QQWhen performing an aircraft inspection what should I be looking for egarding aircraft
registration?
The buzz word for aircraft
registration is simple: currency. New, as of 2010, U.S.
aircraft registrations (FAA
Form 8050) have an expiration date. All aircraft registrations will be expiring over
the next three years based on a schedule released in 14 CFR
47. 40. Each aircraft registration must be renewed according to
its original certificate month of issue. Renewal, after that, is required every three years.
Aircraft with expired registrations are considered not registered in the FAA system, therefore, that aircraft’s airworthiness certification becomes ineffective. No registration; no
authorization for flight. Your job as the aircraft mechanic is
to notify the owner to correct the problem. We all know that
during an inspection, verifying aircraft documents is critical.
Inspections must meet all applicable maintenance airworthiness requirements ( 14 CFR 43. 15) and operation requirements for civil U.S. aircraft certifications ( 14 CFR 91.203). No
matter how mechanically sound for flight, if the aircraft records are not current, the aircraft is not airworthy. Abide by
this simple rule: no sign-off until current.
I want to build an E-LSA, Experimental Light Sport
Aircraft. Do I have to build 51 percent of the aircraft
and document that for the FAA?
No. Note this: there are similarities and differences between E-LSA and Experimental Amateur-Built Aircraft and it
is critical for anyone contemplating a build to understand the
two certifications. Both, when completed, have special airworthiness certificates in the EXPERIMENTAL category. That
said, they follow two different building paths to receiving that
certification. Builders completing amateur-built aircraft must
complete at least 51 percent of the build, and provide proof, in
photos and documentation, that they did so. The aircraft must
be built solely for education or recreation; no hired-built aircraft are allowed. A builder can deviate from the kit/plans according to her wishes, however, to create a custom craft.
E-LSA has no required completion percentage or additional criteria for education or recreation. These aircraft must be
built from an approved E-LSA manufacturer’s kit, with supporting paperwork, strictly following all documentation. No
deviations or customizing in any way are allowed until after
the airworthiness certification is received; and then only conforming to LSA definition. You can legally hire someone to
build your E-LSA. Find the specifics in 14 CFR 21.191(g) and
(i) of the Federal Aviation Regulations. ✈
TeCH
Tips
Denise Waters
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Denise Waters (WAI #221) is an FAA-certified A&P mechanic
and Repairman-LSA-Airplane and pilot. She enjoys air racing
as a passion.
Proud to support the women who move aerospace forward. It’s in our power.™
Your talent shapes our industry and our future.
Learn more at www.pw.utc.com.
