What's involved in getting a 91.147 Letter of Authorization?

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Has anybody applied to get a letter of authorization per part 91.147 and 119.1(e)(2) for local scenic flight operations?

I know a drug testing policy must be in place. I'm just curious how much other administrative overhead is involved? Is it as simple as sending in the information under 91.147(c) and they issue a letter, or is there more involved than it seems?

Obviously, I'll talk with the FSDO, but before I get around to that just wanted to see if anybody else has experience doing it.
 
Re: What's involved in getting a 91.147 Letter of Authorizat

A few years ago I started to look into doing this in Alaska. Short local scenic flights. Anyway, when I contacted the FSDO it sounded like they had never been questioned on the topic before and it took them a while to get me a vague answer. They told me basicly they needed a letter that told them very specifically what you intend to do. They review and approve or disprove your request. From what the FSDO could tell me it would be fairly straight forward and simple. I never went very far with the idea though. The drug testing program that you need to be on first was just way to expensive for our company. I know this is not very helpful but hopefully someone else can chime in.
 
Re: What's involved in getting a 91.147 Letter of Authorizat

The best way to get answers is to get an appointment and go into the FSDO. When I've done that they are very good at getting you all the forms you need and help you out through the process. I believe Jim Benning should be able to help you down at Felts. We are going through the process of writing letters for the King Air and getting RVSM authorized.
 
Re: What's involved in getting a 91.147 Letter of Authorizat

I decided to email them since I'm just gathering info and didn't want to waste too much of their time until I'm sure I wanted to apply. They responded back right away saying they would like a letter with all the details of intended operation, airplanes to be used including maintenance records and maintenance plan, pilots to be used, who's responsible for the aircraft, proof of a drug and alcohol testing program, then they'll review all of that and decide next steps and if they want further inspections. So, it sounds like there are either internal guidelines or there's a subjective element, but overall sounds pretty painless. I might work on it later this winter if I can find a qualifying drug testing program that isn't cost prohibitive.

It's not a big part of my side business but had a few people inquire about going for a scenic ride last summer and I'd rather not turn them away next year. I know a lot of people just run these as demo/discovery/whatever flights, but in most cases the person has no interest in lessons, they just want a ride, so... seems a LOA is the 'right' way to handle this.
 
Re: What's involved in getting a 91.147 Letter of Authorizat

Are you thinking of adding a larger aircraft?
 
Re: What's involved in getting a 91.147 Letter of Authorizat

I wouldn't worry about "bothering" Spokane FSDO. There isn't that much going on down there. You deserve the service if you pay taxes.
 
No, I decided not to pursue it currently. Enough work with students to keep me busy so no need to worry about scenic flights.
 
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