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T
RAINING
M
ANUAL
–
L
ANCAIR
IV/IVP
CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS &
MAINTENANCE
Continued airworthiness is an important concern for the owner/ pilot. While some
Lancair owners built or participated greatly in the building of their aircraft, others
have not. There are many Lancairs flying today that are on their second or third
owner. Many of these pilots have never owned an experimental aircraft before.
The points below may help you to understand your obligations under the Federal
Aviation Regulations in flying and maintaining your aircraft.
Many pilots are under the mistaken impression that the FAR’s that apply to
normally certificated aircraft do not apply experimental/ amateur built
aircraft. This is not true with one exception.
Section 91.7: Civil aircraft airworthiness.
(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition.
(b) The pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether
that aircraft is in condition for safe flight. The pilot in command shall discontinue
the flight when unairworthy mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions occur.
There is no exception for experimental aircraft here. Just because you built it
does not give you license to fly an unsafe aircraft around the skies. If
something is broken or inoperative you may fly the aircraft on the condition that
the maintenance is properly deferred. Again, no exceptions for experimental.
14 CFR 91.213(d) governs. You may not takeoff with inoperative equipment or
instruments required under the regulations. For example, if you have an
inoperative transponder you may not fly in Class A, B or C airspace. Inoperative
oil pressure gauge? Grounded per 91.205. Inoperative altimeter or airspeed
indicator ? Grounded until repairs are made. Too many Lancair pilots have
come to grief flying airplanes with known deficiencies. Don’t be another
statistic. You are better off on the ground wishing you were in the air rather than
being in the air wishing you were on the ground.
The FAR’s make it pretty clear that the owner is responsible for maintaining the
aircraft in an airworthy fashion.
14 CFR 91.403 states: § 91.403 General.
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91
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Copyright
2007
LOBO
May
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without
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