Collings Foundation needs YOUR HELP!

From their latest news letter....
http://collingsfoundation.org/enews/enewsletter_Oct09.htm

The FAA recently denied the Collings Foundation's request for flight exemptions for the F-4 Phantom, A-4 Skyhawk, Me262 and Fieseler Co. Fi-156 Storch.

We need a FAA exemption in order to accept donations for flight experiences in these historic aircraft.

Our unique living history programs for these aircraft will be dead in their tracks without these critical exemptions.

FAA Conclusions:
"Collings has included four aircraft in its request that do not meet the requirements for an exemption. The FAA's "Exemptions for Passenger Carrying Operations Conducted for Compensation and Hire in Other Than Standard Category Aircraft" (72 FR 57196; 10/09/07) policy states that aircraft must meet the test of being historically significant in the context of U.S. aeronautical history. The Fieseler Co. Fi-156 Storch is a World War II German reconnaissance aircraft that does not meet the policy requirement of being a historically significant aircraft. Therefore, the petitioner's request to include the Fieseler Co. Fi-156 Storch in this exemption is denied.

The Classic Fighter Me-262 is a replica of a World War II German aircraft that does not meet the policy requirement of being a historically significant aircraft. Therefore, the petitioner's request to include the Classic Fighter Me-262 in this exemption is denied.

Collings Foundation's Response:
In denying the addition of Me262 and Fiesler Storch, the FAA concluded that "in the context of U.S. aeronautical history" neither the Fi-156 Storch nor the Me-262 satisfied "the policy requirement of being a historically significant aircraft." The Fi-156 Storch and Me-262 denial by the FAA was arbitrary and contrary to FAA policy.

"An aircraft that was not made by a U.S. manufacturer may be considered for an exemption if the operational and maintenance history is adequately documented (72 FR 57197)."

There is no requirement in the FAA's policy 72 FR 57197 stating that the historical significance be "in the context of U.S. aeronautical history".

The Storch and Me-262 aircraft are most definitely historically significant, certainly more so that many aircraft already approved for flight exemptions! See Subject A in Application for Exemption Reconsideration document for detailed clarification.

FAA Conclusions:
"While the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom and the McDonnell Douglas TA-4J may meet the historically significant test, the FAA must consider that permitting the public to experience flights in an aircraft that while in U.S. military service required the installation of an ejection seat raises a safety concern that has not been adequately addressed. Until the petitioner provides sufficient information on the means by which it ensures an equivalent level of safety, the FAA will not grant an exemption authorizing operations with the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom and the McDonnell Douglas TA-4J. Therefore, the petitioner's request to include the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom and the McDonnell Douglas TA-4J in this exemption is denied."

Collings Foundation's Response:
Regarding the A-4 and F-4 ejection seat training program: The Collings Foundation already has an ejection seat training program that was APPROVED BY THE FAA. In actuality, our ejection seat training program goes well beyond the standard United States Air Force program. We ensure the total understanding, compliance and competency of the ejection seat protocol and procedures. See Subject B in Application for Exemption Reconsideration document for detailed clarification.

What this means:
Currently, we cannot offer Flight Experiences in the Me-262, F-4 Phantom, A-4 Skyhawk and Feisler Storch. Without the ability to offer flight experiences in these aircraft we will not be able to cover the operational expense. Thus, these unique aviation treasures and living history programs surrounding these aircraft will not be accessible to the general public.
To see the full document from the FAA outlining the denial click here.
To see the rules the FAA established to which they should have followed click here.

How you can help:
Show your support! Call, email or write to the FAA, your Congressman and Senator. Feel free to reference points listed in our Exemption Reconsideration document

Call or send an email or letter to:
Mr. John Allen, FAA Director of Flight Standards - john.allen@faa.gov
Orville Wright Bldg.(FOB10A)
FAA National Headquarters
800 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20591
Room 802
Tel: 2020-267-8237

Mr. Randy Babbitt, FAA Administrator - randy.babbitt@faa.gov
Orville Wright Bldg.(FOB10A)
FAA National Headquarters
800 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20591
Room 1010
Tel: 202-267-3111
Please CC email to the Collings Foundation at: response@collingsfoundation.org

*Important note: We are still able to offer flight training programs in the F-4 and A-4 Jets. Certain pilot license requirements apply.

Let's keep 'em flying!