Someone Else's Started Project?

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Kevin Eggert

Pre-takeoff checklist
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Feb 6, 2020
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Kevin
My question is this... What is the best way to document a build when you buy a E/AB kit project that was started but not completed by someone else? There are some build sheets, but not as much documentation or pictures as I would have taken if I were doing it myself. When it comes time for getting an airworthiness certificate, how much will need to be shown for stuff that was done prior to me. Do I need to disassemble some things and start the record keeping process over for what was done previously? From what I can see, the prior builder did a quality job at what was done. Not that it really matters, but the prior builder is deceased, so not really able to help with any of this.
 
The inspection is done on a completed airplane. If you are after the repairman's certificate then good build logs will need to be available:

§ 65.104 Repairman certificate—experimental aircraft builder—Eligibility, privileges and limitations.

(a) To be eligible for a repairman certificate (experimental aircraft builder), an individual must—

(1) Be at least 18 years of age;

(2) Be the primary builder of the aircraft to which the privileges of the certificate are applicable;

(3) Show to the satisfaction of the Administrator that the individual has the requisite skill to determine whether the aircraft is in a condition for safe operations; and

(4) Be a citizen of the United States or an individual citizen of a foreign country who has lawfully been admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

(b) The holder of a repairman certificate (experimental aircraft builder) may perform condition inspections on the aircraft constructed by the holder in accordance with the operating limitations of that aircraft.

(c) Section 65.103 does not apply to the holder of a repairman certificate (experimental aircraft builder) while performing under that certificate.

 
I’d be more worried about how much of the finished needs to be re-done.
 
TCABM said:
I’d be more worried about how much of the finished needs to be re-done.
Click to expand...

Absolutely. The last kit I bought had a bit of previous work that was poorly done. I believe that was the reason the fellow sold it as he realized early in that he didn't know what he was doing. Most was noticed during the buying inspection but there were a few other discrepancies found out later.

That meant doing some disassembly, ordering a few parts and hand making others, but in the end it came out really good. I had an excellent mentor working with me and learned lot ...
 
You don’t need to disassemble anything as far as the AWC is concerned. Ideally you received the previous owners build log with the kit to which you’d add your contribution. In the end whether the inspector, be it a DAR or a FSDO employee, wants to see the log is dependent on the individual inspector. Some do some don’t. Best to ask them exactly what they want to see both paperwork and aircraft wise before the inspection so there are no surprises, I used a FSDO inspector for my RV-10 and he didn’t look at my build log at all even though I had it in a binder with all of the other necessary documents. Neither did the FSDO guy that interviewed me for my Repairman’s Certificate (although he did grill me for an hour and half mostly on my power plant and associated systems knowledge). I had it with me but he wasn’t interested,
 
tsts4 said:
You don’t need to disassemble anything as far as the AWC is concerned. Ideally you received the previous owners build log with the kit to which you’d add your contribution. In the end whether the inspector, be it a DAR or a FSDO employee, wants to see the log is dependent on the individual inspector. Some do some don’t. Best to ask them exactly what they want to see both paperwork and aircraft wise before the inspection so there are no surprises, I used a FSDO inspector for my RV-10 and he didn’t look at my build log at all even though I had it in a binder with all of the other necessary documents. Neither did the FSDO guy that interviewed me for my Repairman’s Certificate (although he did grill me for an hour and half mostly on my power plant and associated systems knowledge). I had it with me but he wasn’t interested,
Click to expand...

On one build (17 years ago) it seems the old boy had the paperwork done before I could get the hangar open for the inspection. Never asked about the logs.

On my last build (my current plane) the inspector was extremely thorough even making me crank the engine, taxi around, prove the brakes worked, and then he came and looked at the instruments to see that they all functioned (as well as could be observed from the ground). During the paperwork he didn't look at the logs but we had an extended conversation over weight & balance and the loading effects on CG. He had me do my calculations by hand to show that I could and to verify the information I had given earlier.

When I went later to the FSDO to get my repairman's certificate I had the logs and they went through them and asked questions at certain intervals as to what was being done & how. It was very clear that I had built it and could maintain it ...
 
I had zero problem with the Oakland FSDO. The guy barely looked at my build log. Never asked a question about it.

A large part had not been documented by the previous builder but it was a non-issue. I didn't bring it up and he didn't ask.

When it comes right down to it I don't really think they care very much. How are they going to prove it wasn't ammature built if it really comes down to it??
 
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