Turboprop Kit Meets 51-Percent Rule

Aircraft Investor Resources, manufacturer of the six-place Epic LT turboprop, announced Monday the US Federal Aviation Administration has signed off on the aircraft as an amateur-built aircraft kit. 

"We have determined the kit, as evaluated at [the Epic AIR] facility on November 16, 2005 and defined by Kit Bill of Materials and Epic LT Assembly Manual, meets the intent of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 21, §21.191(g)," said Kevin Mullin, Manager of the Manufacturing Inspection Office of the FAA, in a letter to the Epic.

According to the company, Epic builders will use the Epic Builder Checklist -- FAA form 8000-38 -- as the guidelines of tasks that must be completed by the amateur builder, in order to meet the FAA's 51-percent requirement for amateur-built planes.

Builders will assemble the major portions of the aircraft, though they will still be offered space to construct their aircraft at an Epic Build Facility with access to tools and materials. The kit can also be shipped directly to the customer. 

Upon completion of the amateur-built kit, and providing proper paperwork, the aircraft will be, "represented as eligible for airworthiness certification under §21.191(g)," states Mullin.

"We are pleased with the FAA’s positive support and participation in our program," says CEO Rick Schrameck. "We look forward to expanding our kit offering across North America in an endeavour to broaden the educational experimental market segment." 

The FAA Production and Airworthiness Division, AIR-200, is notifying the FAA Aviation Safety field offices of the eligibility of the kit and adding the kit to the list of eligible amateur-built aircraft kits. 

The company is still seeking Part 23 certification for the LT, as well as for the company's upcoming entry into the VLJ market, the EpicJet.

FMI: www.epicaircraft.com