FAR 91.869 — Stage 2 Carry-Forward Credit

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.