Turbine
This is the email that was sent to me from AMA when I asked them the same question. I have just completed their requirements and am awaiting my waver.
Dear Mr. Bollig,
Please see below for the information regarding a trial program effective January 1, 2003. This program will expire 12/31/2003 unless otherwise stated.
-- "Flight Demonstration Turbine Waiver" Program for Fixed Wing Aircraft --
(website document 567)
This program will allow AMA members to operate a turbine engine, prior to obtaining the necessary Special AMA Waiver that is required under the current Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code. This program will not replace the current procedure of obtaining a Special AMA Waiver for turbine engine operation, but is a temporary and alternate approach. The program can only be performed at an AMA sanctioned event designated for turbine powered aircraft, prior to the official event days and is up to the discretion of the event’s Contest Director (Not permitted during the actual dates of the AMA Sanction). The Applicant must contact the CD prior to the event indicating his interest in enrolling into the test/training program, if the CD is willing to run this program. Any applicant will demonstrate his or her ability of operating a turbine-powered aircraft before two current turbine waiver holders and the Contest Director as witnesses. The turbine waiver applicant must execute a release agreement for any and all responsibility for damages to the turbine-powered aircraft, website document 568.
This program requires the applicant to use his or her personal turbine powered aircraft, controlled via a buddy box system. Prior to any operation, the aircraft will have to undergo a routine safety inspection by the two turbine waiver holders and the Contest Director. Once the aircraft has been inspected one of the two qualified turbine waiver holders will perform a ground run-up prior to flight. The applicant will then operate the turbine-powered aircraft on the buddy box, to demonstrate their flight proficiency to the turbine waiver holders and the Contest Director. Flight proficiency is established if the applicant is able to safely demonstrate the required patterns and maneuvers, as listed under Required Turbine Flight Performance Demonstration (website document 569). If the applicant has displayed satisfactory proficiency the Contest Director can then authorize a “Flight Demonstration Turbine Waiver”, to be signed by all three witnesses.
Once the Flight Demonstration Turbine Waiver has been issued it will be valid for 60 days from date of issuance, stated on the waiver. To receive the necessary Special AMA Waiver, required for turbine operation referenced in the current Safety Code, the applicant needs to provide the following credentials to AMA Headquarters*:
*
Self-signed declaration that the applicant has completed a minimum of 50 flights with a high-performance aircraft designed to fly 150 mph or faster, website document 515.
*
Self-signed declaration of knowledge concerning (a) effect of throttle lag, (b) engine characteristics, (c) control setup, and (d) ground handling, website document 515.
*
Ground School Certification form signed by a manufacturer-approved instructor, website document 517.
*
The original “Flight Demonstration Turbine Waiver” signed by the Contest Director and the two current turbine waiver holders that witnessed the demonstration flight(s), website document 570.
Recommendation:
The AMA strongly recommends that the applicant completes the required Ground School Certification prior to this flight demonstration. While it’s not required, it is practical that the applicant is familiar with start-up and shut-off procedures of the turbine engine.
* The issuance of a regular special AMA waiver for turbine operation will be pending upon review and approval of additional information provided.