Building documentation in the US

[chris mitchell]

I'm trying to sell the part complete RV-4 kit that I obtained from a builder in Idaho. I keep getting asked for a US FAA build log - which I don't have and have never heard of. I was under the impression that the only requirement in the US for registration with the FAA was proof that the plane was more than 51% amateur build and an inspection by a DAR.... (Unlike in the UK where they type must be approved, an inspector calls to check the work shop, then the build at each stage, signing off each time, with a final inspection before first flight.)

Sorry to ask but would somebody please clarify for me. All I have are photos that I suppose could have been taken anywhere, any time. Vendor and I are not on the best-est of terms!

Thanks

Chris

[az_gila]

This AC might help -

AC 20-27

The applicable bit

h. Ensure You Understand the Need To Properly Document Your Project.
It is important to document the entire fabrication and assembly process from the beginning to the end, in a continuous and sequential manner. This is because, at the time of certification, the FAA is required to ascertain whether the amateur builder(s) fabricated and assembled the major portion of the aircraft. Making this finding requires adequate, sufficient, and credible documentation. This documentation should clearly show who performed the task(s), when and where the tasks were performed, depict the methods of construction and quality of workmanship, and document the use of commercial and non-commercial assistance. Examples of documentation and methods that can be used include the following:
(1) The Amateur-Built Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly Checklist (2009);
(2) 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 (2009), materials and techniques used in construction, as well as dates, locations, and detailed descriptions;
(3) Photographs/video/DVD;
(4) Drawings and engineering specifications;
(5) Kit manufacturer’s data, when necessary;
(6) Relevant documentation (for example, plans) and references (for example, handbooks) used;
(7) Documentation concerning any commercial assistance used, including receipts;
(8) Documentation concerning any non-commercial assistance used;
(9) Part inventories and histories;
(10) Receipts and catalogs; and
(11) Logbook entries.

It's up to your DAR, but the words above say "examples that can be used" rather than a specific builders log....

[Ironflight]

Gil's answer is comprehensive. Teh short answer is that there is no specified format or level of detail that MUST be used for a builder's log - which measn that a box of photos and maybe some scribbles in the margins of the instructions can satisfy the "requirement" for a log. Maybe even just the box of photos. Or the scribbles.

[Mel]

The build log needs to show some sort of chronological order of the build.

[akarmy]

On my 8 project I'm just writing the date by each major step in the linear instructions along with checking off each step as they are done. shows the timeline nicely. Then I'm taking lots of pictures and uploading them to my flickr account with one of me with the plane parts thrown in occasionally.

This is just what I did when I built my 9A and had no problems with the inspection or repairman's process.

[Maxrate]

So is it a bad idea to buy a project where someone else has the tail, wings and most of the fuselage complete? Even if the seller has detailed pics of the project to that point. I assume the FAA will not issue the purchaser an airworthiness cert based on the fact that he is not the primary builder?

[Mel]

You do not need to be the primary builder. You only need to show that the major portion of the aircraft was amateur-built.

[Maxrate]

Wow! Game changer. Thanks Mel

[Snowflake]

You may not be able to get the repairman's certificate (forget whether that's the exact name or not) to sign off your own maintenance, if you buy an airframe that's 90% complete, however... Mel, correct me if i'm wrong?

[chris mitchell]

Thanks for all the replies. I had kinda thought much less documentation was needed. Most usefully, I now know that it's the amateur built status, not just one specific builder that is important.

Of course, there other reasons for not buying part-built kits without a LOT of careful checking of the build, as my experience shows. I suspect the standards reached by VAF members is higher than most to judge by what I see on here.

The only bright spots in my little tale will be that I might get something for the wings and fuse, and the vendor has graciously agreed to give me some compensation. But if anyone else is tempted by a part built kit, I would say be very careful, check EVERYTHING yourself against the plans and don't rely on a third party report........

New fuse and wing kits now on order!

Chris