Certification Operation of Experimental Amateur Built

Presented by the FAA Safety Team

FY 2012

Federal AviationAdministration

Amateur Built Amateur Built AircraftAircraft

Certification & OperationCertification & Operation

2Federal AviationAdministration

AMATEUR BUILT AIRCRAFT – FAA SAFETY TEAM

FY 2012

Certification and OperationCertification and Operation

Guidance concerning building, certification, and Guidance concerning building, certification, and

operation of amateur-built aircraft.operation of amateur-built aircraft.

How much fabrication and assembly the builder How much fabrication and assembly the builder

must do.must do.

The FAA’s role in the certification process.The FAA’s role in the certification process. FAA order 8130.2G covers Amateur-Built certification.



FY 2012

BackgroundBackground

FAA provides for the issuance of a Special FAA provides for the issuance of a Special Airworthiness CertificateAirworthiness Certificate

Experimental CategoryExperimental Category

Allows for operation of amateur-built Allows for operation of amateur-built aircraftaircraft

4 4Federal AviationAdministration


FY 2012

Background continuedBackground continued

• The Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR’s) The Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR’s) section 21.191(g) defines an amateur-section 21.191(g) defines an amateur-built aircraft as an aircraft, the major built aircraft as an aircraft, the major portion of which has been fabricated and portion of which has been fabricated and assembled by persons who undertook the assembled by persons who undertook the construction and assembly solely for their construction and assembly solely for their ownown

• education or recreationeducation or recreation..



FY 2012

FAA CertificationFAA CertificationIn the Past, the FAA inspected the aircraft at In the Past, the FAA inspected the aircraft at

several stages, called Precover Inspections.several stages, called Precover Inspections.

Since 1983, FAA inspections have been limited to Since 1983, FAA inspections have been limited to

ensuring acceptable workmanship, methods, ensuring acceptable workmanship, methods,

techniques, and practices are used.techniques, and practices are used.



FY 2012

FAA CertificationFAA Certification

In recent years, amateur builders

have called upon persons having

expertise, such as, EAA Technical

Counselors.

FAA Designated Airworthiness

Representatives (DAR) can be used

for technical guidance.



FY 2012

Certification CriteriaCertification Criteria

Builders should have Builders should have

knowledgeable persons knowledgeable persons

perform pre-cover and perform pre-cover and

other inspections.other inspections.

Documentation of Documentation of

construction i.e., construction i.e.,

Builders Log.Builders Log.



FY 2012

Consult with the EAAConsult with the EAA

Strongly recommend FAA approved engines, Strongly recommend FAA approved engines,

props, wheels, and componentsprops, wheels, and components

Cockpit and Cabin design to include TSO’d Cockpit and Cabin design to include TSO’d

restraintsrestraints

Design and ConstructionDesign and Construction



FY 2012

Design and Construction Design and Construction continuedcontinued

Adequate fuel supply for engineAdequate fuel supply for engine

Suitable design for reduced fire hazardSuitable design for reduced fire hazard



FY 2012

Construction KitsConstruction Kits

• An aircraft built from a kit may be An aircraft built from a kit may be

eligible for amateur-built eligible for amateur-built

certification, provided the major certification, provided the major

portion has been fabricated and portion has been fabricated and

assembled by the amateur builder.assembled by the amateur builder.



FY 2012

Construction Kits continuedConstruction Kits continued

• This is known as the This is known as the

51% 51% RuleRule



FY 2012


• Caution: Purchasers Caution: Purchasers

of partially completed of partially completed

kits should kits should

obtain all fabrication obtain all fabrication

and assembly records and assembly records

from the previous from the previous

owner(s).owner(s).



FY 2012


• Advertisements tend to be somewhat Advertisements tend to be somewhat

vague and may be misleading as to vague and may be misleading as to

whether a kit is eligible for amateur-built whether a kit is eligible for amateur-built

certification.certification.

• It is It is notnot advisable to order a kit before advisable to order a kit before

verifying with the local FAA office if the verifying with the local FAA office if the

aircraft, upon completion, may be eligible aircraft, upon completion, may be eligible

for certification.for certification.



FY 2012

Aircraft Registration Aircraft Registration

FAR 47 covers registrationFAR 47 covers registration

Apply for your “N” numberApply for your “N” number

You can request special “N” numbersYou can request special “N” numbers

You can reserve a special “N” number for one You can reserve a special “N” number for one yearyear



FY 2012

Aircraft Registration Aircraft Registration

If a kit was used, submit bill of sale from kit If a kit was used, submit bill of sale from kit manufacturermanufacturer

FAA Bill of Sale can be usedFAA Bill of Sale can be used

Provide an Affidavit of Ownership for Amateur-Provide an Affidavit of Ownership for Amateur-Built AircraftBuilt Aircraft



FY 2012

Identification and Registration Identification and Registration MarksMarks

FAR 21.182 requires registration FAR 21.182 requires registration

to be displayed on the aircraft.to be displayed on the aircraft.

FAR 45 states the requirements FAR 45 states the requirements

of the marks.of the marks.

ID plate must be ID plate must be

fireproof & secured.fireproof & secured.



FY 2012

Identification and Registration Identification and Registration Marks continuedMarks continued

Name on ID plate is that of the Name on ID plate is that of the BuilderBuilder

with any with any

serial number.serial number.

ID plate must be located on exterior.ID plate must be located on exterior.



FY 2012

““N” numbers must be displayed at a N” numbers must be displayed at a

minimum height of 3 inches.minimum height of 3 inches.


If max. cruise speed exceeds 180 If max. cruise speed exceeds 180

knots, “N” numbers must be at knots, “N” numbers must be at

least 12 inches.least 12 inches.



FY 2012

““N” numbers may not exceed 5 symbols N” numbers may not exceed 5 symbols

following the prefix N.following the prefix N.

One to four numbers and one suffix ie., One to four numbers and one suffix ie.,

((N1234BN1234B), or), or

One to three numbers and two suffixes One to three numbers and two suffixes

ie., (ie., (N123BRN123BR).).




FY 2012

Certification InspectionCertification Inspection

An FAA Airworthiness Inspector An FAA Airworthiness Inspector

or DAR will conduct an or DAR will conduct an

inspection.inspection.

The applicant will need The applicant will need

to show to show

compliance withcompliance with FAR FAR

91.319.91.319.



FY 2012

It’s your aircraft – You will also have to determine Airworthiness prior to certification.• Ensure there is a signed and dated statement

from the owner in the aircraft records,that the aircraft has had an inspection performed in accordance with 14 CFR part 43, appendix D, or other approved programs, and was found to be in a condition for safe operation.

• This statement will support the owner’s inspection and airworthiness statement on block III of FAA Form 8130-6.



FY 2012

Lets take a look at what the Federal Aviation

Regulation (FAR) Part 91.319

states!



FY 2012

Para (a) No person may operate an aircraft that has an experimental certificate -

(1) For other than the purpose for which the certificate was issued; or

(2) Carrying persons or property for compensation or hire.

FAR Part 91.319 continued



FY 2012


Para (b) states: No person may

operate an aircraft that has an experimental

certificate outside of an area assigned by

the Administrator until it is shown that--



FY 2012


(1) The aircraft is

controllable throughout its

normal range of speeds and

throughout all the maneuvers

to be executed; and



FY 2012


(2) The aircraft has no

hazardous operating

characteristics or design

features.



FY 2012

(c) Unless otherwise authorized by the

Administrator in special operating

limitations, no person may operate an

aircraft that has an experimental

certificate over a densely populated

area or in a congested airway.




FY 2012

The Administrator may issue special

operating limitations for particular aircraft to

permit takeoffs and landings to be

conducted over a densely populated area or

in a congested airway, in accordance with

terms and conditions specified in the

authorization in the interest of safety in air

commerce.




FY 2012

(d) Each person operating an

aircraft that has an experimental

certificate shall -

(1) Advise each person carried of

the experimental nature of the

aircraft; and




FY 2012

(2) Operate under VFR, day only,

unless otherwise specifically

authorized by the Administrator; and




FY 2012


• (3) Notify the control tower

of the experimental nature

of the aircraft when

operating the aircraft into or

out of airports with

operating control towers.



FY 2012


(i) The Administrator may prescribe

additional limitations that the

Administrator considers necessary,

including limitations on the persons

that may be carried in the aircraft.



FY 2012


Who is the Administrator???



FY 2012


• Your friendly

FSDO

Aviation Safety

Inspector!!!!



FY 2012

Certification InspectionCertification Inspection

Please contact your FAA Please contact your FAA Aviation Safety Inspector Aviation Safety Inspector

at least 30 days in at least 30 days in advance of your requested advance of your requested

inspection.inspection.



FY 2012

Certification Inspection Certification Inspection continuedcontinued

The Inspection will include a The Inspection will include a

review of FAR 21.193, builder’s review of FAR 21.193, builder’s

log, and an examination of the log, and an examination of the

completed aircraftcompleted aircraft



FY 2012

Successful Aircraft Inspection Successful Aircraft Inspection Furnish a complete and ready to Furnish a complete and ready to fly aircraft except for cowlings, fly aircraft except for cowlings, fairings and opened panels for fairings and opened panels for inspectioninspection

Aircraft Registration (white Form Aircraft Registration (white Form 8050-3)8050-3)

Builder’s logBuilder’s log

A log book for the aircraft, A log book for the aircraft, engine, and propengine, and prop



FY 2012

Successful Aircraft Inspection Successful Aircraft Inspection continuedcontinued

Installation of placard, “PASSENGER WARNING - THIS AIRCRAFT IS

AMATEUR-BUILT AND DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR STANDARD AIRCRAFT”



FY 2012

Issuance of the SpecialAirworthiness Certificate

A Special Airworthiness A Special Airworthiness Certificate will be issuedCertificate will be issued

Operating Limitations will Operating Limitations will be issued:be issued:Phase I & Phase IIPhase I & Phase IIAppropriate Operating Appropriate Operating

Limitations must be on- Limitations must be on- board aircraft while in board aircraft while in operationoperation



FY 2012

Experimental Amateur-Built Operating Limitations

• Operating limitations must be designed to fit the specific situation encountered.

• The ASI and/or designee must review each imposed operating limitation with the applicant to ensure that the operating limitations are understood by the applicant.



FY 2012

Phase I - Flight Test ProgramPhase I - Flight Test Program

Initially limited to assigned areaInitially limited to assigned area

At least 25 hours for (FAA-approved At least 25 hours for (FAA-approved Type Certificated) engine/prop Type Certificated) engine/prop

combinationcombination

At least 40 hours if non approved At least 40 hours if non approved engine/prop combinationengine/prop combination

Operating Limitations



FY 2012

Phase I continued

• Not conducted over densely populated Not conducted over densely populated areas or in congested airwaysareas or in congested airways

• usually encompasses 25-statute mile usually encompasses 25-statute mile radiusradius

• Carrying of passengers will not be Carrying of passengers will not be permittedpermitted



FY 2012

Phase II - Permanent Phase II - Permanent Operating LimitationsOperating Limitations

After successful completion of Phase I After successful completion of Phase I requirements, andrequirements, and

A log book entry stating so;A log book entry stating so;

Phase II Operating Limitation become Phase II Operating Limitation become effective and will remain in effecteffective and will remain in effect



FY 2012

Showing Compliance to 14 CFR § 91.319(b).• The applicant should be advised that after the

experimental amateur-built airworthiness certificate has been issued, they must show compliance to 14 CFR § 91.319(b).

• This is done by developing a flight test program that addresses the requirements, goals, and objectives of each test flight.

• The flight test program should be developed in accordance with AC 90-89, Amateur-Built Aircraft and Ultralight Flight Testing Handbook, or its equivalent in scope and detail.



FY 2012

Flight test programs serve twopurposes:• (1) They ensure the aircraft has been

adequately tested and determined to be safe to fly within the aircraft’s flight envelope.

• (2) The flight test data is used to develop an accurate and complete aircraft flight manual and to establish emergency procedures.

Note: The EAA Flight Advisor program has been established to assist applicants in developing flight test programs.



FY 2012

First Flight & Who is going to fly it?

• In most cases, the builder will make the first flight.– Things to think about:

• Proficiency• Transition training• Currency• Airport selection• Develop a plan• Use a Technical Counselor• You must be willing to cancel the flight• Emergency preparedness – In the air and on the ground• Weather



FY 2012

Repairman CertificationRepairman Certification

The aircraft builder The aircraft builder may be certificated as may be certificated as

a repairman if the a repairman if the builder is the primary builder is the primary builder of the aircraft builder of the aircraft and can satisfactorily and can satisfactorily prove requisite skill in prove requisite skill in

operation.operation.



FY 2012

Repairman Certification Repairman Certification continuedcontinued

This certificate can be obtained by This certificate can be obtained by

making application to the local FAA making application to the local FAA

FSDOFSDO



FY 2012

LODA – Letter of Deviation Authority

• The FAA may issue deviation authority providing relief from the provisions of paragraph (a) of 91.319 for the purpose of conducting flight training. The FAA will issue this deviation authority as a letter of deviation authority.

• (1) The FAA may cancel or amend a letter of deviation authority at any time.

• (2) An applicant must submit a request for deviation authority to the FAA at least 60 days before the date of intended operations. A request for deviation authority must contain a complete description of the proposed operation and justification that establishes a level of safety equivalent to that provided under the regulations for the deviation requested.



FY 2012

Airmen Transition to Experimental or Unfamiliar Airplanes• See Advisory Circular 90-109 • This advisory circular (AC) provides

information and guidance to owners and pilots of experimental airplanes and to flight instructors who teach in these airplanes.



FY 2012

Summary

• Amateur Built Aircraft crash more often and are more often fatal than Certificated Aircraft

• Significant improvements have been made and the historical accident rate is on a downward trend however- we still have room for improvement

• Use the resources available to you- EAA/ FAA• Build a simple Risk Management Plan

Enjoy this wonderful freedom we have!



FY 2012

Amateur-Built Fatal Accidents With 0-5 Airframe Hours

0 2 4 6 8 10

Forced Landing

In-flight Separation

LoC

LoC for Powerloss

LoC on Other Takeoff

LoC on 1st Takeoff



FY 2012

Amateur-Built Fatal Accidents With 41-60 Airframe Hours

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Forced Landing

In-flight Separation

Midair

CFIT

LoC for Powerloss

LoC Pilot



FY 2012

Carelessness and overconfidence are usually more dangerous than deliberately accepted risk.

- Wilbur Wright, 1901



FY 2012

Education

Certification Operation of Experimental Amateur Built