Jan 20, 2012 - Last year, the FAA acknowledged errors had crept into the updated FAA Order 8130.2G, Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft and Related Products, chapter 4, section 10, and promised to remedy them. Subsequent meetings between the FAA and industry groups, including both EAA and CJAA, resulted in an 8130.2G Deviation Letter that was distributed to the FSDOs late last year. Essentially, the letter authorizes Order deviation, and clarifies operating limitations on exhibition experimental jet (EEJ) airworthiness certificates.

CJAA is in favor of simplified and non-duplicative requirements and is generally pleased with the Deviation Letter.

What affect does this have on the average CJAA member who operates EEJ aircraft?

• Except in special cases, all previously issued airworthiness certificates and operating limitations will remain valid unless changes are requested by the applicant.
• Group 6 aircraft (see Deviation Letter for Group definitions) are still extremely limited.
• AFS-800 has not yet approved any ejection seat training program. The FAA has committed to a formal ejection seat training program administered by “approved instructors” for the pilots.

There are still minor unresolved issues regarding aircraft classification and some maintenance requirements, but the FAA has agreed to continued dialog, the next meeting being at NWOC next month.

• 8130.2G Deviation Letter
• EAA Press Release concerning 8130.2G Deviation Letter
• Original 8130.2G Publication