technical counselor
is suggested that periodic inspections
by EAA technical counselors, other
builders, and airframe and powerplant
mechanics be noted in the logbook.
The FAA inspectors are also being
directed to conduct a more in-depth
“interview” of the builder to ascertain
whether the proper amount of
knowledge and understanding of the
processes involved in building the
aircraft were gained.
Much of the foregoing is aimed
at establishing that the builder did
indeed build the majority portion
of the aircraft. The final paperwork
carries that one step further. The new
Eligibility Statement, Amateur-Built
Aircraft (FAA Form 8130-12) says,
“I certify that the major portion of this
aircraft was fabricated and assembled by
(names of all builders) solely for my (our)
education or recreation in accordance with
14 CFR Part 21, Certification Procedures
for Products and Parts, Paragraph
21.1919(g), Operating Amateur-built
Aircraft. I have records to support this
statement and will make them available
to the FAA upon request. During the
fabrication and assembly of this project,
I/we used the following commercial
assistance (mark N/A, if no commercial
assistance was used).” Then the names,
addresses, and phone numbers of
the individuals who lent commercial
assistance must now be listed.
The net result is that if you used
a professional service for any of the
tasks on the evaluation form, and do
not list it, you’ve lied on a federal
document. This is not a good thing
and makes you liable for a huge
monetary fine. If you used too many
professionals and you exceed the limit
of allowed commercial assistance,
you won’t be able to certificate your
airplane as an amateur-built aircraft;
also not a good thing.
EAA recognizes that homebuilders will
have many questions about this new
policy and its effect on their activities
and has attempted to anticipate some
frequently asked questions. These
Q&As can be found online at www.EAA.
org/51percent. You’ll also find direct
links to the FAA’s website where the
ARC report and new homebuilt policy
will be available.
