New Grads Train At FAA's OKC Center

On Monday, the EAA reported that the number of inspectors for homebuilt aircraft recently took a significant step forward. Last week, 20 new amateur built designated airworthiness representative (AB-DAR) candidates completed the first scheduled course at FAA and TSI (Transportation Safety Institute) facilities in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

EAA staff members Earl Lawrence and Joe Norris served as instructors along with FAA and TSI representatives during the three-day course held January 27-29. Les Sargent, FAA Airworthiness Program Manager, said course evaluations were extremely favorable.

"One of the guys said it was the best FAA course he's ever been to," Sargent said. "Far and away the majority of the evaluations are in the excellent category. Attendees liked the hands-on aspect to the course, actually going and looking at an airplane and being able to evaluate the application package, inspect the airplane and go through the issuance of the certificate."

Having actual aircraft on which to apply classroom concepts was paramount to the course's success, Sargent said, but the original course outline did not include aircraft. "Originally, the development money for the program was earmarked to produce a role-playing video," Sargent explained.

In preparation for the sport pilot and light-sport aircraft DAR (LSA DAR) program, EAA loaned the FAA a Buckeye Dream Machine powered parachute for additional hands-on training.

"The attendees thought it was a very informative, well-put-together class," Norris said. "Many indicated they received valuable information to take out into the field and help as they begin to inspect amateur built aircraft."

Day 1 of the course provides information about the FAA Designee Management Handbook; AB-DAR program; and certification procedures for amateur-built aircraft. On day 2, Lawrence and Norris provide an overall review of amateur-built aircraft construction methods that highlight the many different types of aircraft designs and construction procedures AB-DARs may face when inspecting aircraft. For example, the wide variety of engines installed, which can run the gamut from "A" to "X" - an auto engine conversion to the X-COR rocket engine.

The second section also linked lessons learned from Day 1 to the types of aircraft designs and construction techniques prevalent today.

On Day 3, students split into three inspection groups for the field test portion. Each group had to perform an inspection on one the three aircraft donated to TSI by EAA; Students had to recognize definitive flaws in the aircraft and/or paperwork then, as a group, determine whether to issue a special airworthiness certificate, order corrections, or deny issuance of the certificate.

The vast majority of course 1 students were EAA-appointed candidates, and all were EAA members.

Another AB-DAR course is scheduled for June 8-10. Officials are also considering adding another course date between now and then.

Final authorization to do inspections comes from a candidate's issuing FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) or MIDO (Manufacturing Inspection District Office). Norris, who serves as senior aviation information specialist at EAA, recently was the first new AB-DAR to receive homebuilt inspection authorization by the FAA following completion of the prototype course in December 2003.

EAA congratulates the 20 AB DAR candidate attendees for this significant step in the overall process of being qualified to inspect and certify amateur-built aircraft. They now must go back to their FAA FSDO or MIDO manager for the final AB DAR appointment process:

FMI: www.eaa.org