Tue, Apr 13, 2010
First Kits To Be Accepted Under New Amateur Building Rules
Sonex, Waiex and Xenos aircraft kits are the first to receive
official FAA National Kit Evaluation Team (NKET) checklist
acceptance and publication under the newly revised rules governing
experimental/amateur-built aircraft, continuing Sonex
Aircraft’s proactive leadership role in the experimental
aircraft industry. NKET checklist participation also opens the
opportunity for Sonex Aircraft builders to legally obtain
commercial assistance for their projects.
Following participation in the FAA’s Amateur-Built
Rulemaking Committee (ARC) formed in August of 2006, Sonex Aircraft
invited the FAA’s newly formed National Kit Evaluation Team
to use Sonex, Waiex and Xenos kits for their practice evaluation
exercises, making Sonex Aircraft a natural choice for the
NKET’s first official evaluations to follow. As of March 31,
the Sonex, Waiex and Xenos are the first amateur-built kits to be
accepted by the FAA under Advisory Circular AC 20-27G, FAA Order
8130.2F, and FAA Order 8130.35. Not only does NKET evaluation
bolster the pre-existing, grandfathered evaluations of Sonex
Aircraft kits, but it also updates the acceptance to include the
latest Pre-Assembled Main Wing Spar and Machined Angle Component
kit upgrades offered by Sonex Aircraft, LLC. Additionally, Sonex
Aircraft customers can use NKET checklists to determine exactly how
much commercial assistance may be used in the construction of their
projects without violating the “major portion”
requirement of 14 CFR section 21.191(g) for
experimental/amateur-built aircraft, commonly referred to as the
“51 Percent Rule.”
“While the Sonex, Waiex, and Xenos kits were already
grandfathered in from the previous evaluations, Sonex Aircraft saw
value in pursuing evaluation under the new rules particularly for
our customers who wished to legally obtain commercial assistance
for their projects.” Commented Jeremy Monnett, Sonex
Aircraft, LLC General Manager and CEO. “Sonex Aircraft also
wants to continue its leadership role in the development and
integration of the new rules governing amateur building in the
United States. Our experience with the new rules, the NKET, and FAA
management has been superb. The FAA is, in our view of things,
fairly and consistently integrating these new rules.”
Sonex Aircraft customers can download all versions of the
Amateur-Built Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly Checklist (2009)
form for Sonex, Waiex and Xenos aircraft, find FAQ’s and
other important information on the Sonex Aircraft web site.
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