Build Log Question

[PilotRPI]

I'm updating my build log every time that I work on the RV7. How often do I need to include a picture in my log, and do I need to be in the pictures?

Thanks!

[Mel]

There are no specific requirements for your builder's log.
It should be, at a minimum, a general chronological log of the build.
You should have pictures, with yourself included, at different points of the build.

[jcarne]

Not to mention people like me that spend countless hours reading build logs (and looking at pics) because we are saving money for our kit... Keep feeding us! lol

[wirejock]

I'm on the excess side. Every minute gets logged. One photo a day if not routine task. Sometimes several for more detailed tasks. I may need to refer to them and the log someday.
Some photos include me for posterity and proof.

[rv7charlie]

Originally Posted by Mel

There are no specific requirements for your builder's log.
It should be, at a minimum, a general chronological log of the build.
You should have pictures, with yourself included, at different points of the build.

Where in the FARs does it say you must document anything during the build with pictures?

[Kyle Boatright]

Originally Posted by rv7charlie

Where in the FARs does it say you must document anything during the build with pictures?

They don't, but pictures are an easy way to convince your DAR that you, and not someone else, did the work.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by rv7charlie

Where in the FARs does it say you must document anything during the build with pictures?

FAA Order 8130.2H. ¶459.e. Proper Documentation. Amateur builder(s) need to be able to provide adequate and sufficient documentation to detail the construction and inspections of their aircraft.
(1) These records need to clearly indicate what was fabricated, assembled, or inspected, by whom, and the date the activity was performed.
(2) Documentation should clearly show who performed the task(s), describe when and where the tasks were performed, depict the methods of acceptable aeronautical construction and practices, and document the use of commercial and noncommercial assistance.
(3) The FAA must be provided with sufficient information to make a major portion determination. This documentation may include the following:
(a) The Amateur-Built Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly Checklist.
(b) Comprehensive builder’s logs in any format, to include photographs of all the steps included in each of the listed tasks in the Amateur-Builder Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly Checklist, materials and techniques used in construction, as well as dates, locations, and detailed descriptions.
(c) Photographs/video/DVD.
(d) Drawings and engineering specifications.
(e) Kit manufacturer’s data, when necessary.
(f) Relevant documentation (for example, plans) and references (for example, handbooks) used.
(g) Documentation concerning any commercial assistance used, including receipts. (h) Documentation concerning any non-commercial assistance used.
(i) Article inventories and histories.
(j) Receipts and catalogs.
(k) Logbook entries.

[rv7charlie]

Isn't the key phrase,

"This documentation may include the following"
??

[smiller]

For me, the key phrase is: "The FAA must be provided with sufficient information to make a major portion determination." They are the ones granting the authority that you are requesting. Better too much rather than too little documentation/photos of the build. I've seen people satisfy the DAR/FAA with surprisingly little, however. YMMV.

[Pat Stewart]

I remember building my first RV, detailed build log on the computer matched with pictures. Every day that ate in to my disposable time that I could have spent working on the RV. I have a great log and a couple of hundred pictures of that first RV. Starting number two I changed that process. I kept a digital camera in the workshop and took a picture as I completed each sub assembly or detailed part. About once every 15 days or so I would load them on my laptop for safe storage. Keep building.