Special Thanks to: Yellowstone Valley Experimental Aircraft Association, EAA Chapter 57

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Special Thanks to:Yellowstone Valley

Experimental Aircraft Association, EAA Chapter

57Bob Kimpton - President


Air Safety Program Manager

Airworthiness RepresentativeBruce E. Ryerson FAA Helena FSDO 2725 Skyway Drive Helena, Montana 59601 406 449-5270 1 800 457-9917 FAX 406 449-5275


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


Background

FAA provides for the issuance of a Special Airworthiness Certificate

Experimental Category

Allows of operation of amateur-built aircraft


The Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR’s) section 21.191(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.


FAA Certification In the Past FAA inspected the aircraft at several

stages, called Precover Inspections Since 1983, FAA inspections limited to ensure

acceptable workmanship, methods, techniques, practices

In recent years, amateur builders have called upon persons having expertise, such as, EAA Technical Counselors

FAA Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DAR)


Certification Criteria

Builders should have knowledgeable persons to perform Precover and other inspections

Documentation of construction i.e., Builders Log


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

Adequate fuel supply for engine

Suitable design for reduced fire hazard


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).


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.


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


Identification and Registration MarksFAR 21.182 requires registration

to be displayed on the aircraftFAR 45 states the requirements

of the marksID plate must be fireproof &

securedName on ID plate is that of the

Builder with any serial numberID plate must be located on

exterior


“N” numbers must be displayed at a minimum height of 3

inches.If max. cruise speed exceeds 180

knots, “N” numbers must be at least 12 inches

“N” numbers may not exceed 5 symbols following the prefix N

One to four numbers and one suffix or

One to three numbers and two suffixes


Certification Inspection

An FAA Airworthiness Inspector or DAR will conduct an inspection

The applicant will need to show compliance with FAR 91.319

The Inspection will include a review of FAR 21.193, builder’s log, and an examination of the completed aircraft


Successful Aircraft Inspection Furnish a complete and

ready to fly aircraft except for cowlings, fairings and opened panels for inspection

Aircraft Registration (pink or white)

Builder’s log A log book for the aircraft,

engine, and prop


Installation of placard, “PASSENGER WARNING - THIS

AIRCRAFT IS AMATEUR-BUILT AND DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR STANDARD AIRCRAFT”


Issuance of Airworthiness Certificate

A Special Airworthiness Certificate will be issued

Operating Limitations will be issued:Phase I & Phase IIAppropriate Operating

Limitations must be onboard aircraft while in operation


Operating Limitations

Phase I - Flight Test Program Initially limited to assigned area

At least 25 hours for (FAA-approved) engine/prop combination

At least 40 hours if non approved engine/prop combination


Phase I continued

Not conducted over densely populated areas or congested airways

usually encompasses 25-statute mile radius

Carrying of passengers will not be permitted


Phase II - Permanent

Operating Limitations

After successful completion of Phase I requirements and

A log book entry stating soPhase II Operating Limitation become effective

and will remain in effect


Repairman CertificationThe 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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Special Thanks to: Yellowstone Valley Experimental Aircraft Association, EAA Chapter 57