lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Bob has Questions: <<Two Questions, Lets say you have modified your <snip>. I got 25 hours from the FAA inspector. <snip True this is not an approved certified engine. >> True enough. Your FAA inspector gave you a break. <<Next question. a mandatory instruction bulletin is issued by the FAA lets say, a particular part in the motor has been found defective like a camshaft or crankshaft and you must correct the problem in the next 50 flight hours. I am under the impression that even though your engine is now "Experimental" you must comply with these instructions because that part has been deemed to be "not airworthy". >> If it is an experimental engine it no longer has a certified engine part number and the AD does not apply. IF you are claiming the engine in your aircraft is "certified" AND there is a mandatory AD AND there is an accident involving the aircraft (not necessarily due to the AD) THEN your insurance carrier MAY NOT cover the loss claiming that the aircraft was not airworthy. Most policies have an airworthy clause. The FAA won't back you up as they will say "The engine must have conformed to the data plate when it was installed, so the builder must have modified the engine after our initial inspection". They will NOT say "Sure, we know that the engine didn't conform, so what, Bob didn't change anything important and he seems like a nice guy so we gave him a pass". This is the same "gotcha" as when you make any major modification to the aircraft without notifying the FAA. Take Rick's supercharger, for example. To be legal he needs to notify the FAA of the change and they will likely issue restricted limitations for a flight test period. If he does not do this then his plane may not be airworthy and his insurance may be void. I had to do this when I changed props. Be warned. I am not an attorney, I am an idiot, so don't take my word on this. Contact your local FSDO or AOPA legal to get the "truth". ***IMPORTANT POINT*** It is reasonable to conclude that there are a growing number of used "certified" engines available in the market that are removed from experimental aircraft. It would also seem, as Bob points out, that the FAA is cavalier with engine data plates in experimental aircraft. Therefore, if you buy a used engine you run the risk of not knowing what parts you are buying. This makes a strong case for a teardown, inspection and possible rebuild engine that you are not SURE of it's history. Regards Brent Regan LML website: http://members.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please remember that purchases from the Builders' Bookstore assist with the management of the LML. Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.