Buying a RV-6a and need to know how to register it

[tdaf22]

Hey guys, ive been following this forum for the past year and i have finally come to the point where i would like to buy an RV. I have run across an rv-6a that i would like to buy but i need to know how i would need to go through the process of getting it registered. The situation: I purchased it on ebay, the aircraft is ready to fly but has not been registered yet. THe aircraft was built by a professional professional build assist program. The actually "builder" (owner) of the aircraft does not have any build logs only engine logs, props logs and reciepts. How does one go about getting this plane registered as an experimental?

thanks,

TOmmy

[Sam Buchanan]

Originally Posted by tdaf22

Hey guys, ive been following this forum for the past year and i have finally come to the point where i would like to buy an RV. I have run across an rv-6a that i would like to buy but i need to know how i would need to go through the process of getting it registered. The situation: I purchased it on ebay, the aircraft is ready to fly but has not been registered yet. THe aircraft was built by a professional professional build assist program. The actually "builder" (owner) of the aircraft does not have any build logs only engine logs, props logs and reciepts. How does one go about getting this plane registered as an experimental?

thanks,

TOmmy

One thing your post wasn't clear about:

Are you considering purchasing this aircraft or have you already purchased it?

The absence of a build log and where/how it was built is going to complicate getting it certificated.

[Ironflight]

Since the only way that an Experiemntal can be registered in the U.S. as an AEB if it was buit for "Eductaion and Recreation", this hasthe look and smell of somethign fishy, if the FAA decided to look into it. The best thing to do is have the builder license it, in his name, with HIM signing the form attesting that he built for E&R...then you have no liability towards purgery. You couldn't imagine how you could sign that you built it for E&R.

Remember that high level FAA guys in the experiemntal regulation world read this site BTW...

[DanH]

Originally Posted by tdaf22

The situation: I purchased it on ebay, the aircraft is ready to fly but has not been registered yet. THe aircraft was built by a professional professional build assist program. The actually "builder" (owner) of the aircraft does not have any build logs only engine logs, props logs and reciepts. How does one go about getting this plane registered as an experimental?

Registration is not an issue. You just file some papers and send in a few bucks. The problem is obtaining an E-AB airworthiness certificate.

The correct, legal, by-the-numbers method has the real builder (in this case the professional who actually built the airplane) personally applying for a registration certificate, then filing an application for an airworthiness certificate with supporting forms, and subsequently having it inspected by a DAR or FAA inspector who grants the certificate. The airplane may then be sold without complication, as the airworthiness certificate goes with it. You just file for a new registration in your name.

The shaky-but-common-as-dirt method is for the "builder" (the guy who wrote checks but did little or no work) to apply for and receive the registration and airworthiness certificates. To do so he must lie on a particular form which says he did 51%, and he may need to gin up some photos and build logs for the sake of appearance. If he gets the E-AB certificate, fine. Like it or not, there of lots of airplanes flying via this plan.

(Special note...I have friends on all sides of the game. I take no personal position.)

In this case you don't have any way to demonstrate you built it, or that the guy you're buying it from built it. There is no legal way to obtain an E-AB certificate on your own. Can you get your money back?

[tdaf22]

ok, thanks for the input. I have not paid the fellow yet but i was under the influence that there was proof that 51% of the aircraft was built by builder/ owner. There may be i just haven't been provided with adequate information yet. If there is proof that the builder did 51% of the work can I still be the one that registers it or does he need to register it? I have not paid anything yet i just was the winner of the auction. i voiced my concerns before auction close.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by tdaf22

ok, thanks for the input. I have not paid the fellow yet but i was under the influence that there was proof that 51% of the aircraft was built by builder/ owner. There may be i just haven't been provided with adequate information yet. If there is proof that the builder did 51% of the work can I still be the one that registers it or does he need to register it? I have not paid anything yet i just was the winner of the auction. i voiced my concerns before auction close.

The aircraft cannot be certificated until after it is registered.
The builder must sign and have notarized an 8130-12 which states that the aircraft was built for education or recreation.
This statement of eligibility states on the form that any false, fictitious or fraudulent statement, misrepresentation or entry, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years or, if the offense involves international or domestic terrorism, imprisoned not more than 8 years, or both.
Many people don't take this seriously. They SHOULD! It is a federal offense.

Personally, I would not consider purchasing this aircraft unless the builder registers and gets the aircraft certificated. Otherwise, it can be a real can of worms.

[DonFromTX]

Or as my friend found out, you may have a very expensive lawn ornament.

[Sam Buchanan]

Originally Posted by tdaf22

ok, thanks for the input. I have not paid the fellow yet but i was under the influence that there was proof that 51% of the aircraft was built by builder/ owner. There may be i just haven't been provided with adequate information yet. If there is proof that the builder did 51% of the work can I still be the one that registers it or does he need to register it? I have not paid anything yet i just was the winner of the auction. i voiced my concerns before auction close.

Do not, do not, purchase this airplane until you thoroughly understand the regs concerning registering and receiving an airworthiness certificate and you have received airtight evidence that this was amateur-built. I fear that your lack of background about the regs and the fact this is an eBay auction is leading down a path that you need to avoid. Most legit projects are well known enough in the local RV community that eBay auctions are not needed.

If in doubt contact a local DAR for guidance. Also, it is presently a buyers market and there are many well-built, legal RVs available through private sales.

[tdaf22]

Thanks for all of the quick responses guys. I did not buy the plane. Way too sketchy. Now back to the classifieds section. Need to find a -6a!

[Mike Smith]

Look in Barnstormers and the classifieds in this forum ... and be patient! Good luck : )