Q & A: 
Question of the Week
For EAA Aviation Services

I own a Valentin Taifun 17E motorglider with an Experimental Airworthiness Certificate. I am undergoing an annual inspection and the AI has pointed out that I do not have "EXPERIMENTAL" placards mounted in the aircraft. OK, so I am told that there is a specific FAR which specifically spells out the size, spacing, and location of the letters and where they have to be mounted. I have searched the FAA website for hours and have failed to find where this is stated. Can you help me out?

Answer:
You're looking for 14 CFR 45.23(b), which states:
"(b) When marks include only the Roman capital letter “N” and the registration number is displayed on limited, restricted or light-sport category aircraft or experimental or provisionally certificated aircraft, the operator must also display on that aircraft near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station, in letters not less than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches high, the words “limited,” “restricted,” “light-sport,” “experimental,” or “provisional,” as applicable."

Note that the "experimental" marking must be no less than 2 inches high and no more than 6 inches high, and that it must be displayed "near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station...". This requirement should also be called out in the operating limitations that were issued to your aircraft as a part of its airworthiness certificate, so you may want to check that document as well.

EAA has "experimental" placards available in either black or white letters. Call EAA membership services at 800-843-3612 and specify black (E30582) or white (E30581). Cost is $2.49 per placard.

How can we help you?
To ask a question regarding government issues, e-mail govt@eaa.org. If you have a question about registration, airmen, aircraft and medical certification, safety records, performance, or any other matter, e-mail infoserv@eaa.org.
  

December 2005
EAA Desktop Calendar