In response to a biennial request from Helicopter Association International (HAI), the FAA has issued a two-year extension of Exemption 6002, permitting properly trained air ambulance/medical evacuation pilots employed by HAI member companies to remove and reinstall liquid oxygen (LOX) system containers under certain conditions. This extension, titled 6002O, is effective 01 February 2024 and, barring FAA changes, expires 31 January 2026.

HAI first petitioned the FAA for this exemption almost 30 years ago, receiving the initial authorization letter in December 1994. Following FAA policy, petitioners must request an extension every two years.

Exemption 6002 and its subsequent renewals permit pilots employed by petitioner member operators to remove and reinstall Liquid Oxygen System (LOX) containers in their aircraft after receiving and documenting prescribed training in this task by a properly certificated airframe mechanic. The FAA Exemption document also specifies that the pilots and the task are subject to certain conditions and limitations.

Ultimately, this petition helps specific HAI members save time and money by permitting correctly trained pilots to change oxygen canisters or tanks instead of requiring the work to be done by an A&P mechanic.

Interested parties can view the latest version of the petition here.