Proving 51% Amateur Built
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 12:21 am
by Xenos 59
Did any of you use the FAA “Amateur-Built Fabrication and Assembly Checklist” when getting your aircraft inspected? Or is having good build logs and photos sufficient evidence?
https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/ult … listFW.pdf
Re: Proving 51% Amateur Built
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 10:24 am
by Sonerai13
The answer to your question depends on the project and who built it. First and foremost, a thorough builder log will be required regardless of whether a checklist if filled out or not. You need the builder log to support what you’ve put on the checklist. The checklist can never stand on its own.
Now, referring specifically to a Sonex product, if the builder(s) didn’t hire any professional assistance and have a well documented build, there would be no need to fill out the checklist. The checklist is only required if there was some level of professional assistance hired to help complete the project. I just did a certification a while ago on an aircraft (not a Sonex product) that was built using professional assistance. The checklist was used and compared against the builder log to verify that the amateur builder had still accomplished enough tasks to qualify for the airworthiness certificate. (In this case, the builder just made it.)
So don’t discount the need for a substantial builder log. Regardless of whether the checklist comes into play, you’ll need the construction records. But if you hire professional assistance to help complete tasks that are listed on the checklist, then you’ll need to complete the checklist as well.
Re: Proving 51% Amateur Built
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 10:46 am
by radfordc
Also, the FAA has a list of kits that it has already determined meet the 51% rule as long as the builder (or builders) don’t use any commercial assistance. Sonex kits have all been approved by the FAA. If you build from a kit that isn’t on the pre-approved list then you do need to prove that you meet the 51% rule and the fabrication check list is the best way to do this.
Re: Proving 51% Amateur Built
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 12:52 pm
by Rynoth
Here is a link to the Sonex website with their checklists, as well as the “letter of elegibility” showing that the FAA has already approved these particular kits per the 51% rule. Basically, if YOU built the plane from one of these kits, you’ve met the 51% rule. Just need a builder log to prove it was you.
https://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft-certification/
I printed out the checklist and letter of eligibility for my kit in case the inspector wanted to see them, but IIRC it was a non-issue as he was already aware that it was an approved kit.
Also of note is this statement at the bottom of the checklist:
“► The applicants completion of tasks can be documented in a number of ways and may include
(1) Builder’s logs.
(2) Photographs/video/DVD.
(3) Drawings.
(4) Engineering data when necessary.
(5) Relevant documentation (e.g., plans) and references (e.g., handbooks) used.
(6) Documentation concerning any commercial assist
(7) Documentation concerning any non-commercial assistance used.
(8) Part inventories and histories.
(9) Receipts, Catalogs.
(10) Log book entries”
Re: Proving 51% Amateur Built
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 2:27 pm
by Xenos 59
Perfect! Thanks so much for the info gentlemen 
Re: Proving 51% Amateur Built
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 2:36 pm
by Area 51%
On one of the forms we’re filling out for the registration it asks for; manufacturer-model-serial number of the installed engine.
Think Aerovee…..ish. What are the answers?
Re: Proving 51% Amateur Built
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 4:27 pm
by Rynoth
Area 51% wrote:On one of the forms we’re filling out for the registration it asks for; manufacturer-model-serial number of the installed engine.
Think Aerovee…..ish. What are the answers?
For mine, I used my last name as Manufacturer, Model Aerovee (Turbo), S/N is the serial number on the engine (it’s printed on the accessory plate if it’s an Aerovee.)
Re: Proving 51% Amateur Built
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 8:36 pm
by Sonerai13
Rynoth wrote:
Area 51% wrote:On one of the forms we’re filling out for the registration it asks for; manufacturer-model-serial number of the installed engine.
Think Aerovee…..ish. What are the answers?
For mine, I used my last name as Manufacturer, Model Aerovee (Turbo), S/N is the serial number on the engine (it’s printed on the accessory plate if it’s an Aerovee.)
That works. Or you can use AeroVee for make, 2.1 for model (or 2180), and the serial number off the accessory plate. Easy Peasy!
Re: Proving 51% Amateur Built
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 9:08 pm
by radfordc
Rynoth wrote:Basically, if YOU built the plane from one of these kits, you’ve met the 51% rule. Just need a builder log to prove it was you.
And it doesn’t even have to be just “you”. There can be any number of builders as long as they are all building for “education and recreation”. You can buy a project started by someone else and you’re still legal for the 51% rule.
Re: Proving 51% Amateur Built
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 9:13 pm
by radfordc
The manufacturer is generally, almost always, the person who built the plane. Model/Serial number can be anything you want it to be…for example “Joe Smith Sonex SN 001”.
Re: Proving 51% Amateur Built
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:30 am
by Sonerai13
radfordc wrote:And it doesn’t even have to be just “you”. There can be any number of builders as long as they are all building for “education and recreation”. You can buy a project started by someone else and you’re still legal for the 51% rule.
Very true! The only caveat there is that there had better be good builder documentation from the previous builders to verify that they were amateur builders as well as yourself. A very important thing to look for when considering the purchase of a partially completed project.
Re: Proving 51% Amateur Built
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:33 am
by Sonerai13
radfordc wrote:The manufacturer is generally, almost always, the person who built the plane. Model/Serial number can be anything you want it to be…for example “Joe Smith Sonex SN 001”.
Yes, for an amateur-built aircraft, the manufacturer will be the person or entity who actually built the aircraft, not the kit manufacturer. This can be (and usually is) a person’s name. But it can also be a corporation or LLC name if the aircraft is registered in this fashion.
As for serial number, it is recommended that the builder use the plans or kit serial number, but it is not required. The only requirement is that the serial number be unique within that manufacturer name.
Re: Proving 51% Amateur Built
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 11:23 am
by Area 51%
That works. Or you can use AeroVee for make, 2.1 for model (or 2180), and the serial number off the accessory plate. Easy Peasy![/quote]
Since the form asks for manufacturer (not make) I didn’t consider using AeroVee in that location on the form. Because my engine is a hybrid with limited AeroVee components, I’m not sure it would be appropriate to use the name AeroVee anywhere on the form. I do have the mounting plate with the serial number and AeroVee logo though.
Re: Proving 51% Amateur Built
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 3:13 pm
by Sonerai13
Area 51% wrote:
sonerai13 wrote:That works. Or you can use AeroVee for make, 2.1 for model (or 2180), and the serial number off the accessory plate. Easy Peasy!
Since the form asks for manufacturer (not make) I didn’t consider using AeroVee in that location on the form. Because my engine is a hybrid with limited AeroVee components, I’m not sure it would be appropriate to use the name AeroVee anywhere on the form. I do have the mounting plate with the serial number and AeroVee logo though.
On all the FAA forms used for amateur-built certification the FAA uses “builder”, “manufacturer”, and “make” pretty indiscriminately. For the purposes of amateur-built certification they all mean pretty much the same thing. You just need to stay consistent once you choose something.
For your particular situation, where the engine is a “one-off” you could call it anything you want. Use your name, just like on the airplane, or make up a name. It could be the “Belchfire 2180” or whatever you choose!