Who can do Annual Inspections?

[wsweidemann]

If I acquired a pre-built Earthstar aircraft (or any other homebuilt for that matter), who does the annual inspections? May I "go to school" to get qualified, take it to another Earthstar owner or must I rely on an A&P? Yes, I know that if I was the original builder I could do all the maintenance and the inspections, but if I'm a second or third owner & not the builder what do I do? Also, what am I allowed to do as far as any alterations if I am not the builder.

Skot

[o4201]

The builder can apply (without taking a class) for a repairman certificate
and do the conditional inspection on that aircraft.

or you can pay an A&P/AI to do it.

or, you can take the appropriate 16 hour repairman class and (after
passing the test at the end of the class) get a certificate to do the
condition inspection on any ELSA aircraft you own.

Blade.

[o4201]

Oh, that was assuming that its registered ELSA not Exp/AB.

And the second part of the question - yes, anybody can work on an ELSA
aircraft. It just needs to pass the condition inspection each year.

Blade.

[wsweidemann]

Well...what would a Odyssey be registered as? I assume it would be an
Experimental that qualifies to be operated in the Light Sport Category. I
understand this means I must get an A&P who is willing to stick his neck out
and sign off an inspection on an Amateur Built aircraft.

[cossitt.alan]

my understanding also. It is not immensely hard to find an A&P to sign off
but you will have to find one. Only if you built the aircraft or
grandfathered in a UL can you get a repairmain certificate.

_____

[blaswichk]

Great question.

If the plane qualifies for a legal ultralight, no big deal. You can wrench on it to your hearts content. Once the plane becomes an E-LSA and get's an 'N' number, it's FAA territory. You can get the Airmans Repair Certificate required to do your own work, or you can do like we do, have a real good freind that's an A&P that will guide you and look over your shoulder. That's the beauty of these things. they are cheap to maintain, and try new things and toys.

kb

[blaswichk]

Depends somewhat on who built the Odysessy. If it is factory built, then it is an LSA, and only an A&P, or somebody under his direct tutleage. If it is a kit owner built, then it is an E-LSA, (Experimental Light Sport Aircraft), and the original builder can work on it, but the susequent owners (like me), have to get the repair certifiacte, or do things under a A&P watchfull eye, (that's us).

Hope this helps

kb

[wsweidemann]

Interesting situation about inspections. One of the reasons I ask the question was because yesterday I got my annual inspection taken care of on the Luscombe by my favorite mechanic (with me in the shop helping as much as possible or course, which is why I chose him). I asked if he would do condition inspections on a hombebuilt and he said No. Reason being his concern about liability. So in my case, it sounds like I would either have to find another cooperative A&P nearby or go to a mechanics course if that would work (which is what I probably would do IF this would qualify me to do maintenance and inspections on a pre-built Experimental). In the long run, one of the reasons for having something like an Earthstar is to keep the costs down (low fuel burn, doing your own inspections, relatively inexpensive engines, etc.). My take.

Skot

[blaswichk]

There you have it, a cooperative A&P is the way to go, with you doing as much as you can under his watchful eye. I know four A&P's, one won't touch any homebuilt, one guy takes your keys and gives you a bill, and the other two will let you do as much as they feel is proper. Works for me!

kb

[o4201]

Could be either one (ELSA or Exp/AB) - you need to check our aircrafts
registration t know for sure. My previous comments only apply to ELSA.

Blade.