Buyers Told To Verify STC Documents

The Experimental Aircraft Association tells ANN several recent instances have come to light where aircraft sellers have attempted to pass their aircraft off as having an autofuel supplementary type certificate (STC). Subsequent records checks with the two STC holders (EAA and Peterson Aviation) did not confirm this, and there were no placards on the aircraft.

There have also been more ramp checks for autofuel STC documents at airports recently, according to the EAA.

EAA and Peterson are the only organizations that issue these placards, since the program began in the early 1980s. Aircraft purchasers are cautioned that if they are buying an aircraft that has been advertised, or if they were verbally told that the aircraft has an autofuel STC -- and that is a factor in determining the final purchase decision -- check to make sure the aircraft does indeed have the STC.

The EAA states buyers may contact Petersen Aviation or the EAA at the FMI links below, to see if the records are on file. Also, buyers are asked to check to see if the aircraft has placards on the wings next to the fuel inlets. If there are no placards, it's possible someone fraudulently used a copy of an STC, or has misrepresented the aircraft to a potential buyer.

The autofuel STC today costs a minimum $1.50 per horsepower of the engine. A complete set of standard documents can include an information packet, possibly with Field Information, Instructions, an Authorization Page, Airplane Flight Manual Supplement (required to stay in the aircraft), Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, STC for the airframe, and STC for the engine. There are also Service Bulletins and other information that are sometimes included with the placards in the packets.

An autofuel STC can save a lot of money over the years and can add to the value of your aircraft when you want to sell... a powerful enticement for some unscrupulous sellers to make fradulent claims.

FMI: www.autofuelstc.com, dwalker@eaa.org