Hi Svein
In Finland
1) night operations are ok also for experimentals (not allowed for ANY
ultras).
- must have certain equipments like nav, landing and panel lights,
heated pitot-static, TSO bank&incl. coordinator and ASI.
- we have about 5 experimentals permitted for night ops
- one of them is Comp Air 8 with Walter turbin.
2) IMC is not permitted for any experimentals.
3) we have about 100 real homebuilt aircrafts (not included modified
Cessnas etc).
Attached one nice night flight departure photo. It was a formation
flight with three Europas including two G-registered Europas following
my OH-XRT. No problem, I permitted them for night ops here in Finland...
Raimo OH-XRT
From: Sidsel & Svein Johnsen
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2010 7:48 PM
Subject: Europa-List: Day VMC only
For over a year EAA Chapter 573 Norway has tried in vain to get our CAA
to revise their decision 18 months ago to restrict flight with
Experimental aircraft to only day VMC (i.e. no flying at night or in
IMC, regardless of the individual aircraft's instrumentation, lights or
the pilot's qualifications). EAA 573 is, however, not a directly
affected party, so they cannot appeal this decision.
I therefore decided to file a protest to the Department of
Transportation for the ruling against my aircraft, as a test case which
could decide the future for all such aircraft in Norway. At long last,
the CAA has now brought my appeal before the DoT for decision. Their
only argument, which I think is a very meek one, is "our professional
opinion - at a general level". What does that mean??!! I have the
opportunity to comment the statements made by the CAA in their
presentation of the case.
I therefore ask all of you, in the different countries around the world,
kindly to give me feedback on the following, at your early convenience:
In your country, with respect to Experimental class aircraft (in some
European countries referred to as Annex II aircraft):
- Is night flight permitted, provided the aircraft has the
required lamps and lights?
- Is flying under IMC permitted, provided the aircraft has the
required instrumentation?
- Approximately how many aircraft (Experimental/Annex II) are
flying in your country (not limited to night/IMC-equipped/instrumented),
i.e. total fleet of homebuilt aircraft?
For my British friends: Some time ago your organization (I do not
recall its name) was preparing an appeal against a similar decision by
your authorities. Did you succeed, or where does this issue stand at
the moment?
Thank you!
Svein
LN-SKJ
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