Re: Another program letter question .....

This requirement seems very strange.  To the best of my knowledge this
sort of flight test phase is usually only applied to experimental
amateur built and restricts operation over populated areas during the
initial flights.   I had not such flight test phase defined when I was
issued my experimental cert for my new ASW 28.

In my case though the operating limitations say they apply after
completion of the flight test phase but no flight test phase is
defined.  They also reference the 300nm restriction relative to the
home base airport but no home base airport is defined.

I really don't think they have a very rigorous or consistent process,
but if you are happy with what they gave you don't rock the boat.

BTW I think avoiding mountainous terrain is good advice for all of
us.  Keep at least half a wingspan away!

Andy

A follow up to my questions and what occurred when I contacted  the
SLC FSDO.

First off let me state that the process has been straight forward, the
FSDO office and person I worked with was knowledgeable and completed
the work swiftly, and everything was done via telephone to start and
then handled via email and USPS.

Details:

I contacted the SLC FSDO via telephone and explained my situation.
They took the information and stated someone would call me back.
Within 24 hours I received a call back, explained the situation, and
provided him the details of my plane.  He stated he would do some
research, see what was on file in OK and get back to me.  He asked my
preferred method of contact and agreed that email would be best!
Within 2 days I had an email reply stating what had to done and links
to the required forms.  Since my plane moved from NV to UT and a
different FSDO a new airworthiness certificate needed to be issued
along with a new limitations letter.  I had to fill out form 8130-6
Application for US Airworthiness certificate  and create a program
letter to accompany the application.  This was done and within 10 days
I had my new airworthiness certificate, operating limitations letter
and sticker for my maintenance log book.

The only major difference I can see with the operating limitations
letter is that I have to perform 'flight testing'.  This is described
as 'This aircraft must be operated for at least 5 hours with at least
10 takeoffs and landing (to a full stop), and all operations must be
conducted with 30 miles nautical miles of my home airport avoiding all
mountainous terrain.'

No inspections are required as pictures were requested and satisfied
the inspector.  I inquired about experimental aircraft needing
inspections and he had not heard anything about that but he did state
that the FSDO offices are not at the top of the information chain.

All in all it was a pleasant experiment, I have my program letter on
file and I will have spend a few bucks doing 10 takeoff and landings
before I can fly somewhere other than my home airport.

Question - I tried to find the definition of 'mountainous terrain' on
the FAA website and was unsuccessful.  Does anyone know where the FAA
defines mountainous terrain?

Ron Gleason
DG303 Acro N303MR

My plane is registered experimental and I have not been sending the
annual program letter to the local FSDO.  I plan on starting but have
a couple of questions:

1 - The original airworthy certificate was issued by the Reno NV FSDO
and the first two owners sent the letter there.  I am in the SLC UT
area and am wondering if I can/should send the letter to the Reno FSDO
or do I need to send it to the SLC FSDO?

2 - If I send it to the local SLC FSDO should I include a copy of the
original paperwork?

I will be contacting the SLC FSDO next week but wanted to solicit
opinions here first

Thanks in advance

Ron Gleason