Scratch Aircraft Build from Plans

[grostek]

Hi all,

Can some one please explain what the current situation is for people who want to build from plans. Say a Zenair 601XL (Not a Raven from Carl Babst)

For example are told

1. Not possible
2. Plans must have serial number
3. Plans must have serial number and all stress as well as flight calculations.
4 plans must have all the above and then the completed aircraft must be proof loaded.

What about material substitution that deviates from what is called for on plans because of local availabiity of an equivalent (strength wise) do you need to get a consultant to do the calcs for you.

Basically what is required.

Kind regards,

Gunter Rostek.



Comments would be welcome.

[RudiGreyling]

Eish, bad timing, lots of NTCA problems currently

First things first, try get a builders number from CAA, without it your screwed. If you are lucky some fool before you submitted all the engineering data required, if not you are going to need to supply it for CAA to have on record before you will get build number.

"It is illegal to build or import a kit that is indented to be put on the SACAA register without a build number". Without build number you won't get it registered, so whats the point then?

If you are going to substitute materials, you are in for some more FUN.
It can be anything from just calcs, to static load testing to prove it.

Ask your local EAA chapter, and then phone CAA to talk to someone.

I am not an expert, but have heard about the problems.

Regards
Rudi

[grostek]

Hi Rudi,

Thanks for the advice.

My intention when I return to SA next year is to build a 601xl from plans
I think there are some on the SA register already.

Kits are a headache if formalities have not been done , there I agree with you, so will stay away from kits.

Reason for the 601xl ,because it can be build from scratch in 750 - 800 hours if you dont spent 200 hours diddling about deciding how to do a specific job.

Just as an aside all scratch build aeries in germany get proof loaded, even if there are 100 on the register. so things are a damn sight tougher there.

Kind regards,

Gunter Rostek.

[RudiGreyling]

Hi Rudi,

<SNIP>

Kits are a headache if formalities have not been done , there I agree with you, so will stay away from kits.

No, you got it wrong...or maybe I wrote it not clear enough...

Kits is MUCH Easier that Scratch Build Plans from a formality perspective.

Even Plans build need Builders numbers! And many more head-aches.

With Plans you have to follow the exact material and bill list as per the approved plans. If you don't then you have to Proof to CAA it is equivalent. This Proof can be a head-ache

With a KIT at least all the parts is the same, you don't have to prove the material list is equalvalent, it is what it is, what was approved. One less big head-ache.

In addition during the NTCA emergency workshop, some CAA representatives said they acutally want ALL homebuilds to be static load tested. It is still up in the air, where it will land is anybody's guess.

Bottom line, before you spend any money on any thing get a builder's number for the type from SACAA.

It does not matter if there are flying examples in SA, the rules changed!

Point in Case, there are 60 registered flying RV examples on the SACAA register, but SACAA now says the Kit is illegal not accepted for new builders cause they don't have all the engineering documentation on file. We RV builders are hastily trying to get the documentation in place for SACAA to accept it and approve the RV kit, AGAIN. The same is true for many other types.

I hope it helps...but once you are back sign up with your closest EAA club!

Rudi

[grostek]

Hi Rudi.

Good advice, thank you.

Kind regards,

Gunter Rostek.