A-84-055
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: AMEND 14 CFR 105 TO REQUIRE THAT PERSONS WHO INTEND TO OPERATE AIRCRAFT FOR PARACHUTE JUMP ACTIVITIES OBTAIN AN INITIAL APPROVAL FOR THE USE OF THE AIRCRAFT FOR THIS PURPOSE FROM AN APPROPRIATE FAA DISTRICT OFFICE, AND REQUIRE THAT PERSONS SEEKING SUCH APPROVAL PRESENT SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO PERMIT EVALUATION OF THE FOLLOWING: - THE EFFECT OF ANY AIRCRAFT MODIFICATION SUCH AS DOOR REMOVAL OR EXTERNAL PROTUBERANCES ON THE CONTROLLABILITY OR HANDLING QUALITIES OF THE AIRCRAFT. - THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PERSONS TO BE CARRIED ABOARD THE AIRCRAFT TO THE EMERGENCY EXIT REQUIREMENTS OF 14 CFR 91.47, THE SAFETY BELT REQUIREMENTS OF 14 CFR 91.14, AND THE AIRCRAFT'S PUBLISHED WEIGHT AND BALANCE ENVELOPE FOR TAKEOFF AND LANDING. - THE PARACHUTE JUMP EGRESS PROCEDURES TO BE USED AS THEY MAY AFFECT ADVERSELY THE AIRPLANE WEIGHT AND BALANCE LIMITATIONS AND CONTROLLABILITY DURING JUMP OPERATIONS AND MAY REQUIRE SUITABLE PLACARDS ON THE AIRCRAFT DEFINING SPECIAL PROCEDURES NEEDED TO MAINTAIN CONTROLLABILITY.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB asks the FAA to update regulations so that anyone operating an aircraft for parachute jumping must first get approval from an FAA district office, presenting evidence on how modifications like door removal affect handling, how the number of passengers aligns with emergency exits, safety belts, and weight limits, and how jump procedures might impact weight balance and controllability, possibly requiring special placards.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Alternate Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Sep 14, 1988 |
| NTSB number | DCA83AA037 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).