Volume 3 General Technical Administration

CHAPTER 5 Issue a Certificate of Waiver for an Aerobatic Practice Area or an Aerobatic Contest Box

Section 1 Issue a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization for an Aerobatic Practice Area or an Aerobatic Contest Box

3-116 PROGRAM TRACKING AND REPORTING SUBSYSTEM (PTRS) ACTIVITY CODES.

A. Aerobatic Practice Areas. Enter “1232” in the “Activity Code” box of the PTRS Data Sheet and “AP” in the “National Use” box.

B. Aerobatic Contest Box. Enter “1233” in the “Activity Code” box of the PTRS Data Sheet and “AC” in the “National Use” box.

3-117 OBJECTIVE. The objective of this task is to evaluate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Form 7711-2, Application for Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (see Figure 3-19), and issue an FAA Form 7711-1, Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (see Figure 3-20), for the purpose of establishing an aerobatic practice area and/or an aerobatic contest box. Completion of the task results in the approval or disapproval of the applicant’s FAA Form 7711-2. If approval is granted, FAA Form 7711-1 with attached special provisions is issued to the applicant.

3-118 GENERAL. In this section, waiver preparation for an aerobatic practice area and an aerobatic contest box will be discussed separately in both paragraphs 3-119 and 3-120.

A. Background. Background and special provisions unique to evaluating an application and issuing a waiver for aerobatic practice areas or aerobatic contests include the requirements for the application process, the issuance of the waiver, and the surveillance of the activity. These special provisions can be found in paragraphs 3-119 and 3-120 below.

1) A separate set of suggested special provisions that may be used for each type of waiver is included.

2) Paragraphs 3-118 through 3-120 also outline the requirements necessary to establish and use either an aerobatic practice area or an aerobatic contest box.

3) Waivers are issued for specific activities in these two airspace areas:

a) An aerobatic practice area is established for the purpose of practicing aerobatic skills.

b) The aerobatic contest box is established for the sole purpose of conducting competitive aerobatic demonstrations in accordance with the rules, procedures, and practices of the International Aerobatic Club (IAC).

4) The user of an aerobatic practice area or an aerobatic contest box is not required to hold an FAA Form 8710-7, Statement of Aerobatic Competency (SAC).

5) Each activity requires a waiver with attendant special provisions appropriate to the site and the activity.

B. Procedures. Subparagraphs 3-119A and 3-120B contain specific procedures for the processing and issuance of waivers for aerobatic practice areas and contest boxes.

C. Regulatory Authority. The regulatory authority for the issuance of waivers of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91 for aerobatic practice areas and aerobatic contest boxes is based on the authority vested in the Department of Transportation (DOT) by Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.). The regulations contained in part 91 are actually the responsibility of air traffic control (ATC). However, certain portions of these regulations have been delegated to the Flight Standards Service for oversight and enforcement in accordance with FAA Order JO 7210.3, Facility Operation and Administration, part 6, chapter 18, paragraph 18-1-3, Responsibilities. Even though the mandate to designate and supervise operations within waivered airspace is within Flight Standards’ purview, all airspace waivers are fully coordinated with ATC to ensure safety of flight in the National Airspace System (NAS) and may be issued up to, but may not exceed, 24 calendar-months. Requests for waivers and authorizations are processed by the appropriate Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). The final approval of the waiver or authorization is the responsibility of the FSDO manager who has jurisdiction over the geographic area in which the terms of the waiver or authorization are to be exercised.

D. Application. Applications for a Certificate of Waiver (CoW) are processed, approved, and issued by the FSDO. FAA Form 7711-2 is used by applicants to apply for a waiver for aerobatic contest boxes or for aerobatic practice areas.

1) Aerobatic Contest Box. When applying for an aerobatic contest box:

a) The applicant will use FAA Form 7711-2.

b) The application form should be submitted 60 days or more prior to the contest to allow for sufficient processing time.

c) The FSDO will process the application for a contest within 30 days of receipt.

d) Because thorough planning has a direct bearing on the success and safety of an aerobatic practice area or contest box, the applicant should be encouraged to develop an effective plan that covers all facets of the coordination and use of the practice area or contest box. The inspector should assist the waiver applicant by discussing the following:

• Proper site selection (controlled and uncontrolled airports, or other sites suitable for aerobatics);

• The size, scope, and location of the contest;

• The category of competitors;

• A plan for spectator control (if appropriate); and

• The preparation of Notices to Airmen (NOTAM).

2) Aerobatic Practice Area. There are short-term and long-term practice areas.

a) Short-term aerobatic practice areas:

• May be applied for using FAA Form 7711-2;

• Are associated with an aviation event or aerobatic contest;

• Are in use for less than 10 days in duration; and

• Do not require environmental considerations.

b) Long-term aerobatic practice areas:

• Are in use from 10 days to no more than 24 calendar-months in duration;

• Require an Environmental Assessment (EA), in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures;

• May be applied for using FAA Form 7711-2; however, to expedite the processing time, applicants should use the Environmental Information Document (EID) (found at: https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/airshow/waiver/media/aerobatic_environmental
_eid_2016.pdf) in lieu of FAA Form 7711-2; and

• Inspectors will review and follow the processing instructions listed in the EID.

3) Review of FAA Form 7711-2 or the EID. Upon receipt, the FAA Form 7711-2 or the EID should be reviewed for discrepancies. If discrepancies exist, a meeting with the applicant may be helpful in resolving them. The information submitted by the applicant on the FAA Form 7711-2 or the EID must not be altered by the issuing office.

NOTE: The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) requires all Federal agencies to assess the potential environmental impacts of proposed Federal actions. In order to meet these requirements, the FAA conducts a NEPA review of proposed aerobatic practice areas where required by FAA’s environmental compliance document, Order 1050.1.

NOTE: Although not required, applicants may receive assistance with the application documentation for an aerobatic practice area by contacting the IAC, a division of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). The FAA does not require any applicant to be a member of the EAA or IAC, but does recognize their expertise in this area.

E. Approval. Waivers are processed and issued by the FSDO on FAA Form 7711-1.

1) The waivers are approved upon satisfactory review of the application for an aerobatic contest box or short-term aerobatic box. A long-term aerobatic box approval will require an EA with a finding of no significant impact by the Flight Standards Environmental Office, in accordance with the instructions found in the EID.

2) Waivers are signed by the FSDO manager or a delegated representative (e.g., “acting manager”) to indicate the approval of the application.

3-119 AEROBATIC PRACTICE AREAS. Pilots who wish to practice aerobatic maneuvers that do not meet the requirements of part 91, § 91.303 must obtain a waiver from the appropriate part(s) of § 91.303 in a designated area referred to as an aerobatic practice area. These areas are not to be considered event or competition sites. The aviation community uses these practice areas to establish and maintain proficiency as well as to enhance competitive skills in aerobatic maneuvers. Aerobatic practice areas are established by the waiver applicant in conjunction with the local FSDO and may have dimensions of several miles in various directions or be as small as a contest box. Inspectors should be receptive to establishing these areas, consistent with safety regulations and in compliance with current guidance found in this order and associated publications. It is imperative that the safety of all nonparticipating aircraft be considered when issuing a CoW for an aerobatic practice area.

A. Waivers. When a waiver is issued for an aerobatic practice area, it generally includes provisions for:

1) Aerobatic flight below 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL).

2) Other portions of § 91.303 which may be waived if the proposed operation involves a Federal airway or Class B, C, D, or E airspace designated for an airport.

3) Applicants for aerobatic practice areas located directly over or in the immediate vicinity of an airport, although not required, should coordinate the planned activity with airport management. This is in keeping with a “good neighbor” policy and provides a means for addressing potential aviation safety concerns. The issuing FSDO will review, verify, and evaluate any potential safety concerns and modify the special provisions attached to the CoW accordingly to address these concerns.

4) Applying the NEPA process, per the guidance in this chapter and the General Aviation and Commercial Division (AFS-800) environmental information documentation at https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/airshow/waiver/media/aerobatic_environmental_eid_2016.pdf. This is to ensure that all required environmental impacts are considered when deciding where a proposed aerobatic practice area should be located. The waiver applicant should consider coordinating with the landowners and residents where aerobatic flight is planned to be conducted.

5) Waivers requested for areas which are designated as environmentally sensitive, as defined in Advisory Circular (AC) 91-36, Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Flight Near Noise‑Sensitive Areas, must be coordinated with the appropriate Federal and/or state agency.

B. Definitions.

1) Aerobatic Flight. The provisions of § 91.303 constitute the definition of aerobatic flight.

2) Aviation Event. Aviation events include air shows, closed-course air races, certain parachute demonstration jumps, fly-ins, balloon meets, and competitions that are conducted before an invited assembly of persons. Aerobatic competitions are not considered to be aviation events since the public is not invited (see Volume 3, Chapter 6, Section 1).

3) Inspector-in-Charge (IIC). The Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) (Operations) who is assigned the responsibility of issuing the waiver and conducting ongoing surveillance of the aerobatic practice area.

4) Responsible Person. The person named in block 2 on the FAA Form 7711-2 or section 1 of the EID and noted in the “Issued To” block of FAA Form 7711-1 or the EID.

C. Scope of Waivers. Waivers of part 91 and the attendant special provisions to those waivers may vary in scope, depending on the regulations that an applicant requests to be waived.

1) Some aerobatic maneuvers may require only a waiver of § 91.303(e) to permit aerobatic flight at less than 1,500 feet AGL. Others may require the waiver of speed limitations, minimum safe altitudes, operations in controlled airspace, or specific prohibitions while operating in the vicinity of an airport.

2) The following approved sections of part 91 that are commonly waived for aerobatic contests and/or aerobatic practice areas: §§ 91.117, 91.119, 91.127, 91.129, 91.130, 91.131, and 91.303, depending on the location, congestion, and complexity of the area in which aerobatics will take place. For a complete list, refer to § 91.905.

3) Waivers of the basic visual flight rules (VFR) weather minimums specified in § 91.155 may be considered only in areas where the entire aerobatic maneuvering area is totally within Class B, C, and D airspace or a temporary flight restriction.

D. Regulations That May Not Be Waived.

1) Section 91.119(a) and (b) may not be waived at any time for an aerobatic practice area.

2) Section 91.151 may not be waived for any operations conducted in an aerobatic practice area. However, the IAC holds an exemption for fuel required during flight in VFR conditions. This exemption applies only during the conduct of officially sanctioned aerobatic contests and associated practices.

E. ATC Coordination. Aerobatic practice areas may be located at controlled or uncontrolled airports or in sparsely populated areas far removed from any persons and/or congested areas. The location of these practice areas is determined through proper coordination with the waiver applicant and appropriate ATC and FSDO personnel. Use of the area may be for a short duration, once each year for annual qualification, or for all hours of the day and/or evening. Inspectors should coordinate with the ATC facility having primary airspace jurisdiction over the proposed practice area. Where an ATC hub facility exists, one call can be made to the airspace and procedures specialist to facilitate expeditious coordination. In other areas, inspectors may need to contact the air route traffic control center (ARTCC) that exercises control over the affected airspace. In all cases, the waiver shall not be signed unless the working file contains documentation of ATC coordination.

F. Night Operations. Aerobatic performers who conduct night aviation event operations should practice their routines in realistic conditions before the actual flight at an aviation event. Numerous air show performers of both powered and unpowered aircraft need to practice their routines in areas that offer no obstructions and little or no distractions during the hours of darkness.

1) In order to facilitate practice sessions, inspectors should determine if aerobatic practice areas previously approved for daylight operations only are also acceptable for night operations.

2) Many performers of night aerobatic maneuvers use some type of flares or pyrotechnic devices to highlight their maneuvers. Other performers use only lights and strobes. In either case, it will be necessary to coordinate and approve all facets of the waiver and any special provisions to ensure safety is not compromised if the operation is conducted at night.

G. Temporary Aerobatic Practice Areas. During the aviation event and aerobatic contest season, the FSDO may be called upon to issue a waiver for establishing a temporary aerobatic practice area. These waivers may be offered to the responsible person of a proposed aviation event or contest at the same time the application for the associated event or contest waiver is submitted. This additional waiver may be prepared for the specific purpose of providing a temporary area in which only aviation event performers or contestants may practice their routines before and during the event or contest. In addition, it will provide a safe and approved area for those performers or contestants who may be from other states or countries and who need to adapt to the weather and altitude conditions intrinsic to the local area. Even though this will be a separate waiver, which becomes effective before the event or contest, it must be prepared so as to terminate on the same date and time as the associated waiver.

1) As mentioned in subparagraph 3-118D, environmental issues are not considered for temporary aerobatic practice areas of 10 consecutive days or fewer in duration associated with an aviation event or contest.

2) Some of the parameters to consider in establishing this temporary practice area are:

a) The actual event or contest site may be suitable as a temporary practice area if it is a controlled environment and there will be no conflict with other nonparticipating aircraft. Effective times must be thoroughly coordinated with the pertinent ATC facilities before approval and issuance of the waiver.

b) The temporary practice area should be established no more than 30 miles from the actual contest or event site.

c) All coordination required for establishing a (regular) aerobatic practice area should also be accomplished for preparation of a temporary aerobatic practice area.

d) The responsible person must control access to the temporary aerobatic practice area, and only those persons performing in the contest or event should be permitted to use the area.

e) The physical parameters of the temporary practice area should be large enough to encompass all of the maneuvers that will be performed in the actual contest or event.

f) The responsibility for site selection, coordination, approvals, application, and oversight of the temporary aerobatic practice area rests solely with the event or contest responsible person.

3) It is the responsibility of the event or contest responsible person to coordinate the use of these established practice areas. If practice time is not available at the event or contest site, it is incumbent upon the event or contest responsible person to request a temporary aerobatic practice area. The inspector preparing the waiver may suggest that one be established. This would be more common for events than contests.

H. Special Provisions. The following are samples of common special provisions that may be used when issuing a CoW for an aerobatic practice area. Special provisions contained in other chapters are usually inappropriate for aerobatic practice areas. If additional special provisions are to be added, the concurrence of the regional or national air show coordinator is required. Material in brackets [ ] indicate where the FSDO must insert information specific to the waiver being sought.

1) Aerobatic flight shall be confined to the area designated on the pictorial chart (satellite photographs may be substituted for topographic charts and are available on websites such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and Map Quest) attached to the CoW and defined in special provision 2. A definitive pictorial chart or photograph of the underlying area should be attached to the application and the approved waiver.

2) The aerobatic practice area is further defined as follows: [This item should contain a literal description of the entire practice area, including all delineating boundaries and the altitudes for each specific section of the practice area.]

3) No aerobatic maneuvers may be performed over or within 500 feet laterally from any open air assembly of persons or congested area of any city, town, or settlement.

4) No person may operate an aircraft in aerobatic flight when the visibility is less than [number] miles or a ceiling less than [number] feet.

5) Before commencing aerobatic flight operations, the person(s) authorized to activate and deactivate the aerobatic practice area shall be responsible for advising the [name of Flight Service Station (FSS) and telephone number] of the activity and requesting that a NOTAM that includes the following information be issued:

a) The location, dates, and times the aerobatic activity will be in effect.

b) If appropriate, the runway(s) that will be closed during the aerobatic activities.

6) All CoWs granting relief from appropriate sections of part 91 must also contain guidance stipulating that the person(s) responsible for activation of the aerobatic practice area provide the controlling FSS with a copy of the CoW at least 48 hours before activation of the NOTAM. For CoWs that are issued on a long‑term basis, additional wording should be included advising the holder to ensure that the FSS keeps the waiver on file for future NOTAM activation.

7) Notification shall be made to the [name of ATC facility or FSS and telephone number] at least 30 minutes before the beginning of aerobatic activity in the practice area, or, if a letter of agreement exists, notification shall be made as specified in that document. The [name of facility] shall also be notified at the termination of aerobatic activities.

8) The person(s) authorized to activate and deactivate the aerobatic practice area described in special provision 2 is [name of the person(s) to whom the waiver is issued or the person(s) delegated by the waiver holder].

9) The person named in special provision 8 shall also be responsible for the following:

• Ensuring that all pilots and aircraft operating within the confines of the waivered aerobatic practice area are properly certificated;

• Briefing each pilot to ensure that all users of the practice area comply with the limitations imposed by the CoW and its attendant special provisions; and

• Maintaining a log containing the pilot’s name, airman certificate number, aircraft registration number, date, and time the aerobatic practice was in use and providing this information to the FAA upon request.

10) When required by ATC, all pilots must monitor [name of ATC facility and frequency assigned] on a continuous basis while operating within the aerobatic practice area.

11) All pilots operating within the waivered aerobatic practice area shall maintain VFR at all times and shall be responsible for seeing and avoiding all conflicting traffic.

12) Aerobatic flight shall be conducted only between the hours of [specific times of use].

13) The holder of this CoW or delegated representative is responsible for halting or canceling activity in the aerobatic practice area if, at any time, the safety of persons or property on the ground or in the air is in jeopardy, or if there is a failure to comply with the terms or conditions of this waiver.

14) The FAA has the authority to cancel the CoW or delay any activities if the safety of persons or property on the ground or in the air is in jeopardy, or if there is a violation of the terms of the waiver or authorization.

3-120 AEROBATIC CONTEST BOXES. A general overview of the aerobatic contest box is contained in Figure 3-21 and depicts the dimensions of the area for powered and unpowered aircraft engaged in competitive aerobatics.

A. Definitions.

1) Aerobatic Contest Box. A block of airspace 3,300 feet long, 3,300 feet wide and having an upper limit of 3,500 feet AGL (4,000 feet for gliders). The lower limit of the box is 1,500 feet for Primary and Sportsman Categories; 1,200 feet for Intermediate; 800 feet for Advanced; and 328 feet for the Unlimited Category. For gliders, the lower limit of the box is 1,500 feet AGL for Sportsman Category; 1,200 feet for the Intermediate Category; and 600 feet for the Unlimited Category. The IIC should consider the waivered airspace requirement for a contest normally to be a 1 statute mile (sm) box (1 sm x 1 sm x 1 sm) starting at the surface, or may be depicted as a radius around a point 1. This allows for all categories and provides a buffer zone around the competition box.

2) Chief Judge. At an aerobatic contest, the person assigned as the primary judge of one or more categories of competition. The chief judge does not actually judge the competitors, but helps to ensure the safety of competitors within the contest box. The chief judge is assisted by numerous other persons located on the ground and/or in the immediate vicinity of the contest box.

3) Chief Technical Monitor. Person assigned duties by the contest director to perform a technical inspection of each competing aircraft and its equipment. The chief technical monitor should hold an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate; however, this position may be filled by the contest director with the “best qualified” person available.

4) Competition Categories. There are different competition categories for powered aircraft and gliders. These categories are defined by IAC official contest rules.

5) Contest Director. At an aerobatic contest, the person who acts as the general manager of the overall event and is responsible for all safety-related issues. The contest director may delegate specific duties, functions, and authority, but must retain complete accountability for the safety of the event. The contest director may also be the person who is designated by the FAA to monitor the event. The contest director ensures that all participants comply with all rules set forth in the IAC rules book as well as the provisions of the CoW.

6) Inspector-in-Charge (IIC). The ASI (Operations) who is assigned the responsibility of issuing the waiver and monitoring the aerobatic contest box, as deemed necessary by the FSDO manager, to determine compliance with the applicable 14 CFR sections.

7) Participant. Any individual and/or pilot specifically involved with, or participating in, the waivered aerobatic activities.

8) Safety Director. The person who reports directly to the contest director and is responsible for flight and ground safety.

B. Scope of Waivers. The following regulations may not be waived:

1) Section 91.119(a) and (b) may not be waived at any time for an aerobatic contest box.

2) Section 91.151 may not be waived. However, the IAC holds an exemption for minimum fuel required during flight in VFR conditions. This exemption applies only during the conduct of an officially sanctioned aerobatic contest and associated practices.

C. ATC Coordination. An aerobatic contest box may be located at a controlled or uncontrolled airport. The location is determined and approved through proper coordination with the waiver applicant, airport management, FSDO inspectors, and appropriate ATC personnel. Inspectors should coordinate with the ATC facility having primary airspace jurisdiction over the proposed aerobatic contest box. Where a hub facility exists, one call can be made to the airspace and procedures specialist to facilitate expeditious coordination action. In other areas, inspectors will need to contact the ARTCC which exercises control over the affected airspace. In all cases, the waiver will not be signed unless the working file contains documentation of ATC coordination.

D. Special Provisions. The following special provisions are listed below to provide a sample of common special provisions that should be used (only those that are appropriate) when issuing a waiver for an aerobatic contest box. Special provisions not appearing in this section should not be used without the concurrence of the regional or national air show coordinator. Material in brackets [ ] indicate where the FSDO, with the help of the contest director or representative, must insert information specific to the waiver being sought.

1) The aerobatic competition area that these special provisions pertain to is depicted and described on attachment [attachment number] to this CoW.

2) This waiver is not valid if the in-flight visibility is less than 3 sm or the ceiling, if a ceiling exists, is less than 3,000 feet AGL. Flight operations shall be conducted in accordance with § 91.155.

3) The contest director is responsible for ensuring that [ATC facility] is notified by telephone [ATC primary telephone number] or [ATC backup telephone number] at least 30 minutes before operations begin and again when the flight activity has been terminated.

4) Before commencing aerobatic flight operations, the contest director is responsible for advising the [name of FSS and telephone number] of the activity and for requesting that a NOTAM that will ensure wide dissemination and include the following information, appropriate to the operation, be issued:

a) The location, dates, and times the aerobatic activity will be in effect.

b) When appropriate, runway(s) that will be closed during the aerobatic activities. (This information must also be included in the traffic advisory to nonparticipating aircraft.)

c) Allowing touch-and-go landings during the times the NOTAM is in effect must be coordinated and agreed upon by the waiver holder and the airport manager. (This information must also be included in the traffic advisory to nonparticipating aircraft.)

d) All traffic at [name of airport] will use [specific traffic pattern information] when landing on or taking off from [list runway(s)] while the NOTAM is in effect. (This information must also be included in the traffic advisory.)

5) All CoWs granting relief from appropriate sections of part 91 must also contain guidance stipulating that the person(s) responsible for activation of the aerobatic contest box provides the controlling FSS with a copy of the CoW at least 48 hours before activation of the NOTAM.

6) Aerobatics shall only be conducted between the hours of official sunrise and sunset.

7) Each aircraft operating within the aerobatic contest box must be appropriately equipped to maintain continuous radio reception with the chief judge.

8) The holder of the waiver should obtain the permission of the [name of airport] manager to conduct aerobatic activities and, in addition, ensure that the airport management fully understands and will abide by the terms and conditions of the CoW. However, permission of the airport management is not required for the waiver.

9) Aerobatics are limited to those aircraft and pilots who are approved by the holder of the CoW or a designated representative. The contest director is responsible for ensuring that:

a) Each aircraft competing in the aerobatic competition has the appropriate documents necessary to show current registration and airworthiness;

b) Each pilot participating in the aerobatic competition is properly certificated and possesses the currency and/or endorsements appropriate to the flight operation being conducted; and

c) Before any waivered aerobatic operation, each pilot participating in the aerobatic competition receives a briefing from the waiver holder or designated representative. This briefing must include the terms of the waiver, the confines of waivered airspace, and any special limitations or procedural considerations contained therein.

NOTE: See subparagraph 3-120A5) above regarding delegation of authority by the contest director.

10) A crowd line consisting of a physical barrier and/or adequate policing shall be established at least 500 feet from the aerobatic box to confine all spectators within a designated area.

11) When operating within waivered airspace, § 91.119(c) is waived only if unoccupied structures are involved or to allow participating waivered aircraft to operate closer than 500 feet to essential personnel, vehicles, or vessels on the ground. All participating aircraft must maintain at least 500 feet from nonessential personnel.

12) Before performing any aerobatic sequence, the area must be scanned thoroughly by both the competitor and the chief judge. The competitor must not enter and/or initiate any aerobatic maneuvers unless the chief judge has ensured that the area is free of any conflicting traffic and has advised the pilot that the aerobatic contest box is clear.

13) The FAA has the authority to cancel the CoW or delay any events if the safety of persons or property on the ground or in the air is in jeopardy, or if there is a violation of the terms of the waiver or authorization.

E. Additional Special Provisions. The following special provisions are issued to a waiver holder for an aerobatic contest box established at an uncontrolled airport where a runway remains open during competition. These provisions should be copied with as little editing as possible to fit a unique or individual need. The provisions should be used as appropriate to the type of scenario encountered. Any additions or significant changes must have the concurrence of the regional or national air show coordinator.

1) [Name of airport] will be closed to all traffic when the competitive activity of Advanced and Unlimited Category pilots may create a conflict with continuing nonparticipant flight operations. (Also include this information in the NOTAM and traffic advisory, as required.)

2) No touch-and-go landings are permitted while the aerobatic box is in use if the participant in the aerobatic box poses a hazard to touch-and-go traffic. (Also include this information in the NOTAM and traffic advisory.)

3) Aerobatic operations must not be conducted at altitudes lower than 1,200 feet AGL when the aerobatic contest box is located over a runway that is open and that activity may create a conflict with continuing nonparticipant flight operations.

4) The contest director, or a person specifically designated by the contest director, will continuously monitor the Universal Communications frequency (UNICOM) while the aerobatic box is active. That person will advise any aircraft operating at or near [name of airport] of potential traffic conflicts that may occur while operating in close proximity to the aerobatic box. The person assigned to monitor the UNICOM will have direct access to the chief judge by radio, telephone, or direct contact. Should there be an actual or potential conflict, the chief judge has the final authority to call for a cessation of aerobatics.

5) The UNICOM shall be manned by a person who has been briefed on the aerobatics activity, special pattern rules, and restrictions. If needed, a scripted version of the advisory will be furnished by the waiver holder in order to provide a standardized advisory to all pilots.

F. Aerobatic Competition Not Sanctioned by the IAC. The following special provision will be issued to a waiver holder conducting an aerobatic competition that is not sanctioned by the IAC, excluding competitive flying displays at aviation events conducted in accordance with a CoW issued under the provisions of Volume 3, Chapter 6, Section 1.

1) Participants will have in their possession a valid IAC computer-generated score sheet or other document acceptable to the FAA from an aerobatic competition sanctioned by the IAC and completed within the last 24 calendar-months indicating that he or she has successfully competed in the specific competition category he or she intends to compete at this event.

2) Except for takeoff and landing, all participants will fly no lower than the minimum altitude prescribed for this specific competition category as stated in the IAC official contest rules.

NOTE: The minimum altitudes for each competition category are also defined in subparagraph 3-120A1).

3-121 PREREQUISITES AND COORDINATION REQUIREMENTS.

A. Prerequisites. This task requires knowledge of the regulatory requirements of 14 CFR parts 1, 61, and 91, and FAA orders and policies. In addition, the person preparing and coordinating the waiver must be qualified as an ASI (Operations).

B. Coordination. This task may require coordination with an ATC facility, a local, state, or Federal government agency, and the affected property owners with property underlying or adjacent to the practice area or aerobatic contest box, as appropriate.

3-122 REFERENCES, FORMS, AND JOB AIDS.

A. References (current editions):

• Title 14 CFR Parts 1, 61, and 91.

• FAA Order JO 7210.3, Facility Operation and Administration, Part 6, Chapter 18, Paragraph 18‑1‑3.

• FAA Order 1050.1, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures.

• AC 91-36, Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Flight Near Noise-Sensitive Areas.

• PTRS Procedures Manual (PPM).

B. Forms:

• FAA Form 7711-1, Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (Figure 3-20).

• FAA Form 7711-2, Application for Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (Figure 3-19).

• FAA Form 8000-36, Program Tracking and Reporting Subsystem Data Sheet.

C. Job Aids. Sample figures.

3-123 PROCEDURES.

A. Aerobatic Practice Area.

1) Brief the applicant on the prerequisites of site selection and any coordination that may be appropriate to the area.

2) Provide FAA Form 7711-2 or the EID to the applicant.

3) Brief the applicant on the procedures for preparing and submitting the FAA Form 7711-2 or the EID.

4) Open a PTRS record.

5) Upon receipt of a completed application, visit the proposed site, if required, to obtain firsthand knowledge of the operational parameters of the airspace to be used and the underlying terrain. In addition, determine the environmental impact the proposed aerobatic activity might create and coordinate with the Flight Standards Environmental Office, as appropriate.

6) Before issuing the waiver, ensure that all proposals are coordinated with ATC and any other entity directly affected by the establishment of the aerobatic practice area.

7) If the application is approved, prepare FAA Form 7711-1 and the attendant special provisions.

8) Submit FAA Form 7711-1 to the FSDO manager for signature.

9) Prepare a file for the applicant that includes, but is not limited to, a copy of the following:

• FAA Form 7711-1 and attendant special provisions;

• FAA Form 7711-2 or the EID;

• Results of Environmental Review by Regional Specialist;

• Letter of disapproval of the application, if applicable; and

• Documentation of ATC coordination.

10) Send the applicant the originals of FAA Form 7711-1, FAA Form 7711-2 or the EID, and the attendant special provisions.

11) Send a copy of both forms with all attachments to the Flight Standards Environmental Office by email to 9-AWA-AVS-AFS-Environmental@faa.gov.

12) Make appropriate PTRS entries to include the entry in the “National Use” box.

13) Prepare an office file with copies of all forms.

B. Aerobatic Contest Box.

1) Brief the applicant on the prerequisites of site selection and any coordination that may be appropriate to the area.

2) Provide FAA Form 7711-2 to the applicant.

3) Brief the applicant on the procedures for preparing and submitting FAA Form 7711-2.

4) Open a PTRS record.

5) Visit the proposed site, if required, to obtain firsthand knowledge of the operational parameters of the airspace to be used and the underlying terrain. In addition, determine the environmental impact the proposed aerobatic activity might create and coordinate with the Flight Standards Environmental Office, as appropriate.

6) Before issuing the waiver, ensure that all proposals are coordinated with ATC and any other entity directly affected by the establishment of the aerobatic contest box.

7) If the application is approved, prepare FAA Form 7711-1 and the attendant special provisions.

8) Submit FAA Form 7711-1 to the FSDO manager for signature.

9) Prepare a file for the applicant that includes, but is not limited to, a copy of the following:

• FAA Form 7711-1 and attendant special provisions;

• FAA Form 7711-2;

• Letter of disapproval of the application, if applicable; and

• Documentation of ATC coordination.

10) Send the applicant the originals of FAA Form 7711-1, FAA Form 7711-2, and the special provisions.

11) Send a copy of both forms with all attachments to the Flight Standards Environmental Office by email to 9-AWA-AVS-AFS-Environmental@faa.gov.

12) Make appropriate PTRS entries.

13) Prepare an office file with copies of all forms.

14) For aerobatic contest boxes, send a copy of both forms with all attachments to the Airspace and Rules Team (AJV-113) at FAA headquarters (HQ) in Washington, DC.

3-124 TASK OUTCOMES. Completion of this task results in one of the following:

• Issuance of a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (CoW/A) with attached special provisions,

• Disapproval of an application for a CoW with the reasons for the disapproval noted on the reverse side of the form in the “Remarks” block, and

• The FSDO will process applications for aerobatic contests within 30 days of receipt.

3-125 FUTURE ACTIVITIES.

A. Surveillance. Surveillance of activities/events conducted in the aerobatic practice area or aerobatic contest box, especially events not sanctioned by the IAC.

B. Cancellation. Possible cancellation of the CoW due to noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the waiver and/or action necessary to ensure future compliance.

C. Application. Consideration of a future application for waiver of regulations pertaining to aerobatic maneuvers conducted in an aerobatic practice area and/or aerobatic contest box.

Figure 3-19. Sample FAA Form 7711-2, Application for Certificate of Waiver or Authorization

Figure 3-19. Sample FAA Form 7711-2, Application for Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (Continued)

Figure 3-20. FAA Form 7711-1, Certificate of Waiver or Authorization

Figure 3-21. Aerobatic Contest Box for Airplanes

Figure 3-22. Sample Briefing Signature Page

I have read and/or been briefed on this document and fully understand the procedures, requirements, and limitations of the waiver and all of its special provisions.

1. CONTEST DIRECTOR: ____________________________________________________________

2. CHIEF JUDGE: ___________________________________________________________________

3. SAFETY DIRECTOR: ______________________________________________________________

4. UNICOM MONITOR: ______________________________________________________________

PARTICIPANTS:

FULL NAME (PRINTED)	SIGNATURE	AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION

RESERVED. Paragraphs 3-126 through 3-140.