On Jan 22, 8:45*am, Tony wrote:
I think it's worth noting that Part 45 only applies to aircraft built
under a type certificate.

Tony

But often your FAA Inspectors ramp checkin' you don't know that.
Probably better to produce the the data plate exemption letter and
move them along.

S/He also expects the manufacturer's Flight Manual in your glider, but
it is not required by the reg (in gliders).
I keep a copy in there anyway -- just to move them along -- and gosh
it IS useful information!

They will ask for your gov't issued photo ID, pilot certificate and
medical. Keep these within reach -- that's the rule.
Yes, medical -- I've met some FAA Inspectors (just a few) that believe
a medical is required to be PIC in a glider.

What they may look for in a glider -- especially if not familiar with
gliders -- is simply your AROW paperwork, the compass correction card,
all placards or labels in place and readable, the TSO tags on your
seatbelts, and the data plate or the SSA/FAA exemption.

If they've seen you assembling the glider they may want to know where
the endorsement from a A&P mechanic is in your glider log. But
gliders (and balloons) are exempted on the basis that rigging is a FAA
required item in training for the pilot certificate or rating in
category glider.

If you have a parachute inside the glider they may ask to see the
rigger's repack card (now 180 days).

Goofy lookin' PDA mounts, oxygen tanks tied with old rubber bands and
sloppy battery wiring may get their attention while strolling around
the ramp.
Canopy covers are a good thing.

If you have an Experimental glider they may be asking to see your FSDO
paperwork. Best keep that up to date if needed as this is a hot point
with FAA lately.

Don't argue that you don't need certain doc's unless you have all the
reg's at your fingertips -- just cooperate to a certain extent, keep
your paperwork current and move them along to the twin engine airplane
over yonder on the ramp. Go into the FSDO on a rainy day and
educate them then on gliders, not on a good soaring day.

99.4 % of the FAA Inspectors are good guys -- really. I've worked
with many and never had a problem -- maybe 'cause I'm familiar with
the reg's and over-prepared.

Oh, and if the Homeland Security / TSA guys come along and you are a
Flight Instructor (glider only) you might want to have that TSA glider
training exemption letter handy as well. Otherwise be prepared to
prove you have taken your "Training Provider" Annual Recurrent
Security Training Course, but that's for another thread.

Kinda makes your head spin, don't it?

Burt
Marfa, far west Texas USA
www.flygliders.com