APA scope language does restrict what size airplanes codeshare partners can operate. When Chautauqua first started flying the E-170, APA was fining Chautauqua several million dollars for the scope violation. Thats why we had the huge rush to start up the Republic alter-ego certificate which failed miserably at first. We then bought shuttle america to put the planes on that certificate in order to get around APA scope. BB is slicker than a TV preacher when it comes to finding loopholes.