Also, because I did not answer the specific question - the experimental
amateur built do have a program letter requirement in phase 1. (The basis
for the program letter is in CFR 21.193)

Jim
"Michael McNulty" wrote in message
news:FanDd.51992$Cl3.43474@fed1read03...

"Mark Zivley" wrote in message
om...
Sure would be nice if the SSA could lobby the FAA to eliminate the
requirement for program letters for gliders that are factory built, if
not all experimental gliders.

Enlighten me please, what's the point beyond "it's just the rule,
dumb..." or "it's always been this way" or etc.

The "Experimental" certification that most US gliders have is explicitly,
for the purpose of "Exhibition and Racing". Given this fact, it seems
reasonable to me that the FAA might ask us to substantiate that this is in
fact what we are doing with these aircraft. (Remember, we never go for
"pleasure flights" in these aircraft; we are maintaining proficiency for
our exhibition and racing activities).

Given that the annual program letter takes about five minutes to prepare
and send in, I think that we've got the best side in this deal. Please
don't rock the boat; if the FAA really wants to cut down on their
workload, my fear is that they could eliminate the "Experimental,
Exhibition and Racing" category altogether. Those who really object to
the program letter can always buy an aircraft with a standard
airworthiness certificate.

By the way, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, I don't think that
homebuilts (Experimental, Amateur Built airworthiness) have a program
letter requirement. They do have other restrictions, however.

Also, thanks for reminding me to submit my 2005 program letter.