FAA Regulations for All CAF Flights

"Legal Mumbo Jumbo" that is taken very seriously

FAA Statement for Passengers of the AZCAF

The CAF/AZCAF would like to inform you that this airplane holds a limited airworthiness certificate and this flight has been authorized by the FAA under a grant of exemption from the requirements of several specified Federal Air Regulations. The significance of the limited airworthiness certificate as compared to a standard airworthiness certificate is that the FAA has not established nor has it approved limited airworthiness certified aircraft manufacturing standards. In contrast, standard category airworthiness certified aircraft are manufactured to FAA approved standards, including standards addressing the design of the aircraft and life-limited parts. Specifically, the FAA has determined our aircraft to be in safe operating condition and has individually approved our progressive maintenance program.

I don't speak "legal" - can I get that in English please?

It means that while the FAA was not established during the time the planes of the CAF/AZCAF were manufactured, and thus, unable to create policies and regulations for aircraft safety, the FAA is involved with our routine maintenance and repair work and sends on-site personnel to verify all work done on the planes in accordance to safety practices and approved work practices performed on the planes. Even though the planes were manufactured before policies and regulations were created, there are existing standards that we must adhere to in order to ensure the safety of the planes and the crew/passengers flying in them.

These planes were built back in the 1940's, and the materials used to keep them running are based on those designs. Sure, we have new radios, and GPS systems now, and over the years, safety aspects have been addressed and incorporated whenever possible, but Boeing stopped making B-17 parts a long time ago (as well as the manufacturers for our other planes too). You understand that you are willingly getting onto an old war plane, and accepting the inherit risks of any type of flying machine. Each passenger must sign a Hold Harmless Agreement before boarding.