Original Posted By: Michael Brusilow
This is some correspondence that I did with Earl Lawrence of the EAAback in August regarding what I could legally do with my homebuilt:(I never did have any luck getting operating limitations as specified byMr. Lawrence, but I include this for those who would buy used Piets..)-Carmen> Dear Mr. Lawrence, > > I've just looked over Part 43 or the FARs> (http://www.faa.gov/avr/AFS/FARS/far-43.txt)> and they state that experimental aircraft are exempt from that section> (Sec. 43.1 Applicability (b) ). > > My question is this - I own a Jodel D-11 built in 1969 (not by me)> (http://www.cana.com/jodel) and each year I get an A&P to do the> annual.> > It would appear that according to Part 43, this inspection is not> required. I've read in the popular press that as the builder (and> only> the original/primary builder), one can apply for a repairman> certificate, but what section details the certification of> experimental> aircraft and the rules (such as the 51% rule) regarding them? Which> section of the FARs clarifies who can do these inspections, since I'm> sure the FAA would not change rules requiring annual inspections of> any> category of aircraft...! > > Thanks in advance, > > Carmen> EAA #282153Carmen:You are only getting half the story. It is true part 43 does not applyto experimental aircraft but each aircraft which holds a specialairworthiness certificate has something called operating limitations.Operating limitations are legally part of the airworthiness certificate.The operating limitations for experimental amateur-built aircraft havestatements that say:"No person shall operate this aircraft unless within the preceding 12calendar months it has had a condition inspection performed inaccordance with FAR Part 43, Appendix D, or other approved programs andfound to be in a condition for safe operation. Additionally, thisinspection shall be recorded in accordance with limitation xx.""Only the builder of this aircraft, if certificated as a repairman, or aFAA certificated mechanic holding an Airframe and Powerplant rating, mayperform condition inspections in accordance with FAR Part 43, AppendixD." Basically this means that the annual condition inspection must be doneby and A&P or the original builder. However because Part 43 does nototherwise apply anyone and I do mean anyone can work on and sign offrepairs, changes, and maintenance on an experimental amateur-builtaircraft. Only the condition inspection must be done by a certificatedindividual. One caution, major changes as defined in Part 21 of theFAR's generally are required to have FAA review prior to further flightas indicated by the operating limitations for that aircraft.I would suggest you get out your operating limitations for your aircraftand review them so that you know specifically what rules apply to youraircraft as each set of operating limitations are different from eachother.Earl Lawrence >Thank you very much for the feedback! I guess I can do whatever needs> to be done to the Jodel, but will keep working with the A&P each year> for the annual I have. I have a registration and logs (engine &> airframe) as well as the 'owner's manual', but none of these define> any> limitations other than flight performance , W&B, gross weight,etc.Carmen:If you do not have a set of operating limitations I would write the FAArecords division in OK city. They can send you a copy of your paperwork. You are required to have a set of operating limitations with youraircraft. It would be in letter form usually two pages long.Earl Lawrence --________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Re: inspections & Part 43
Pietenpol-List: RE: inspections & Part 43
Original Posted By: Kyle Ray
> Basically this means that the annual condition inspection must be done> by and A&P or the original builder.This is so. HOWEVER, if you are very careful and document every littlescrap of maintenance you do on your machine, and I include sitting on yourduff getting technical data like this, and can piece together 30 months offull time equivalent work, you can sit for the A&P exam.If you pass, you can then not only sign off your OWN machine, but otherhomebuilt machines as well. THere is a pretty fair trade being built up inannual inspections on homebuilt aircraft.Jim________________________________________________________________________________
> Basically this means that the annual condition inspection must be done> by and A&P or the original builder.This is so. HOWEVER, if you are very careful and document every littlescrap of maintenance you do on your machine, and I include sitting on yourduff getting technical data like this, and can piece together 30 months offull time equivalent work, you can sit for the A&P exam.If you pass, you can then not only sign off your OWN machine, but otherhomebuilt machines as well. THere is a pretty fair trade being built up inannual inspections on homebuilt aircraft.Jim________________________________________________________________________________