GRT Servo Install and A&P Log Book Sign Off

[twcroy]

All,

I asked my A&P to install a GRT autopilot system during the last condition inspection in May. I provided the GRT instructions, mounting brackets, and servos from GRT. After two weeks of labor and many calls to GRT since the drawings didn't match my 9A well, he had the servos mounted. I asked him to stop at that point since the labor was twice as much as the cost of the servos and brackets. He cut the labor cost in half for me thankfully.

I ran the wires before the A&P began installing the servos, so now I'm at the point of connecting it electrically, switches, re-connecting control surfaces, and testing, etc.. A guy at GRT said the install normally takes 1-2 days and they normally do them in a half day. GRT offered to complete the install for me. I'll be moving to MI in June, so I may check back with them.

My issue is my A&P IA told me in 35 years he has never only partially installed any system and does not want to leave it as a partial install. He's never seen that done before and doesn't think it's allowed or could be entered in a log book. I checked with another A&P and EAA who said it's no problem. EAA also told me I can do anything I want with my plane as long as an A&P satisfactorily completes the condition inspection each year. Question is, has anyone seen anything in the FAR or have other suggestions I could cite to my A&P to ease his mind? I think he's concerned about liability, but if it's documented as an incomplete installation and not to be operated until it's satisfactorily and completely installed, I don't believe he will have any liability concerns. He disconnected the control surfaces before he let me fly it after the condition inspection, and he wants to either take out the servos or complete the install. He also still has my log books.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. He's a good A&P, but he rarely works on experimental aircraft, mine is the first, and he's only done routine maintenance I think on one other recently.

Tim

[jclark]

Originally Posted by twcroy

All,

I asked my A&P to install a GRT autopilot system during the last condition inspection in May. I provided the GRT instructions, mounting brackets, and servos from GRT. After two weeks of labor and many calls to GRT since the drawings didn't match my 9A well, he had the servos mounted. I asked him to stop at that point since the labor was twice as much as the cost of the servos and brackets. He cut the labor cost in half for me thankfully.

I ran the wires before the A&P began installing the servos, so now I'm at the point of connecting it electrically, switches, re-connecting control surfaces, and testing, etc.. A guy at GRT said the install normally takes 1-2 days and they normally do them in a half day. GRT offered to complete the install for me. I'll be moving to MI in June, so I may check back with them.

My issue is my A&P IA told me in 35 years he has never only partially installed any system and does not want to leave it as a partial install. He's never seen that done before and doesn't think it's allowed or could be entered in a log book. I checked with another A&P and EAA who said it's no problem. EAA also told me I can do anything I want with my plane as long as an A&P satisfactorily completes the condition inspection each year. Question is, has anyone seen anything in the FAR or have other suggestions I could cite to my A&P to ease his mind? I think he's concerned about liability, but if it's documented as an incomplete installation and not to be operated until it's satisfactorily and completely installed, I don't believe he will have any liability concerns. He disconnected the control surfaces before he let me fly it after the condition inspection, and he wants to either take out the servos or complete the install. He also still has my log books.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. He's a good A&P, but he rarely works on experimental aircraft, mine is the first, and he's only done routine maintenance I think on one other recently.

Tim

To make everyone happy, you might just ask him to remove whatever he wishes and get it done later.

It can in fact be done in a day.

Someone that has done it before on an RV get it done.

James

[rvbuilder2002]

Tell him to read the very first paragraph of FAR 43.

To paraphrase... It says that FAR 43 does not apply to any aircraft which has an experimental airworthiness certificate (FAR 43 is what dictates certification requirements regarding mechanics working on aircraft).
It is for this reason that your operating limitations specify who can do the annual condition inspection. There is no certification requirement for who can do maint., repairs, or modifications on an E-AB aircraft.

[Walt]

Yes but he is still required to make a maintenance entry per part 91 for the work he performed. He is only required to sign for the work he did, like installing the servo or whatever other provisions he installed and leave it at that.
If the aircraft is not safe for flight for some reason then he needs to make that statement as well.

[Mike S]

Originally Posted by twcroy

I provided the GRT instructions, mounting brackets, and servos from GRT. After two weeks of labor and many calls to GRT since the drawings didn't match my 9A well, he had the servos mounted.

Two weeks???????????

[twcroy]

Thanks gents, Tim

[aerhed]

I've been an A&P/IA for a long time and the endemic duh factor would make me hesitant to turn over an RV to any pack of spam can bangers.

[Capflyer]

Tim, looks like you are in the DC area. Perhaps one of the many RV builders in the area might be able to help you for a day to help complete the install. What airport are you at? The GRT autopilot is easy to install and I'm in agreement with aerhed's comment.

[twcroy]

Originally Posted by Capflyer

Tim, looks like you are in the DC area. Perhaps one of the many RV builders in the area might be able to help you for a day to help complete the install. What airport are you at? The GRT autopilot is easy to install and I'm in agreement with aerhed's comment.

Mike,

I'm at Hyde Field / W32 in Clinton, MD next to Potomac Airport. That would be great. I'm not in a rush to complete it, but I would like to finish it when it's most convenient for anyone interested in helping. If not, no worries, as I said I'll be heading to Plainwell, MI next summer, about 30 miles south of Grand Rapids, MI. Hopefully, the snow will be gone by then

Thanks for all the replies and help everyone, Tim

[GaryK]

Tim,
If for some reason you need help in the spring let me know. We fly to Plainwell for breakfast every Sunday weather permitting.

Gary