4. Boom pressure gauge.
(q) What certificate or certificates have to be carried on an aircraft engaged in agricultural aircraft operations?
(r) You are flying a restricted-category agricultural aircraft with a belly unit and two seats. Can you use this aircraft for purposes other than agricultural operations?
(s) Are you required to wear a crash helmet during operations?
(t) Describe in detail the dangers involved with a hot, heavy, downwind turn.
(u) As your bank increases, what happens to your stall speed?
l. Skills Test. For the skills test, the aircraft’s tanks or hoppers must be loaded with any suitable material (e.g., water, lime, or sand). Load to the maximum certificated takeoff weight or the maximum weight established for the special-purpose load, whichever is greater. Current environmental conditions can also be a factor for the maximum weight. You must ensure that the dispensing equipment is free from chemicals and chemical residue.
(1) While not required by regulation, a flight helmet can provide the pilot with added protection in the event of an accident. We encourage pilots to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved or Military Specifications flight helmet when operating agricultural aircraft in dispensing operations.
(2) Before beginning the skills test, the inspector will inform the pilot/you of expectations and performance requirements, and factors that could lead to disqualification. The pilot/you are evaluated on piloting skill and operational judgment in the following skills testing task areas:
(a) Groundcrew coordination and loading procedures.
(b) Engine start, warm-up, and taxi procedures.
(c) Short-field and soft-field takeoffs (airplanes and gyroplanes only), directional control, liftoff, and climb.
1. One soft-field takeoff and climb.
2. Short-field takeoff and maximum performance climb.
(d) Approaches to the working area.
1. Satisfactory aerial survey of area for obstructions.
2. Proper method of beginning operations (normally, starting operation crosswind on downwind side of field).
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(e) Flareout.
1. Should not touch ground or crop during flareout.
2. Should be consistently at same height and proper position over field on several flareouts.
(f) Swath runs.
1. Consistent altitude (plus or minus 5 feet).
2. Four or more passes demonstrated.
NOTE: Looking behind the aircraft at the spray pattern during swath run is disqualifying. The flight should be executed so as not to fly through the spray droplets or the dust of previous swath. Spacing successive swath runs to place the wing tip into or overlapping the vortices of the previous swath is not disqualifying.
3. Start and stop the spray application within the target area and prevent drift onto adjacent fields.
(g) Pullups and turnarounds.
1. Consistent height in turnarounds, obstructions permitting.
2. Smooth and coordinated.
3. Turn in proper direction relative to wind, obstructions, and field layout.
4. Obstruction clearance before starting turn.
5. Proper throttle, flap, and hopper or tank control.
(h) Clean-up swath or trim passes.
1. Recognize the need for clean-up swath.
2. Adequately cover area to be treated.
(i) Jettisoning of remainder of load after swath runs in the event of inflight emergency.
(j) Rapid deceleration or quick stops (helicopter only).
(k) Approach, touchdown, and directional control on landing.
1. One landing.
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2. Adequate precautions used around turning propellers or rotor blades.
(l) Taxi, engine shutdown, and securing of aircraft.
m. Phase Completion.
(1) If either the knowledge test or skills test results are unsatisfactory, the CPM notifies the pilot and you in writing of the disposition of the test. The pilot and/or you must schedule another appointment with the team to retake the test.
(2) You may not progress through the certification process before satisfactorily completing the tasks of the demonstration and inspection phase. The CPM terminates the demonstration and inspection phase only upon your successful completion of the required tasks.
1-7. THE CERTIFICATION PHASE. You receive the appropriate agricultural aircraft operator’s certificate (private or commercial) after the certification team concludes that all qualifications are met. Applicable authorizations such as an approval to use an MEL will be prepared and issued from the Operations Safety System.
1-8. TERMINATION OF THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS. During any phase the CPM can terminate the certification process if you do not adequately correct a discrepancy noted by the certification team. You receive written notification of denial of certification through a notice of disapproval. This document, denying the issuance of an operating certificate, includes the remarks pertaining to the denial. You receive the notice of disapproval and the application. The certification team returns any other documentation you submitted. If you address all of the remarks in the notice of disapproval and wish to become a candidate for an operating certificate, you must start the certification process again from at least the document compliance phase.
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FIGURE 1-1. SAMPLE LETTER OF INTENT (Your Letterhead) (Date) (Geographically responsible FAA FSDO address) Greetings:
This is to notify the Federal Aviation Administration of our intent to become a certificated commercial (or private) agricultural aircraft operator under part 137 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
We plan to begin operations on (date), and are ready for your certification inspection at this time.
Operations will be confined to (geographic location) and will involve the operation of (number and type of aircraft).
Enclosed are two copies of FAA Form 8710-3. Our three requested letter certificate designators are (list preferred designators), in that order of preference.
Sincerely,
(Operator’s name and title) Attachments Par 8 Page 13
FIGURE 1-2. FAA FORM 8710-3, AGRICULTURAL AIRCRAFT OPERATOR
CERTIFICATE APPLICATION (FRONT) orm Approv AB No. 2120-00 05/31/2009 a Departmen deral Aviati AGRICULTURAL AIRCRAFT OPERATOR CERTIFICATE APPLICATION Submit in duplicate to the local General Aviation District Office. INSTRUCTIONS ministrat TYPE FOR DISPENSING (Check one) ORIGINAL
1. APPLICATION PRIVATE ECONOMIC POISONS AMENDMENT FOR
COMMERCIAL OTHER THAN ECONOMIC POISONS REISSUANCE
2. NAME AND ADDRESS OF APPLICANT 3. PRINCIPAL OPERTIONS BASE (Airport, City, State)
TELEPHONE NUMBER TELEPHONE NUMBER INDIVIDUAL OTHER (Specify) 5. NAME OF CHIEF SUPERVISOR OF OPERATIONS IF OTHER
2. OPERATING CORPORATION THAN SHOWN IN ITEM 2. (COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS ONLY) AS PARTNERSHIP (First) (Middle Initial) (Last)
6. AIRMAN CERTIFICATE HELD CERTIFICATE NUMBER
GRADE RATINGS PRIVATE ASEL AMES TYPE RATING(S) (Specify)
COMMERCIAL AMEL HELICOPTER
AIRLINE TRANSPORT ASES GYROPLANE
DO YOU HOLD A CURRENTLY EFFECTIVE CERTIFICATE OF WAIVER FOF NO CONDUCTING AGRICULTURAL AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS? YES (Complete 7B) 7B. WAIVER HELD DATE ISSUED EXPIRATION DATE FAA DISTRICT OFFICE WHERE ISSUED
8. AGRICULTURAL AIRCRAFT TO BE OPERATED
MAKE MODEL EQUIPPED FOR TOTAL NUMBER EACH REGISTRATION MARK LIQUID SOLID AIRCRAFT OPERATED (List one)
9. LIST THE NAME(S) AND AIRMAN CERTIFICATE NUMBER OF AGRICULTURAL PILOT(S) WORKING FOR YOU AT THE PRESENT TIME (Use separate sheet and attach if additional space is needed.)
NAME CERT. NO NAME CERT. NO
10. REMARKS
11. CERTIFICATION: I CERTIFY THAT STATEMENTS MADE ON THIS FORM ARE TRUE AND CORRECT.
DATE TITLE SIGNATURE FAA Form 8710-3 (10-83) Page 14 Par 8
FIGURE 1-2. FAA FORM 8710-3, AGRICULTURAL AIRCRAFT OPERATOR CERTIFICATE APPLICATION (Back) INSPECTION REPORT - For FAA Use Only (To be completed by the General Aviation for Flight Standards District Office)
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
1. PILOTS NOT REQUIRED SATISFACTORY UNSATISFACTORY A. CERTIFICATES B. RATING(S) C. KNOWLEDGE TEST D. SKILL TEST
2. AIRCRAFT A. CERTIFICATED B. AIRWORTHY C. EQUIPPED FOR AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS
10. REMARKS (Include an explanation of denial if application is disapproved).
4. DISTRICT OFFICE ACTION
INSPECTORS SIGNATURES
CERTIFICATE ISSUED
APPLICATION DISAPPROVED
DATE INSPECTION COMPLETED Par 8 Page 15
FIGURE 1-3. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 14 CFR PART 137 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Name of Operator Names of Management Personnel Name:
Title:
Address Applicant Date Ready FAA Date Received FAA Date Returned FAA Date Applied/ Accepted Inspector Initials Letter of Intent Application (FAA Form 8710-3) Chief Supervisor Knowledge and Skills Test
Other Pilots Knowledge and Skills Test
Aircraft Lease/Proof of Availability
Aircraft Conformity Inspection (Airworthiness)
Aircraft Records (Airworthiness)
Operator Recordkeeping System (Commercial)
Proof of Bona Fide Property Interest (Private Operators)
Other
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FIGURE 1-4. FLOWCHART FOR APPLICANTS SEEKING A 14 CFR PART 137
OPERATING CERTIFICATE Applicant Without Previous Part 137 Experience Formal Application Phase Documentation Compliance Phase Demonstration and Inspection Phase Certification Phase Applicant With Previous Part 137 Experience Unsatisfactory Results Applicants must make the appropriate corrections to the items found unsatisfactory. Once these corrections have been made, the applicant must reschedule an appointment with the team to reevaluate the phase or task and continue the certification process.
Termination of the Certification Process The CPM may terminate the certification process during any phase of the process for the following conditions:
Failure of the applicant to correct discrepancies previously noted.
Unsatisfactory results after a reexamination of a phase or task.
Unsafe operating procedures or practices.
Eliminate the Preapplication Phase Results Satisfactory Results Satisfactory Results Satisfactory Reschedule Evaluation Unsatisfactory Results Reschedule Evaluation Unsatisfactory Results Reschedule Evaluation Unsatisfactory Results Preapplication Meeting Eligibility Met Par 8 Page 17 (and 18)
CHAPTER 2. PART 137 OPERATOR-SPECIFIC, AIRMEN-SPECIFIC, AND
AIRCRAFT-SPECIFIC ITEMS
2-1. PURPOSE. This chapter provides you with highlighted items for airmen, aircraft, and operation.
2-2. OPERATOR-SPECIFIC ITEMS.
a. Business Name (Commercial Applicants). A commercial operator must conduct their agricultural aircraft operation under the business name shown on their commercial agricultural aircraft operator certificate. If you intend to operate under different business names you must submit a letter that reflects each “doing business as” to the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) that has jurisdiction over your operation.
b. Change of Address. If you as an agricultural aircraft operator change the address of your home base of operations, you must notify us in writing before the change becomes effective.
c. Amendment of Operating Certificate. You should be knowledgeable of the procedures for amending your certificate with us. As prescribed by Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 137, § 137.17, you should apply with the FSDO that has jurisdiction over the area of your home base of operations. The application procedure for an original certificate applies when you desire to have dispensing economic poisons added to or removed from your operating certificate.
d. Display of Operating Certificate. Under 14 CFR § 137.57, as an agricultural aircraft operator you must keep the certificate at your home base of operations. Per § 137.33, you must have a facsimile of the agricultural aircraft operator certificate in the aircraft. Upon request, the Administrator or any Federal, state, or local law enforcement officer may view the certificate or facsimile.
e. Registration and Airworthiness Certificates. Original airworthiness and registration certificates need not be kept in the aircraft, but they must be available at your base of operations from which dispensing operations are conducted (i.e., the home base of the operator). A temporary base where you station maintenance facilities and personnel is considered the base from which you conduct dispensing operations; therefore, you must keep certificates removed from aircraft available for inspection there.
f. Additional Preflight Procedures. In addition to the preflight action required by 14 CFR § 91.103, you should take the following steps before starting agricultural aircraft operations.
(1) If obstructions to flight include structures, trees, unfavorable terrain, housing areas, etc., and the pilot has not previously worked the particular area, it may be useful to obtain a description of the work area from a person familiar with that area and/or conduct a ground survey. A ground survey may be crucial when a pilot finds it necessary to fly under wires.
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(2) When in the vicinity of the target area, pilots should carefully inspect the area from the air. Pilots should survey the area adjacent to the work location to determine that the material dispensed will not damage property or injure persons on the surface.
(3) Pilots should be aware of the possible damage to some enterprises from engine and propeller noise emitted as the pilot executes a pullup and turnaround.
(4) Investigate the target area for fish ponds, lakes, streams, and drainage ditches as certain economic poisons may be lethal to fish and wildlife.
g. Safety Procedures. Pilots should determine whether the potential treatment area could be considered a congested area. The pilot should be familiar with the provisions of 14 CFR § 137.51 for operating over a congested area.
(1) You should be knowledgeable about safe flight and safe application procedures during agricultural operations. Pilots should be familiar with the hazards associated with dispensing materials that may be flammable.
(2) When conducting operations over sloping terrain, pilots should exercise caution relative to the direction of swath runs. Flying up the slope may result in stalling the aircraft before reaching the end of the swath run or contribute to an inadvertent stall during the pullup or turnaround.
(3) Pullups and turnarounds are normally made on the downwind side of the centerline of the swath run. Unfavorable terrain, wires, guy wires, poles, trees, or other obstructions may require making pullups and turnarounds on the upwind side. If a no-wind condition exists, usually the best procedure is to make the turn into an open area (if available) in the event of power loss or engine failure.
(4) The aerial applicator pilot should avoid distraction during a swath run.
Inattentiveness may result in allowing the aircraft to fly into the ground or other obstruction. The aerial applicator pilot may tend to apply forward pressure on the elevator or cyclic control when flying under wires. Pilots should avoid such a tendency because once any part of the structure of the aircraft (e.g., wheels, skids) becomes entangled in crop foliage, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to prevent the aircraft from being pulled to the ground. The vertical fin may also contact the wires as the aircraft passes underneath them. Pilots of airplanes and especially helicopter pilots may choose not to fly under wires and dress-up the field parallel to the wires.
(5) When using two or more aircraft to apply chemicals to a field, the pilots conducting the operation should be encouraged to arrange between themselves who performs the cleanup swaths or trim passes, when applicable. Mid-air collisions have occurred between aircraft conducting team operations when no coordination is accomplished.
(6) If using Global Positioning System swath-marking equipment, use extreme caution to prevent diverting attention away from the task of flying the aircraft safely. The pilot should make it a practice to not adjust the computer while in the swath run. The pilot should plan the turn using reference to the light bar, but not fixate on it.
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h. Night Operations. Pilots may conduct night operations under certain conditions. The following guidance is useful in assessing the basic safety considerations of such operations.
(1) Immediately before a night operation, the pilot should obtain any available information concerning the possibility of a temperature inversion in the area of operation.
Inversion causes the suspension of dust particles and liquid droplets in the air, which could result in an uncontrollable drift problem. Conducting operations in an area with temperature inversions is inadvisable.
(2) Operators should establish safety practices and procedures for night operations.
The following are some suggestions for these practices and procedures.
(a) The field where night operations are to be conducted should be checked from the ground in daylight with ground personnel (if used) or with the operation’s supervisor.
(b) Develop a plan for working the field. The pilot may find it advantageous to diagram the field and indicate the approximate locations of any obstructions that could affect the safety of the operation.
i. Aircraft Position Lights. Agricultural aircraft without position lights may takeoff and may land at an airport with a functioning control tower only when authorized by air traffic control. Pilots may takeoff and land at uncontrolled airports only with the permission of the airport management and when other aircraft operations that require position lights are not in progress.
j. Use of Safety Belts and Shoulder Harnesses. Each seat installed in an aircraft must have safety belts and approved shoulder harnesses. Title 14 CFR § 137.42 prohibits operating aircraft without a safety belt and shoulder harness properly secured about an occupant. The shoulder harness may be unfastened if it hinders the occupant in performing his or her required duties.
k. Prior Coordination. The operator is responsible for coordinating with airport management and air traffic control before conducting agricultural operations in and around airports.
l. Deviation From Published Airport Traffic Patterns. The pilot in command of an aircraft engaged in part 137 operations may deviate from an airport traffic pattern when authorized by the control tower. At an airport without a functioning control tower, the pilot in command may deviate from the traffic pattern if:
(1) Prior coordination has occurred with the airport management.
(2) Deviations are limited to the agricultural aircraft operation.
(3) Use ramps, taxiways, or other areas of the airport not intended for landing and takeoff only occurs during emergencies.
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