Experimental aircraft rules

[boomer]

First post after quite a bit of lurking, so let me introduce myself. I don't own an RV, but am considering it. Flew Air Force jets (F-4's & F-111's) for over 20 years, but haven't flown anything for about 15 years. When I retired there wasn't anything that I was interested in flying that I could afford, but now a RV-8 is a distinct possibility. No general aviation flying since the early 70's, so I am not at all knowledgeable on recips. Please be kind.

Anyway, here are my first questions. (Apologies in advance if I've missed a FAQ or something. Just point me in the right direction).

1. In the FAR's (91.319) it states that experimental aircraft are limited to day VFR unless specifically authorized. Yet, I see IFR cockpits, landing lights, etc. Is it legal to fly night/IFR in an RV?

2. I understand that the builder (i.e. me) of an experimental does his own periodic inspections, but who does these if I buy an RV built by someone else?

Thanks for any help. This is a good forum, and I've learned a lot.

-John

[Kyle Boatright]

The answer to your first question is covered in the aircraft's operating limits, which are issued by the DAR or FAA inspector. The modern version says something to the effect of "Limited to Day VFR operations unless properly equipped." In essence, if you have the right equipment in your experimental, you can fly night and IFR.

If you purchase an aircraft with the older limitations which don't include "unless properly equipped", the local FSDO will reissue your limitations if you send them a letter requesting an update.

If you build an aircraft and are issued the repairman's certificate, you can do all of the work on the aircraft AND conduct your own "condition inspection", which is the equivalent to an "Annual inspection". If you don't hold the repairman's certificate for your airplane, you'll have to get an IA or A&P to do the condition inspection, but you can perform any other work on the aircraft.

[Ironflight]

Welcome aboard - strap your harness on tight, because you're about to enjoy one heck of a ride!

Easy answers....

1) Operations Limitations are usually written to say that the aircraft is limited to "Day VFR, unless properly equipped per FAR XXX for IFR and night. AS long as you properly equip it, you're good to go - and I use IFR a lot in my glass-cockpit -8.

2) If you buy a completed experimental, you can do all maintenance, but the annual condition inspection has to be signed off by an A&P.

Hope to see you at a Texas fly-in!

Paul

[n5lp]

Originally Posted by boomer

...

1. In the FAR's (91.319) it states that experimental aircraft are limited to day VFR unless specifically authorized. Yet, I see IFR cockpits, landing lights, etc. Is it legal to fly night/IFR in an RV?

John, experimental amateur built aircraft are bound by the operating limitations that are issued by the FAA or designated inspector, who inspects the aircraft initially. This is where night and IFR are allowed if properly equipped. I suppose that some operating limitations do not allow night and IFR, but this would not be typical for an RV. As you said, many are legally operated night and IFR

2. I understand that the builder (i.e. me) of an experimental does his own periodic inspections, but who does these if I buy an RV built by someone else?

Any A&P mechanic.

[osxuser]

See above... I didn't want to repeat it the forth time

[John Clark]

All the above is true. I just wanted to make a point on the condition inspection if you purchase a finished airplane. The A&P is needed for the inspection and log entry. You can do all he MX work and the "open and close" for the inspection.

John Clark
RV8 N18U "Sunshine"
KSBA

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by John Clark

All the above is true. I just wanted to make a point on the condition inspection if you purchase a finished airplane. The A&P is needed for the inspection and log entry. You can do all he MX work and the "open and close" for the inspection.

To expand on this a little further...

You could purchase an RV that has a recently completed condition inspection, wreck it during your flight home after the purchase, and then totally rebuild it and sign it off as airworthy using your pilot certificate # and go fly it (as long as you completed the repairs before the next condition inspection was due).

Note: You could do this legally, but I would highly discourage it unless you got lots of mentoring from someone that is familiar with the model you were working on.

I was just mentioning it as an example of how lenient the rules are.

As a side note... I believe that there are some RV owners who have purchased completed airplanes that sometimes take on a little more than they should, considering they did not build the airplane and they have no background in aircraft maintenance.

I always suggest that non builder owners have someone look over there shoulder or at the very least check there work when they are done, when they are doing something new on the airplane for the first time.
That's what builders groups and EAA chapters are for.

Then, there is that few that should just stand back and watch someone else do it

[Mel]

Scott,
One very tiny correction. He could not sign it off as "airworthy". The definition of airworthy is to "meet it's type certificate". Since it has no type certificate, he would sign it off as "in a condition for safe operation".
I know it's picky, but I couldn't resist.

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by Mel

Scott,
One very tiny correction. He could not sign it off as "airworthy". The definition of airworthy is to "meet it's type certificate". Since it has no type certificate, he would sign it off as "in a condition for safe operation".
I know ti's picky, but I couldn't resist.

Mel is exactly correct.
In fact the typically issued operating limitations direct the signeee to sign off the condition inspecton the same way.

The RV's that we fly are not "airworthy",

They are just safe for operation in the air.

[gasman]

Originally Posted by Mel

Scott,
One very tiny correction. He could not sign it off as "airworthy". The definition of airworthy is to "meet it's type certificate". Since it has no type certificate, he would sign it off as "in a condition for safe operation".
I know ti's picky, but I couldn't resist.

Mel, I know IT'S picky, but I just couldn't resist...