Agrees With HAI, AAMS Position That Exemption Remains Valid

The FAA has granted an extension of an exemption to the FARs that will allow properly trained pilots employed by HAI and Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) member operators to remove and reinstall Liquid Oxygen System (LOX) containers in their aircraft. The two associations had petitioned the FAA for the extension in November.

In a letter to HAI president Matt Zuccaro, the FAA said it agreed with the position taken by the associations that there has been no change in the conditions and reasons relative to public interest and safety that were the basis for granting the original exemption. Director of Flight Standards Service John M. Allen wrote that the exemption would be extended to January 31. 2015 "unless sooner superseded or rescinded."

Under the exemption, an operator is required to apply for and receive amended operations specifications authorizing it to exercise the privileges of the exemption from the appropriate FAA district office. Operators are also required to develop specific instructions for the installation and removal of the LOX containers installed in their aircraft, and incorporate such data in their operations and maintenance procedures manuals or other documents as appropriate. A pilot training program must be established, and each pilot is required to be trained and tested in the removal in installation of the LOX containers.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.rotor.com