lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<x-flowed> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> At this time, if you install approach certified GPS equipment in your experimental aircraft, such as a Garmin 430, the FAA must sign it off and the installation must be performed by a certified Avionics shop. You will receive a 337 form after such an installation. My avionics shop also hired me for $1 to perform the required accuracy flight tests. Under the old Experimental Airworthiness certification, you had to get written FAA approval for a "major modification" before you could fly. A friend cut off the back of his certified E-Racer, took out the mid mounted auto engine, attached a blown I/O 540 and called the FAA. Their visit confirmed it was still an airplane and they required him to fly off 3 additional hours. So much for a 337. Concerned about the changes I had made to my plane (and logged), I wrote to the FAA claiming that my modifications were minor and asked them to confirm this in writing. I did receive such a confirmation and a notation that their response was like a form 337 and should be attached to the aircraft log. If your aircraft were to be certified now, the following limitation would be included in your airworthiness certificate: (17) After incorporating a major change as described in § 21.93, the aircraft owner is required to re-establish compliance with § 91.319(b). All operations will be conducted day VFR in a sparsely populated area. The aircraft must remain in flight test for a minimum of 5 hours. Persons non-essential to the flight shall not be carried. The aircraft owner shall make a detailed log book entry describing the change prior to the test flight. Following satisfactory completion of the required number of flight hours in the flight test area, the pilot shall certify in the records that the aircraft has been shown to comply with § 91.319(b). Compliance with § 91.319(b) shall be recorded in the aircraft records with the following or a similarly worded statement: "I certify that the prescribed flight test hours have been completed and the aircraft is controllable throughout its normal range of speeds and throughout all maneuvers to be executed, has no hazardous operating characteristics or design features, and is safe for operation. The following aircraft operating data has been demonstrated during the flight testing: speeds Vso______, Vx______, and Vy______, and the weight______, and CG location______ at which they were obtained." (18) This aircraft shall not be used for glider towing, banner towing, or intentional parachute jumping. The above text was obtained from the EAA member site: http://members.eaa.org/home/homebuilders/government/operations.html Ergo, your logbook entry would be the 337. Note that minor changes should also be logged as minor changes so that, at a later time, any variance from the "certified" airplane will have been noted as required by the FARs. Scott Krueger N92EX _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com. </x-flowed>