New Grads Train At FAA's OKC Center
On Monday, the EAA
reported that the number of inspectors for homebuilt aircraft
recently took a significant step forward. Last week, 20 new amateur
built designated airworthiness representative (AB-DAR) candidates
completed the first scheduled course at FAA and TSI (Transportation
Safety Institute) facilities in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
EAA staff members Earl Lawrence and Joe Norris served as
instructors along with FAA and TSI representatives during the
three-day course held January 27-29. Les Sargent, FAA Airworthiness
Program Manager, said course evaluations were extremely
favorable.
"One of the guys said it was the best FAA course he's ever been
to," Sargent said. "Far and away the majority of the evaluations
are in the excellent category. Attendees liked the hands-on aspect
to the course, actually going and looking at an airplane and being
able to evaluate the application package, inspect the airplane and
go through the issuance of the certificate."
Having actual aircraft on which to apply classroom concepts was
paramount to the course's success, Sargent said, but the original
course outline did not include aircraft. "Originally, the
development money for the program was earmarked to produce a
role-playing video," Sargent explained.
In preparation for the sport pilot and light-sport aircraft DAR
(LSA DAR) program, EAA loaned the FAA a Buckeye Dream Machine
powered parachute for additional hands-on training.
"The attendees thought it was a very informative,
well-put-together class," Norris said. "Many indicated they
received valuable information to take out into the field and help
as they begin to inspect amateur built aircraft."
Day 1 of the course provides information about the FAA Designee
Management Handbook; AB-DAR program; and certification procedures
for amateur-built aircraft. On day 2, Lawrence and Norris provide
an overall review of amateur-built aircraft construction methods
that highlight the many different types of aircraft designs and
construction procedures AB-DARs may face when inspecting aircraft.
For example, the wide variety of engines installed, which can run
the gamut from "A" to "X" - an auto engine conversion to the X-COR
rocket engine.
The second section also linked lessons learned from Day 1 to the
types of aircraft designs and construction techniques prevalent
today.
On Day 3, students split into three inspection groups for the
field test portion. Each group had to perform an inspection on one
the three aircraft donated to TSI by EAA; Students had to recognize
definitive flaws in the aircraft and/or paperwork then, as a group,
determine whether to issue a special airworthiness certificate,
order corrections, or deny issuance of the certificate.
The vast majority of course 1 students were EAA-appointed
candidates, and all were EAA members.
Another AB-DAR course is scheduled for June 8-10. Officials are
also considering adding another course date between now and
then.
Final authorization to do inspections comes from a candidate's
issuing FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) or MIDO
(Manufacturing Inspection District Office). Norris, who serves as
senior aviation information specialist at EAA, recently was the
first new AB-DAR to receive homebuilt inspection authorization by
the FAA following completion of the prototype course in December
2003.
EAA congratulates the 20 AB DAR candidate attendees for this
significant step in the overall process of being qualified to
inspect and certify amateur-built aircraft. They now must go back
to their FAA FSDO or MIDO manager for the final AB DAR appointment
process:
James Auman (IL)
Frank Baldwin (MO)
Mike Dehate (OR)
David Eby (TX)
Lowell Farrand (IN)
Frederick Griffith (WA)
Robert Hayos (CA) |
Ronald Jones (NY)
William Leftwich (FL)
Robert Loose (AZ)
Timothy Mahoney (MN)
Al Malecha (AZ)
William Meserole (MD)
Gary Meuer (TN) |
Jim Miller (MO)
Ernest Patterson (KY)
Alan Purdy (CA)
Gary Sobek (CA)
James Thomas (PA)
David Vandenburg (MN) |