True. I'm curious though, are there many commercial fixed wing operations involving external loads?
sj
Steve,
No.
The external load policy specifically prohibits such operation. On Page 3 of the policy booklet, under eligibility, part E: "When the aircraft is operated in the restricted category, carrying an external load as defined by paragraph D, it shall not be operated for compensation or hire."
Note that many guides and outfitters in Alaska operate their aircraft under Part 91, ie: not for compensation or hire. They are selling a "hunt package" or a "camp package" or....which happens to include transportation to or from the field.
The policy specifically defines things like tracking antennas, rifle scabbards, snowshoes, backpack frames and skis as NOT being considered major alterations, meaning the airplane may be operated in the standard category, as opposed to the restricted category, which is required to carry boats, antlers, lumber, etc.
One question, with the change in this policy, is are they throwing the entire policy out? In other words, are they going to abandon the notion that rifle scabbards, snowshoes, etc are okay? And, what about tracking antennas? It is impossible in many districts in the Lower 48 to get approval for game tracking antennas, even by referencing the Alaska Region policy on external loads.
I felt a change was probably inevitable when FAA Headquarters held meetings in Fairbanks and Anchorage to consider a new National Policy on carriage of external loads. It was pretty apparent that FAA HQ was pretty queasy about going with the AK policy as written, and that significant modifications would "have to be implemented" to make a national policy. It was made clear that if a national policy were to be developed, it would also apply to Alaska, even though it might be more restrictive. That initiative to develop a national policy died on the vine pretty quick, but it looks like ultimately, it is happening, as in Alaska is now having to conform to the lower 48 "policy", or lack thereof.
As Stewart notes, the deHavilland Beaver was actually type certificated for external loads (on floats only). The TC requires proprietary attach hardware, which most everyone including the FAA seems to ignore. As far as I know, the Beaver is the only relatively common airplane out there with external loads called out in it's TC.
MTV
