new pilots on aircraft operation.
Under what circumstance might an aircraft need a special flight permit?
Under what circumstance might an aircraft need a special flight permit?
Which of the following is NOT a condition for the issuance of a special flight permit?
Which of the following is NOT a condition for the issuance of a special flight permit?
What is the goal of a demonstration flight?
What is the goal of a demonstration flight?
Which is a requirement for conducting a maintenance check flight (MCF)?
Which is a requirement for conducting a maintenance check flight (MCF)?
What best defines 'airworthy' status for an aircraft?
What best defines 'airworthy' status for an aircraft?
What is required for an aircraft to be flown under a special flight permit?
What is required for an aircraft to be flown under a special flight permit?
Under what conditions can the Director-General issue a special flight permit?
Under what conditions can the Director-General issue a special flight permit?
What is the purpose of Rule 55A in the Aircraft Rules, 1937?
What is the purpose of Rule 55A in the Aircraft Rules, 1937?
Which rule specifically mentions that no aircraft shall be flown without a valid airworthiness certificate?
Which rule specifically mentions that no aircraft shall be flown without a valid airworthiness certificate?
Which subrule states that an aircraft cannot be flown during the suspension of its airworthiness certificate?
Which subrule states that an aircraft cannot be flown during the suspension of its airworthiness certificate?
Who has the authority to issue a special flight permit for an aircraft with a valid C of A?
Who has the authority to issue a special flight permit for an aircraft with a valid C of A?
What limitations may be specified in the special flight permit issued by the Director-General?
What limitations may be specified in the special flight permit issued by the Director-General?
What does the CAR specify regarding an aircraft with a suspended C of A?
What does the CAR specify regarding an aircraft with a suspended C of A?
What is a requirement for requesting a Special Flight Permit?
What is a requirement for requesting a Special Flight Permit?
Which of the following is NOT listed as a type of flight in the content?
Which of the following is NOT listed as a type of flight in the content?
What documentation is necessary to support claims of non-compliance to airworthiness requirements?
What documentation is necessary to support claims of non-compliance to airworthiness requirements?
What should the applicant include regarding safe operation limitations for the aircraft?
What should the applicant include regarding safe operation limitations for the aircraft?
What is a critical certification requirement given in the application process?
What is a critical certification requirement given in the application process?
What must a Lessor or Operator comply with for maintenance check flights, demonstration flights, or positioning flights?
What must a Lessor or Operator comply with for maintenance check flights, demonstration flights, or positioning flights?
What needs to accompany the application for a special flight permit for a damaged aircraft?
What needs to accompany the application for a special flight permit for a damaged aircraft?
Who must concur and sign the application for a special flight permit?
Who must concur and sign the application for a special flight permit?
In the case of a damaged aircraft, where should the application for a special flight permit be submitted?
In the case of a damaged aircraft, where should the application for a special flight permit be submitted?
Who is permitted on board during a demonstration flight?
Who is permitted on board during a demonstration flight?
What is one circumstance under which a special flight permit may be issued?
What is one circumstance under which a special flight permit may be issued?
Which of the following is a valid reason for issuing a special flight permit?
Which of the following is a valid reason for issuing a special flight permit?
Which scenario does NOT qualify for the issuance of a special flight permit?
Which scenario does NOT qualify for the issuance of a special flight permit?
What is the maximum purpose of weight excess allowed under a special flight permit?
What is the maximum purpose of weight excess allowed under a special flight permit?
Which of the following actions requires a special flight permit?
Which of the following actions requires a special flight permit?
What does the special flight permit allow in terms of aircraft testing?
What does the special flight permit allow in terms of aircraft testing?
In which situation would an aircraft typically be issued a special flight permit?
In which situation would an aircraft typically be issued a special flight permit?
What is primarily required for an aircraft to be allowed a special flight permit despite being deemed unsafe?
What is primarily required for an aircraft to be allowed a special flight permit despite being deemed unsafe?
Study Notes
Introduction to Special Flight Permits (SFPs)
- Rule 15 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 mandates a valid Certificate of Airworthiness (CoA) or a special CoA for flight. The Director General (DG) can issue SFPs.
- Rule 55, subrule 3, prohibits flight with a suspended or deemed suspended CoA. Subrule 4 allows the DG to issue SFPs upon application if the CoA is suspended.
- Rule 55A allows the DG to issue SFPs for aircraft not fully compliant with airworthiness requirements but deemed safe under specified conditions. Applications can be made by the owner or operator for various DG-specified purposes.
- This document outlines SFP issuance conditions for aircraft with suspended, deemed suspended, or invalid CoAs.
- This CAR is issued under Rules 55, 55A, and 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
Definitions
- Special Flight Permit (SFP): A document issued by the DG for aircraft not meeting airworthiness conditions defined in Rule 3(1GA) but deemed safe under specified limitations.
- Airworthy: Aircraft, engine, propeller, or part conforming to its approved design and in safe operating condition according to DG-specified norms (Rule 3(1GA)).
- Maintenance Check Flight (MCF): A flight verifying aircraft performance or system/equipment function, not fully verifiable via ground checks. This includes checks required by AMM, operator, CAMO, or for defect rectification.
- Demonstration Flight: A flight showcasing aircraft handling, performance, and capabilities to prospective lessees.
Conditions for Issuing SFPs
- SFPs address situations where defects/damage might necessitate a flight to a repair facility, mandatory modifications/inspections/AD compliance, evacuations, experimental/test flights, etc., even without a valid CoA, provided the aircraft is otherwise safe.
- The DGCA HQ/Regional/Sub-Regional Airworthiness Office issues SFPs when a CoA is suspended, deemed suspended, or invalid. The aircraft may not meet airworthiness requirements yet can fly safely for specific purposes:
- Ferry flight to a base for repairs/modifications/maintenance to reinstate CoA (no fare-paying passengers or cargo).
- Test flying after modifications/repairs for a supplementary type certificate.
- Evacuation of aircraft/persons from danger zones or force majeure situations.
- Ferry flight to temporary/permanent storage.
- Flight exceeding maximum certified take-off weight (MTOW) (limited to additional fuel, tanks, and navigation equipment for extended range flights where adequate landing facilities or fuel are unavailable)
- Test flying after maintenance/modification/repair for CoA revalidation/revocation (per CAR Section 2 Series F Part III, Para 8).
- Test flying if the Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) has expired.
- SFPs may also be issued for:
- New aircraft delivery, as per CAR Section 2 Series F Part III.
- Post-aircraft erection test flights.
- MCFs, demonstration flights, or positioning flights for aircraft registered with an IFSCA-approved aircraft leasing company acting as an operator (subject to operational requirements). Lessors are only permitted normal routine demo flights; for demonstration flights, the Lessor and Lessee representatives are allowed onboard.
Procedure for Obtaining an SFP
- The owner/operator submits an application (Appendix I), substantiating safe flight and steps taken to ensure safety. The operator's engineering and operations departments must concur and sign, confirming operational safety.
- For damaged aircraft, the application goes to the local Regional/Sub-Regional Airworthiness Office where the damage occurred, including a defect/damage assessment report. A copy is sent to the aircraft's base office.
- The application includes a proposed itinerary, crew details, details of non-compliance with airworthiness requirements, limitations/restrictions for safe operation, planned actions, and any other relevant information. It must also include confirmation of the aircraft's capability for a safe flight and a declaration of the accuracy of submitted information.
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Description
This quiz covers the key regulations regarding Special Flight Permits (SFPs) as outlined in the Aircraft Rules, 1937. It includes conditions under which the Director General can issue SFPs for aircraft that do not fully comply with airworthiness requirements. Test your understanding of the rules and definitions associated with SFPs in aviation law.
