To those who might have missed
it:
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September 1, 2006 Volume 6,
Number 42
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A TREMENDOUSLY IMPORTANT issue
regarding Experimental overflight is rearing it's ugly head AGAIN!
SoCal (Probably Riverside FSDO)
wants to prohibit ALL experimentals from flying in the LA basin.
As it now stands-- You are issued
Operating Limitation with the following statement in
(5) Except for takeoffs and landings, this aircraft may not be
operated over densely populated areas or in congested airways.
Western Pacfic
Region has pressed for total prohibition on experimentals.
FAA has given them
recognition of their concern by adding a second statement in Phase 2
PHASE II
(9) This aircraft is prohibited from operating in congested
airways or over densely populated areas unless directed by Air Traffic Control,
or unless sufficient altitude is maintained to effect a safe emergency landing
in the event of a power unit failure, without hazard to persons or property on
the surface."
Apparently this is not enough and
now "they" want the right to chose the route if not ban access
entirely!
"According to FAA orders, once
an Experimental/Exhibition aircraft receives its operating limitations that
allow flights over densely populated areas for takeoffs and landings, a FSDO
inspector can direct pilots to plan arrival and departure routes that avoid
those areas whenever possible, but not ban all overflights completely. In
addition, Experimental/Exhibition category aircraft operating limitations and
airworthiness certificates remain the same regardless of where the airplane is
based. Instituting restrictions at individual airports or regions creates a
patchwork of regulations and policies across the nation that could be nearly
impossible to follow."
This is the FAA's effort to mediate
the efforts of the Western Region to ban all flight into certain airports. They
have said "you can control the routes but you cannot ban experimentals
entirely.
Do you think it would be helpful if
we could identify the "FSDO inspector " who believes these
restrictions are appropiate and invite him to a EAA meeting-inspect several
projects in progress --and give him a flight in a Lancair????
Earl Lawrence deserves
our gratitude for standing up for our interests in this issue.