The FAA renewed NBAA’s request for an extension to Exemption 7897, the “NBAA Small Aircraft Exemption,” late last week. The renewal expires March 31, 2013, and, according to NBAA, “allows operators of piston-powered airplanes, small airplanes and all helicopters to use, among other provisions, the limited options for cost reimbursement permitted under Part 91 Subpart F.”

The exemption, which is available only to NBAA members, applies to operations such as ferry and training flights, aerial work, demonstration flights and carriage of people and products on flights that are incidental to the business of the company operating the aircraft, but using smaller aircraft instead of the large aircraft to which the regulations normally apply. These regulations typically allow more expenses related to the flight to be recouped.

Operators that seek to use the exemption must also comply with the provisions of FAR 91.503 through 91.535, notify the FAA and provide the FAA a copy of the inspection program under 91.409(f) that is being used to maintain the aircraft.