Sat, Jan 24, 2004
Classes Underway Soon
Put this one in the
history books: The first amateur-built designated airworthiness
representative (AB-DAR) was officially and fully authorized this
week to perform homebuilt aircraft inspections on behalf of the
FAA. Suitably, the first AB-DAR hails from EAA: Joe Norris, senior
aviation information specialist. Joe received his final orientation
via telephone interview Thursday from the principal inspector at
Minneapolis (MSP) Manufacturing Inspection District Office
(MIDO).
EAA worked extensively with FAA over the past several years to
develop the AB-DAR program to help alleviate a growing backlog of
inspection requests from amateur-built aircraft builders. EAA
facilitated recruiting more than 60 AB-DAR candidates, and also
played a key role in developing the required training course and
materials.
David R. Smith, an Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI-Manufacturing)
working out of MSP MIDO, gave Norris the orientation, the last
required step in the AB-DAR approval process. MSP MIDO Office
Manager Andrew B. Lown signed Norris' DAR certificate and letter of
authorization.
"Now that all the steps are completed, Dave Smith will be
sending me the appropriate paperwork that I'll need when I
certificate an amateur-built aircraft," Norris said. "I will then
work with Dave on scheduling certifications that he (or his office)
would like me to handle."
Builders who wish to contact the MSP MIDO can call 612/713-4366.
Builders can contact the MIDO to request the Amateur-Built
Certification Packet, which will include all the applicable forms
and FAA advisory circulars.
The first AB-DAR course will take place on January 27-29 at the
FAA Academy in Oklahoma City (OK). Conducted by the Transportation
Safety Institute (TSI), 18 AB-DAR appointees are scheduled to
attend. Another course is scheduled for June 8-10, 2004. Officials
are also considering adding another course date between January and
June.
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