Username Protected wrote:
If one owns a vintage warbird (for example an old foreign-military jet) that's in the Experimental Exhibition category, and reaches the life-limit of the airframe, what happens?
Can it continue to fly it since it's experimental, or does does it turn into a pumpkin?
If you know the answer, please help me with CFR/FAR reference.
thanks!
Experimental Category A/C are issued Operating Limitations, paperwork specific to an individual airframe. That document may have language in it that addresses you question as well.
These Limitations can vary for the same A/C type depending on what timeframe and what region they were issued. There was also a period of time they quit issuing any paperwork on imported foreign A/C in the early 90s. This moratorium was due to the Soviet Collaspe and a flood of Iron Curtain A/C were being imported. The FAA was at a loss in dealing with these A/C and they said Whoa!
So sometimes you’ll hear the term Pre-Moratorium related to A/C paperwork. That is a reference to this time period and possibly better terms in the operating limitations if issued earlier.