Stage 2 Carry-Forward Credit

FAR 91.869 Stage 2 Carry-Forward Credit

FAR 91.869 lets operators who exceed Stage 2 reduction requirements early claim credits toward later interim compliance dates. Study guide for pilots.

In Plain English

FAR 91.869 is a noise compliance rule that lets aircraft operators get "credit" for going beyond the minimum Stage 2 airplane reduction requirements early. It works alongside § 91.865, which sets a phased schedule for retiring or modifying older, louder Stage 2 airplanes in favor of quieter Stage 3 airplanes.

Here's how the carry-forward works:

  • If an operator exceeds the § 91.865(b) requirements by December 31, 1994 or December 31, 1996, it may claim a credit.
  • That credit can be applied at a later interim compliance date.
  • Specifically, the extra Stage 2 airplanes eliminated or modified can count toward:
    • The number of Stage 2 airplanes the operator would otherwise have to reduce later under § 91.865(b), or
    • The number of Stage 3 airplanes it would otherwise be required to operate to meet the percentage fleet mix in § 91.865(d).

Why it matters operationally: This rule rewards operators who modernize their fleets ahead of schedule, giving them flexibility on later compliance milestones and reducing community noise impact sooner.

Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.869
§ 91.869 Carry-forward compliance. (a) Any operator that exceeds the requirements of paragraph (b) of § 91.865 of this part on or before December 31, 1994, or on or before December 31, 1996, may claim a credit that may be applied at a subsequent interim compliance date. (b) Any operator that eliminates or modifies more Stage 2 airplanes pursuant to § 91.865(b) than required as of December 31, 1994, or December 31, 1996, may count the number of additional Stage 2 airplanes reduced as a credit toward— (1) The number of Stage 2 airplanes it would otherwise be required to reduce following a subsequent interim compliance date specified in § 91.865(b); or (2) The number of Stage 3 airplanes it would otherwise be required to operate in its fleet following a subsequent interim compliance date to meet the percentage requirements specified in § 91.865(d). [Docket 26433, 56 FR 48659, Sept. 25, 1991; 56 FR 65783, Dec. 18, 1991]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What does the carry-forward compliance provision in FAR 91.869 allow an operator to do?
Per FAR 91.869, an operator that exceeds the Stage 2 reduction requirements of § 91.865(b) by December 31, 1994 or December 31, 1996 may claim a credit applicable at a subsequent interim compliance date.
Q2How can an operator apply a carry-forward credit earned under FAR 91.869?
Under FAR 91.869(b), the credit can offset either the number of Stage 2 airplanes the operator must reduce at a later interim date under § 91.865(b), or the number of Stage 3 airplanes required to meet the fleet percentage in § 91.865(d).
Q3What action by an operator generates a credit under FAR 91.869?
FAR 91.869(b) states the credit is generated when an operator eliminates or modifies more Stage 2 airplanes under § 91.865(b) than required as of the December 31, 1994 or December 31, 1996 deadlines.
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FAR 91.869 — Stage 2 Carry-Forward Compliance Credit