Looking in an older version of the 8130.2, the groups were still listed in 2010. Don’t really know when they were revised out except, I believe they dropped the geographical operational limits as well at the same time.I’d be interested in knowing the specifics of when the use of "aircraft groups" was revised out of the E/E process a number of years ago.
You are probably correct. However, I would recommend you at least inquire with both the EASA and FAA since the 207 does have a valid EASA TC. The bi-lateral agreements between the FAA and the EASA are different than those older LBA agreements. In some cases the newer EASA agreements can offer a different or updated route toward receiving reciprocal approvals. The worst they can say is no and you go E/E.Whether an aircraft was type certified in another country does not to the best of my knowledge make a regulatory difference when applying for N-registration under FAA Experimental Exhibition, and I would not expect that a Bölkow 207 would get any other airworthiness certificate than E/E.
And to add, aircraft registration (N-number) is a separate and independent process from the airworthiness certification process (AWC – E/E). No airworthiness certification can take place until after the aircraft is properly registered or has started the new registration process in some cases. This is why it is very important to know and understand all the airworthiness certification requirements and possibilities prior to starting dereg/rereg process when importing an aircraft.
This point was only in response to your comment on the AN2. The only issue I was aware of back then with the AN2s dealt with their use under the Restricted Category and not E/E as I believe there are a couple dozen AN2s operating under E/E in the US. Traceability comes into play for commercial ops not private ops.The issue with manufacturing traceability also makes no difference when N-registering e.g. a Yak-52 in E/E.
And it shouldn’t. The use of E/E for the Panthera is perfectly acceptable and the process has been used for similar aircraft for quite some time. Personally, I see no issues based on my experience dealing with E/E aircraft.And apparently neither factor affected thirteen uncertified anywhere Pantheras sold in the US for personal transportation either,