FAA Order 8130.2G
4163. Application and Issuance (General).
a. When the application for a special flight permit is found in compliance with all
requirements, the FAA should issue FAA Form 8130-7, with operating limitations deemed
necessary for safe operation. The operating limitations must be enumerated on a separate sheet,
identified by the aircraft registration and serial number, dated, and signed. The applicant should
be advised that FAA Form 8130-7 and attached operating limitations must be displayed in the
aircraft in accordance 14 CFR § 91.203(b).
b. The FAA may assist the applicant by completing FAA Form 8130-6 based on
information furnished by telephone, letter, or fax. The name of the applicant should be entered
in the space provided for the applicant’s signature. A notation as to how the information was
received should be entered above the name, for example, “Received by letter dated .” If
the information provided is adequate, and all requirements for issuance are satisfied, the ASI
may issue a telegraphic or faxed special flight permit with appropriate limitations (except
14 CFR § 21.197(b) for overweight operations). These limitations will include inspection
requirements as deemed necessary. The telegraphic or faxed copy of the special flight permit
and prescribed operating limitations must be displayed in the aircraft in accordance with
14 CFR § 91.203(b) prior to conducting the special flight.
Note: Designees cannot issue a telegraphic or faxed special flight permit.
The 14 CFR part 135 air carrier must have an approved program to operate
nine or less passenger seats. All designees are required to physically perform the
inspection necessary to ensure the aircraft is eligible for the special flight permit.
c. If a district office processes numerous applications for telegraphic or faxed special flight
permits, a standard format may be filed with the local office.
d. When FAA Form 8130-6 has been completed, the ASI will complete the telegraphic or
faxed special flight permit to include any additional operating limitations that may be required.
The completed and signed permit may then be transmitted by fax. The faxed copy of the permit
that is received for display in the aircraft at the point of departure will be considered the original
permit.
e. A copy of each certification document should be retained in the files of the issuing
office. Only copies required per paragraph 807a(1) of this order, as applicable, are to be
forwarded to AFS-750.
4164. Aircraft Inspections.
a. It is the responsibility of the FAA to determine which inspections or tests are necessary
to ensure that the aircraft is capable of safe flight for the intended purpose.
b. The FAA should make, or require the applicant to make, appropriate inspections or tests
considered necessary for safe flight.
c. The FAA should inspect damaged aircraft or an aircraft for which the airworthiness is
questionable in any respect. Additionally, the FAA or the designee should inspect the LSA for
which a special flight permit may be issued. The FAA is authorized, at its discretion, to allow a
properly certificated mechanic or a repair station to conduct the necessary aircraft inspection(s)
in support of the issuance of a special flight permit.
Note: If an affirmative, technical determination cannot be made that a particular
aircraft is capable of safe operation because of insufficient design, inspection, or
maintenance data that normally is available for a type-certificated aircraft, the
special flight permit should not be issued.
d. When the FAA requires the applicant to make the inspection, the applicant must be
advised that such inspections must be—
(1) Accomplished by an appropriately certificated mechanic or repair station familiar
with all of the procedures and requirements contained in this chapter.
(2) Documented in the aircraft logbook by the authorized person who conducted the
inspection.
4165. Special Operating Limitations. The FAA should establish limitations as deemed
necessary for safe operation. Because individual circumstances may vary greatly, a list of
limitations applicable in every case cannot be provided. The objective is to ensure safe operation
of the aircraft. If necessary, solicit the technical assistance of other FAA offices or specialties.
Limitations should be clear and concise so they can be easily understood. In addition to the
limitations deemed necessary for the particular flight, the following items must be considered
when establishing operating limitations:
a. Conformity to the aircraft’s technical data.
b. Operational equipment necessary for safe operation of the aircraft.
c. Special qualifications required of the pilot and crewmembers. For flights that involve
long distances over which various weather conditions may be encountered, the pilot in command
also must be appropriately instrument-rated.
d. Aircraft weight limits.
e. Fuel and fuel distribution limits.
f. CG limits.
g. Maneuvers to which the aircraft is limited.
h. Limits on use of flight equipment, such as autopilots, etc.
i. Meteorological conditions to be avoided and the inspections required if inadvertently
encountered.
j. Airspeed limits.
k. Operation in the overweight condition must be conducted to avoid cities, towns,
villages, and congested areas, or any other areas where the flights might create hazardous
exposure to persons or property.
l. Runway selections, if considered necessary for safety.
m. Communications required with airport tower personnel to inform them prior to takeoff
or landing of the nonstandard condition of the aircraft.
n. When flight over another country is planned, the ASI must emphasize to the applicant
that special permission must be obtained from the country over which the aircraft will be
operated. In addition, section C of FAA Form 8130-7 should contain the statement, “Subject
to D(2) on reverse side.” (figure 4-13 of this order).
Note: When required to fly over an ICAO member state, the operating
limitations issued with the special flight permit should include, when
appropriate, the following statement: “This aircraft does not comply with the
international standards of Annex 8 to the Convention on International Civil
Aviation as follows: [describe here the item(s) which do not comply with the
airworthiness requirements for standard aircraft].”
o. Any other limitation that should be prescribed for the particular flight.
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