ARC Continues Discussions On Amateur-Built Certifications

 

May 10, 2007 — The Amateur-Built Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) met in Milwaukee this week for continuing discussions on future policies and procedures regarding the approval of kits and the certification of amateur-built aircraft. EAA's Earl Lawrence, co-chair, and Joe Gauthier, member of the EAA Homebuilt Aircraft Council, attended along with several representatives of the manufacturing community, including co-chair Dick Van Grunsven of Van's Aircraft; Jeremy Monnett of Sonex Aircraft; Mikael Via of GlaStar; and Rick Schrameck of Epic Aircraft. Frank Paskiewicz, FAA Manager, Production and Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service, led the FAA team.

In a related matter, the FAA recently issued clarifying language to FAA Policy 8130.2 (Change 3) stating that parts from type-certificated aircraft are not approved for use in amateur-built aircraft. The language reads: "A rebuilt, altered, or repaired type-certificated aircraft DOES NOT meet the intent of § 21.191(g) and DOES NOT meet the § 21.191(g) requirement that the major portion of the aircraft be fabricated and assembled." This language was added due to concerns with past policy interpretations that have led to the certification of aircraft that FAA headquarters questioned as meeting the eligibility requirements for an amateur-built certificate.