The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) worked with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop an expedited policy to allow installation of hidden battery cutoff switches on agricultural aircraft. The FAA determined that this procedure is a minor alteration that, once installed, can be recorded with a maintenance record entry and does not require an FAA Form 337, nor a field approval.
Establishment of this policy is another action NAAA has been working on to show the public how seriously the agricultural aviation industry is working to address security issues.
Ag operators are encouraged to notify their local FAA FSDOs of this new FAA policy. This notice will also be published on NAAA's website (www.agaviation.org) and will be faxed to all NAAA members.
Special thanks goes to NAAA members Frankie Williams of Souther Field Aviation in Georgia and Rod Thomas of Thomas Helicopters in Idaho for their efforts in this matter.
From: Manager, Aircraft Maintenance Division, AFS 300
Reply to Wayne P. Fry:
Attn. of: 202-493-5228
To: All Regional Flight Standards Division Managers
The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) has initiated an effort to enhance aircraft security by installing hidden battery "cut-off" switches on agricultural aircraft.
Due to increase security concerns after the events of September 11, 2001, the NAAA, working in concert with government personnel from The Department of Homeland Security made a recommendation to its members that they install a battery cut-off switch in their aircraft. This switch would be hidden and help deter unauthorized use of the aircraft.
NAAA has submitted several typical installations to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for review, and the FAA has determined that these installations are minor alterations that can be accomplished with acceptable data. Therefore, an FAA Form 337 in not required, nor do these alterations require field approvals. Maintenance record entires accomplished in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) are sufficient for these installations.
Comments or questions should be directed to Wayne Fry, AFS-340, at 202-493-5228.
A typical barrery cutoff and generator/alternator control circuit. The only requirement is as per AC43.13 and a logbook entry by a certified aircraft mechanic. Souther Field Aviation can supply a "kit" with a switch and wiring for $50. Contact Frankie Williams at 229-924-2813 or sfield@sowega.net.