cdeerinck
Well Known Member
Here is the situation: An Experimental aircraft that was not amateur-built, but was issued an Experimental Airworthiness for Exhibition, has a panel rebuilt and new avionics installed by the owner.
This is not the exact case for RV's, but I think the situation is the same in regards to making changes to a panel if the owner does not have a repairman certificate for that plane.
Per 43.1, Part 43 does not apply to Experimental aircraft.
However Part 91 does apply, specifically Subpart E
In looking at 91.407
So it appears that some parts of 43 must apply in regards to maintenance records. So my question surrounds who is allowed to make those maintenance entries, and who is authorized to return the aircraft to service.
But 43.7 (f) only applies to preventive maintenance.
So can anyone tell me what authorizes a pilot/owner to either perform an alteration (not major), or to return to service after an alteration (again, not major), or does one or both of those require an A&P signoff?
This is not the exact case for RV's, but I think the situation is the same in regards to making changes to a panel if the owner does not have a repairman certificate for that plane.
Per 43.1, Part 43 does not apply to Experimental aircraft.
43.1 (b) This part does not apply to --
(1) Any aircraft for which the FAA has issued an experimental certificate, unless the FAA has previously issued a different kind of airworhiness certificate for that aircraft;
However Part 91 does apply, specifically Subpart E
In looking at 91.407
91.407 Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration.
(a) No person may operate any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless ?
(1) It has been approved for return to service by a person authorized under 43.7 of this chapter; and
(2) The maintenance record entry required by 43.9 or 43.11, as applicable, of this chapter has been made.
So it appears that some parts of 43 must apply in regards to maintenance records. So my question surrounds who is allowed to make those maintenance entries, and who is authorized to return the aircraft to service.
43.7 Persons authorized to approve aircraft, airframes, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, or component parts for return to service after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration.
(a) Except as provided in this section and 43.17, no person, other than the Administrator, may approve an aircraft, airframe, eaircraft engine, propeller, applieance, or component part for return to service after it has undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuild, or alteration.
(f) A person holding at least a private pilot certificate may approve an aircraft for return to service after performing preventive maintenance under the provisions of 43.3(g)
But 43.7 (f) only applies to preventive maintenance.
So can anyone tell me what authorizes a pilot/owner to either perform an alteration (not major), or to return to service after an alteration (again, not major), or does one or both of those require an A&P signoff?