Rob Neils wishes to know about minutiae concerning FAA airworthiness
certification of Europa MG
1) I have such a certification/Program Letter for N224XS for two years
now. The Program Letter is the controlling document.
2) Burt Compton is a well known Glider Author and CFI and I enjoy his
books on soaring but he knows
nothing about Europa, Homebuilding, or A/C certification. He and I
have discussed his issues several
times at Oshkosh and I thought he had been enlightened several years
ago. Your information may be old.
3) AC 21-17-2b is totally irrelevant to the Europa, It applies only to
Part 21 Aircraft with official
Type Certification. It plays no regulatory role at all in homebuilt
aircraft. Its definitions do not
apply to to Special Airworthiness Certification - Owner Built A/C.
For homebuilts, the official
requirement is: "intent to use as a glider" and installation of a
feathering prop with glider wings
from factory kit is adequate presumptive evidence.
4) My Certification / Program Letter is actually conditional:
With Short wings installed, N224XS is an airplane, with Long
wings installed it is a self-launching glider
The program letter goes on to declare that the A/C is eligible
and approprate for DAY/NIGHT VFR/IFR
in keeping with 91.205 (and 224XS is fully loaded)
5) For homebuilt A/C, the Gross weight and the CG envelope are just what
YOU the Builder say it is. Period.
6) If you have a DAR who is not "comfortable" or knowledgable with
homebuilts, find another, you can
shop for one as much as you please. The EAA can help. For example,
FlightCrafts was recommending
a local old codger DAR I think because he was cheap for his services.
Unfortunately, he refused to declare
long winged Europas as motorgliders (because he was unfamilar with the
actual rules.). One or more Europa
builders were burned on this. I called EAA and they gave me several
name to call. Several of these DARs
were quite knowledgeable and comfortable writing the Program Letter
the exact way I wanted it. The one
I selected did an excellent, thorough inspection, made me start the
engine for him, fully demonstrate my EFIS system,
and signed me off. It cost more than the local codger. You get what
you pay for.
Get the Right Inspector and Have Fun! Remember the FAA is not the PFA.
No PFA nanny rules apply to you!
Ira, N224XS
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