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Special Thanks to: Yellowstone Valley Experimental Aircraft Association, EAA Chapter 57 Bob Kimpton - President

Downloaded from Air Safety Program Manager * Airworthiness Representative Bruce E. Ryerson 4 FAA Helena FSDO 2725 Skyway Drive Helena, Montana FAX

Downloaded from Certification and Operation of Amateur-Built Aircraft ( Guidance concerning building, certification, and operation of amateur-built aircraft ( How much fabrication and assembly the builder must do ( FAA ’ s role in the certification process

Downloaded from Background. FAA provides for the issuance of a Special Airworthiness Certificate. Experimental Category. Allows of operation of amateur- built aircraft

Downloaded from The Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR ’ s) section (g) defines an amateur-built aircraft as an aircraft, the major portion of which has been fabricated and assembled by person(s) who undertook the construction and assembly solely for their own education or recreation.

Downloaded from FAA Certification u In the Past FAA inspected the aircraft at several stages, called Precover Inspections u Since 1983, FAA inspections limited to ensure acceptable workmanship, methods, techniques, practices u In recent years, amateur builders have called upon persons having expertise, such as, EAA Technical Counselors u FAA Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DAR)

Downloaded from Certification Criteria u Builders should have knowledgeable persons to perform Precover and other inspections u Documentation of construction i.e., Builders Log

Downloaded from Design and Construction u Consult with the EAA u Strongly recommend FAA approved engines, props, wheels, and components u Cockpit and Cabin design to include TSO ’ d restraints u Adequate fuel supply for engine u Suitable design for reduced fire hazard

Downloaded from Construction Kits An aircraft built from a kit may be eligible for amateur-built certification, provided the major portion has been fabricated and assembled by the amateur builder. Caution: Purchasers of partially completed kits should obtain all fabrication and assembly records from the previous owner(s).

Downloaded from Advertisements tend to be somewhat vague and may be misleading as to whether a kit is eligible for amateur-built certification. It is not advisable to order a kit before verifying with the local FAA office if the aircraft, upon completion, may be eligible for certification.

Downloaded from Aircraft Registration ( FAR 47 covers registration ( Apply for your “ N ” number ( You can request special “ N ” numbers ( You can reserve a special “ N ” number for one year ( If a kit was used, submit bill of sale from kit mfg. ( FAA Bill of Sale can be used ( Provide an Affidavit of Ownership for Amateur- Built Aircraft

Downloaded from Identification and Registration Marks 0 FAR requires registration to be displayed on the aircraft 0 FAR 45 states the requirements of the marks 0 ID plate must be fireproof & secured 0 Name on ID plate is that of the Builder with any serial number 0 ID plate must be located on exterior

Downloaded from 4 “ N ” numbers must be displayed at a minimum height of 3 inches. 4 If max. cruise speed exceeds 180 knots, “ N ” numbers must be at least 12 inches 4 “ N ” numbers may not exceed 5 symbols following the prefix N 4 One to four numbers and one suffix or 4 One to three numbers and two suffixes

Downloaded from Certification Inspection 4 An FAA Airworthiness Inspector or DAR will conduct an inspection 4 The applicant will need to show compliance with FAR The Inspection will include a review of FAR , builder ’ s log, and an examination of the completed aircraft

Downloaded from Successful Aircraft Inspection u Furnish a complete and ready to fly aircraft except for cowlings, fairings and opened panels for inspection u Aircraft Registration (pink or white) u Builder ’ s log u A log book for the aircraft, engine, and prop

Downloaded from Installation of placard, “ PASSENGER WARNING - THIS AIRCRAFT IS AMATEUR-BUILT AND DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR STANDARD AIRCRAFT ”

Downloaded from Issuance of Airworthiness Certificate u A Special Airworthiness Certificate will be issued u Operating Limitations will be issued:  Phase I & Phase II  Appropriate Operating Limitations must be onboard aircraft while in operation

Downloaded from Operating Limitations  Phase I - Flight Test Program v Initially limited to assigned area v At least 25 hours for (FAA-approved) engine/prop combination v At least 40 hours if non approved engine/prop combination

Downloaded from Phase I continued v Not conducted over densely populated areas or congested airways v usually encompasses 25-statute mile radius v Carrying of passengers will not be permitted

Downloaded from Phase II - Permanent Operating Limitations * After successful completion of Phase I requirements and * A log book entry stating so * Phase II Operating Limitation become effective and will remain in effect

Downloaded from Repairman Certification The aircraft builder may be certificated as a repairman if the builder is the primary builder of the aircraft and can satisfactorily prove requisite skill in operation. This certificate can be obtained by making application to the local FAA FSDO after satisfactory completion of required flight hours

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