Switching props

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by Rosie

Both Russ and James could be correct...but that depends on what your operating limitations say. I switched from FP to C/S prop in 2005. My operating limitations (dated June 2000) did not allow me to do what James described as the verbage allowing this was not included.

I contacted the local FSDO and their response was to issue me new operating limitations. The new limitations had the verbage to allow me to remove my fixed pitch prop, install the constant speed prop then put the plane back into Phase I for at least 5 hours flight testing (all done with complete annotations in the log books).

All FSDO contact was done via phone and snail-mail as I had to send in a copy of the limitations issued to me Rosie

Paul summed it up...
Recommending what an RV owner must do in this type of situation is impossible. In the past 20 years a number of different versions of operating limitations have been issued. The operating limitations are the first thing any RV owner should look at when the have any regulation related question about their RV.
BTW if you have old operating limitations you can request to have them reissued to the latest version (even if you are not making any changes to the airplane at that time).

[N908RV]

Originally Posted by carguy614

BTW..Born and raised in Centreville Va. Understand it's a little bigger now!!

Chris,

Boy, you ain't kiddin' !

[jclark]

Originally Posted by Rosie

Both Russ and James could be correct...but that depends on what your operating limitations say. I switched from FP to C/S prop in 2005. My operating limitations (dated June 2000) did not allow me to do what James described as the verbage allowing this was not included.

I contacted the local FSDO and their response was to issue me new operating limitations. The new limitations had the verbage to allow me to remove my fixed pitch prop, install the constant speed prop then put the plane back into Phase I for at least 5 hours flight testing (all done with complete annotations in the log books).

All FSDO contact was done via phone and snail-mail as I had to send in a copy of the limitations issued to me Rosie

I **should** have mentioned that "in theory, consistent with your documented operating limitations ...".

James

[Mel]

Even with the latest operating limitations, you must "notify the geographically responsible FSDO of the location of the proposed test area. The aircrat owner must obtain concurrence from the FSDO as to the suitability of the proposed test area. If the major change includes installing a different type of engine (reciprocating to turbine) or a change of a fixed pitch from or to a controllable propeller, the aircraft owner must fill out a revised form 8130-6 to update the aircraft's file in the FAA registry."
For a short time (around 2002), operating imitations were issued without this requirement.

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by Mel

Even with the latest operating limitations, you must "notify the geographically responsible FSDO of the location of the proposed test area. The aircrat owner must obtain concurrence from the FSDO as to the suitability of the proposed test area. If the major change includes installing a different type of engine (reciprocating to turbine) or a change of a fixed pitch from or to a controllable propeller, the aircraft owner must fill out a revised form 8130-6 to update the aircraft's file in the FAA registry."
For a short time (around 2002), operating imitations were issued without this requirement.

Mel, my (new) limitations dated February 2005 do not have any of the above wording in them.

My original limitations, issued by the Van Nuys FSDO in June 2000 had roughly 10-15 'General Limitations', another 10-15 for 'Phase I' and exactly 2 limitations for 'Phase II'. They read something like "1.) All General limitations apply and 2). Experimental indicator & FAA passenger warning placards must be visible to the passenger."
Operating Limitations, unfortunately, vary state to state, FSDO to FSDO, inspector to inspector... Rosie

[Mel]

Yes Paul,
Unfortunately they do. However, they are NOT supposed to. FAA Order 8130.2F states EXACTLY how they will be issued. Unfortunately some FAA guys don't keep up with the rules.
Regardless of what is supposed to be, the operating limitations issued for a particular aircraft are "binding" for that aircraft.

[N941WR]

Originally Posted by Mel

Even with the latest operating limitations, you must "notify the geographically responsible FSDO of the location of the proposed test area. The aircrat owner must obtain concurrence from the FSDO as to the suitability of the proposed test area. If the major change includes installing a different type of engine (reciprocating to turbine) or a change of a fixed pitch from or to a controllable propeller, the aircraft owner must fill out a revised form 8130-6 to update the aircraft's file in the FAA registry."
For a short time (around 2002), operating imitations were issued without this requirement.

Mel,
As I read this, should I change my Catto prop for another Catto prop, I still have to notify the FSDO and go through all this? I can't just put it back into Phase I, do my five hours, and make the log book notation?