DAR inspection
 

Time to start filing FAA paperwork for registration and inspection of my RV8 and I have a question about DAR's.
FAA states the DAR may be located in my geographical area. Does that mean the DAR has to operate with the FSDO in my FAA designated region or can they come from anywhere in the nation?
Only one DAR in the Richmond, VA FSDO area. Four are listed in neighboring NC but that's a different FSDO office.

Geographic Expansion for DARs
 

Normally a DAR-T (FSDO Dar) can only operate within his FSDO area. However, a "geographic expansion" allows a DAR to operate in another area and is a coordination paperwork between 2 FSDOs.

Answer then is to contact those DARs and see if one is willing to request expansion.

Thanks Vern.
Just wanted to have some options.

DAR's
 

In many cases the DAR answers to the MIDO office, not the FSDO.

Karl,

I think there's a DAR in Maryland who works in this area that's supposed to be reasonable to deal with. You might check with Dwayne Goss, the airport manager at New Kent for contact info and details of his inspection. It's been a few years but I believe he used that DAR when he applied for his airworthiness certificate on his 8 and was pleased.

Many DARs are allowed to do inspections outside their area. I personally go all over, as long as the applicant pays travel expenses.

Same as Mel
 

Getting a geographical extension to inspect a project is really no big deal for DAR's, and it makes sense to have someone who understands your particular aircraft as opposed to just being the local DAR. It really can mean the difference between a fun first flight and a not-so-fun first flight.

Vic

Just be aware that once you have engaged a DAR, you cannot really change that DAR. You cannot "shop" DAR's once you start working with a DAR.

Thanks for all the info. Decisions, decisions.....

Why not? You mean once I make the first phone call or email, I'm stuck with whomever I first contact?

Don't think so...until they're out there actually inspecting the plane and filling out the paperwork, I'd say you can change your mind and get another DAR at any point if you don't care for the first one's approach/attitude/availability/whatever.