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Eastern NC RV10 condition inspection help wanted February 2026

R

RNB

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My condition inspection expires January 2026. For the first two weeks of February I will be taking the 15 day light sport repairman class, after which I might be able to perform my own inspection. Complicating this is the likely need for updated operating limitations and/or the need to have the local FSDO bless me with repairman certification. I'm not sure how comfortable I will be after the class to function on my own, especially the first time. I would like to obtain some help.

I would like to enlist some help, ideally from an AP with RV10 experience, hopefully to come to my location and supervise my doing the work along with signing off the inspection if needed. I am trying to source my own tools for this but fully expect the process to be slow due to my ignorance of what all is required. I hope the right person can bring their own tools, or communicate clearly with me on tools to have on hand. I have a post here about this and will be buying a number of things.

My class ends February 15th. I have a hangar in a region that's mild temperatures but this might be a cold time of year to work long days. We operate an Airbnb and cook good food.

Happy to discuss here but firm details via private messages please.
 
RNB said:
My condition inspection expires January 2026. For the first two weeks of February I will be taking the 15 day light sport repairman class, after which I might be able to perform my own inspection. Complicating this is the likely need for updated operating limitations and/or the need to have the local FSDO bless me with repairman certification. I'm not sure how comfortable I will be after the class to function on my own, especially the first time. I would like to obtain some help.

I would like to enlist some help, ideally from an AP with RV10 experience, hopefully to come to my location and supervise my doing the work along with signing off the inspection if needed. I am trying to source my own tools for this but fully expect the process to be slow due to my ignorance of what all is required. I hope the right person can bring their own tools, or communicate clearly with me on tools to have on hand. I have a post here about this and will be buying a number of things.

My class ends February 15th. I have a hangar in a region that's mild temperatures but this might be a cold time of year to work long days. We operate an Airbnb and cook good food.

Happy to discuss here but firm details via private messages please.
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Joe----from reading between the lines here, can I assume that you did NOT build the 10?
Tom
 
Joe, I'll post this in the VAF News over the holiday - maybe we can find you some help.
v/r,dr
 
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Download this checklist, modify it to fit your plane. Until you take the class, get yourself a good #2 set of variable length screw drivers, 1/4 drive socket set and extensions and basic hand tools. It may seem daunting, but initially, you can expose all the covers, go thru the checklist. Then find an AP to go over it and sign off. Save some $$$$ until you are comfortable removing panels, and reinstalling. Even the seats are easy, once you’ve removed the 4 bolts that hold the seat lever.

 
RNB said:
I fly a 10 and am building a 10.
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I'm not too far a way - Moyock, NC - and just starting my -10. If you ever need an extra set of hands along the way I'd be happy to come assist and interested in checking both your flying 10 and your project.
 
Good plan -- I can't say enough about "owner assisted" annuals and maintenance while learning the skills. We did that for many years on various type certified airplanes that we owned before building and maintaining our RV-9'er. I recall the first cylinder that we changed and how reassuring that was while working along side such an experienced A&P IA. Our first guy (Tom Chandler) was actually an old A&P instructor at the local community college -- we owe him a great deal of gratitude! (y):cool:(y)
 
JeffPeters said:
I'm not too far a way - Moyock, NC - and just starting my -10. If you ever need an extra set of hands along the way I'd be happy to come assist and interested in checking both your flying 10 and your project.
Click to expand...

Are you an AP? Have you been through an annual with a 10?
I'm working on my horizontal stabilizer.
 
Update: A few kind folks have communicated with me but seem like logistics of getting them here would be tough.
I have an IA an hour away who would likely help if I asked but he clearly told me he was not taking on new planes.
I have another IA that is very willing to help, he is two hours away but has not been through a 10 before. I think both of these would work.
I learned of a new AP in the area who expressed some interest but he has not responded to my flood of texts related to the RV10.

There is a former EAA tech counselor nearby who built a 10, is now an AP. I've sent him a letter asking for help.

I am hopeful that the Operating Limitations stuff gets straight by then. Until then I've put forth a good effort on this early, will see what happens later.

But the job is still open.
 
I have done a few. I act as the experienced inspector and do all of the work. The A&P follows me around observing and signs off. I suspect your 10 builder friend is a good option for a thorough inspection with the sign off by one of the other guys. Can be a bit of a challenge getting the ap to respect the inspectors knowledge.

As an owner, the sign off is legal in nature. What you really want is a set of knowledge eyes looking at things. Someone who understands where things go wrong on that particular airframe.
 
I believe an IA is not authorized to sign off an experimental. Either the owner or an AP can sign off a condition.
 
togaflyer said:
I believe an IA is not authorized to sign off an experimental. Either the owner or an AP can sign off a condition.
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An IA has to be an A and P.

  • Experience: Must hold both Airframe (A) and Powerplant (P) ratings for at least 3 years and be actively engaged in maintenance.
 
Yes, my bad and you are absolutely correct. It’s not that you can’t use an IA, but all you need is someone with an AP, which can help reduce costs.

Who can perform a Condition Inspection?
The inspection can be performed by any licensed A&P mechanic, an FAA Approved Repair Station, or by the builder of the airplane provided the builder obtains a "Repairman's Certificate" from the FAA. Note that unlike an annual for a type certificated aircraft, the A&P mechanic does NOT have to have his/her "Inspection Authorization".
 
RNB said:
My condition inspection expires January 2026. For the first two weeks of February I will be taking the 15 day light sport repairman class, after which I might be able to perform my own inspection. Complicating this is the likely need for updated operating limitations and/or the need to have the local FSDO bless me with repairman certification. I'm not sure how comfortable I will be after the class to function on my own, especially the first time. I would like to obtain some help.

I would like to enlist some help, ideally from an AP with RV10 experience, hopefully to come to my location and supervise my doing the work along with signing off the inspection if needed. I am trying to source my own tools for this but fully expect the process to be slow due to my ignorance of what all is required. I hope the right person can bring their own tools, or communicate clearly with me on tools to have on hand. I have a post here about this and will be buying a number of things.

My class ends February 15th. I have a hangar in a region that's mild temperatures but this might be a cold time of year to work long days. We operate an Airbnb and cook good food.

Happy to discuss here but firm details via private messages please.
Click to expand...
Won't help you this year, but my A&P son is moving from Durham to Wilmington this summer. He is on the global QA team for GE Aerospace (jet engines) but cut his teeth as a mechanic at the former Guardian Aviation in Siler City, NC, a mecca for RVs in the day. My son wants to do annuals on the side once in the Wilmington area. I can put you in touch with him if you wish. He grew up in EAA1114, Cox Field, Apex, NC.
 
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