Warbird Information Exchange

I would like to know from someone who's experienced in this area of what to write in a letter/email other than: "Dear XXXXX: My name is _____ and I am writting to ask you for salvage rights for the aircraft that's located in XYZ area. Sincerely, ____" Not sure what, other than perhaps intentions with the wreck, should be mentioned so that the letter does not end up in the circular file.

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"According to the map, we've only gone 4 inches."

You likely know this already but I'll toss it out anyway.....hopefully the prospective aircraft is not already claimed by the govt as a antiquities artifact or war grave. I'm thinking one would want to confirm the parties whom you are making the request to have legal claim to it.

As John stated, do your homework and find out who actually owns the wreckage and determine what their intentions are for it. If the wreckage is on government land (city, county, state, federal) then you'll need to get in touch with the agency in charge of that land. Your chances of being granted salvage rights will probably be better if you're representing a Museum or other 501(c)(3) entity which has honorable intentions for the wreckage. The letter should be written and signed by an authorized official of the organization, and it needs to be written on the organization's letterhead. The organization's attorney should be involved from the start to make sure that all of the legal i's are dotted and t's are crossed. Make sure that potential environmental and safety issues are thought out and covered. The organization will need to be properly insured to cover any unfortunate accidents or property damage which might occur. If any contractors are hired, make sure they're properly insured and currently licensed to do that kind of work in that geographic place (city, county, state, whatever).

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Dean Hemphill, K5DH
Port Charlotte, Florida