Repairmans certificate

glenn654 · #1 01-22-2007, 03:11 PM

I bought a -4 about 95% complete so I was not given a repairmans' certificate by the DAR. I have done a fair amount of maintaince since...biggest project currently rebuilding panel for upgrade. Is it possible for me to get a Repairmans' Certificate after signoff? And how would I go about getting it?

Glenn
N654RV @ OKZ

kentb · #2 01-22-2007, 04:14 PM

Can't be done after the plane is signed off.

You can do all the maintaince and repairs to your plane yourself.

The only thing that you can't do is the conditional inspection (it is like the annual). This can be done by an AP or AI.

Kent

dmaib · #3 01-22-2007, 04:19 PM

It is my understanding that you should have been able to get the repairmans certificate when buying an incomplete project and then finishing it. Am I wrong about that?

n468ac · #4 01-22-2007, 04:26 PM

You must build and prove you built 51% of the airplane to get the repairmans certificate.

Mel · #5 01-22-2007, 04:38 PM

The only way to get the repairman's certificate without building 51% is; if a group of people build the aircraft, then the "most qualified" person in the group is selected.
Kent is correct. You can do all the maintenance and repairs. Just not the condition inspection.

John Clark · #6 01-22-2007, 05:23 PM

Since you get to do all the work of the inspection, disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly the A&P's time is kept to a minimum. Besides, I really like the idea of a new set of eyes looking things over.

John Clark
RV8 N18U
Ksba

David-aviator · #7 01-22-2007, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glenn654

I bought a -4 about 95% complete so I was not given a repairmans' certificate by the DAR. I have done a fair amount of maintaince since...biggest project currently rebuilding panel for upgrade. Is it possible for me to get a Repairmans' Certificate after signoff? And how would I go about getting it?

Glenn
N654RV @ OKZ

Glen, in this district a DAR can not issue the repairman certificate, it has to be approved by a FAA inspector.

The only chance you have of getting the authorization is to go directly to your FISDO with as much documentation as you can pull together to show what you've done and what you can do. Put together the best presentation you can and go for it. The fact that you pulled all the pieces together and completed the airplane will go a long way toward making a case. Re think that 95% figure, its very subjective. It won't hurt to ask.

The repairman certificate can not be applied for until after the airplane is signed off, so that is not an issue.

(How do I know all this stuff? I've jumped through the hoops 3 times and have 3 certificates.)

Mel · #8 01-22-2007, 06:37 PM

David is right. DARs cannot issue the repairman's certificate. It must be an FAA Inspector. They considered letting DARs do it several years but it got shot down by the "Big Guys" in D.C. Technically you do not qualify for the certificate, but like David says, It surely doesn't hurt to try. Gather up all the data and pictures you can and go for it. If you are close with any mechanics, try to get them to write a letter of recommendation. Go in with a positive attitude. Attitude goes a long way with the feds.

glenn654 · #9 01-23-2007, 10:43 AM

Thanks Guys for the info...Since the only thing I am barred from doing is the annual I don't thing I will worry about it. But may make an attempt to get one in the future.

Glenn

kentb · #10 01-23-2007, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glenn654

Thanks Guys for the info...Since the only thing I am barred from doing is the annual I don't thing I will worry about it. But may make an attempt to get one in the future.

Glenn

I don't think that there is anyway to have a repairman certificate issued for a plane after is has been signed off.

I was lucky in that my FAA inspector also belonged to EAA and was an EAA advisor. I had three EAA advisor inspection while I was building and a couple of visits from the chapter builder group. My FAA guy saw my plane while I was building it.

When it came time to get the inspection, I ask what was required as to builder log and getting the repairman certificate. He told me that he was not interested in seeing a builders log. I understood from him that who did how much work on the plane was not an issue, but that he would only sign-off on the repairman certificate if he felt that I understood the airplane systems and construction enough to preform the conditional inspection.
I was told that even if someone had built their plane 100%, that the repairman certificate still might not be issued if he felt that the person would not be able to correctly preform the inspection.

Granted my guy knew me and the RV (even QB) passes the 51% rule.

If you want to have the repairman certificate (now or in the future), contact the local FSDO and talk to someone about it now.

Kent