Help with FAA glider exemption petiton

Hello fellow soaring pilots,

I'm asking for your help in receiving an exemption to new FAA regulations that require a yearly FAA checkride to fly a jet sailplane.


Here's the story:
In 2011, FAA issued new regulations regarding training for pilots of turbojet powered aircraft. These new regulations require pilots of all turbine powered, single pilot aircraft to pass a yearly proficiency check. This new regulation affects my two seat turbine powered glider. In order to stay current , each person who flies it must pass a check ride administered by an FAA examiner once a year. This checkride is the equivalent of a type rating re-currency checkride.

This regulation was obviosly aimed at the new crop of very light jets (VLJs), such as the Eclipse 500 and Cessna Mustang, to ensure that pilots maintain competency with their complex systems. This is probably a valid concern.. However, the requirement to take an annual FAA check ride should not extend to a glider, which only uses the turbine engine for takeoff or self-retrieve and operates at essentially the same weight, speeds and altitudes as its piston- or non-powered counterparts.

I believe this inclusion was inadvertent. This belief is supported by the fact that the rule began with the words 'turbine powered airplanes', thus excluding gliders. It wasn't until the final rule was printed in the Congressional Record that the glider inclusive words 'turbine powered aircraft' appear. Even then, the summary chart printed along with final rule still uses the word 'airplane'.

I have applied for an exemption to this rule for my turbine powered TST-14 BonusJet. The exemption process requires FAA to open the proposal for public comment. FAA is required to consider and respond to these comments before making a decision.

If you would like to support this effort, please go to this link and click the "Comment Now!" button:

http://www.regulations.gov/#!documen...2012-0970-0001


To be effective, these comments should be passionate, but also professional and courteous. Some of the items to mention might be:

Your own experience with the TST-14 (don't use the name 'BonusJet'), other motorgliders and unpowered gliders.

Include any specific qualifications that may add credibility to your comment (engineer, flight instructor, high-time pilot, lots of turbine time, etc.).

The excellent safety record of turbine gliders.

The simplicity of operating the TST-14's engine systems (much simpler than conventional motorgliders, which only require an instructor endorsement).

The very normal operating parameters (same takeoff and landing speeds, same weight, same altitudes as conventional gliders)

The improved safety (no towplane or ropes, prevention of off-airport landings, excellent climb performance - especially at high density altitude airports, low drag with engine extended, etc).

The probable inadvertent, last-minute addition of the word 'aircraft' in place of 'airplane', and that this change was made after the NPRM comment period closed, with no way for the public to comment on the subject of 'non-airplane' turbine powered aircraft. This wording change may be in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act and FAA policy.

The improvement in safety that would result if more turbine powered sailplanes were built, and the fact FAA checkrides are a hindrance to acceptance by sport and recreational pilots.

An equivalent level of safety will be maintained. No increased risk to the public will result if this exemption is granted.

Anything else you think should be said about the matter.

I'm not sure when the comment period ends, but they posted it long before sending me verification of receipt, so we may not have much time. Please take a few minutes to make a difference in the future of soaring. If they receive no comments, they can act on the assumption that no one cares. Thanks.

Blue skies,

Bob Carlton