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Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft

Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft. EAA 983 (Granbury / Pecan Plantation) Mike Montefusco November 12, 2011. Certification and Operation. Guidance concerning building, certification, and operation of amateur-built aircraft How much fabrication and assembly the builder must do

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Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft

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  1. Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft EAA 983 (Granbury / Pecan Plantation) Mike Montefusco November 12, 2011

  2. 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. Presentation Topics • FAA Certification Criteria • Design and Construction • Construction Kits • Aircraft Registration • Identification & Registration Markings • Certification Inspection • 14 CFR 91-319 • Certificate Inspection • Issuance of the Special Airworthiness Certificate • Operating Limitations • Phase 1: Flight Test Program • Phase 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. Background • FAA provides for the issuance of a Special Airworthiness Certificates • Experimental Category • Allows for operation of amateur-built aircraft

  5. 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. 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. 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. 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. Design and Construction • Consult with the EAA • Strongly recommend FAA-approved engines, props, wheels, and components • Cockpit and Cabin design to include TSO’d restraints

  10. Design and Construction • Adequate fuel supply for engine • Suitable design for reduced fire hazard

  11. 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. Construction Kits • “Major Portion” is known as the 51% Rule

  13. Construction Kits • Caution: • Purchasers of partially completed kits should obtain from the previous owner(s) • All fabrication records • All assembly records

  14. Construction Kits • 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

  15. 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 Aircraft Registration

  16. 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. 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. Identification & Registration Marks • Name on ID plate is that of the Builder with any serial number • ID plate must be located on exterior

  19. Identification & Registration Marks “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

  20. Identification & Registration Marks “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)

  21. 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. 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. It’s your aircraft This statement will support the owner’s inspection and airworthiness statement on block III of FAA Form 8130-6

  24. Lets take a look at what • 14 CFR Part 91.319 states!

  25. 14 CFR Part 91.319 • 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

  26. 14 CFR Part 91.319 • 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 --

  27. 14 CFR Part 91.319 • (1) The aircraft is controllable throughout its normal range of speeds and throughout all the maneuvers to be executed; and

  28. 14 CFR Part 91.319 • (2) The aircraft has no hazardous operating characteristics or design features

  29. 14 CFR Part 91.319 • (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

  30. 14 CFR Part 91.319 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.

  31. 14 CFR Part 91.319 • (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

  32. 14 CFR Part 91.319 (2) Operate under VFR, day only, unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Administrator; and

  33. 14 CFR Part 91.319 (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.

  34. 14 CFR Part 91.319 • (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.

  35. 14 CFR Part 91.319 • Who is the Administrator???

  36. 14 CFR Part 91.319 Your friendly FSDO Aviation Safety Inspector!!!!

  37. Certification Inspection Please contact your FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) at least 30 days in advance of your requested inspection

  38. Certification Inspection 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

  39. 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. Successful Aircraft Inspection • Installation of Placard • “PASSENGER WARNING - THIS AIRCRAFT IS AMATEUR-BUILT AND DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR STANDARD AIRCRAFT”

  41. Issuance of theSpecial 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. 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. Experimental Amateur-Built Operating Limitations • 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

  44. 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. 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. Showing Compliance with14 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. Showing Compliance with14 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. Flight Test Programs Flight Test Program Serves 2 Purposes: • Ensures aircraft has been adequately tested and determined to be safe to fly within the aircraft’s flight envelope. • Flight test data is used to develop an accurate and complete aircraft flight manual and to establish emergency procedures.

  49. Flight Test Programs Note: The EAA Flight Advisor program has been established to assist applicants in developing flight test programs.

  50. 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

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