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Date: Sat, 17 Dec 2005 17:47:16 -0500
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From: "Christopher Zavatson" <Christopher.Zavatson@baesystems.com>
Subject: Re: [LML] another Oooops!
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Matt,
<<Question: I have an IFR-certified GPS in my aircraft. Is it required =
that I
make an entry into my aircraft's maintenance logbook every time I update =
the
database?
Answer: Yes. The FAA, under 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, defines what is
considered to be a major alteration, major repair, and preventive.....>>

My answer is no.  It turns out that Part 43 does not apply to Lancairs(kits=
).  If you read the first section 'Applicability', you will see find that =
experimentals are excluded.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (d) of this section, this =
part prescribes rules governing the maintenance, preventive maintenance, =
rebuilding, and alteration of any*.......
(b) This part does not apply to any aircraft for which the FAA has issued =
an experimental certificate, unless the FAA has previously issued a =
different kind of airworthiness certificate for that aircraft.=20

I had a long talk with my FSDO and insurance company about this when I =
changed out my cowling.  The test they are applying to determine if you =
have made any "major alteration" lies in 21.93

21.93
(a) In addition to changes in type design specified in paragraph (b) of =
this section, changes in type design are classified as minor and major. A =
=93minor change=94 is one that has no appreciable effect on the weight, =
balance, structural strength, reliability, operational characteristics, or =
other characteristics affecting the airworthiness of the product. All =
other changes are =93major changes=94=20

Given 21.93, your data base update is safe.  One should understand how the =
local FSDO interprets "appreciable effect".  If they believe part 43 is =
applicable, I would ask how they come to that conclusion given the =
experimental exclusion.

Chris Zavatson
N91CZ
360 std
www.N91CZ.com