After my prop strike a couple of months ago, I'vd decided to switch to a Catto three blade. I knew that this might be considered a major modification, and that I might have to go back into Phase I, so I called the FSDO. After reviewing the regs and looking over my ops lims, they've concluded that I may not have to go back into phase I if I can demonstrate that this is a proven engine/prop combination.
So that's where I need your help. Niether Van's nor Mr. Catto could offer me any documentation that the combination of a Catto three-blade and a Lycoming O-360 on an RV-4 was proven. I'm thinking that if I could get copies of someone's ops lims and log book entry recording that Phase I was successfully complete, that would be good enough for my local FSDO.
I should say that the FSDO folks were very supportive and gave me the impression that they want to get me back in the air with a minimum of hassle. In fact thier initial read was that prop change wouldn't require re-entering Phase I since the weight change was only a few pounds. But due to the recent crash of an experimental aircraft at VGT (where I'm based and where my aircraft is currently located), they're under a lot of scrutiny to demonstrate due diligence. In fact they said that since that mishap, all applications for experimental aircraft had to be approved by thier district manager.
The alternative is to take the wings off and truck the plane down to Jean or Boulder City to do Phase I. I'd like to avoid that if possible and the FSDO seems like they want to help me avoid it.
So if there's anyone out there that could send me copies of thier ops lims and Phase I complete logbook entries, or if you have any other suggestions, I'd sure appreciate it.
Thanks,
-Martin
402BD
So that's where I need your help. Niether Van's nor Mr. Catto could offer me any documentation that the combination of a Catto three-blade and a Lycoming O-360 on an RV-4 was proven. I'm thinking that if I could get copies of someone's ops lims and log book entry recording that Phase I was successfully complete, that would be good enough for my local FSDO.
I should say that the FSDO folks were very supportive and gave me the impression that they want to get me back in the air with a minimum of hassle. In fact thier initial read was that prop change wouldn't require re-entering Phase I since the weight change was only a few pounds. But due to the recent crash of an experimental aircraft at VGT (where I'm based and where my aircraft is currently located), they're under a lot of scrutiny to demonstrate due diligence. In fact they said that since that mishap, all applications for experimental aircraft had to be approved by thier district manager.
The alternative is to take the wings off and truck the plane down to Jean or Boulder City to do Phase I. I'd like to avoid that if possible and the FSDO seems like they want to help me avoid it.
So if there's anyone out there that could send me copies of thier ops lims and Phase I complete logbook entries, or if you have any other suggestions, I'd sure appreciate it.
Thanks,
-Martin
402BD