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met with FAA today. The airworthiness inspection started off badly when he ask for the list of AD's for my engine and the entries showing compliance.

Overall, he liked most everything. BUT said I need to do the following

1. placard the static ports
2. didn't like the EXPERIMENTAL decal on the rollbar. said it needed to be visible at all times. but I talked him into allowing it's placement as it is visible to everybody entering the plane.
3. My oil cooler installation wasn't finished, so I need to finish fitting a cover over the standoff.

AND the BIGGIE which kept him from issuing my airworthiness cert.

I had not shown him compliance with the AD's for my engine. I said it's experimental. His response was your logbook shows all Factory parts were used so I must have compliance. I said it's a IO-360 B1X, no AD's apply. He said I have no authorization to change the dataplate to read B1X. AAaargh!

I tried to make my point that if I (non A&P) scooped up parts from a garage and built an engine it would not be able to have a factory data plate. It is experimental. He resisted this line of thought, saying my builder had listed all the parts and since they are Lycoming parts I have to have a Lycoming data plate. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he'll get back to me on Monday.

Later, I'm going hunting

Call the FSDO IMMEDIATELY Brian and speak to his supervisor!! HE IS INCORRECT on the engine, plain and simple! GO ABOVE him...

This is SO wrong...I can't even believe this!!

I know it's wrong. I had a feeling it was coming, because he asked for AD's list last week. today he had a letter/memo concerning this very subject, appears to be the newest pet peave. He read it to me and it talked about type certificate compliance. My response was "but it is not a TC aircraft, so does not apply"

I am nauseous and need to step back for a day or two.

What kind of data plate is on the engine? Was it a lycoming plate that you modified, or a blank one that you filled in?

That stinks, I hope you get it straightened out soon.

Brian,

Take a deep breath....it will come out OK. He is wrong and will figure that out when he tries to find the FAR to back himself up.

Another week or so is nothing in the grand scheme....

Call the EAA and ask for advice if he does not come around.

This is nothing compared to dealing with the special issuance medical board that makes up there own rules!!!!

brand new custom data plate.

You're getting some good responses on VAF...good advise, and I'd probably take most of it. I'd still make a call to the guy's superior, but keeping a cool head about this is the best option. He'll see he is wrong most likely, and this will all be a distant memory in the not-to-distant future!

Patience has never been my forte'....especially when the other person is wrong. I have been polite and respectful to Mr. FSDO. When we were done yesterday he said he needed to do some research and would get back to me on Monday. I'm hopeful that he'll get some good advice from his side. If not I'll be picking up my paperwork and calling the DAR.

I also am in contact with the Joe Norris EAA government advocate. He has been recommended as the goto guy for helping.

I emailed the EAA about this also. The current Advisory Circular is the basis for what the DARs and FAA inspectors are referring to, saying that the engine in an amateur-built aircraft must comply. A new revision is in the works to contain additional language to clarify the situation as it relates to experimental aircraft. After the new AC is released, the conditions may change.

Here's some more information:
http://Smittysrv.com/docs/Airworthiness ... rcraft.doc
http://Smittysrv.com/docs/ADsAmateurBuilts.doc

Brian,

The problem with now going with a DAR might also be an issue. The DAR's are controlled/managed by the FSDO and they may still create an issue for you if they roadblock the DAR.

This is rediculous that you have to go thru this but it will work out in the end!!!

UPDATE:

Talked with my engine builder (who is also a Certified repair station). His response was:
"Sure I will supply you with AD list for that engine/parts and what we checked. But this is the first time I've ever had too. the mods we did automatically void the TC and they won't apply. Also the data plate is made out EXACTLY as the FAA mandates. I'll send you all the info. " "oh and give him my phone number I will be happy to discuss the issues with him & don't worry all will be well"


I also called the FSDO guy and told him what I found. He seemed like he was backing down a bit and I got the impression that if I would have had an AD list for the parts, we wouldn't be at this point. Right or Wrong, he's in charge right now.

But, looks like it'll be resolved

Good news!! A few more days to look things over now...

Excellent news dude!

I am curious if you interviewed the FSDO before you asked them to do this as to how many times they have done these inspections, etc?

With the inconsistency across FSDO's and even some DARS's it probably makes to do some due diligence regarding the ones we use.

Thanx for the update buddy and keep the chin up!

Spike

Spike, I didn't personally interview the FSDO.....but he came highly recommended as a good guy and he'll treat you right. He is in the local EAA chapter and is building a Avid with a VW engine. He inspected a friends Smith Cub last spring and a Rans S-7 recently also. I spoke with both those guys to get their opinion about him before I ever called him. Both said he was reasonable and good to work with. The local Tech counselor knows him was even surprised.

From what I gather, he recently got a memo discussing AD compliance with ALL airplanes and parts regardless of category or class. By entering the Lycoming part numbers in my engine logbook, I opened the door to AD compliance, which according to this guy, is mandatory even for E-AB.

Brian, Sorry about the hasslle! Keep EAA National advised of every step before you take it and follow their advice to the letter. For better or worse you are going to have to deal with the FSDO and most likely that inspector. Work carefully with the guy who helped you build the engine and the EAA. There is a history of "new situtations" arising constantly and therefore National EAA's involvement is parmount! Good Luck!

Thanx for the info Brian. Sounds to me like you did do enough due diligence on the inspector. I wouldn't have done anymore than that. Might have to think about that one a bit more as the time comes closer.

I say buy two cases of beer, one for yourself, one for your engine builder, pass of the paperwork, and tell the inspector you like his eyes. This will work itself out buddy. I do believe that there is a big difference between mis-information/ignorance and malice and suspect that your difficulties are caused more by the former and less by the latter.

Can't wait to see that bird fly.

Mr FSDO and I have arrived at common ground.

I supplied a list of the AD's and how I addressed them. He has backed off the other stuff. He'll have my Cert of Airworthiness ready for me on Wednesday.

This is really great news!!

so tell me, how did you address those AD's? Actually, I am curious as to what satisfied him?

Congrats Brian! Excellent news.