I have been asked by several readers to expand on my post about the Canadian owner maintenance category.
Most of the details have already been posted here. It was started by Transport Canada about three years ago because of a feeling that the regs were making it prohibitive to maintain older aircraft. As well there was a feeling that because of parts unavailability many older planes did not conform strictly to their type certificate. The third reason was that if was felt that the expertise to maintain some of the older types often rested more with the owners than the mechanics. (I my own case this is true. My plane has been apart three times and each time I tell my mechanic how it should be put together, and then he makes sure I have done it according to proper standards) The owner maintance category has been a difficult one to get approved, in fact the new category is really not ready yet, but it is being allowed to go forward as an exemption from the airworthiness rules, until the category is finally approved, which is expected to take a couple more years (for bureaucratic reasons.) Basically, what it does is allow a private aircraft owner (you must OWN the aircraft) to decertify it, similar to homebuilts. Yes you do have to post a warning similar to the EXPERIMENTAL warning. And once the aircraft is decertified, recertifying it would be a nightmare. The rules say the catergoy applies to planes that are out of production and fewer than 25 percent are in commercial service. (I guess they are worried about parts swapping.) Simply put it covers coups, pacers, tripacers, cubs aeroncas...etc. Now why am I doing it. First, I think I can handle it...I've been working on my place for years (with help) and am pretty confident in my abilities. I also know where to turn for help and when to call in an expert. I am tired of the annual routine of "your plane is airworthy on Aug 23 but not on Aug 24th" simply because of the calendar date. It will provide me a bit more leway in maintaining the coupe. (I am installing the spacers in my main gear legs, and was dreading getting Transport Canada to approve the spacer 337. The feds here don't always like american 337's. Finally, I believe that since the category is there for people like myself, I should avail myself of the right to use it. (we asked for it...now we should use it) I have heard many people say "the plane will lose value". Maybe, maybe not. I don't own my coupe as an investment. If I counted dollars I would have sold it long ago. (does anyone really keep tab of all the costs??) So I will be glad to keep you all informed how I fare. As I said it is not a solution for everyone, but I think it is right for me. Steve Finkelman C-FIWR Forney F1 __________________________________________________________________________ ______ To unsubscribe from this list please send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ___________________________________________________________ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
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