Things to Consider for Inspection

[NickC]

I tried doing a quick search for this topic and I couldn't find an existing thread on this topic. What kind of inspection schedule is there throughout the build process and how does everyone prepare for inspection at each inspection step(like leaving panels off, not installing interiors, etc.). I know it might be different per inspector, so just curious on what people have experienced before.

 

[Ironflight]

I tried doing a quick search for this topic and I couldn't find an existing thread on this topic. What kind of inspection schedule is there throughout the build process and how does everyone prepare for inspection at each inspection step(like leaving panels off, not installing interiors, etc.). I know it might be different per inspector, so just curious on what people have experienced before.

There are no required in-process inspections in teh United Satets for E-AB aircraft, so you don;t have to worry about anything “official”. That said, if you are relatively new to aircraft building, I’d strongly encourage you to build a relationship with an EAA Tech Counselor who can come and look at your work periodically - you can find a TC at your local chapter, or I believe you can search teh EAA web site. Once you find a good TC, ask them when they would recommend having them come by, and what state they’d like to see things in when they arrive.

 

[Mel]

There are no required in-process inspections in teh United Satets for E-AB aircraft, so you don;t have to worry about anything “official”. That said, if you are relatively new to aircraft building, I’d strongly encourage you to build a relationship with an EAA Tech Counselor who can come and look at your work periodically - you can find a TC at your local chapter, or I believe you can search teh EAA web site. Once you find a good TC, ask them when they would recommend having them come by, and what state they’d like to see things in when they arrive.

Just to add to Ironflight's notes. The first TC inspection should be before you rivet anything. At that point the TC will advise on when the next inspection should be. When I come to do a certification inspection, I feel much better if I see at least 3 - 5 TC inspections.

 

[NickC]

I’d strongly encourage you to build a relationship with an EAA Tech Counselor who can come and look at your work periodically - you can find a TC at your local chapter, or I believe you can search teh EAA web site

This is a great suggestion- Thanks Ironflight. I am no stranger to aircraft building and production but this is my first personal kitbuild so the inspections are obviously different than a QA person signing off after each station on the production floor. I used the TC search utility on the EAA website and there doesn't appear to be any in MN or WI. I figured there would at least be one based at OSH but I guess I'll keep looking and asking around.

Just to add to Ironflight's notes. The first TC inspection should be before you rivet anything. At that point the TC will advise on when the next inspection should be. When I come to do a certification inspection, I feel much better if I see at least 3 - 5 TC inspections.

Hi Mel, another great suggestion. I will try to find a TC to do just that before I start driving rivets. Right now I'm getting all the fabrication and deburring steps completed on the empennage kit then I'll switch over my work area for assembly and driving rivets.

 

[kirkbauer]

At the very least find another local builder who has built the same or similar aircraft. Your local EAA chapter may be a good resource. I have had the benefit of another builder helping me and giving informal inspections along the way and it has been great.

 

[TimR]

When looking for a TC, go to the individual EAA chapters' website, they will be listed there. Search for chapters on the EAA website, start close to where you live and then expand out if needed. I was very surprised that you didn't find any in MN or WI. Did a search of chapters and found several. Only looked in MN. I'm confident you'll find several.

 

[Ironflight]

If you post your location in Wisconsin/Minnesota (not targeting coordinates, just a city, town…or township….), you’ll probably get folks suggesting actual names right here!

 

[jeffreyuh60]

Nick, our EAA Chapter is in New Richmond, WI. You may also want to reach out to Doug Weiler, president of the Twin Cities RV Builders Group. www.mnwing.org. There are more RV builders out there than you think.

 

[NickC]

Thanks all for the suggestions. It seems as though I'm not the only one that found it strange that I couldn't find a TC for Vans.

I'm actually building out of KEAU ( was lucky enough to snag a large t-hangar). I double checked on the local EAA website for a TC and sure enough there's a guy listed there. I think using Van's aircraft in the EAA website search narrowed it too much and that's why no result was given for MN and WI.

Nick, our EAA Chapter is in New Richmond, WI. You may also want to reach out to Doug Weiler, president of the Twin Cities RV Builders Group. www.mnwing.org. There are more RV builders out there than you think.

Thanks Jeff, I will definitely reach out to Doug and the RV builder's group if nothing else than to have a nearby RV resource. I don't think anyone is currently building an RV at KEAU but I could be wrong.

 

[Ironflight]

Glad that you found someone Nick! It’s been a long time since I used the search function on the TC site, but yeah - most Tech Counselors will look at anything - or at least fixed wing will look at fixed wing for instance. Narrowing it to Van’s is pretty limiting.