Tue, Sep 09, 2014
One Way A Sport Pilot Can Beat The Cost Of A New S-LSA Is To Purchase An FAA Type Certificated Classic
Certificated sport pilots have some restrictions regarding the performance of preventive maintenance on an FAA type-certificated aircraft. When we use the term, “FAA type-certificated,” we mean any aircraft that holds a “white” airworthiness certificate. Planes like Piper Cubs, Aeronca Champs, Taylorcrafts, and Ercoupes fall into this category.
Another definition that needs to be made clear, is the term “certificated sport pilot.” This is a pilot who holds a sport pilot certificate; a pilot who holds a higher level pilot certificate but is exercising sport pilot privileges is not limited by the rule being discussed here.
The FAA maintenance rules state that a pilot/operator may perform preventive maintenance on his or her aircraft, as described in FAR 43, Appendix A. (Appendix A is a list of preventive maintenance items). However, pilots holding sport pilot certificates are specifically excluded from being allowed to perform preventive maintenance on type-certificated aircraft.
Okay, this is a bummer, but there is a way sport pilots can work on their own type certificated aircraft. FAR 43.3 (d) allows a person to perform maintenance on an aircraft if they are under the supervision of a mechanic. The supervising mechanic must observe the work to the extent necessary and be available while it is being performed. When the work is completed, the supervising mechanic will make the appropriate maintenance record entries.
So, sport pilots who want to work on their own FAA type-certificated aircraft need to find a mechanic who will work with them as the supervising mechanic. Some mechanics will agree to supervise maintenance, and some won’t. If you are a sport pilot with an FAA type-certificated aircraft, keep this in mind when you choose a mechanic to perform your maintenance. Be sure to ask about owner assisted maintenance before you select your mechanic.
(Image of Taylorcraft from file)
More News
Also: SkyReach Parts Support, Piper Service Ctr, Airliner Near-Miss, Airshow London The Judge overseeing Icon's convoluted Chapter 11 process has approved $9 million in Chapter 11 >[...]
ILS PRM Approach An instrument landing system (ILS) approach conducted to parallel runways whose extended centerlines are separated by less than 4,300 feet and at least 3,000 feet >[...]
Aero Linx: FlyPups FlyPups transports dogs from desperate situations to fosters, no-kill shelters, and fur-ever homes. We deliver trained dogs to veterans for service and companion>[...]
Also: Skydio Chief, Uncle Sam Sues, Dash 7 magniX, OR UAS Accelerator US Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall was given a turn around the patch in the 'X-62A Variable In-flight>[...]
Also: NBAA on FAA Reauth, DJI AG Drones, HI Insurance Bill Defeated, SPSA Airtankers The Beechcraft Denali continues moving forward towards certification, having received its FAA T>[...]