MrNomad
Well Known Member
If this reg/insurance issue was posted elsewhere, I apologize for my redundancy but I could not find it.
After completing the installation of Dynon's autopilot in my 9A, I read a post on Vans concerning whether or not such a device is a major change according to FAA regs. While compliance with the regs is important, giving my insurance company a way to weasel out of paying for any mishap is equally important to me.
According to FAA Regulation 21.93, a “minor change” is one that has no appreciable affect on the weight, balance, structural strength, reliability, operational characteristics or other characteristics affecting the airworthiness of the product. All other changes are "major changes" of the airplane.
I spoke to the FSDO in Scottsdale, AZ and it was apparent to them, and apparent to me that an autopilot DOES change the operational characteristics of the airplane. Plus, any good lawyer could argue that an autopilot ALSO affects the reliability of the airplane.
Therefore, with compliance & insurance protection in mind, I made the following entries to my AVIONICS & AIRFRAME logbook.
I certify the following tests were conducted on this airplane.
Flight tests were conducted using the NAV, HEADING, and TRACK features of the autopilot. I found no unsafe conditions using these features.
The full range of aileron, rudder, trim, flaps was tested and found to be working.
The disconnect circuit that was installed on the pilot stick was successfully tested.
The panel mounted disconnect circuit that was installed was successfully tested.
The breaker disconnect circuit that was installed on the instrument panel was successfully tested.
The ability of the pilot to override the autopilot servos was successfully tested.
In total, 10 hours of flight time was recorded using the autopilot.
I certify this aircraft has been inspected with the scope and detail of Appendix D 2.43 and has been found to be in condition for safe operation.
If anyone else has other comments they believe are warranted, please send them along. If anyone else thinks that this was unnecessary, one call to any FSDO should rectify that misconception.
The regs look crystal clear to me, and thank you DOUG for hosting this incredible website. Your website has saved me countless money, time & effort, and in this instance, perhaps a future fracas over insurance. I apologize for sending in my annual $25 dues a little late.
After completing the installation of Dynon's autopilot in my 9A, I read a post on Vans concerning whether or not such a device is a major change according to FAA regs. While compliance with the regs is important, giving my insurance company a way to weasel out of paying for any mishap is equally important to me.
According to FAA Regulation 21.93, a “minor change” is one that has no appreciable affect on the weight, balance, structural strength, reliability, operational characteristics or other characteristics affecting the airworthiness of the product. All other changes are "major changes" of the airplane.
I spoke to the FSDO in Scottsdale, AZ and it was apparent to them, and apparent to me that an autopilot DOES change the operational characteristics of the airplane. Plus, any good lawyer could argue that an autopilot ALSO affects the reliability of the airplane.
Therefore, with compliance & insurance protection in mind, I made the following entries to my AVIONICS & AIRFRAME logbook.
I certify the following tests were conducted on this airplane.
Flight tests were conducted using the NAV, HEADING, and TRACK features of the autopilot. I found no unsafe conditions using these features.
The full range of aileron, rudder, trim, flaps was tested and found to be working.
The disconnect circuit that was installed on the pilot stick was successfully tested.
The panel mounted disconnect circuit that was installed was successfully tested.
The breaker disconnect circuit that was installed on the instrument panel was successfully tested.
The ability of the pilot to override the autopilot servos was successfully tested.
In total, 10 hours of flight time was recorded using the autopilot.
I certify this aircraft has been inspected with the scope and detail of Appendix D 2.43 and has been found to be in condition for safe operation.
If anyone else has other comments they believe are warranted, please send them along. If anyone else thinks that this was unnecessary, one call to any FSDO should rectify that misconception.
The regs look crystal clear to me, and thank you DOUG for hosting this incredible website. Your website has saved me countless money, time & effort, and in this instance, perhaps a future fracas over insurance. I apologize for sending in my annual $25 dues a little late.
Last edited: