Experimental Letter

[[email protected]]

My Ventus 2cxM has been flying in the Experimental Category since new (2003), and each year I've been faithfully updating the Experimental Letter (I just change the date) and mailing it to my FSDO. I've been told that the wording of the standard Experimental Letter is different now, and if I request it, I could have a Letter with the new wording issued. Does anyone have any comments about this?

[[email protected]]

On Sunday, July 15, 2018 at 5:34:44 PM UTC-7, wrote:
> My Ventus 2cxM has been flying in the Experimental Category since new (2003), and each year I've been faithfully updating the Experimental Letter (I just change the date) and mailing it to my FSDO. I've been told that the wording of the standard Experimental Letter is different now, and if I request it, I could have a Letter with the new wording issued. Does anyone have any comments about this?

My DG-200 (1979) Operating Limits said nothing about a Program letter. (FS, see Wings and Wheels) The same for my Ventus 2 (the OL say no geographical limits and again nothing about a letter) so I haven't been sending a letter to the FSDO.

[[email protected]]

On Sunday, July 15, 2018 at 5:34:44 PM UTC-7, wrote:
> My Ventus 2cxM has been flying in the Experimental Category since new (2003), and each year I've been faithfully updating the Experimental Letter (I just change the date) and mailing it to my FSDO. I've been told that the wording of the standard Experimental Letter is different now, and if I request it, I could have a Letter with the new wording issued. Does anyone have any comments about this?

I think the correct name for the letter is 'Program Letter' (not experimental letter).

[SF]

It's a program letter, and it goes to the "line Manager" at your local FSDO.. I would call your local FSDO ask to speak with the line manager, and get him to tell you, want he wants to see from you. I have a sneaking suspicion that it is filed in an unknown location, and never looked at by anyone for any reason, But it is also vitally important that it be filed.

SF

[Dan Marotta]

And, as I recall, I kept a copy in the glider, as well.

On 7/16/2018 7:27 AM, SF wrote:
> It's a program letter, and it goes to the "line Manager" at your local FSDO. I would call your local FSDO ask to speak with the line manager, and get him to tell you, want he wants to see from you. I have a sneaking suspicion that it is filed in an unknown location, and never looked at by anyone for any reason, But it is also vitally important that it be filed.
>
> SF

--
Dan, 5J

[Papa3[_2_]]

On Monday, July 16, 2018 at 9:27:32 AM UTC-4, SF wrote:
I have a sneaking suspicion that it is filed in an unknown location, and never looked at by anyone for any reason, But it is also vitally important that it be filed.
>
> SF

:-) !!!!

[[email protected]]

A copy of the program letter as well as a copy of your operating limitations that were issued with your experimental certificate must be in the aircraft.

[Tom (TK)]

The form changed with 2130.2G revision.

Here is a copy for word:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0kWK9b9sxAbT2J5SEdOa0hLdTQ/view?usp=sharing

[Frank Whiteley]

On Monday, July 16, 2018 at 7:52:04 AM UTC-6, Tom (TK) wrote:
> The form changed with 2130.2G revision.
>
> Here is a copy for word:
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0kWK9b9sxAbT2J5SEdOa0hLdTQ/view?usp=sharing

My FSDO issued an example that basically matches that. It should have been named 8130.2(now J) as FAA Order 8130.2 is the defining document, which no longer discusses the pre-/post- moratorium issues. You'll need to refer to earlier versions for that discussion.

See appendix C-2 here https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/FAA_Order_8130.2J.pdf

and
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2018-title14-vol1/xml/CFR-2018-title14-vol1-sec21-193.xml

As a result of some engagement of SSA volunteers with the Type Club Coalition, there were some efforts to seek permanent program letters for gliders a few years ago, but nothing materialized as a specific request. It was to be based on operating at known soaring venues. Deviations, like soarfaris from unlisted sites, would have required notice to the base FSDO, but as long as the pilot operated from a defined national list of soaring sites, it would have been fine.

As far as the FSDO having a copy on file. It's the type of thing that probably only comes to the attention of the FAA is the aircraft comes to the attention of the FAA for some reason. Some of you may recall, that several years ago, the FAA wanted the FSDO's to perform a 100% hands on check of all experimental aircraft. Of course, the FAA does not have that sort of manpower, nor would such an effort have been a positive. However, it is clear that some glider owner/operators over the years were not in compliance nor did they understand the process. Neither of the two prior owners of one of my gliders ever complete Phase I or enter Phase II, nor did they file program letters with their FSDO's. As a result I had to hire a DAR to complete new operating limitations and fly off Phase I, just like it was a new import and air worthy.

I suspect more than one buyer has discovered the same thing.

Frank Whiteley

[JS[_5_]]

On Monday, July 16, 2018 at 6:52:04 AM UTC-7, Tom (TK) wrote:
> The form changed with 2130.2G revision.
>
> Here is a copy for word:
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0kWK9b9sxAbT2J5SEdOa0hLdTQ/view?usp=sharing

Thanks, Tom.
However, I'll use the one already sent to the FSDO for the rest of the year.
Jim

[MNLou]

FWIW - I've had a great experience with the Minneapolis FSDO.

I had to submit a hard, signed copy of my first program letter. After that, I just send it in electronically via e-mail.

Need to add something because you just have to go to another contest - no problem. Just modify the current year's letter and e-mail it. (And, of course, put the new copy in your glider.)

YMMV - Lou