A friend asked me a question I could not answer. After their phase I flight testing, they painted their experimental aircraft. This would affect the weight and possibly balance. Part 21.93 discusses minor and major changes, a major change requiring a limited repeat of Phase I flight testing.
21.93 says "A??minor change?? 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."
Do you think painting has no appreciable effect on weight and balance or not? If it has an appreciable effect on weight and balance, it would qualify as a major change and suggest they should repeat some of phase I flight testing. What would you tell them?
21.93 says "A??minor change?? 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."
Do you think painting has no appreciable effect on weight and balance or not? If it has an appreciable effect on weight and balance, it would qualify as a major change and suggest they should repeat some of phase I flight testing. What would you tell them?