Originally Posted by
Chang
Is this a trick question?
If you read the FAR's, it specifically states that only the FAA "Administrator" can authorize >250kts below 10K .... not to be confused with "ATC" which the FAR's clearly differentiate as in the very next paragraph of the FAR's.
§ 91.117 Aircraft speed.
(a) Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, no person may operate an aircraft below 10,000 feet MSL at an indicated airspeed of more than 250 knots (288 m.p.h.).
(b) Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft at or below 2,500 feet above the surface within 4 nautical miles of the primary airport of a Class C or Class D airspace area at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph.). This paragraph (b) does not apply to any operations within a Class B airspace area. Such operations shall comply with paragraph (a) of this section.
Can't find anything concrete in the FOM or CFM to back this up right now, but I'm checking other sources...
FOM says to fly whatever is in the CFM...
My understanding is, we (FedEx) don't routinely operate under FAR part 91 during revenue flights. I seem to recall from somewhere in the deep foggy recesses that we can only accept speeds higher than 250 KIAS below 10K outside the domestic United States (no class D airspace outside the U.S.) if specifically requested by ATC (ie: "maintain 280 knots for spacing...")or if clean minimum maneuvering speed is higher than 250kts. Captain's judgement applies on this one. High speed approved, or maintain high speed simply means fly 250 KIAS. We are still required to comply with the most restrictive limit unless a specific speed is given by ATC.