What Can I Do?

Inhot · #1 01-23-2022, 10:19 AM

I'm an owner NOT a builder of an RV6. My local A&P tells me that I cannot sign off my installation of an Anti-Splat oil shutter or a new Vetterman exhaust. He's a good guy, a bud and I respect his experience and judgment when it comes to anything related to general aviation aircraft maintenance. But this is contrary to what I have read. Now, it may be that given his assessment of my capabilities he thinks it wise to inspect and sign off on my work - but that aside - am I authorized as an owner of an experimental aircraft to perform ANY maintenance (aside from a condition inspection) on my aircraft and sign off the required logbook entries? I'm going to have him do it, but I am curious whether it's actually required.

agent4573 · #2 01-23-2022, 10:24 AM

Edit: appearantly I misunderstood the rules too, so I edited this to delete my wrong info.

00Dan · #3 01-23-2022, 10:33 AM

You can sign off on everything EXCEPT the annual condition inspection.

Walt · #4 01-23-2022, 10:34 AM

Anyone, (qualified or not) can do anything/everything EXCEPT the annual condition inspection.

Kyle Boatright · #5 01-23-2022, 10:34 AM

Your mechanic friend is mistaken.

You may do anything you want to the aircraft OR have your neighbor's 7 year old perform the installation and/or maintenance. That is one of the huge advantages of EX-AB, even as a buyer, not a builder. Anyone can do work on an EX-AB.

The ONLY thing you cannot do (without either the Repairman's certificate or an A&P license) is the Condition (annual) inspection of the airplane. An A&P or the person with the Repairman's certificate for that particular aircraft needs to perform that inspection.

jrtens · #6 01-23-2022, 10:45 AM

Show him FAR 43.1 b that excludes experimental aircraft.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/43.1

fl-mike · #7 01-23-2022, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt

Anyone, (qualified or not) can do anything/everything EXCEPT the annual condition inspection.

Perhaps splitting hairs, but I think the A&P (or AI) needs to make/sign the logbook entry. (for the annual condition inspection)

I've been doing the heavy lifting on all my condition inspections, with an A&P supervising. i.e. open all the panels, lube, change the oil, open the filter, etc. I use a comprehensive checklist. He is also my tech advisor, and has signed a recommendation letter towards my A&P, so he is very comfortable with my work.

BobTurner · #8 01-23-2022, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fl-mike

Perhaps splitting hairs, but I think the A&P (or AI) needs to make/sign the logbook entry.

Although it is a very good idea to do do, no logbook or records are required to be kept at all for EAB, except for the annual condition inspection. So if you do keep records, anyone (or no one) may sign them.

Mel · #9 01-23-2022, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fl-mike

Perhaps splitting hairs, but I think the A&P (or AI) needs to make/sign the logbook entry.

You are mistaken! A&P or Repairman for that aircraft is required to sign off the annual condition inspection. IA has nothing to do with Experimental Amateur-Built aircraft. As stated before, anyone, qualified or not, may conduct maintenance, modifications, or anything else.

fl-mike · #10 01-23-2022, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobTurner

Although it is a very good idea to do do, no logbook or records are required to be kept at all for EAB, except for the annual condition inspection. So if you do keep records, anyone (or no one) may sign them.

corrected my statement to add "annual condition inspection"