Misinformation!

[dweyant]

Not trying to start something, but a friend of mine just sent this to me:

http://www.121five.com/admin/Feature...aintenance.pdf

This contradicts a lot of what I "thought" I knew about experimental and what I can and can not do. I'd like some feedback on the article please.

Thanks,

-Dan

[Mel]

Unfortunately much of this article is "Hogwash".

ANYONE can perform maintenance and or modifications on an Experimental Amateur-Built aircraft. Remember, Part 43 only applies to the condition inspection because it is referenced in the Operating Limitations.

The reference of the 120 hour repairman course for Light-Sport is applicable to SLSA, not ELSA. For ELSA the Repairman Certification (Inspection) is a 16 hour course and only applies for the condition inspection. Since an ELSA is Experimental, no repairman certificate is required for maintenance.

[tspear]

Originally Posted by dweyant

Not trying to start something, but a friend of mine just sent this to me:

http://www.121five.com/admin/Feature...aintenance.pdf

This contradicts a lot of what I "thought" I knew about experimental and what I can and can not do. I'd like some feedback on the article please.

Thanks,

-Dan

Yes it is BS. The author missed a critical aspect. Part 43 does NOT apply to experimental aircraft.
https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/aviation-...er-maintenance

Tim

Edit: See Mel's more complete answer.

[Auburntsts]

I would also go as far as to say that even if you didn't build it, if a Repairman's Certificate has not been issued for that specific aircraft, you could still apply for the certificate provided you had the requisite experience and knowledge and could demonstrate that to the FAA (eg you've built other E-AB's but decided to buy this one). IOW it's not tied to the build itself -- that's just the usual way us non-A&P types get the required experience and knowledge.

EDIT: the above is incorrect -- it is tied to the build.

[dweyant]

Originally Posted by Mel

Unfortunately much of this article is "Hogwash".

ANYONE can perform maintenance and or modifications on an Experimental Amateur-Built aircraft. Remember, Part 43 only applies to the condition inspection because it is referenced in the Operating Limitations.

The reference of the 120 hour repairman course for Light-Sport is applicable to SLSA, not ELSA. For ELSA the Repairman Certification (Inspection) is a 16 hour course and only applies for the condition inspection. Since an ELSA is Experimental, no repairman certificate is required for maintenance.

Thanks Mel, I was hoping you would see this and reply.

-Dan

[Mel]

Originally Posted by Auburntsts

I would also go as far as to say that even if you didn't build it, if a Repairman's Certificate has not been issued for that specific aircraft, you could still apply for the certificate provided you had the requisite experience and knowledge and could demonstrate that to the FAA (eg you've built other E-AB's but decided to buy this one). IOW it's not tied to the build itself -- that's just the usual way us non-A&P types get the required experience and knowledge.

Actually it is tied to the builder. ref; "65.104(a)(2) Be the primary builder of the aircraft to which the privileges of the certificate are applicable;"

[Auburntsts]

Originally Posted by Mel

Actually it is tied to the builder. ref; "65.104(a)(2) Be the primary builder of the aircraft to which the privileges of the certificate are applicable;"

Whoops-- I stand corrected. Although I guess you just have to be part of the build as the definition of "primary builder" seems to be very flexible in the case of group builds.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by Auburntsts

Whoops-- I stand corrected. Although I guess you just have to be part of the build as the definition of "primary builder" seems to be very flexible in the case of group builds.

Yes, it is very flexible. Most FSDOs are very lenient on this, but you do need to be listed as a builder.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by xxxxxxxx

So I'm confused.....
So if I didn't build my plane, can I completely replace the panel? What if I damage my tail, can I build a new one and replace it?
Or do I have to have an A&P do it?
Richard

If your aircraft is an experimental amateur-built aircraft, you can do anything you want except for the condition inspection.

Looks like you have an RV-10, so you are good-to-go. Just remember, what is legal is not necessarily prudent!

[rv7charlie]

Write the guy & tell him the error of his ways. I just did, with a link to EAA's experimental maintenance page.

Charlie