when you buy a partially completed kit, how do you prove the amatuer built?

Danny7 · #1 07-17-2008, 10:31 PM

I see several kits advertised as 50%-80% done, one that the owner says will only take 2-3 months to finish. If i bought one of these, how do i say i built it, or is there a way to say someone else built part of it? is it a problem to have the bill of sale from the factory change hands?

I am considering buying one, but only if it is not a possible problem or something i have to lie about to get the final FAA approval. As in "yes i built this plane, 51%"

LifeofReiley · #2 07-17-2008, 10:47 PM

Sounds like you want to perjure yourself!!

Danny7 · #3 07-17-2008, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LifeofReiley

Sounds like you want to perjure yourself!!

maybe my first post wasn't clear, but that is what i want to avoid. I want to know how to do it legally if possible, if not i won't do it.

G-force · #4 07-17-2008, 10:59 PM

I don't believe it matters how many amatuers builds it for the purpose of getting it regdistered as an experemental, amatuer built. The issue will be if you also want to get the repairmens certificate for it. That requires you show them enough prof that you built enough of it to warrant the certificate. The nearly compete kits you describe, I would say you will not get the repairmens cert. I'm sure on of the DAR's will chime in.

LifeofReiley · #5 07-17-2008, 11:03 PM

It's not Legal to state you built 51% if you did not do the work. This issue is a thorn that digs deep for many. We really want to preserve experimental builder rights and the ability to continue...

gasman · #6 07-17-2008, 11:51 PM

Anyone that has ever built an RV of the same model, can ask you three questions about the build, and know if you built this model of aircraft or not.

beattiema · #7 07-18-2008, 12:06 AM

My understanding is that it doesn't matter how many builders worked on it. As long as the 51% or more was done by amateurs is what matters. You should get the previous builders log and hopefully pictures that will help show the previous work was done by individuals. Then you are legal in having it registered as an Experimental Amateur Built aircraft.
The issue of getting the repairman certificate is separate. That is up to the local FAA office to determine if you performed enough and learned enough to be issued the repairman cert.

One of our resident DARs could probably confirm or correct this.

Mel · #8 07-18-2008, 05:53 AM

These posts are correct. You need to be able to show that the aircraft is at least 51% amateur-built. Not that YOU built 51%. In this case you will need to acquire the builder's log and pictures with the project.
And as stated, the repairman certificate is a different subject. For this, you must convince the FSDO that you are familiar enough with the aircraft that you can adequately conduct the annual condition inspection.

LifeofReiley · #9 07-18-2008, 08:41 AM

My only problem was this statement... "As in "yes i built this plane, 51%".
Yes, you can have 10 builders build an experimental. They way I read the original post, he wants to state he actually built the plane. That would be false.

jetjok · #10 07-18-2008, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LifeofReiley

My only problem was this statement... "As in "yes i built this plane, 51%".
Yes, you can have 10 builders build an experimental. They way I read the original post, he wants to state he actually built the plane. That would be false.

The way I read the gentleman's posts, he is concerned with being able to prove that it was 51% amatuer built, and getting the plane certified.
I may have missed it, but I do not believe that he mentioned a Repairman's Certificate in any of his posts. Lets see what the gentleman has to say in future posts. If he was asking for our condoning a BS story, then to the gallows!
Remember, a fair trial should be required before a proper hanging!