Annual inspection

[Thechap]

Okay guys, be gentle. I am still knew to this but here goes. Can any A&P mechanic do the annual inspection of my Gyro?

Thanks,

Bryan

 

[Vance]

In my opinion, yes!

In my opinion, yes!

Okay guys, be gentle. I am still knew to this but here goes. Can any A&P mechanic do the annual inspection of my Gyro?

Thanks,

Bryan

Hello Bryan,

The following below is an excerpt from my operating limitations.

These are the rules that my gyroplane, The Predator, N142 MG, operates under.

In my opinion most operating limitations for experimental aircraft will use similar language.

In my opinion an A&P has an appropriate certificate.

I use an IA who also has an appropriate certificate.

Many with the appropriate certificate will not sign off an experimental because the rules are fuzzy and they are not comfortable with the elevated liability.

I have been told that when you build an experimental aircraft yourself you have the opportunity to get a certificate for that aircraft if you are deemed qualified.

Thank you, Vance

11. This aircraft shall not be operated unless within the preceding 12 calendar months it has had a condition inspection performed in accordance with appendix D of part 43 and found to be in a condition for safe operation. This inspection will be recorded in the aircraft maintenance records.

12. Condition inspections shall be recorded in the aircraft maintenance records showing the following or a similarly worded statement: I certify that this aircraft has been inspected on (insert date) in accordance with the scope and detail of appendix D of 14 CFR part 43 and found to be in a condition for safe operation. The entry will include the aircraft total time in service, the name, signature, and certificate type and number of the person performing the inspection.

 

[willisbr]

Yes ANY A&P or the original builder.

Complete part D as Vance referred you to as well. That paragraph must be written in your maintenance log.

12 calendar months. Can be used to your advantage and gain a month each year. So if you had your last annual on the 30th, it would be in your interest to wait wait until the 1st to renew. That way you gain a month.

 

[Penguin]

Gees. I don't want to get involved in this.
But isn't the correct answer 'any IA', not 'any A&P' since an IA is required to sign off on an annual?
With the exception of a repairman authorized builder.

 

[hillberg]

Read the limatations with your issued airworthyness certificate, and IA is allowed to do an annual inspection anytime when requested by aircraft owner, With an Experimental cert-an A/P mechanic with or with out an I.A. (on any experimental)/or repairman issued to owner-builder can do an annual on his experimental certed aircraft.

 

[animal]

is that the Mouse I see? how is the Mouse doing? is it still flyable?

 

[Penguin]

Hillberg is, of course, correct. Experimental.

 

[Thechap]

Well, didn't know it but my son's wife's brother in law is an A&P. He agreed to come to the house to do the annual today. He did the inspection on the Air Command and made a couple of suggestions such as new gas lines, fuel filter, ect. Nothing I can't fix. Nothing mechanically wrong was found. He said that he had to research the Rotax 503 because he didn't know if the TBO was due on it. I explained that I thought the TBO by Rotax was "recommended" at 300 hours, or five years. I also explained that I wasn't all that sure that the TBO would even apply to a Light Sport Experimental. He said he would have to research it and get back with me before signing the log book for the annual inspection. Does anyone know what I can look up to show that the Rotax doesn't need a TBO befdore he can sign off on the Annual?

Thanks,

Bryan

 

[willisbr]

Since you are the owner of the experimental, you are responsible for determining whether it is "safe" to fly. It is good practice to have you 25/50/100+ hour inspections and the Part D of 43 inspections done prior to having the A&P check out your aircraft. This shows them that you have been maintaining it and that it should be in good repair. The Rotax 503 is not a certified engine and so TBO is recommended. He (inspector) won't shut you down because of being over a recommended TBO. That's up to you.

 

[hillberg]

The Mouse waits for a new fuel tank (bladder type) and the statement of "Recamended" is used in manufactures for TBO optional as lond as performence is up to specs,If you take a Part 91 (privte) opperation its optional,If the opperation is 135, or like a flight school,(compensation for hire) then it required.

 

[gyroplanes]

All TBOs are "recommended". I believe mandatory compliance only applies to Part 135 (Charter) and airline types. Our 135 operation frequently got FAA Approved TBO extensions by using oil analysis. I never heard of a flight school or other commercial operator having to comply with TBOs, in fact, I was told Embry-Riddle frequently runs their engine to double the TBO (probably attributable to proper care and frequent use)