Using RV building experience as quals for A&P exam?

mcjon77 · #1 06-16-2008, 09:40 AM

Hi guys,

I'm new here and am astounded by the number of people on this board that have built multiple RVs/homebuilts. That has led me to a question. Is it possible for someone to use their experience building RVs/other homebuilts to fulfill the experience requirement to sit for the A&P exams? Have you heard of anyone doing this? Is it even legal?

I know that one doesn't need an A&P license to work on their homebuilts, but it would be something nice to have, especially if you own certified aircraft as well.

Thanks in advance,

Jon

Mike S · #2 06-16-2008, 10:01 AM

My understanding is that at least one regular poster on this forum has done that.

Gary Sobek form southern Calif, IIRC.

Hopefully he will chime in here, nothing like hearing things straight from the source.

nucleus · #3 06-16-2008, 10:46 AM

I believe that the hours have to be supervised by an A&P who signs off on your logged hours. Then you are good to go.

Hans

Mel · #4 06-16-2008, 10:55 AM

according to the FARs all "training" for the A&P certificate has to be on certificated aircraft. Reason being that your maintenance has to meet the requirements of the type certificate (which experimentals don't have). When I got mine in the early '70s, this was strictly enforced around my area.
Now, having said that, I do know of several people who have used their building experience as meeting some of the required experience. It seems to vary between FAA offices.
My recommendation is to talk with your local FSDO or MIDO and work with them.

Rosie · #5 06-16-2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike S

My understanding is that at least one regular poster on this forum has done that.

Gary Sobek from southern Calif, IIRC.

Hopefully he will chime in here, nothing like hearing things straight from the source.

Negative: Gary attended A&P night school...

MacNab · #6 06-16-2008, 11:03 AM

I know another person who has done this. I'm hearing from a couple of people that the FAA isn't very excited about this, has started to disallow time logged while home building, and is now pushing for only allowing certification through an approved training syllabus. They don't even appear to want to approve getting training on the job working under an A&P or IA anymore - which is what I've been doing part-time for the last several years. I'm on track to take the tests in the next few months, but don't know for sure now whether they will accept my logged experience anymore.

Rick6a · #7 06-16-2008, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcjon77

Is it possible for someone to use their experience building RVs/other homebuilts to fulfill the experience requirement to sit for the A&P exams? Have you heard of anyone doing this? Is it even legal?

It is a simple thing to contact the FAA with your query. My factory shop experience as an aircraft production worker certainly counted even though technically speaking, taxpayer owned combat aircraft are not "certified" by the FAA. Similarly, I would think building an RV will fulfill not all but a significant portion of the "practical experience" criteria to acquire an A&P license. Keep in mind though that not all FSDO's read from the same script. Give yours a call to get a local answer.

Mike S · #8 06-16-2008, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosie

Negative: Gary attended A&P night school...

Paul, thanks for straightening me out.

I might have had him confused with someone else, or just bad information in the first place.

Apologies, if needed, to Gary.

Sid Lambert · #9 06-16-2008, 12:09 PM

What about applying for a repairman certificate for a RV you purchased flying? Is this possible with prior RV building experience??

AMURRAY · #10 06-16-2008, 12:42 PM

The only people I personally know who got their A&P without going to a Part 147 school came out of the military and were military aircraft mechanics. When I was attending a part 147 school I believe the time requirement for class and lab was 2000 hours for airframe and powerplant and a few hundred hours for general. I had to log these hours by punching a clock and had to submit these time cards to the DE before for the oral and practical test. By far the A&P probably took 3 to 4 times longer than it took me to study and train for a private, instrument, multi engine and commercial ratings. I don't think the A&P curriculum is that difficult there is just a lot of time involved. I always tell people that time spent getting pilot ratings is a walk in the park compared to getting an A&P.