Jesse, here is a good article by Ron Alexander. Like Ralph said if you
belong to EAA all this is in the Homebuilders section.
http://members.eaa.org/home/homebuilder ... built%20Sc
rutiny_%20A%20guide%20to%20homebuilt%20inspections.html#TopOfPage
Below is an excerpt from AC 20-27 D that depending on the Inspectors
annalism may require documented inspections by other knowledgeable persons.
(the "documentation" is by you though, no one else has to sign anything) See
section f. 1 below.
Scott
c. Since 1983, FAA inspections of amateur-built aircraft
have been limited to ensuring the use of acceptable workmanship
methods, techniques, practices, and issuing operating limitations
necessary to protect persons and property not involved in this
activity.
d. In recent years, amateur builders have adopted a
practice whereby they call upon persons having expertise with
aircraft construction techniques, such as the Experimental
Aircraft Association (EAA) Technical Counselors (reference
paragraph 6. (a)) to inspect particular components, e.g., wing
assemblies, fuselages, etc., prior to covering, and to conduct
other inspections, as necessary. This practice is an effective
means of ensuring construction integrity.
e. The FAA has designated some private persons to act in
its behalf in the inspection of amateur-built aircraft and the
issuance of airworthiness certificates. These persons are known
as Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DAR) and are
authorized to charge for their services. These charges are set
by the DAR and are not governed by the FAA. The amateur-builder
may contact the local FAA office to locate a DAR.
f. In view of the foregoing considerations, the FAA has
concluded that safety objectives, relative to the amateur-built
program, can continue to be met by the use of the following criteria:
(1) Amateur builders should have knowledgeable persons
(i.e., FAA certificated mechanics, EAA Technical Counselors,
etc.) perform precover inspections and other inspections as
appropriate. In addition, builders should document the
construction using photographs taken at appropriate times prior
to covering. The photographs should clearly show methods of
construction and quality of workmanship. Such photographic
records should be included with the builder's log or other
construction records.
(2) The FAA inspector or DAR will conduct an
inspection of the aircraft prior to the issuance of the initial
FAA Form 8130-7 to enable the applicant to show compliance with
FAR section 91.42(b) (new FAR section 91.319). This inspection
will include a review of the information required by FAR section
21.193, the aircraft builder's logbook, and an examination of the
completed aircraft to ensure that proper workmanship has been
used in the construction of the aircraft. Also, the appropriate
operating limitations will be prescribed at this time in
accordance with FAR section 91.42 (new FAR section 91.319).
-----Original Message-----
From:
mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:
mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of Ralph
Baker
Sent: Sunday, September 12, 2004 9:59 AM
To:
rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Subject: FAA inspections
Jesse,
If you are building in the USA there is no FAA requirement for
pre-closure inspection as there is in Canada. The only requirement is a
final inspection by FAA or DAR. There is a requirement for a detailed
log and pictures of work to document the 51%. If you are not now an EAA
member do join. Also, EAA can put you in contact with an EAA technical
counselor in your area who can do "over view" inspection as the work
progresses. This is not only valuable to catch anything that is not up
to standard but the insurance folks look kindly on it. I believe Falcon
will insure the first flights if there is a minimum of 3 EAA tech
inspections during construction. Also, get a copy of the FAA
publication "Amateur Built Aircraft Reference Material". It is a wealth
of information on how to avoid the FAA dragon as well as flight testing.
Ralph Baker
Elite 624E
-----------------------------------------------------
List archives located at:
https://www.dcsol.com/default.htm
username "rebel" password "builder"
Subscription services located at:
https://www.dcsol.com/public/code/html-subscribe.htm
List administrator:
mike.davis@dcsol.com
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
List archives located at:
https://mail.dcsol.com/login
username "rebel" password "builder"
Unsubscribe:
rebel-builders-unsubscribe@dcsol.com
List administrator:
mike.davis@dcsol.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------