You do not need a repairmans certificate to maintain an experimental. You do need it to perform the condition inspection. Additionally, only the builder of the airplane is eligible for the certificate.

Robert

I've purchased the plans for the 2 place bearhawk patrol. I want a bush plane. That's what I am going to build it to do.

And I want to BUILD!

Experimental- Amateur Built (E-AB) aircraft do not receive "annual inspections." The "annual" requirement applies only to Type Certificated aircraft, and is specifically required to determine the aircraft continues to conform to its Type Certificate as amended by any properly documented STCs and/or minor alterations.

E-ABs must receive an annual "condition inspection" to determine the aircraft is still airworthy, but do not receive nor are they endorsed for an "annual inspection" because there is no Type Certificate to which they are required to conform. Because the standards of this condition check are less stringent that those of an annual inspection, they do not need to be conducted by a certificated mechanic holding inspection authorization (A&P/IA). They may be conducted and endorsed by someone holding a "repairman certificate" (RC) valid for that specific aircraft. The only way to earn the RC is to have been that aircraft's builder. FAA awards the builder the RC at the same time it awards the Certificate of Airworthiness for an E-AB, after inspection of the E-AB and the builder's records by an FAA maintenance inspector.

An A&P may complete and log an annual condition check on an E-AB aircraft. Unless you are the airplane's builder you cannot endorse the condition inspection. It's a matter of debate whether you can conduct any maintenance or repair on an E-AB unless you hold an RC for that aircraft, or if an RC holder can perform maintenance on a type-certificated engine or avionics installed on an E-AB aircraft. Generally you need FAA certificated mechanics and technicians for those jobs. Talk to EAA for the definitive answer to what you can and cannot do with an E-AB you build or that you buy after it is complete.

I know a lot of Beech pilots who have built E-ABs, and RV-series airplanes in particular. They universally love the airplane for local, fun flying, but retain a type-certificate airplane for IFR and practical cross-country trips.

Let's build a RV14 Charlie. Should be plenty of room with the lifts going in today!

Just a clarification:

E-AB aircraft can also be used for IFR cross-country flights.

Valid points, but what about having someone build that experimental for you?

Indeed they can. As I said, however, most people I know who have built E-ABs after owning a type-certificated airplane in the Bonanza/Baron class prefer the spaciousness and stability of the type certificated airplane for IFR and cross-country travel over RV-class airplanes.

I just sold my RV8 and bought a F33 this summer.

Built the RV8 over 3 three years (quick build kit). it is a great learning experience and lots of fun. It typically becomes an obsession thinking through all the details and tasks that need to be accomplished. Takes lots of tenacity, time and family support. It was a great sense of accomplishment to fly it the first time. Also was able to fly in it to oshkosh with my 11 year old son who also spent hundreds of hours with me working on it...that was a great feeling too. Would highly recommend the experience. The best website for RV learning is vansairforce.net...lots of pros there.

No regrets selling it...i love my F33 even more...on a new learning curve with it now.....and i can keep my creative and building fix going by designing and making mods and upgrades to the 1990 model. The bonanza is more capable in many ways ( weather, payload, etc). If i could keep both in my hanger..i would.

Jay,

Welcome to BT. That is a good looking RV-8. I'll be proud if mine comes out looking that good.


Robert