Comcast wrote:
I am working toward my glider rating and have an opportunity to purchase a
Russia AC-4A which is registered in the Experimental Exhibition Racing
Category. I am concerned about the limitations that the registration will
present as compared to a standard category glider.

Is there someone that could summarize for me what my legal and practical
limitations would be?

I spent last night attempting to navigate the FAA web site to refresh my
memory as to the letter of the law but I was unable to find any
documentation that spelled out the legal limitations of Experimental
Exhibition Racing.

I know that there is a limit to the number of miles you can travel from your
home airport but I am not sure if that applies to the airport you departed
from or if you have to declare one home airport. I would assume that any
cross country flying may be affected but I am not sure to what extent. It
was mentioned to me that there are annual reporting requirements too.

Regards,

Bob Tezyk

Ask the seller for a copy of his Special Airworthiness Certificate and
attached Operating Limitations and Program Letter and valid W&B. As
the Special Airworthiness Certificate will become invalid upon change
of base of operations, you will need to complete
http://forms.faa.gov/forms/faa8130-6d.pdf.

Verify that the required Flight Test completion statement is recorded
in the aircraft logbook (see 14 CFR 91 part 91.319(b)) If it isn't you
(or the new owner) will need to comply. If it's there, then you may
fly the glider under the extended limitations. Operation is limited to
the purposes stated in the operating limitations and events outline in
your Program Letter and proficiency/practice flights. Normally a 300
mile radius, though some flights may be made without this restriction.

You will need the FSDO or a DAR to write your new operating
limitations, you write the accompanying program letter. See Section 10,
http://tinyurl.com/8a4l3 got Group I applicability (Group I or ALL by
paragraph) for general Operating Limitations guidance.

You'll need a condition inspection every 12 months and to submit a new
Program Letter annually. Written amendments to your program letter may
be submitted at any time (as well as a new program letter), but at
least 24 hours by FAX to your local FSDO.

The Operating Limitations become part of your FAA Form 8130-7, Special
Airworthiness Certificate and must be carried in the aircraft.

It may look daunting at first, but it's a very straight forward
process. If you can fly the Russia out of the 300mile radius
regularly, you'll be doing very well indeed;^) Be sure the placards
are in place and N number is on the panel and EXPERIMENTAL is visible
to pilot.

Frank Whiteley