Presented to: EAA 983 (Granbury / Pecan Plantation)
By: Mike Montefusco
Date: November 12, 2011
Federal Aviation
Administration

Certification and Operation
• Guidance concerning building, certification, and operation of amateur-built aircraft
• How much fabrication and assembly the builder must do
• The FAA’s role in the certification process
NOTE: FAA order 8130.2G covers Amateur-Built certification
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Presentation Topics
• FAA Certification Criteria
• Design and Construction
• Construction Kits
• Aircraft Registration
– Identification & Registration Markings
• Certification Inspection
• 14 CFR 91-319
• Certificate Inspection
• Issuance of the Special Airworthiness Certificate
• Operating Limitations
– Phase 1: Flight Test Program
–
Phase 2: Permanent Operating Limitations
• Showing Compliance with 14 CFR 91.319(b)
• Repairman Certification
• LODA: Letter of Deviation Authority
• AC 90-109: Airman Transition to Experimental or Unfamiliar Airplanes
• Aircraft Accident Summary and Risk Management
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Background
• FAA provides for the issuance of a Special
Airworthiness Certificates
• Experimental Category
• Allows for operation of amateur-built aircraft
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Background continued
• 14 CFR Part 21.191(g) defines an amateurbuilt aircraft as
– an aircraft,
• the major portion of which has been fabricated
• and assembled by persons
• who undertook the construction and assembly solely for their own
• education or recreation
NOTE: AC 20-27, Certification and Operation of Amateur-Built Aircraft
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
April 11, 2020
Federal Aviation
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FAA Certification
• In the Past,
– the FAA inspected the aircraft at several stages, called Pre-Cover Inspections
Since 1983, FAA inspections are limited to ensure acceptable workmanship, methods, techniques, and practices are used.
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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FAA Certification
• In recent years, amateur builders have called upon persons having expertise, such as:
• EAA Technical Counselors
• FAA Designated Airworthiness
Representatives (DAR)
– DAR can be used for technical guidance
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
April 11, 2020
Federal Aviation
Administration
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Certification Criteria
• Builders should have knowledgeable persons perform pre-cover and other inspections
• Documentation of construction
– i.e., Builders Log
• Any format
• Include photographs of all steps included in each of the listed tasks in the Amateur-Builder
Aircraft Fabrication and
Assembly Checklist (2009)
• Materials and techniques used in construction
• Dates, locations, and detailed descriptions
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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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
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Administration
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Design and Construction
• Adequate fuel supply for engine
• Suitable design for reduced fire hazard
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Federal Aviation
Administration
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Construction Kits
• 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
• FAA does not certify amateur-built aircraft kits
• FAA does not approve kit manufacturers
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
April 11, 2020
Federal Aviation
Administration
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Construction Kits
• “Major Portion” is known as the
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Construction Kits
• Caution:
– Purchasers of partially completed kits should obtain from the previous owner(s)
• All fabrication records
• All assembly records
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Federal Aviation
Administration
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Construction Kits
• Advertisements tend to be somewhat vague and may be misleading as to whether a kit is eligible for amateur-built certification
• Not advisable to order a kit before verifying with the local FAA office if the aircraft, upon completion, may be eligible for certification
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
April 11, 2020
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Aircraft Registration
• 14 CFR Part 47 covers registration
• Owner must apply for “N” number
– Can request special “N” numbers
– Can reserve a special “N” number for one year
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Aircraft Registration
• If a kit was used, obtain bill of sale from kit manufacturer
• FAA Bill of Sale can be used
• Provide an Affidavit of Ownership for Amateur-
Built Aircraft
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Identification & Registration Marks
• 14 CFR Part 21.182 requires registration to be displayed on the aircraft
• 14 CFR Part 45 states requirements for markings
• ID plate must be fireproof & secured
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Administration
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Identification & Registration Marks
• Name on ID plate is that of the Builder with any serial number
• ID plate must be located on exterior
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Identification & Registration Marks
“N” numbers must be displayed at a minimum height of 3 inches
If maximum cruise speed exceeds 180 knots,
“N” numbers must be at least 12 inches
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Identification & Registration Marks
“N” numbers may not exceed 5 symbols following the prefix “N”
– One to four numbers and one suffix
• i.e., (N1234B), or
– One to three numbers and two suffixes
• i.e., (N123BR)
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Administration
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Certification Inspection
• An FAA Airworthiness
Inspector or DAR will conduct the certification inspection
• Applicant needs to show compliance with 14 CFR
Part 91.319
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Administration
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It’s your aircraft
• Builder needs 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, app D, or
– other approved programs, and
– was found to be in a condition for safe operation
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Administration
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It’s your aircraft
• This statement will support the owner’s inspection and airworthiness statement on block III of FAA Form 8130-6
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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14 CFR Part 91.319
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) For carrying persons or property for compensation or hire
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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14 CFR Part 91.319
Para (b): No person may operate an aircraft that has an experimental certificate outside of an area assigned by the Administrator until it is shown that --
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Administration
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14 CFR Part 91.319
(1) The aircraft is controllable throughout its normal range of speeds and throughout all the maneuvers to be executed; and
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Administration
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14 CFR Part 91.319
(2) The aircraft has no hazardous operating characteristics or design features
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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14 CFR Part 91.319
(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
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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14 CFR Part 91.319
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.
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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14 CFR Part 91.319
(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
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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14 CFR Part 91.319
(2) Operate under VFR, day only, unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Administrator; and
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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14 CFR Part 91.319
(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 .
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Administration
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14 CFR Part 91.319
(h)(2)(i) The Administrator may prescribe additional limitations that the Administrator considers necessary, including limitations on the persons that may be carried in the aircraft.
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Administration
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14 CFR Part 91.319
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Administration
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14 CFR Part 91.319
Your
FSDO
Aviation Safety
Inspector!!!!
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Certification Inspection
Please contact your FAA
Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) at least 30 days in advance of your requested inspection
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Certification Inspection
The Inspection will include
– a review of 14 CFR Part 21.193
– a review of the builder’s log
– an examination of the completed aircraft
Certification of Amateur-Built 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
– (White Form 8050-3)
• Builder’s Log
• Log books for the
– Aircraft
– Engine
– Prop
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Successful Aircraft Inspection
Installation of Placard
“PASSENGER WARNING - THIS AIRCRAFT IS
AMATEUR-BUILT AND DOES NOT COMPLY
WITH FEDERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR
STANDARD AIRCRAFT”
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Issuance of the
Special Airworthiness Certificate
• A Special Airworthiness
Certificate will be issued
• Operating Limitations will be issued:
– Phase I & Phase II
– Appropriate Operating
Limitations must be on-board aircraft while in operation
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
April 11, 2020
Federal Aviation
Administration
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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.
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
April 11, 2020
Federal Aviation
Administration
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Experimental Amateur-Built
Operating Limitations
• Phase I - Flight Test Program
– Initially limited to assigned area
– At least 25 hours for (FAA-approved
Type Certificated) engine/prop combination
– At least 40 hours if non-approved engine/prop combination
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Phase I
Flight Test Program
• Not conducted over densely populated areas or in congested airways
• Usually encompasses 25-statute mile radius
• Carrying of passengers not permitted
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
April 11, 2020
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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 Limitations become effective and remain in effect
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Federal Aviation
Administration
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Showing Compliance with
14 CFR Part 91.319(b)
• Flight test program should be developed in accordance with AC 90-89, Amateur-Built
Aircraft and Ultra light Flight Testing Handbook, or its equivalent in scope and detail.
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
April 11, 2020
Federal Aviation
Administration
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Showing Compliance with
14 CFR Part 91.319(b)
• Applicant should be advised that after the experimental amateur-built airworthiness certificate has been issued, they must show compliance to 14 CFR Part 91.319(b).
• This is done by developing a flight test program that addresses the requirements, goals, and objectives of each test flight.
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
April 11, 2020
Federal Aviation
Administration
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Flight Test Programs
Flight Test Program Serves 2 Purposes:
1. Ensures aircraft has been adequately tested and determined to be safe to fly within the aircraft’s flight envelope.
2. Flight test data is used to develop an accurate and complete aircraft flight manual and to establish emergency procedures.
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Flight Test Programs
Note: The EAA Flight Advisor program has been established to assist applicants in developing flight test programs.
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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First Flight: Who is going to fly it?
In most cases, the builder will make the first flight
– Some things to think about:
• Proficiency
• Transition training
• Currency
• Selecting an Airport
• Developing a plan
• Using a Technical Counselor
• Being willing to cancel the flight
• Being Prepared for Emergencies
– In the air and on the ground
• Weather
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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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.
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Repairman Certification
A Repairman Certificate can be obtained by making application to the local FAA FSDO
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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• 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 (LODA).
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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(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.
Request for deviation authority must contain:
1.A complete description of the proposed operation, and
2.Justification that establishes a level of safety equivalent to that provided under the regulations for the deviation requested.
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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Airmen Transition to
Experimental or
Unfamiliar Airplanes
Certification of Amateur-Built Aircraft
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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
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Summary
• Use the resources available to you – EAA / FAA
• Build a simple Risk Management Plan
Enjoy this wonderful freedom we have!
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LoC on 1st Takeoff
LoC on Other Takeoff
LoC for Powerloss
LoC
In-flight Separation
Forced Landing
0 2 4 6 8 10
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LoC Pilot
LoC for Powerloss
CFIT
Midair
In-flight Separation
Forced Landing
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
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