Certified to Experimental

[Mi Vida Loca]

At 08:46 PM 4/23/99 -0700, you wrote:
> I ran the calculation and from a 85hp engine at 115mph this engine
> should give around 129 mph with a much better climb. Makes those
> climbouts on hot days and full gross much less hair raising!
>
> I'm curious about a few folk's comments regarding turning a rebuilt
> certified aircraft into an experimental classification. Seems to me
> that I've heard of quite a few people converting planes such as
> Tri-Pacers into experimentals by changing the landing gear
> configuration and using an auto engine. There's also a well known
> couper on this list who is selling a plane which he recommends (at
> least to me) to get approved as an experimental.
>
> Any of you have the real scoop on where the line is on 51% owner built
> planes and "converted" planes?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Joa

Wish it were that simple but the problem is that you cannot take and convert a certified aircraft into an experimental AC as you think of the experimental category. It can only become a experimental under either "experimental-exhibition", where it can only be flown to exhibitions, and a waiver is needed to go beyond 50 miles I believe, and for pilot proficiency. Or the other expire mental category is " experimental-flight test", this has a time limit and requires substantial paperwork and instrumentation on each flight . With a little work and a lot of money you could have a great Coupe,,,, you'd just have a hell of a time flying anywhere in it and an even worse time trying to sell it. If it has been converted to "experimental-exhibition" it cannot be converted back to certified to the best of my knowledge. If it were that simple and went into the standard experimental category I think a large percentage of certified AC would have been converted long ago. It is a pity that the FAA won't believe a certified Ac can be modified to be as safe as something you build in a garage.


Dave
41 Charlie
Dave's Ercoupe Page
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