Anyone May Perform Maintenance On An Experimental Amateur Built Airplane; But Should They?

The rule that allows the leeway for maintenance on an experimental amateur built airplane (E-AB) makes sense when you apply it to the original builder. After all, the original builder knows the airplane better than anyone else. That’s why the original builder is also allowed to receive an FAA repairman certificate that allows the builder to perform the annual condition inspection.

However, things get a little muddy when we’re talking about the owner not being the builder of the airplane. Let’s call this person a, ‘downline owner.’ The downline owner may be allowed to perform all maintenance under the regulations, but it also brings up the question of; is the downline owner qualified to do so? Here’s a case where what the regulations allow and what the owner should do may not be the same.

If the downline owner elects to perform his or her own maintenance, it’s imperative to receive as much information about the aircraft as possible. If the aircraft was built from a kit provided by one of the widely recognized kit manufacturers, there is a high probability that the manufacturer can make available technical details, drawings, and even building instructions to help the new owner become more familiar with the aircraft. The same holds true for a well-recognized engine manufacturer.

It’s important to understand that the kit manufacturer is not the manufacture of the finished aircraft. This means they may not be able to answer every question regarding a specific aircraft or its engine installation.

Another source of valuable information for maintaining an aircraft can be found in the FAA Advisory Circular 43.13b titled, Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices. This Advisory Circular is well-written, easy to read, and should be in the library of anyone who owns an E-AB. It is the primary fallback reference for all certificated mechanics.

Just because the rules allow the owner to perform the maintenance doesn’t mean it should work that way. Be aware of manufacturer’s bulletins and procedures, use AC 43.13b, and bring a licensed mechanic to your aid if you have any doubts about what you’re doing.

Simply apply the basic rule that all pilots use; if in doubt, don’t.

(Image from government publications)

FMI: FAA documents