Page:Aircraft Accident Report for 1972 Sacramento Canadair Sabre accident.pdf/16

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The Golden West Sport Aviation Show was a 2-day airshow sponsored by the Active 20-30 Club and Chapter 52 of the Experimental Aircraft Association, both of Sacramento. The purpose of the show was the static and aerial exhibition of "experimental and antique" aircraft. The proceeds were designated for charitable and aviation educational support. Preliminary planning for the airshow began in February 1972 with monthly meetings, and culminated in a formal Application for Certificate of Waiver or Authorization from the provisions of FAR 91.71(c) and (d)[1]. The application, dated August 8 , 1972, stipulated that all events would take place within the confines of Sacramento Executive Airport and listed three pilots with the aircraft that each would fly. The planned schedule of events, beginning at 0800, September 23, 1972, and ending at 1530, September 24, 1972, was attached.

On August 30, 1972. the Sacramento GADO issued a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization for "Acrobatic aerial demonstrations within the boundary of the Sacramento Executive Airport from the surface to 3,000 feet . , ." In addition to granting waivers from the provisions of FAR 91.71(c) and (d), the certificate also waived FAR 91.79(b) which establishes a minimum safe altitude over congested areas. Eighteen special provisions were listed for further compliance (see Appendix C) to promote safety, including authority for appropriate officials of the airshow or the FAA to stop the airshow for reasons of safety.

FAR 61.16(a) states that no person may act as pilot-in-command of turbojet aircraft unless he holds a type rating for the aircraft; however, an exception is granted when an authorization is issued by a Flight Standards District Office. Letters of authority are normally issued in the following circumstances:


(a)
Practice in a single-control aircraft to qualify for a type rating.
(b)
Ferry flight by a pilot who will not regularly fly the aircraft.
(c)
Test flight in an aircraft repaired or modified by an approved repair station or manufacturer.
(d)
Other specific flights considered safe under the existing circumstances if it is not practicable to require the type rating.



  1. FAR 91.71(c) prohibits acrobatic flight within a control zone or Federal airway. FAR 91.71(d) prohibits acrobatic flight below an altitude of 1,500 feet above the surface.