1. Presented to: By: Date: Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft EAA 983 (Granbury / Pecan Plantation) Mike Montefusco November 12, 2011

2. 2 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Certification and Operation Guidance concerning building, certification, and operation of amateur-built aircraft How much fabrication and assembly the builder must do The FAA’s role in the certification process NOTE: FAA order 8130.2G covers Amateur-Built certification

3. 3 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Presentation Topics FAA Certification Criteria Design and Construction Construction Kits Aircraft Registration –Identification & Registration MarkingsIdentification & Registration Markings Certification Inspection 14 CFR 91-319 Certificate Inspection Issuance of the Special Airworthiness Certificate Operating Limitations –Phase 1: Flight Test ProgramPhase 1: Flight Test Program –Phase 2: Permanent Operating LimitationsPhase 2: Permanent Operating Limitations Showing Compliance with 14 CFR 91.319(b) Repairman Certification LODA: Letter of Deviation Authority AC 90-109: Airman Transition to Experimental or Unfamiliar Airplanes Aircraft Accident Summary and Risk Management

4. 4 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Background FAA provides for the issuance of a Special Airworthiness Certificates Experimental Category Allows for operation of amateur-built aircraft

5. 5 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Background continued 14 CFR Part 21.191(g) defines an amateur- built aircraft as –an aircraft, the major portion of which has been fabricated and assembled by persons who undertook the construction and assembly solely for their own education or recreation NOTE: AC 20-27, Certification and Operation of Amateur-Built Aircraft

6. 6 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 FAA Certification In the Past, –the FAA inspected the aircraft at several stages, called Pre-Cover Inspections Since 1983, FAA inspections are limited to ensure acceptable workmanship, methods, techniques, and practices are used.

7. 7 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 FAA Certification In recent years, amateur builders have called upon persons having expertise, such as: EAA Technical Counselors FAA Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DAR) –DAR can be used for technical guidance

8. 8 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Certification Criteria Builders should have knowledgeable persons perform pre-cover and other inspections Documentation of construction –i.e., Builders Log Any format Include photographs of all steps included in each of the listed tasks in the Amateur-Builder Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly Checklist (2009) Materials and techniques used in construction Dates, locations, and detailed descriptions

9. 9 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Consult with the EAA Strongly recommend FAA-approved engines, props, wheels, and components Cockpit and Cabin design to include TSO’d restraints Design and Construction

10. 10 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Design and Construction Adequate fuel supply for engine Suitable design for reduced fire hazard

11. 11 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Construction Kits 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 FAA does not certify amateur-built aircraft kits FAA does not approve kit manufacturers

12. 12 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Construction Kits “Major Portion” is known as the 51% Rule

13. 13 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Construction Kits Caution: –Purchasers of partially completed kits should obtain from the previous owner(s) All fabrication records All assembly records

14. 14 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Advertisements tend to be somewhat vague and may be misleading as to whether a kit is eligible for amateur-built certification Not advisable to order a kit before verifying with the local FAA office if the aircraft, upon completion, may be eligible for certification Construction Kits

15. 15 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Aircraft Registration 14 CFR Part 47 covers registration Owner must apply for “N” number –Can request special “N” numbers –Can reserve a special “N” number for one year

16. 16 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 If a kit was used, obtain bill of sale from kit manufacturer FAA Bill of Sale can be used Provide an Affidavit of Ownership for Amateur- Built Aircraft Aircraft Registration

17. 17 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Identification & Registration Marks 14 CFR Part 21.182 requires registration to be displayed on the aircraft 14 CFR Part 45 states requirements for markings ID plate must be fireproof & secured

18. 18 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Name on ID plate is that of the Builder with any serial number ID plate must be located on exterior Identification & Registration Marks

19. 19 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 “N” numbers must be displayed at a minimum height of 3 inches If maximum cruise speed exceeds 180 knots, “N” numbers must be at least 12 inches Identification & Registration Marks

20. 20 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 “N” numbers may not exceed 5 symbols following the prefix “N” –One to four numbers and one suffix i.e., (N1234B), or –One to three numbers and two suffixes i.e., (N123BR) Identification & Registration Marks

21. 21 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Certification Inspection An FAA Airworthiness Inspector or DAR will conduct the certification inspection Applicant needs to show compliance with 14 CFR Part 91.319

22. 22 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 It’s your aircraft Builder needs to determine Airworthiness prior to certification Ensure there is a signed and dated statement from the owner in the aircraft records, that: –the aircraft has had an inspection performed in accordance with 14 CFR part 43, app D, or –other approved programs, and –was found to be in a condition for safe operation

23. 23 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 It’s your aircraft This statement will support the owner’s inspection and airworthiness statement on block III of FAA Form 8130-6

24. 24 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Lets take a look at what 14 CFR Part 91.319 states!

25. 25 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Para (a):No person may operate an aircraft that has an experimental certificate - (1) For other than the purpose for which the certificate was issued; or (2) For carrying persons or property for compensation or hire 14 CFR Part 91.319

26. 26 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Para (b):No person may operate an aircraft that has an experimental certificate outside of an area assigned by the Administrator until it is shown that -- 14 CFR Part 91.319

27. 27 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 (1) The aircraft is controllable throughout its normal range of speeds and throughout all the maneuvers to be executed; and 14 CFR Part 91.319

28. 28 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 (2) The aircraft has no hazardous operating characteristics or design features 14 CFR Part 91.319

29. 29 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 (c) Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator in special operating limitations, no person may operate an aircraft that has an experimental certificate over a densely populated area or in a congested airway 14 CFR Part 91.319

30. 30 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 The Administrator may issue special operating limitations for particular aircraft: to permit takeoffs and landings to be conducted over a densely populated area or in a congested airway in accordance with terms and conditions specified in the authorization in the interest of safety in air commerce. 14 CFR Part 91.319

31. 31 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 (d) Each person operating an aircraft that has an experimental certificate shall - (1) Advise each person carried of the experimental nature of the aircraft; and 14 CFR Part 91.319

32. 32 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 14 CFR Part 91.319 (2) Operate under VFR, day only, unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Administrator; and

33. 33 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 (3) Notify the control tower of the experimental nature of the aircraft when operating the aircraft into or out of airports with operating control towers. 14 CFR Part 91.319

34. 34 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 (h)(2)(i) The Administrator may prescribe additional limitations that the Administrator considers necessary, including limitations on the persons that may be carried in the aircraft. 14 CFR Part 91.319

35. 35 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Who is the Administrator??? 14 CFR Part 91.319

36. 36 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Your friendly FSDO Aviation Safety Inspector!!!! 14 CFR Part 91.319

37. 37 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Certification Inspection Please contact your FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) at least 30 days in advance of your requested inspection

38. 38 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 The Inspection will include –a review of 14 CFR Part 21.193 –a review of the builder’s log –an examination of the completed aircraft Certification Inspection

39. 39 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Successful Aircraft Inspection Furnish a complete and ready to fly aircraft except for cowlings, fairings and opened panels for inspection Aircraft Registration –(White Form 8050-3) Builder’s Log Log books for the –Aircraft –Engine –Prop

40. 40 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Installation of Placard “PASSENGER WARNING - THIS AIRCRAFT IS AMATEUR-BUILT AND DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR STANDARD AIRCRAFT” Successful Aircraft Inspection

41. 41 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Issuance of the Special Airworthiness Certificate A Special Airworthiness Certificate will be issued Operating Limitations will be issued: –Phase I & Phase II –Appropriate Operating Limitations must be on-board aircraft while in operation

42. 42 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Experimental Amateur-Built Operating Limitations Operating limitations must be designed to fit the specific situation encountered. The ASI and/or designee must review each imposed operating limitation with the applicant to ensure that the operating limitations are understood by the applicant.

43. 43 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Phase I - Flight Test Program –Initially limited to assigned area –At least 25 hours for (FAA-approved Type Certificated) engine/prop combination –At least 40 hours if non-approved engine/prop combination Experimental Amateur-Built Operating Limitations

44. 44 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Phase I Flight Test Program Not conducted over densely populated areas or in congested airways Usually encompasses 25-statute mile radius Carrying of passengers not permitted

45. 45 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Phase II Permanent Operating Limitations After successful completion of Phase I requirements, and A log book entry stating so Phase II Operating Limitations become effective and remain in effect

46. 46 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Showing Compliance with 14 CFR Part 91.319(b) Flight test program should be developed in accordance with AC 90-89, Amateur-Built Aircraft and Ultra light Flight Testing Handbook, or its equivalent in scope and detail.

47. 47 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Showing Compliance with 14 CFR Part 91.319(b) Applicant should be advised that after the experimental amateur-built airworthiness certificate has been issued, they must show compliance to 14 CFR Part 91.319(b). This is done by developing a flight test program that addresses the requirements, goals, and objectives of each test flight.

48. 48 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Flight Test Programs Flight Test Program Serves 2 Purposes: 1.Ensures aircraft has been adequately tested and determined to be safe to fly within the aircraft’s flight envelope. 2.Flight test data is used to develop an accurate and complete aircraft flight manual and to establish emergency procedures.

49. 49 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Flight Test Programs Note: The EAA Flight Advisor program has been established to assist applicants in developing flight test programs.

50. 50 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 First Flight: Who is going to fly it? In most cases, the builder will make the first flight –Some things to think about: Proficiency Transition training Currency Selecting an Airport Developing a plan Using a Technical Counselor Being willing to cancel the flight Being Prepared for Emergencies – In the air and on the ground Weather

51. 51 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 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.

52. 52 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 A Repairman Certificate can be obtained by making application to the local FAA FSDO Repairman Certification

53. 53 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 LODA: Letter of Deviation Authority The FAA may issue deviation authority providing relief from the provisions of paragraph (a) of 91.319 for the purpose of conducting flight training. The FAA will issue this deviation authority as a Letter Of Deviation Authority (LODA).

54. 54 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 LODA: Letter of Deviation Authority (1) The FAA may cancel or amend a letter of deviation authority at any time. (2) An applicant must submit a request for deviation authority to the FAA at least 60 days before the date of intended operations. Request for deviation authority must contain: 1.A complete description of the proposed operation, and 2.Justification that establishes a level of safety equivalent to that provided under the regulations for the deviation requested.

55. 55 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Airmen Transition to Experimental or Unfamiliar Airplanes Advisory Circular AC 90-109

56. 56 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Summary Amateur Built Aircraft crash more often and are more often fatal than Certificated Aircraft Significant improvements have been made and the historical accident rate is on a downward trend however - –we still have room for improvement

57. 57 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Summary Use the resources available to you – EAA / FAA Build a simple Risk Management Plan Enjoy this wonderful freedom we have!

58. 58 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Amateur-Built Fatal Accidents 0-5 Airframe Hours

59. 59 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Amateur-Built Fatal Accidents 41-60 Airframe Hours

60. 60 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 Carelessness and overconfidence are usually more dangerous than deliberately accepted risk. - Wilbur Wright, 1901

61. 61 Federal Aviation Administration Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft August 15, 2015 THE END