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Special Thanks to:
Yellowstone Valley
Experimental Aircraft
Association, EAA Chapter 57
Bob Kimpton - President
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Air Safety Program Manager
Airworthiness Representative
Bruce E. Ryerson
FAA Helena FSDO
2725 Skyway Drive
Helena, Montana 59601
406 449-5270
1 800 457-9917
FAX 406 449-5275
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Certification and Operation of
Amateur-Built Aircraft
Guidance concerning building, certification,
and operation of amateur-built aircraft
How much fabrication and assembly the
builder must do
FAA’s role in the certification process
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Background
FAA provides for the issuance of
a Special Airworthiness Certificate
Experimental Category
Allows of operation of amateurbuilt aircraft
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The Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR’s)
section 21.191(g) defines an amateur-built
aircraft as an aircraft, the major portion of
which has been fabricated and
assembled by person(s) who
undertook the construction
and assembly solely
for their own
education or recreation.
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FAA Certification
 In
the Past FAA inspected the aircraft at several
stages, called Precover Inspections
 Since 1983, FAA inspections limited to ensure
acceptable workmanship, methods, techniques,
practices
 In recent years, amateur builders have called
upon persons having expertise, such as, EAA
Technical Counselors
 FAA Designated Airworthiness Representatives
(DAR)
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Certification Criteria
 Builders
should have knowledgeable
persons to perform Precover and other
inspections
 Documentation of construction i.e.,
Builders Log
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Design and Construction
 Consult
with the EAA
 Strongly recommend FAA
approved engines, props,
wheels, and components
 Cockpit and Cabin design
to include TSO’d restraints
 Adequate fuel supply for
engine
 Suitable design for reduced
fire hazard
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Construction Kits
An aircraft built from a kit may be eligible for
amateur-built certification, provided the
major portion has been fabricated and
assembled by the amateur builder.
Caution: Purchasers of partially completed kits
should obtain all fabrication and assembly
records from the previous owner(s).
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Advertisements tend to be somewhat vague
and may be misleading as to whether a kit is
eligible for amateur-built certification.
It is not advisable to order a kit before
verifying with the local FAA office if the
aircraft, upon completion, may be eligible for
certification.
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Aircraft Registration
FAR 47 covers registration
Apply for your “N” number
You can request special “N” numbers
You can reserve a special “N” number for one year
If a kit was used, submit bill of sale from kit mfg.
FAA Bill of Sale can be used
Provide an Affidavit of Ownership for AmateurBuilt Aircraft
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Identification and Registration Marks
FAR 21.182 requires registration to be
displayed on the aircraft
FAR 45 states the requirements of the
marks
ID plate must be fireproof & secured
Name on ID plate is that of the Builder
with any serial number
ID plate must be located on exterior
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“N” numbers must be displayed at a
minimum height of 3 inches.
If max. cruise speed exceeds 180 knots, “N”
numbers must be at least 12 inches
“N” numbers may not exceed 5 symbols
following the prefix N
One to four numbers and one suffix or
One to three numbers and two suffixes
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Certification Inspection
An FAA Airworthiness Inspector
or DAR will conduct an inspection
The applicant will need to show
compliance with FAR 91.319
The Inspection will include a
review of FAR 21.193, builder’s
log, and an examination of the
completed aircraft
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Successful Aircraft Inspection
 Furnish
a complete and ready to
fly aircraft except for cowlings,
fairings and opened panels for
inspection
 Aircraft
Registration (pink or
white)
 Builder’s
A
log
log book for the aircraft, engine,
and prop
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Installation of placard,
“PASSENGER WARNING - THIS
AIRCRAFT IS AMATEUR-BUILT
AND DOES NOT COMPLY WITH
FEDERAL SAFETY
REGULATIONS FOR
STANDARD AIRCRAFT”
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A
Issuance of
Airworthiness Certificate
Special Airworthiness
Certificate will be issued
 Operating Limitations will
be issued:
Phase I & Phase II
Appropriate Operating
Limitations must be onboard
aircraft while in operation
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Operating Limitations
Phase I - Flight Test Program
Initially
limited to assigned area
At
least 25 hours for (FAA-approved)
engine/prop combination
At
least 40 hours if non approved
engine/prop combination
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Phase I continued
Not
conducted over densely populated
areas or congested airways
usually
encompasses 25-statute mile
radius
Carrying
of passengers will not be
permitted
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Phase II - Permanent
Operating Limitations
After successful completion of Phase I
requirements and
A log book entry stating so
Phase II Operating Limitation become effective
and will remain in effect
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Repairman Certification
The aircraft builder may be certificated as
a repairman if the builder is the primary
builder of the aircraft and can
satisfactorily prove requisite skill in
operation.
This certificate can be obtained by making
application to the local FAA FSDO after
satisfactory completion of required flight
hours
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Thanks
for Having Me!!!
FLIGHT
FLIGHT STANDARDS
STANDARDS SERVICE
SERVICE
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