There are many civilian jet warbirds flying in the US with live ejection seats. They register the seat charges and rockets with the FAA and maybe with the BATF. They are regulated, not illegal.
These charges are very expensive and need maintenance and have limited shelf lives. The Collings Foundation recently put out a request for doations to help keep their jets in the air.
Collings Foundation Newsletter:
By FAA regulations, and our own high level of safety standards, the ejection seats in the F-100 Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom and A-4 Skyhawk must be maintained within their service timed limits.
This means we need to install new CADs (cartridge actuated devices) for the canopy removal systems and new PADs (pressure actuated devices) for the airframe – These are also known as “ass kickers”.
These cartridges, initiators and devices for the ejection seats are VERY EXPENSIVE!
To keep these ejection seats current and operational in the F-4 Phantom, A-4 Skyhawk and F-100 Super Sabre it will cost between $100,000 and $118,000! These parts are essential. No new CADs and PADs means: no flying F-100, F-4 or A-4.
We need your financial help to keep these legendary jets flying in honor of our Vietnam Veterans. We do not get any financial support from Super PACs, the Federal Government or Corporations. We depend on individual contributions to keep these jets in the air.
Please, we ask you to make a contribution to the Foundation. Help us Keep ‘Em Flying - for those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and freedom.
The Collings Foundation
PO Box 248
Stow, Massachusetts 01775