tain your hand written day-by-day description of work
performed. References to the builder’s manual section
should be included and pictures posted in this log are
ideal. Each day’s entry should be initialed or signed
just as a pilot’s log book is endorsed by the pilot.
Given this documentation you should have no
problem obtaining your “Repairman” certificate. With
this certificate you then are in effect the A & P and the
AI for your aircraft (plus engine and propeller) and can
perform any and all maintenance it may require, mod
-
ify, add or remove equipment etc. with the resulting
savings in both time and dollars.
WARNING
It remains your responsibility as pilot to
insure that the machine remains airworthy. For
example your altimeter and transponder must be
checked each 24 months by a certified repair station
before the plane can be flown.
All limits, procedures, safety practices, ser
-
vicing instructions and requirements contained in this
handbook are considered by Lancair to be mandatory.
It is strongly recommended that you secure the services
of an FBO familiar with Lancairs or at least this type
of amateur built aircraft for support. This will benefit
both you as the owner and the FBO by becoming your
second pair of eyes on an as required basis. Lancair or
your local EAA chapter can supply you with helpful
information in this regard.
Non-owner Built Aircraft
If you purchased your Lancair from the build
-
er, it then falls under the rules of all other aircraft and
owner/pilot maintenance is significantly restricted. It is
then treated just as a commercially built aircraft except
that an AI is not required for annuals, any A & P can
perform annuals on an “amateur built” aircraft. (The
original builder still may perform any and all work on
the aircraft he holds a repairman’s certificate for.)
For aircraft registered in the United States, FAR
Part 43 defines the types of servicing and maintenance
that a certified pilot who owns or operates the aircraft
may perform. For other countries the registry of that
country should be consulted to define the work that
may be performed by the pilot. All other maintenance
required must be performed by appropriately licensed
personnel.
In this case it is again recommended that you
secure the services of an FBO for your maintenance so
that it can become familiar with the aircraft. Such per
-
sonnel will undoubtedly want to familiarize themselves
with the aircraft and will need access to the builder’s
manuals, blueprints, etc. in order to best serve your
needs.
AIRPLANE INSPECTION PERIODS
FAA Required Inspection Periods
An annual condition inspection is required on
all aircraft. This inspection must include an inspection
of the landing gear, all structure for cracks, evidence
of delaminations, corrosion of parts, security of fittings
and fasteners, a compression test of the engine’s cylin-
ders and an inspection of the propeller. This “Annual
Condition Inspection” must be signed off in the aircraft
log book by the inspector, as well as any repairs neces-
sary due to items found during the inspection.
Recommended Inspections
