"exp Cub" ?
Is the old checklist for experimental construction/certification still being used to comply with 51% rule? I know the FAA has taken a new look at the 51% rule recently but haven't heard what changes they have made. I am building a exp cub and don't want to end up with problems. I know several DARs look at this site and hopefully some can offer some advise.
Thanks
Jim Miller
I'm not a DAR but have been involved in aircraft certification and lots of FAA fun. You did not really say much just "exp cub"?
If you're taking a Piper Cub made by Piper aircraft corp, where you are modifying it and calling it experimental, good luck. Not saying it can't be done, just once a certified plane, always a certified plane, short story. If you take parts of a certified plane and put it on an experimental plane, like an RV, like a certified engine and prop, than its NOT a problem, it's experimental.
The best bet is communication with the local FSDO inspector and document the heck out of it with pictures and logs. It does not matter what I say, it matters what the FAA says and the DAR that signs it off. There are kits, plans built and one of a kind customs.
If its a kit than the kit manufacture would have applied for FAA approval of 51% rule. If you try to sell them something that looks just like a Piper Cub (with Cub steel tube fuselage, spar and strut and.....parts) they might say this is a Piper Cub?
Don't be afraid to talk to the FAA. That is what they are there for. If you don't want to talk to your local FSDO call any one of them in any state. It's best to get a larger FSDO that does aircraft cert. Get it straight up and than ask three different FAA'ers to make sure, because believe it or not the FAA is not always consistent.
If an inspector say "NO", it does not mean he's right. If an inspector says SURE, that is no guarantee either. You need the regs behind you. In this matter they are pretty clear.
IF YOU ARE AN EAA MEMEBER, GIVE EAA LEGAL A CALL.