§216.4. Special authorizations. — Inbound Citations

No foreign air carrier shall carry any blind sector traffic, as defined in this part, on any flight operating in air transportation pursuant to the authority of a foreign air carrier permit issued under 49 U.S.C. 41301, unless the combined carriage of such traffic has been specifically authorized by such permit, or by a Special Authorization issued under § 216.4.

“Foreign aircraft permits” issued by the Department under the provisions of part 375 of this chapter (the Department's Special Regulations), authorizing the combined carriage of blind sector traffic as defined in this part, shall continue in effect in accordance with their terms until their expiration date unless sooner terminated, revoked or modified by the Department. Such permits shall, upon the effective date of this part, be deemed to constitute a Special Authorization issued pursuant to § 216.4.

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 216.3, if within 30 days after the effective date of this part a carrier files an application for a Special Authorization to continue to perform existing blind sector operations which have been regularly performed by such carrier commencing on a date prior to August 9, 1967, such carrier may continue to engage in such blind sector operations until final decision by the Department on such application: Provided, That any such application shall, in addition to the requirements of § 216.4(a), contain a statement that the carrier is relying upon this section for continuance of preexisting blind sector operations, and shall fully describe such operations including the date inaugurated, and the frequency and continuity of performance.