Inspection
Thoughts
I have inspected quite a few
aircraft so far in all three different classes, airplane, WCS, and PPC.
Here are some of the things I have found and for you to ponder.
I am there as a representative of the FAA.
I can advise and point out deficiencies and if you can fix those
deficiencies before I leave I can still issue the airworthiness certificate.
If you can’t then I will not be able to issue at that time, however the
cost is still the same. There is
information available from the EAA and my website to assist you in a successful
inspection. I have published the
exact checklist I use during the inspection to help you.
If you have talked to me and downloaded the checklist to pre-inspect your
plane, please don’t act surprised and ask me, “do I really have to do
that?” A lot of thought went into
making up those checklists for each specific aircraft.
As an example, Yes, you really do have to label the throttle
“open-closed” This isn’t my
pet thing it is a Federal Regulation. Think
of it this way, if you had never been in that aircraft before and didn’t know
what each “thingy” did how would you label it so that you would know.
My main job is to inspect
your plane for the “legal” requirements, ie. The placards, labels and
other required items. I am
also there to assess the over all safety of your aircraft.
Loose floppy wires, air-filters not safety wired,
etc. will get noticed. And
since they are listed on the checklist I am still surprised that I find that
kind of thing. Remember if it is
installed or it is a control it must work and it must be labeled.
If you have a fuel valve it must be labeled and on-off positions
placarded. Prop bolts must have some
sort of safety system, either a stop nut on the back or drilled heads and safety
wire. The positive terminal on all
large cables should have a protective boot.
These can be had from Aircraft Spruce & Speciality Co.
the part number is MS 25171-2 and cost $1.00.
They can be ordered online. Unprotected
high amperage terminals are dangerous in an aircraft.
If a direct short occures a fire can result and that is never a good
thing in the air. All fuses
must be labeled with what they protect and what the replacement fuse amperage
should be. If you have a fuse
holder that is accessible while you are sitting in the cockpit then a spare fuse
should be available within your reach. These
are some of the items I have discussed with owners.
I go to each inspection
ready to issue the airworthiness certificate so you can get on with having fun
flying your freshly certified ELSA. The
last thing I am thinking about is going home with an un-issued certificate.
A little research and time spent reading the available info will make the
inspection go smoothly and with the least amount of me nit-picking things.
For information get the EAA
certification package, log onto my
website and read the articles, fill
out and print the forms, or download the items you need.
Lastly call me with any questions either about filling out the paperwork
or the requirements for your plane. I
will be happy to assist you. We will
both be happier when I come to inspect and the process will go without a hitch.