From: ReganRanch@aol.com
Message-ID: <c16e916.365d8a87@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Nov 1998 12:06:15 EST
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Subject: Major Alterations
Mime-Version: 1.0

          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
          <<  Lancair Builders' Mail List  >>
          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>
Charlie is quite correct when he points out that "the cognizant FAA office
must be notified and their response received in writing prior to flying this
aircraft after incorporating a major change as defined by FAR section 21.93."
In typical bureaucratic fashion 21.93 starts off by saying what a Minor
modification is and then says a Major modification is everything else. This
leaves the door wide open for interpretation. Although not explicitly
referenced, guidance for both the FAA and us is found in Appendix A, which is
why I said "Examples of major alterations are given in Appendix A to part 43
of the FARs."

I was a little confused (actually my natural state) at Charlie's comment "I
added all this to show that it is not applicable to an experimental aircraft!"
as it could imply that all of 21.93 doesn't apply when in fact only section
(b) doesn't apply to Experimental Aircraft.

Section (a) DOES apply. 
    " (a) In addition to changes in type design specified in paragraph (b) of
this section, changes in type design are classified as minor and major."

The key phrase here is "In addition" so even though part (b) doesn't apply to
experimental the minor and major class definition still does.

Of course my opinion in this matter doesn't mean jack. The only opinion that
matters is the one of the guy that will stand up in court and testify under
oath that your airworthiness certificate was valid when you crashed into that
day care center.

Regards
Brent