Quote:
Originally Posted by cashflyer
I thought it was the BATF that demanded this.
|
Well, its a real mix of Govt agencies in the middle of this. Just did some research and it seems that the FAA has now relented and ejection seats are allowed but only under very stiff rules and regs. Most airplanes are still flying with the seats "pinned" or non-operational because its just too difficult to do everything the feds want to stay legal and still fly. The ATF is indeed involved as explosives and rocket motors are involved, but then the FAA gets in the mix as well.
~~~~~
Aircraft Equipped with Ejection Seats, Ballistic Parachutes, or Jettisonable Stores
Former military aircraft with experimental airworthiness certificates for the purpose(s) of R&D, exhibition, or air racing, may be eligible to operate with functional ejection seats. Only aircraft certificated for the purpose of R&D may be eligible to operate with functional jettisonable external fuel tanks or stores. The following requirements must be met in order to have these systems operational:
- The applicant must provide objective evidence that the airport manager of the airport where the aircraft is based has been notified regarding both the presence of explosive devices in these systems and the planned operation of an experimental aircraft from that airport.
- Jettisonable external fuel tank(s) or stores systems must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s procedures and inspected in accordance with the provisions of the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) approved inspection program for the particular aircraft. The FAA will verify that there is a record entry indicating current serviceability of the jettison system(s).
- Ejection seat systems must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s procedures and inspected in accordance with the provisions of the FSDO approved inspection program for the particular aircraft. The FAA will verify that there is a record entry indicating current serviceability of the ejection system, including the status of any dated shelf-life items.
- The applicant must have provisions for securing the aircraft to prevent inadvertent operation of the jettison and/or ejection systems whenever the aircraft is parked.
- The applicant must have provisions that provide for clear marking and identification of all explosive devices used in ejection seats, ballistic parachutes, and jettisonable systems. Aircraft markings should be applied externally and indicate that the aircraft is equipped with explosive devices.
Experimental Airworthiness Certificates