Buying partially complete plane

[Mel]

Originally Posted by lr172

I purchased a 2nd hand 6A kit. The p/o had no logs, but had pictures though I never showed them to the FAA. I created an affidavit for the p/o to sign, stating that he did all of the work by himself and without professional assistance. As mentioned, this is what the FAA cares about regarding the 51% rule. This was more than adequate for the FSDO personnel. I had detailed logs of my efforts and had no issue getting the repairmans certificate. It was all about how detailed my knowledge was about the airframe and system components. My logs and discussions covered me removing, validating and sometimes repairing all of the control systems work and some structural work done by the p/o.
Larry

Larry's is a very good solution. A statement from the original builder should be sufficient. As stated before, you should get with your inspector and ask what he/she wants to see.

[Garwin]

Larry, what all did you state in the affidavit? Was it just that the previous build had done the work to the stage it is at? I may be able to get that done.
This was originally built in Hillsboro Oregon near Van?s Aircraft. With the seriel number of 10006, it appears to be the 6th RV-3 registration with Van?s. The 1973 blue prints are hand numbered ?43? The 1984 prints would be where the CN-2 wing update would have been. I am finding out a lot as I look into this. Completing this may be too much for me as a first time builder, but I don?t know yet where we are moving once I complete my flight training here. I am working on instrument rating and then Commercial/CFI. After that I am open to moving and hope to find a place with a good EAA chapter and a DAR near by.

Mel, know any DAR?s nearCarlsbad or Roswell NM? I should probably start looking now even though I may end back in Oregon where we are from. there is a lot of building going on there and Gary Brown ( a DAR ) has spoken at our chapter (1524) multiple times.
I am also looking into selling the kit as I will be over my head without help, but I still need to get the paperwork in order. I may try a 7 kit when I get this one sold and resettled near a building chapter. May be a better choice for a new builder.
I thank you all for the input, it sure helps a new guy out.

[Mike S]

I bought a partially built kit, the previous builder had signed and dated each step when he did the check off box.

The FAA inspector was satisfied with that. I did get the inspector involved early on when I bought the project-------something I highly recommend you do also (Ditto if using a DAR).

[lr172]

The rules states that 51% must me be completed by amateur builders. For this part of the rule, no one cares which amateur did what part of the 51%. Only that 51% was completed by amateurs and not paid professional. If the p/o says that he did everything by himself and or friends, family, etc. and didn't have any commercial assistance, that should be adequate, assuming you attest to the same.

The repairmans certificate is a different matter. How much work you did will certainly be a factor. It is very important that you log everything that you do, including spending time looking over what the other builders did. The inspector wants to know that you know the aircraft inside and out. Clearly doing all of the works gets you there, but there are other methods to that end.

I can send you my affidavit, but it was only two, maybe three sentences.

Larry

Originally Posted by Garwin

Larry, what all did you state in the affidavit? Was it just that the previous build had done the work to the stage it is at? I may be able to get that done.
This was originally built in Hillsboro Oregon near Van’s Aircraft. With the seriel number of 10006, it appears to be the 6th RV-3 registration with Van’s. The 1973 blue prints are hand numbered “43” The 1984 prints would be where the CN-2 wing update would have been. I am finding out a lot as I look into this. Completing this may be too much for me as a first time builder, but I don’t know yet where we are moving once I complete my flight training here. I am working on instrument rating and then Commercial/CFI. After that I am open to moving and hope to find a place with a good EAA chapter and a DAR near by.

Mel, know any DAR’s nearCarlsbad or Roswell NM? I should probably start looking now even though I may end back in Oregon where we are from. there is a lot of building going on there and Gary Brown ( a DAR ) has spoken at our chapter (1524) multiple times.
I am also looking into selling the kit as I will be over my head without help, but I still need to get the paperwork in order. I may try a 7 kit when I get this one sold and resettled near a building chapter. May be a better choice for a new builder.
I thank you all for the input, it sure helps a new guy out.

[Garwin]

Larry, if you would send a copy, I would like to follow your lead.
Thank You