EAA Tech Counselor Etiquette

mlwynn · #1 10-29-2006, 09:12 AM

I am about to close my wings and am going to have my local EAA counselor have a look before I do so. It was never clear to me if I should offer to pay him or what is considered proper etiquette. You tech folks put a lot of time and effort into keeping newbies like myself out of trouble--and don't think we don't really appreciate it.

He has been out to my project once before, early in the empennage phase. He didn't do any sort of formal paperwork. Is there a form or something they do to document their visits and my progress?

Thanks,

Michael Wynn
RV 8 Wings (just about done with them!)

sprucemoose · #2 10-29-2006, 09:25 AM

There is a form that the TC fills out, and you should get a copy. Your DAR may want to see these forms at inspection time as proof of in-progress inspections.

As for paying a TC- the TC program is strictly voluntary. TCs are permitted to charge for travel expenses, and I've had a few buy me lunch afterwords, but there is no fee for a TC inspection.

FlyerJumper · #3 10-29-2006, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sprucemoose

There is a form that the TC fills out, and you should get a copy.

Where can they be found?

ChiefPilot · #4 10-29-2006, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sprucemoose

There is a form that the TC fills out, and you should get a copy. Your DAR may want to see these forms at inspection time as proof of in-progress inspections.

Really? I've had an A&P look at my plane but he's not a tech counselor and I certainly haven't gotten any kind of form. My wings are already closed, too. A tech counselor inspection isn't mandatory, right?

RV6_flyer · #5 10-29-2006, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefPilot

Really? I've had an A&P look at my plane but he's not a tech counselor and I certainly haven't gotten any kind of form. My wings are already closed, too. A tech counselor inspection isn't mandatory, right?

A TC visit is not mandatory but all the DARs like myself highly recommend them. As a DAR, I feel much better when the builder has a stack of EAA TC forms when I come out to do the Airworthiness Inspection.

Mel · #6 10-29-2006, 08:25 PM

Everything said before is true. Technical counselors are volunteers. We appreciate offers of gas money and maybe a "cheap" lunch once in a while but it is not necessary. A minimum of 3 TC inspections is recommended, but as a DAR, I like to see evidence of at least 5. Again these are not mandatory, but when we come out for the airworthiness inspection, we get a "warm fuzzy" feeling if the builder has had other "experienced" eyes on the project.

sprucemoose · #7 10-30-2006, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyerJumper

Where can they be found?

The TC should have them. They're part of the TC materials.

SmittysRV · #8 10-30-2006, 05:44 AM

I would like to ask another Tech Counselor question. At what points in the construction should we ask someone to come out and take a peek?

Mel · #9 10-30-2006, 05:52 AM

Normally the first inspection shoulf be as soon as you start construction. This will give the TC an idea of your building technique and make sure that you are not developing bad habits right off. After the first inspection he will probably suggest when the next one should be. If he sees that you need more guidance, he may suggest more frequent inspections. As a rule of thumb, inspections should be before closing up major assemblies. Another point, if you have access to more than one TC, try to alternate them. Different eyes see different things.

Sam Buchanan · #10 10-30-2006, 07:48 AM

To add to Mel's comments, here is where you can find additional info and listings of EAA Technical Counselors:

http://members.eaa.org/home/lookup/index.html

I also advise builders to whom I provide Tech Counselor visits to take advantage of the EAA Flight Advisor program as well.