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  #11  
Old 01-07-2011, 10:36 AM
gereed75 gereed75 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: pittsburgh pa
Posts: 533
Default Used the local FSDO

About a month from request to inspection. Few days after initial inspection to finished paper.

Two inspectors, mild level of inspection, noted a few recomendations and looked for anything obviously unsafe (controls, general structure etc). Definite emphasis on paperwork. Made it clear that it "was your experiment".

They were good guys with an intrinsic interest in experimental. I'd do it again. I think that it will depend on your local office's interest and attitude towards experimentals. You should be able to ascertain that beforehand with a call, maybe a visit, and asking a round your local airport.

Good luck.
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RV-6 IO-360
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  #12  
Old 01-08-2011, 12:01 AM
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steve murray steve murray is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Flat Rock, North Carolina
Posts: 360
Default

I had a local DAR, as mentioned in an earlier post, he might have noticed if the wings were not attached. I am in the ATL area and was not able to get the FSDO interested, they pointed me back to DAR's. I had 3 EAA visits (inspections) along the process and I feel they did a much better job.
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  #13  
Old 01-08-2011, 08:04 PM
fixnflyguy fixnflyguy is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Winston-Salem, N.C.
Posts: 1,213
Default FSDO

I just got my RV-4 signed off by the GSO (Greensboro NC) FSDO on Jan 5th. They were very good at scheduling me, and answering all my questions/reviewing the "paper" prior to the hangar visit. It only took one phone call, and we scheduled a couple weeks out. The visit at the hangar was very professional,and the inspector was quite familiar with experimentals. I had the aircraft opened as he requested to the same level as one doing an annual condition inspection. Took about an hour,and he covered all the points I would as an IA doing any other inspection. He had the phase one and two documents already completed,and the sectional for my "restricted area" highlited out. Was a great day ! I hope to make first flght this week if weather permits. I would highly recomend the FSDO option if they can schedule you in.

Bill E.
Advance NC (8A7)
RV-4 ready for first flight.
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  #14  
Old 05-04-2011, 01:22 PM
Dave12 Dave12 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Elkton, Md.
Posts: 1,652
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I have contacted both Baltimore and Philadelphia FSDO's as I am one mile from Pa. inside Md. and was refused by both. I wanted to go the FSDO route to save money. Both manager's said their guys were just too overworked to do this. Philly also said they did not have the expertise. It looks like I don't get to see my tax dollars at work. 20 years ago I called Balt. to schedule a CFI checkride and they tried to punt that away and I would not stand for it. They reluctantly scheduled me and I passed the first try. I suppose they were too overworked then too.
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  #15  
Old 05-04-2011, 01:39 PM
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Hens07 Hens07 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Lancaster, PA
Posts: 144
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave12 View Post
I have contacted both Baltimore and Philadelphia FSDO's as I am one mile from Pa. inside Md. and was refused by both.
I guess I'll be using a DAR then in a couple years... lol. Dave let me know how things work out since I'm not too far away from you!
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Lancaster, PA l RV-7 #3898 l Empennage l N627AB

"I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things" ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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  #16  
Old 05-04-2011, 01:50 PM
Jaknjoan Jaknjoan is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 239
Default Absolutely would go with FSDO

From my first experience in July 1988, with my RV-4, Hillsboro, OR FSDO did a good job for me within a very reasonable time line, then again on an RV-6A, built with a partner in 1993, again same experience. The same experience when I built a -9A in 2003, followed by a RV-7 finished in 2007 and again an RV-12 finished in December 2009.

I can't say enough good things about FAA inspections. First off, they come without additional cost, they have always accommodated me within a very short waiting period, and when they're done, your done. I am aware of other individuals using a DAR for inspections that required a return for incorrect paperwork.
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  #17  
Old 05-04-2011, 08:04 PM
Dan B Dan B is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Edmond, OK
Posts: 194
Default I would use the Oklahoma City FSDO again

I delivered my paperwork to the OKC FSDO in advance. Two inspectors came at the scheduled time. They spent about two hours looking over the airplane. No issues were found requiring correction. Airworthiness and Repairman's certificate issued on the spot.

Our Chapter 24 EAA tech counselor, Gale Braden, had done multiple inspections and given much advice during the build and he was there for the final inspection. He tries to be at the final inspection for each builder. Gale has worked hard at building a rapport with the OKC FSDO and us EAA builders. It has certaintly paid off for us builders.
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Skyview, ADS-B, Garmin 420W, TT Gemini AP
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  #18  
Old 05-05-2011, 05:17 AM
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robertahegy robertahegy is offline
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: East Troy, WI
Posts: 1,983
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I used the MKE FSDO to inspect my SeaRey and RV7A. Both inspections were well done and easily arranged. I highly recommend them.

Roberta
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Roberta Hegy
Built/Flew an RV-7A
Air Troy Estates, East Troy, WI
Ford Expedition and TRICE "Q"
Built Glen L "ZIP" Classic Outboard Runabout and Super Spartan Hydroplane
Glen L Torpedo
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  #19  
Old 05-05-2011, 09:08 AM
yakdriver yakdriver is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Twin Falls, ID
Posts: 683
Default

All depends on the FISDO. They are all little independent fifedoms and no two operate the same. I have a good friend who works for the Boise FISDO and who has watched me build it really wanted to inspect my Cub but his supervisor would not let him schedule it because they were "too busy". They also "don't have time" to get a new DAR going in the area. Nearest DAR is 200 miles away. Luckily he can usually get 3-4 inspections scheduled per trip so the travel costs can be split up. Don
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Backcountry/TCOW Super Cub flying 03/12/2011
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