Maybe I am misinterpreting your message but, I think you are overstepping the purpose of an annual inspection on an aircraft or engine by saying that if an engine only has "condition" inspection by a repairman then the engine "automatically" becomes experimental. That is like saying if my Cessna goes over its annual period it becomes experimental and can only be returned to its normal standard airworthiness status by Cessna. That is not the case. It only needs an annual inspection by an IA to return it to an airworthy condition.

 

Likewise, my engine does not need an "annual" inspection by an IA to maintain its "continuous" paper trail as you suggest.  I see no requirement for a "continuous" paper trail. The regs do not say "aircraft and engines must have an annual inspection every twelve months". They say "no person may operate an aircraft unless in the last twelve calendar months"... (big difference). BTW, I don't see any regulations separating engines into "normal and experimental" categories like aircraft. If you know of any please advise.

  

 

Engines are issued typed certificate data sheets and may be installed in certificated aircraft if they meet the following. (This was taken from a Type Certificate Data Sheet for  TSIO 520 engine)

 

"Engines of models described herein conforming with this data sheet (which is a part of type certificate No. E7CE) and other approved data on file with the Federal Aviation Administration, meet the minimum standards for use in certificated aircraft in accordance with pertinent aircraft data sheets and applicable portions of the Federal Aviation Regulations provided they are installed, operated and maintained as prescribed by the approved manufacturer's manuals and other approved instructions."

 

I have seen no language in the regulations that suggest what you say in that an engine becomes "experimental" if an IA does not do its annual or needs to be torn down and inspected if it is not maintained in a continuous airworthy condition by an A&P. The engine can be returned to service by an IA simply by doing a one time annual  inspection confirming it conforms to its TCDS and approving it for return to service. The owner of an experimental aircraft is required to keep records of all maintenance, preventative maintenance and insepections per Part 91 (see below) just as an owner of a normal category aircraft is required to keep records. If the IA thinks that the engine contains non approved parts then it is the IA's perogative not to sign it off for use in a normal certificated category aircraft.

 

If you have other information or regulations or Advisory Circulars to cite-- then please do so.

 

Best Holiday Regards,

 

Jeff Edwards

 

Section 91.417: Maintenance records.

(a) Except for work performed in accordance with §§91.411 and 91.413, each registered owner or operator shall keep the following records for the periods specified in paragraph (b) of this section:

(1) Records of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration and records of the 100-hour, annual, progressive, and other required or approved inspections, as appropriate, for each aircraft (including the airframe) and each engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance of an aircraft. The records must include—

(i) A description (or reference to data acceptable to the Administrator) of the work performed; and

(ii) The date of completion of the work performed; and

(iii) The signature, and certificate number of the person approving the aircraft for return to service.

(2) Records containing the following information:

(i) The total time in service of the airframe, each engine, each propeller, and each rotor.

(ii) The current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance.

(iii) The time since last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft which are required to be overhauled on a specified time basis.

(iv) The current inspection status of the aircraft, including the time since the last inspection required by the inspection program under which the aircraft and its appliances are maintained.

(v) The current status of applicable airworthiness directives (AD) including, for each, the method of compliance, the AD number, and revision date. If the AD involves recurring action, the time and date when the next action is required.

(vi) Copies of the forms prescribed by §43.9(a) of this chapter for each major alteration to the airframe and currently installed engines, rotors, propellers, and appliances.

(b) The owner or operator shall retain the following records for the periods prescribed:

(1) The records specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall be retained until the work is repeated or superseded by other work or for 1 year after the work is performed.

(2) The records specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section shall be retained and transferred with the aircraft at the time the aircraft is sold.

(3) A list of defects furnished to a registered owner or operator under §43.11 of this chapter shall be retained until the defects are repaired and the aircraft is approved for return to service.

(c) The owner or operator shall make all maintenance records required to be kept by this section available for inspection by the Administrator or any authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). In addition, the owner or operator shall present Form 337 described in paragraph (d) of this section for inspection upon request of any law enforcement officer.

(d) When a fuel tank is installed within the passenger compartment or a baggage compartment pursuant to part 43 of this chapter, a copy of FAA Form 337 shall be kept on board the modified aircraft by the owner or operator