If one FSDO accepts this addendum...would others have
too? One of the frustrations of the current process
for us...is differnet interpretations of the memo from
different offices.

Is anyone aware of someone who has tried this route
yet?



At 14:00 15 October 2004, Plasticguy wrote:
Hey Guys.
I know it doesn't make this any easier for you, but
think this over a
minute.
The Feds grounded an entire fleet of restricted category
aircraft. The
problems with
air attack tankers having thructural failures and aging
aircraft issues was
well known.
Virtually NONE of those planes were certificated for
the roles they were
used in and
that is the center of your issue. In the Feds eyes,
you are operating an
aircraft in a
manner that it was never tested for and they are minimizing
their risk
exposure by
saying no. PERFECTLY understandable. The approach
needs to be a bit
different.
Instead of asking for a 337 for a one time deal, put
together a cert plan
the same as you
would for an stc. It should be a no brainer. The
biggest thing they will
look for is
the flight manual addendum listing the towing process
and the emergency
procedures
to be used. Their standard is to maintain 'continued
safe flight to a
landing' as long as possible.
In the Medevac Chopper world, loss of an alternator
will cause the need to
shed electrical loads.
The Feds have you turn off the patient first because
they only care about
continued safe
flight and landing.
Work it like a STC and you should get there. Your
local MIDO guys or a DAR
should get it done for you.

Scott.