DwightFrye
Active Member
I know this is an old discussion .. but I'm having trouble finding what I need with search, so am just asking. My apologies if this provokes an unwelcome rehash of the topic.
As background, I have built an RV-7 which flew in 2013 and now has about 500 hours on it. I've also done a lot of miscellaneous work on certificated aircraft, with the oversight of A&Ps of course. I've build my engine down at Superior (back when they were doing that), have assembled my own FI system thanks to the generosity of Don Rivera (don't ask him to do it, though, because while it went well I bet he never wants to do that again!). I participated in the restoration of a 1967 Citabria 7ECA. I've been called upon by the A&P/IA at the flying club where I'm a member to come do work on club aircraft, in one case because he said my sheet metal skills were better than his. And this is just a sample of my various experiences.
I've had multiple A&Ps say that I really should apply for my A&P, and recently got talked into giving it a try. One FSDO wouldn't even discuss it. An inspector at another FSDO seemed game, but in the end wanted essentially the same documentation of work done on certificated aircraft that wold normally be provided, and time/experience gained with experimental aircraft (essentially) didn't count.
I had been asked to write up all my experience as best I could. I did so, and even being brief it came to about 10 typewritten pages. I also had letters of recommendation from two different A&Ps, and could have gotten more but thought more would be overkill.
I've pointed to the section in the FAA Handbook 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 2, item B which reads :
The emphasis in that section is mine, of course. However, no joy.
So, with all that as background, my question is .... has anyone succeeded in having their experimental aircraft work recognized as the basis for getting an 8610-2 form signed off? If so, how? And, do you have a FSDO and MX inspector who accepts experimental experience as a basis for the sign-off. Thanks, in advance, for any insights you can share.
As background, I have built an RV-7 which flew in 2013 and now has about 500 hours on it. I've also done a lot of miscellaneous work on certificated aircraft, with the oversight of A&Ps of course. I've build my engine down at Superior (back when they were doing that), have assembled my own FI system thanks to the generosity of Don Rivera (don't ask him to do it, though, because while it went well I bet he never wants to do that again!). I participated in the restoration of a 1967 Citabria 7ECA. I've been called upon by the A&P/IA at the flying club where I'm a member to come do work on club aircraft, in one case because he said my sheet metal skills were better than his. And this is just a sample of my various experiences.
I've had multiple A&Ps say that I really should apply for my A&P, and recently got talked into giving it a try. One FSDO wouldn't even discuss it. An inspector at another FSDO seemed game, but in the end wanted essentially the same documentation of work done on certificated aircraft that wold normally be provided, and time/experience gained with experimental aircraft (essentially) didn't count.
I had been asked to write up all my experience as best I could. I did so, and even being brief it came to about 10 typewritten pages. I also had letters of recommendation from two different A&Ps, and could have gotten more but thought more would be overkill.
I've pointed to the section in the FAA Handbook 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 2, item B which reads :
B. With exception to the JSAMTCC A&P certification program experience gained from the military, work as an airframe or powerplant mechanic or work on an experimental amateur-built aircraft will be evaluated on its own merits to determine whether it fulfills the experience requirements. ...............
The emphasis in that section is mine, of course. However, no joy.
So, with all that as background, my question is .... has anyone succeeded in having their experimental aircraft work recognized as the basis for getting an 8610-2 form signed off? If so, how? And, do you have a FSDO and MX inspector who accepts experimental experience as a basis for the sign-off. Thanks, in advance, for any insights you can share.