Repairman Certificate

sglynn · #1 10-25-2019, 11:22 AM

Questions about getting the repairman certificate.
RV-7A complete. Phase I is complete. So I'm headed to FSDO office on Monday to apply for repairman certificate. But questions:

1) Am I applying for a "Repairman" or "Mechanic with Airframe"? EAA says Repairmant, but instructions from FSDO say Mechanic

2) Do I need to re-read and bone up on the FAA's instructions and manuals for how to do aircraft maintenance work? I thought I just had to prove I built mine, but the FSDO office sent me a bunch of manuals.

3) Are there any other surprises I should know? I plan to take all my documentation and construction log.

thanks

bkervaski · #2 10-25-2019, 11:32 AM

If you built it you are applying for "Repairman".

All you should have to do is prove that you built it with some kind of log. Mine was a video log.

Although the type of log isn't specified in the rule, mine also wanted a written log with the steps I took, so I politely pointed them to the RV-14A manual.

Took me all of 15 minutes at the FSDO to get the temporary certificate and about 6 weeks for the permanent one to show up in the mail.

DanBaier · #3 10-25-2019, 11:37 AM

What's supposed to happen -

Repairman - Experimental Aircraft Builder (see https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-id..._1104&rgn=div8 )

For this the instructions are at : http://fsims.faa.gov/PICDetail.aspx?...Vol.5,Ch5,Sec5

Mechanic - For this the instructions are at : http://fsims.faa.gov/PICDetail.aspx?...Vol.5,Ch5,Sec2

I think a fair summary is that the basis for the Repairman certificate is you built the aircraft and are able to make the condition inspection based on this experience. The basis for the A&P is the minimum experience spelled out at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-id...5_177&rgn=div8 .

Based on your build, I would expect that you could qualify for the Mechanic - Airframe. But, probably not the Powerplant rating (unless you have other experience than the build). Unless you have both ratings, you can't use the mechanic certificate to sign off the condition inspection. With the repairman certificate, you can sign off the condition inspection.

I would think your best approach would be to apply for the Repairman certificate and then add the Mechanic certificate/ratings at a later time.

Dan

Auburntsts · #4 10-25-2019, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkervaski

If you built it you are applying for "Repairman".

All you should have to do is prove that you built it with some kind of log. Mine was a video log.

Although the type of log isn't specified in the rule, mine also wanted a written log with the steps I took, so I politely pointed them to the RV-14A manual.

Took me all of 15 minutes at the FSDO to get the temporary certificate and about 6 weeks for the permanent one to show up in the mail.

Well all I can say is every FSDO is different. I spent over an hour getting grilled on basic airframe and power plant knowledge with the focus (like 90%) being on the power plant until he was satisfied I knew enough to safely maintain the airplane. Although I had my build log with me he never looked at it as he knew I had built the plane.

Oh I and I applied for the Repairman's Certificate as well.

Nova RV · #5 10-25-2019, 12:15 PM

Get a copy of AC 65-23A that describes what is necessary for the Repairman's Certificate to be issued. As Todd mentioned, expect anything from a cursory paperwork exercise to an all out grilling. The AC section gives the inspector a lot of leeway. Excerpt "Demonstrate to the certificating FAA inspector the ability to perform condition inspections and to determine whether the subject aircraft is in a condition for safe operation"

My experience was quite frustrating but it ended with my certificate being issued.

DakotaHawk · #6 10-25-2019, 12:44 PM

I've received two Repairman Certificates from the Seattle FSDO (Fisher Dakota Hawk and Vans RV-7). Both times, I submitted the single page document requesting the cert, received a phone call with some really basic aviation banter, and got the cert in the mail a few weeks later. Never had to produce build logs or answer in-depth questions about techniques.

AviatorJ · #7 10-25-2019, 01:57 PM

I went to the FSDO, brought the plans, my MX binder and a laptop with my build log downloaded. We talked maybe 15 mins about the build process, assume he just wanted to be sure I built it and that was is. Signed some paperwork and that was it.

emsvitil · #8 10-25-2019, 03:27 PM

If you get the 'mechanic' , does that mean you can sign off on other experimentals that you didn't build?

Ironflight · #9 10-25-2019, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emsvitil

If you get the 'mechanic' , does that mean you can sign off on other experimentals that you didn't build?

Yes, if you get a mechanic with airframe and power plant (which is what is referred to as an ?A&P? certificate). However, if you can get a FSDO to authorize you to test for an A&P based on building one airframe, you have found a gold mine, and every homebuilder in the country will be beating a path to their door. It takes a lot more widely varied experince to get most inspectors (who are following the guidelines) to sign off for you to test.

And that is a key phrase ?sign off to test?..... once you have that authorization, you then have three written tests, and oral and a practical to get the A&P. If all you want is an ?A?, which isn?t all that useful in the context of signing off experimental condition inspections, you?ll have two writtens and the oral and practical.

So make sure that the FSDO knows you are applying for a Repairman?s Certificate for your experimental aircraft, unless you are really looking to spend a LOT of time getting your A&P... which, BTW, isn?t a bad thing and you;?re looking for a job. A&P?s are getting scarce in many places, and can be a good job!

Paul

bkc3921 · #10 10-25-2019, 08:42 PM

Last year, I legally changed my last name and had to go to the FSDO to fill out the paperwork for a new Airman's and Repairman's certificate. When I made the appointment, the examiner asked me if I had a drone license. I said no, and he told me if I would take the on-line test and print the certificate (about 45 minutes), he would be happy to issue me one while I was there.....So I did, even though I'm not sure I will ever use it. Quite a simple exam for already licensed pilots...

Don't know if you have one or are interested, but if you think you might be at some time, consider taking the exam over the weekend..they might accommodate you, issue the "remote pilot" license, and save you a trip later. Just wanted to mention this, because it is such a PITA to get an appointment and travel to my FSDO, which is 75 miles away....

By the way, my examiner was a very nice guy...ymmv.