ELSA Airworthiness Snafu

Monday is the big day, local FSDO inspector coming out Monday at 9:00 AM. Then last evening, I get a call from the inspector. In going through my paperwork and his "book" of instructions, he wanted to know where the Program Letter was. What? What's a Program Letter?

He said that his list of paperwork doesn't include the need for one, but the Operating Limitations refer back to one. A quick call to Van's and the lady who answered said she had one on her computer and she would email it to me. Well, she must of forgot because I don't have one in my Inbox.

What have other's done? Did you need one? Do you have one you could send me? I've got just today (Friday) to get this straightened out or I'll have to postpone my inspection.

We use a Program Letter format provided to us by Mel Asberry. It's worked every time and has never been questioned.

Check your email... [email protected]

Happy Airworthiness Day!

Got it. Thank you so much.

Funny you bring that up. A few months ago I had the same realization. There are links on my blog to get a Word or PDF version of my RV-12 Program Letter.
Go here: http://torstensrv-12.blogspot.com/2013/11/what-is-program-letter.html

Thanks for the very informative letter?I've downloaded into my database for the day when I'll need it. It does raise a question for me, however. I was under the impression that since I'm building N76012 as an ELSA (not E-AB), I wouldn't need the EXPERIMENTAL labeling, nor the boilerplate signage that expounds on the concept. Can anyone clarify for me?

In short, you need them both. The "E" in ELSA says experimental so on they both go.

dbhill916 said:

Thanks for the very informative letter?I've downloaded into my database for the day when I'll need it. It does raise a question for me, however. I was under the impression that since I'm building N76012 as an ELSA (not E-AB), I wouldn't need the EXPERIMENTAL labeling, nor the boilerplate signage that expounds on the concept. Can anyone clarify for me?

Click to expand...

The "EXPERIMENTAL" placard is the same for both. The "passenger warning" is worded slightly different.