← The Saudi aviation reference, in one place.
Plane Sense - General Aviation Information (FAA-H-8083-19A)
Reproduced for study. Always verify against the official GACAR at gaca.gov.sa.
U.S. Department
of TransportationFederal AviationAdministration
Plane SenSe
General a viation InformationFAA-H-8083-19A
i
Plane SenSe
General a viation Information
U.S. Department of Transportation
FederAl AviA tion AdministrA tion
Flight Standards Service
Plane Sense
ii
Plane Sense introduces aircraft owners and operators, or prospective aircraft owners and operators, to
basic information about the requirements involved in acquiring, owning, operating, and maintaining
a private aircraft.
This handbook can be a valuable reference tool for anyone who would like to review the “nuts and bolts”
of aircraft ownership. Aircraft owners and operators, or anyone considering aircraft ownership, should
be familiar with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), which details regulations for aircraft
owners, operators, pilots, aircraft mechanics, and maintenance providers. Since the requirements can
be updated and the regulations can change, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that
you contact your nearest FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), where the personnel can assist
you with the various requirements for aircraft ownership, operation, and maintenance.The FAA has also added information for aviation enthusiasts who own (or are interested in owning) light-
sport aircraft, a new and evolving sector of the general aviation marketplace.This handbook highlights regulations and regulatory guidance material, as well as providing advice
regarding where to locate answers to your questions. While Plane Sense cannot cover every issue faced
by aircraft owners and operators, this handbook is intended to be a useful guide and will help you locate
the resources to assist you. This publication supersedes FAA-8083-19, which was reprinted with editorial updates in 2003. This handbook is available free of charge for download, in PDF format, from the FAA Regulatory Support
Division (AFS-600) on the FAA website at www.faa.gov.
Plane Sense may be also be purchased from:
Superintendent of Documents
United States Government Printing OfficeWashington, DC 20402-9325
http://bookstore.gpo.gov
This handbook is published by and comments should be sent to:Federal Aviation Administration
Airman Testing Standards Branch (AFS-630)P.O. Box 25082Oklahoma City, OK 73125afs630comments@faa.gov
iiiPreface
Plane Sense
iv
Plane Sense was produced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the assistance of The Wicks
Group, PLLC. The FAA wishes to acknowledge the providers of the following images used in this handbook:
Skycatcher used on the cover and in chapter 6, courtesy of Cessna Aircraft Corporation
Cirrus SR20-1 used on the cover and in chapter 1, courtesy of Cirrus Design
Eclipse 500 used on the cover, courtesy of Eclipse Aviation Corporation
The FAA would also like to extend its appreciation to several aviation industry organizations that provided
assistance and input in the preparation of this handbook, including:
General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
vAcknowledgments
Plane Sense
vi
Plane Sense is a handbook for aviation enthusiasts, especially aircraft owners and operators or those who are
interested in becoming aircraft owners, who are looking for a quick reference guide on a number of general
aviation topics. This handbook is published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The FAA is the executive agency responsible for aviation oversight in the United States. The FAA’s mission is
to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.The FAA is responsible for the safety of civil aviation. The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 created the agency
under the name Federal Aviation Agency. The FAA adopted its present name in 1967 when it became a part of
the Department of Transportation (DOT). The FAA’s major roles include:
• Regulating civil aviation to promote safety
• Encouraging and developing civil aeronautics, including new aviation technology • Developing and operating a system of air traffic control and navigation for both civil and military aircraft
• Researching and developing the National Airspace System (NAS) and civil aeronautics • Developing and carry ing out programs to control aircraft noise and other environmental effects of civil
aviation
• Regulating U.S. commercial space transportation
FAA Headquarters is located in Washington, D.C. However, the FAA is organized into eight geographical
regions and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. FAA regions are organized as follows:
• Alaskan (Alaska)
• Central (Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee)
• Eastern (Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia) • Great Lakes (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin) • Northwest Mountain (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming) • Southern Region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Virgin Islands)
• Southwest Region (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas) • Western-Pacific Region (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada)
Within each region, you will find several Flight Standards District Offices (FSDOs). Your local FSDO is your
best resource for questions about aircraft ownership, operation, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and other issues. FAA inspectors are generally assigned to a FSDO. Aviation safety inspectors (ASIs) can assist you with issues related to the operation of your aircraft, airman certification, maintenance, and other general questions.
You can find your local FSDO on the FAA website at www.faa.gov by selecting “About FAA” from the top menu
bar and following the links to locate your local FSDO’s contact information.Aircraft certification-related activities are handled by the FAA Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) that serves
your geographic area.
viiintroduction
Plane Sense
viiiYou can contact your ACO for guidance on:
• Design approval and certificate management
• U.S. production approvals • Engineering and analysis questions • Investigating and reporting aircraft accidents, incidents, and service difficulties • Designated Engineering Representative (DER) oversight
You can find the nearest ACO on the FAA website at www.faa.gov by selecting “About FAA” from the top menu
bar and following the links to locate the nearest ACO’s contact information.
This handbook has been revised to include additional topics and updated website addresses to enable you to find
relevant information more easily. You will also notice that some information is repeated in multiple chapters of Plane Sense , and this is designed to allow each chapter to stand alone as a reference tool to aid you in locating
the information easily.
Please contact your local FSDO if you have any questions about the material in Plane Sense or how the
information might specifically apply to your aircraft. This handbook is intended to provide general guidance for
aircraft owners and operators; however, you should always ensure that the guidance provided applies to your specific aircraft and/or your specific situation.
The FAA website is continually updated. If your question is not answered in this handbook, you can access a
great deal of helpful information on the FAA’s website at www.faa.gov. This new edition of Plane Sense is color-
coded to assist you in quickly finding useful information.
The chapters containing information that may be useful to all general aviation readers are coded in blue :
Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities
Chapter 11: Obtaining FAA Publications and Records
Appendix A: FAA Contact Information
Appendix B: Regulatory Guidance Index
The chapters containing information about aircraft acquisition, registration, and ownership are coded in green :
Chapter 2: Buying an Aircraft
Chapter 3: Airworthiness Certificate
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
Chapter 5: Special Flight Permits
Chapter 6: Light Sport Aircraft
The chapters containing information on aircraft maintenance are coded in red:
Chapter 7: Aircraft Maintenance
Chapter 8: Maintenance Records
Chapter 9: Airworthiness Directives
Chapter 10: Service Difficulty Program
You will also note the addition of several new checklists to assist you in applying the information found in
Plane Sense . These checklists and any relevant FAA or other forms discussed in the chapter are located
at the end of that particular chapter for ease of reference. For your convenience, FAA Contact Information
is at the end of this handbook.
Also, the Regulatory Guidance Index at the end of this handbook locates within each chapter the relevant
regulatory guidance material, including pertinent sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR),
FAA Orders, and Avisory Circulars (ACs).
The FAA wishes you safe landings as you embark on your own aviation journey.
ix
Introduction
Plane Sense
x
table of Contents
Preface ................................................................... iii
Acknowledgments ............................................. v
introduction ....................................................... vii
Chapter 1:
Aircraft o wner r esponsibilities ............ 1-1
Documentation ....................................................... 1-1
Aircraft Registration ............................................... 1-1
14 CFR ..................................................................... 1-2
Logbooks ................................................................. 1-2
Aircraft Insurance ................................................... 1-2
Reporting Aircraft Accidents/Incidents ................ 1-2
Accident .......................................................... 1-2
Incident ........................................................... 1-2
Contacting the NTSB ..................................... 1-2
Filing NTSB Form 6120.1 .............................. 1-3
Aviation Safety Reporting System .......................... 1-3
Purpose ........................................................... 1-3
Confidentiality ................................................ 1-3
Filing an Incident Report .............................. 1-3
Safety ...................................................................... 1-4
Safety Hotline ................................................. 1-4
Safety Information ........................................ 1-4
Reporting Stolen Aircraft/Equipment ................... 1-4
Law Enforcement ........................................... 1-4
Insurance Company ...................................... 1-4
Aviation Crime Prevention Institute ............. 1-4
Aircraft Registration Branch ........................ 1-4
Chapter 2:Buying an Aircraft
........................................ 2-1
Selecting the Aircraft .............................................. 2-1
Where To Look ............................................... 2-1
Factors Affecting Resale Value ...................... 2-2
Overhauls ....................................................... 2-2
Aircraft Records ..................................................... 2-2
Aircraft Title ........................................................... 2-2
Filing Ownership and Lien Documents ........2-3
When a Lien Is Recorded ............................... 2-3
Releasing a Recorded Lien ............................ 2-3
Aircraft Documents ................................................ 2-3
Bill of Sale or Conditional
Sales Contract ................................................ 2-3
Airworthiness Certificate ............................... 2-3
Maintenance Records .................................... 2-3
Manuals .................................................................. 2-4
Airworthiness ......................................................... 2-4
Maintenance ........................................................... 2-4 Pre-Purchase Inspection ........................................ 2-4
Light-Sport Aircraft ................................................ 2-4
Amateur-Built Aircraft ........................................... 2-4
Military Surplus Aircraft ........................................ 2-5
Chapter 3:
Airworthiness Certificate ......................... 3-1
Classifications of Airworthiness Certificates .......... 3-1
Standard Airworthiness Certificate .............. 3-1
Special Airworthiness Certificate .................. 3-2
Issuance of an Airworthiness Certificate ............... 3-3
Applying for an Airworthiness Certificate ............. 3-3
FAA Form 8100-2,
Standard Airworthiness Certificate .............. 3-3
FAA Form 8130-7,
Special Airworthiness Certificate .................. 3-3
Regulations and Policies ........................................ 3-3
Title 14 of the Code of
Federal Regulations ....................................... 3-3
FAA Orders (as revised) ................................ 3-3
FAA Advisory Circulars (ACs) (as revised) ...3-3
Chapter 4:
Aircraft r egistration ................................... 4-1
Aircraft Registration Branch .................................. 4-1
Eligible Registrants ................................................ 4-2
Registering Your Aircraft ....................................... 4-2
Registration Number .............................................. 4-2
How To Form an N-Number ......................... 4-2
Other Requirements ...................................... 4-2
Special Registration Number ................................. 4-2
R equesting a Special
Registration Number ..................................... 4-3
Placing the Special Registration
Number on Your Aircraft .............................. 4-3
Aircraft Previously Registered
in the United States ................................................ 4-3
Chain of Ownership ....................................... 4-3
Replacement Certificate of
Aircraft Registration ..................................... 4-3
Aircraft Previously Registered
in a Foreign Country ............................................... 4-3
AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration Application ........................... 4-4
AC Form 8050-3, Certificate of Aircraft Registration ......................... 4-4
Amateur-Built Aircraft Registration and Inspection ................................... 4-4
xi
Plane Sense
xiiLight-Sport Aircraft Registration ........................... 4-5
State Registration Requirements ........................... 4-5
Additional Information .......................................... 4-5
Chapter 5:
special Flight Permits ................................. 5-1
Circumstances Warranting
a Special Flight Permit ........................................... 5-1
Foreign-Registered Civil Aircraft ........................... 5-2
Obtaining a Special Flight Authorization ............... 5-2
Application for Airworthiness Certificate ............... 5-2
Chapter 6:
light-sport Aircraft ...................................... 6-1
Definition ................................................................ 6-1
LSA Certification .................................................... 6-1
LSA Registration ..................................................... 6-1
Available Resources ................................................ 6-2
Light Sport Aviation Branch, AFS-610 .........6-2
Experimental Aircraft Association ............... 6-2
Regulatory Guidance .............................................. 6-2
Chapter 7:Aircraft m aintenance
.................................. 7-1
Maintenance Responsibilities ................................ 7-1
14 CFR Part 91, Subpart E ...................................... 7-1
Manufacturer Maintenance Manuals ..................... 7-2
Preventive Maintenance ......................................... 7-2
Inspections .............................................................. 7-2
Annual Inspection .......................................... 7-2
100-Hour Inspection ...................................... 7-2
Condition Inspection ...................................... 7-2
Other Inspection Programs ................................... 7-2
Progressive Inspections ................................. 7-3
Altimeter System Inspection ......................... 7-3
Transponder Inspection ................................. 7-3
Preflight Inspection ........................................ 7-3
Repairs and Alterations .......................................... 7-3
Minimum Equipment List/
Configuration Deviation List .................................. 7-3
FAA Resources ........................................................ 7-3
Experimental Aircraft ............................................. 7-3
Chapter 8:maintenance r ecords
................................. 8-1
Responsibilities of the Aircraft Owner .................. 8-1
Logbooks ................................................................. 8-2
Airworthiness Directives ........................................ 8-2Safety Directives ..................................................... 8-2
Service Bulletins ..................................................... 8-2
FAA Form 337,
Major Repair and Alteration .................................. 8-2
Entries into Aircraft Maintenance Records ........... 8-2
14 CFR Part 43, Section 43.9,
Content, form, and disposition of
maintenance, preventive maintenance,
rebuilding, and alteration records (except
inspections performed in accordance
with part 91, part 125, §135.411(a)(1), and
§135.419 of this chapter ................................. 8-3
14 CFR Part 43, Section 43.11,
Content, form, and disposition of records
for inspections conducted under parts 91
and 125 and §§135.411(a)(1) and 135.419
of this chapter ................................................ 8-3
14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.409,
Inspections ..................................................... 8-3
14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.411,
Altimeter system and altitude
reporting equipment tests and inspections ..8-3
14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.413,
ATC transponder tests and inspections ........8-3
14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.207,
Emergency locator transmitters ................... 8-3
Amateur-Built Aircraft ........................................... 8-4
Available Resources ................................................ 8-4
Chapter 9:
Airworthiness d irectives .......................... 9-1
Types of ADs Issued ............................................... 9-1
Standard AD Process .............................................. 9-1
Emergency AD ........................................................ 9-1
Superseded AD ....................................................... 9-2
Compliance with ADs ............................................. 9-2
Amateur-Built Aircraft ........................................... 9-2
Summary of ADs ..................................................... 9-2
Obtaining ADs ........................................................ 9-2
Chapter 10:service d ifficulty Program
.................... 10-1
Background .......................................................... 10-1
FAA Form 8010-4,
Malfunction or Defect Report ............................. 10-1
Maintenance Alerts ............................................. 10-2
Background ................................................. 10-2
Accessing Maintenance Alerts .................... 10-2
Contact Information ................................... 10-2
xiiiChapter 11:
obtaining FAA Publications
and r ecords .................................................. 11-1
Advisory Circulars ............................................... 11-1
Airworthiness Directives .................................... 11-1
Temporary Flight Restrictions ............................ 11-2
Notice to Airmen ................................................. 11-2
14 CFR .................................................................. 11-2
Handbooks and Manuals .................................... 11-2
Aircraft Records .................................................. 11-2
Request Aircraft Records ............................ 11-2
Format ......................................................... 11-2
Airman Records ................................................... 11-3Appendix A:
FAA Contact i nformation .......................... A-1
Appendix B:regulatory Guidance i ndex
....................... B-1
Table of Contents
Plane Sense
xiv
1Aircraft o wner r esponsibilities
Aircraft ownership is a serious undertaking, and you should be familiar with the obligations
and responsibilities of aircraft ownership before you make the decision to purchase an
aircraft. Aircraft owners have a variety of responsibilities that have their foundation in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
documentation
Do you know your ARROW? Before you fly, you need to ensure that you have all of the required documentation on your aircraft. You are responsible for carrying the following documentation on your aircraft at all times:
A—Airworthiness Certificate
R—Registration CertificateR— Radio Station License (Federal Communications Communication (FCC) Radio Station
License, if required by the type of operation)
O— Operating Limitations (which may be in the form of a Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) -approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and/or Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH))
W—Weight and Balance Documents
Some of these documents are addressed in this chapter, and others are covered in later
chapters. Figure 1-1 at the end if this chapter is an ARROW checklist you can use to ensure you have all of the required documents. You can expect an FAA aviation safety inspector (ASI) to ask for these documents any time he or she is inspecting your aircraft and/or assisting you with a question regarding your aircraft.
m CAUTION: A radio station license is required for any international operations. You must
complete an FCC Form 605, Quick-Form Application for Authorization in the Ship, Aircraft, Amateur, Restricted and Commercial Operator, and General Mobile Radio Services, available
at www.fcc.gov to obtain an FCC radio station license.
Aircraft r egistration
The FAA Civil Aviation Registry Aircraft Registration Branch (AFS-750) maintains registration
records on individual aircraft and serves as a repository for airworthiness documents received from FAA field offices. As an aircraft owner, you are responsible for immediately notifying AFS-750 of any change of permanent mailing address, the sale or export of your aircraft, or the loss of your ability to register an aircraft in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 47, section 47.41.
1-2Plane SensePlane Sense
Figure 1-2 at the end of this chapter is a sample FAA
Change of Address Notification you can use to inform AFS-750. Aircraft registration is addressed in more detail in chapter 4.
14 CF r
14 CFR includes rules prescribed by the FAA gover-
ning all aviation activities in the United States. A wide variety of activities are regulated, such as airplane design, typical airline flights, pilot training activities, hot-air ballooning, and even model rocket launches. The rules are designed to promote safe aviation while protecting pilots, passengers, and the general public from unnecessary risk.
As an aircraft owner, you are responsible for compli-
ance and familiarity with the applicable 14 CFR part(s) concerning the operation and maintenance
of your aircraft. While the regulations cited below
are not exhaustive, they are a starting point as you consider aircraft ownership. It is essential that you remember that you are responsible for complying with all 14 CFR parts applicable to your aircraft and
aircraft operations.
• As an aircraft owner, you should be familiar with
the provisions of 14 CFR Part 43, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Altera-
tion, and 14 CFR Part 91, General Operating and Flight Rules.
• If you are also a pilot, you should be familiar with
the provisions of 14 CFR Part 61, Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors, and 14 CFR Part 67, Medical Standards and Certification.
Questions regarding 14 CFR can be addressed to
your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Information about obtaining copies of 14 CFR parts and FAA publications can be found in chapter 11.
logbooks
Each aircraft has a unique set of logbooks that
document historical data dating back to the manu-facturing date of the aircraft. As an aircraft owner, you have a regulatory obligation to ensure that
your logbooks are complete and kept up to date.
Aircraft logbooks enable the aircraft owner to keep
records of the entire aircraft in chronological order including: inspections, tests, repairs, alterations,
Airworthiness Directive (AD) compliance, service bulletins, and equipment additions, removals, or exchanges. Most logbooks also include sections for
major alterations and altimeter/static system checks. Anyone performing maintenance on your aircraft
will need complete aircraft logbooks to review the aircraft’s compliance history before performing main-tenance on your aircraft. Information about aircraft maintenance and aircraft maintenance records can be found in chapters 7 and 8, respectively.
Aircraft i nsurance
Aircraft insurance is an important consideration
for any aircraft owner. The type(s) and amount of
insurance you should carry on your aircraft are influenced by several factors, and you should discuss these decisions with an insurance agent familiar with providing aviation insurance policies. Depending
on the usage of your aircraft and who might be flying the aircraft, you may need Owners, Renters and/or Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) insurance policies for your aircraft. Responsible aircraft owners always carry sufficient insurance on their aircraft.
m CAUTION: You should ensure that you are in
compliance with any state insurance requirements relating to aircraft ownership.
reporting Aircraft Accidents/ incidents
Aircraft owners are responsible for complying
with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations
(49 CFR) part 830 regarding the reporting of air-craft accidents and incidents. You are required to notify the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) immediately of aviation accidents and
certain incidents.
Accident
An accident is defined in 49 CFR part 830 as “an occurrence associated with the operation of an
aircraft that takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and
all such persons have disembarked, and in which any person suffers death or serious injury, or in which
the aircraft receives substantial damage.”
Incident
An incident is defined in 49 CFR part 830 as “an occurrence other than an accident that affects or could affect the safety of operations.”
Contacting the NTSB
Contact the nearest NTSB regional office to file a report. Reports of accidents or incidents should be
Plane Sense
1-3Plane Sense
Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities
made to the NTSB regional office associated with the
state in which the accident or incident occurred.NTSB regions are organized as follows:
• Eastern (Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware,
Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire,
New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, West Virginia);
• Central (Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin);
• Western (American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming); and
• Alaska (Alaska).
Contact information for the NTSB regional offices is
located at the end of this chapter in Figure 1-3 and on
the NTSB website at www.ntsb.gov. Your local FSDO
can also direct you to the correct NTSB regional office in the event of an aircraft accident or incident.
For the purpose of notifying the NTSB, a phone call
is sufficient initially, but a written followup is
required. You will probably be directed to complete NTSB Form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Aircraft
Accident/Incident Report, which is available on the NTSB website at www.ntsb.gov, from the nearest
NTSB regional office, or from your local FSDO.
Filing NTSB Form 6120.1
In accordance with 49 CFR part 830, section 830.5, you must file a report with the NTSB regional office nearest the accident or incident within 10 days after an accident for which notification is required.
Complete Form 6120.1, sign it, and send it by
mail or fax to the applicable NTSB regional office.
Figure 1-4 at the end of this chapter is a sample
NTSB Form 6120.1.
Aviation s afety r eporting s ystem
The Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) is
an important facet of the continuing effort by
government, industry, and individuals to maintain and improve aviation safety. The ASRS, which is administered by the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA), collects voluntarily submit-ted aviation safety incident/situation reports
from pilots, controllers, and others.The ASRS acts on the information these reports
contain. It identifies system deficiencies and issues alerting messages to persons in a position to correct them. The database is a public repository which serves the needs of FAA and NASA and those of other organizations worldwide engaged in research and the promotion of safe flight.
Purpose
The ASRS collects, analyzes, and responds to volun-tarily submitted aviation safety incident reports in order to lessen the likelihood of aviation accidents.
ASRS data is used to:
• Identify deficiencies and discrepancies in the
National Airspace (NAS) so that these can be remedied by appropriate authorities.
• Support policy formulation and planning for,
and improvements to, the NAS.
• Strengthen the foundation of aviation human factors safety research. This is particularly im-portant since it is generally conceded that over two-thirds of all aviation accidents and incidents are caused by human performance errors.
Confidentiality
Pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, mechanics, ground personnel, and others involved
in aviation operations submit reports to the ASRS when they are involved in, or observe, an incident
or situation in which aviation safety was compromised. All submissions are voluntary.
Reports sent to the ASRS are held in strict confidence.
ASRS de-identifies reports before entering them into
the incident database. All personal and organiza-
tional names are removed. Dates, times, and related information that can be used to infer an identity are either generalized or eliminated.
Filing an Incident Report
An ASRS Incident Report is often referred to as
a “NASA Strip.” When submitting an ASRS Incident Report, or NASA Strip, the submitter completes
the form and sends it to the address indicated, and
NASA returns the identification strip to the
submitter as confirmation of receipt of the form.
You can obtain more information, a copy of the
incident report form, or file the form electronically
on the NASA website at http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov .
Figure 1-5 at the end of this chapter is a sample
ASRS Incident Report.1
1-4Plane SensePlane Sense
safety
The FAA has a number of aviation safety resources
available on its website at www.faa.gov. You can
access safety information by selecting “Safety” from the main menu bar.
Safety Hotline
You can call the FAA 24-Hour Safety Hotline at(800) 255-1111 or email the FAA Safety Hotline at
9-AWA-ASY-SAFETYHOTLINE@faa.gov to report:
• Maintenance improprieties
• Aircraft incidents • Suspected unapproved parts • Violations of 14 CFR
You can provide your contact information or file an
anonymous report with the FAA Safety Hotline.
Safety Information
You can also find additional information and
aviation data and statistics on the FAA website
at www.faa.gov including:
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
• Aircraft Safety Alerts • Safety Program Airmen Notification System • Information for operators• Safety alerts for operators• CertAlerts for certificated airports• Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Safety
Bulletin
• Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing
(ASIAS)
• Accident and incident data
• Aviation accident reports and statistics• Runway incursion data and statistics• Weather
reporting s tolen Aircraft/ equipment
As an aircraft owner, you should be prepared to
handle the theft of your aircraft or aircraft equipment. In order to manage the reporting process effectively, you should keep separate records (in a location away from the aircraft) of serial numbers for powerplants, avionics, and other installed items. Report these serial numbers at the same time the aircraft is stolen.Law Enforcement
You should immediately report a stolen aircraft to
the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction at the site of the theft. Ask the agency to report the theft to the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI)
National Crime Information Center, as this will initiate notifications to the appropriate government offices.
Insurance Company
After filing the appropriate reports with your local law enforcement agency, notify your insurance company or agent of the stolen aircraft, as appropriate.
Aviation Crime Prevention Institute
You should also notify the Aviation Crime Prevention Institute (ACPI) of the stolen aircraft. After you give ACPI all available information, ACPI will send notices of the theft to industry contacts, embassies, and other agencies, if applicable. You can contact the ACPI at:
Aviation Crime Prevention Institute
226 N. Nova Road
Ormond Beach, FL 32174 USA (800) 969-5473 toll-free(386) 341-7270 outside U.S.(386) 615-3378 faxhttp://www.acpi.org
Aircraft Registration Branch
If enough time has passed that the return of the aircraft is no longer expected, the owner should write
to AFS-750 requesting that the registration for this
aircraft be canceled. The request should fully describe the aircraft, indicate the reason for cancellation, be signed in ink by the owner, and show a title for the signer, if appropriate.1
Plane Sense
1-5Plane Sense
Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities
ArroW Checklist
Figure 1-1 . ARROW Checklist. You can use this checklist to ensure that you are carrying the appropriate
documentation onboard your aircraft at all times.stAtUs item desCriPtion
A—Airworthiness certificate FAA Form 8100-2, Standard Airworthiness
Certificate, or FAA Form 8130-7, Special
Airworthiness Certificate (as applicable)
R—Registration certificate FAA Form 8050-3, Certificate of Registration
R—Radio station license FCC Form 605, Quick-Form Application for
Authorization in the Ship, Aircraft, Restricted and
Commercial Operator, and General Mobile Radio
Services, available on FCC website at www.fcc.gov
(if required by the type of operation)
O—Operating limitations FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
and/or Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), and/or
limitations attached to FAA Form 8130-7
W—Weight and balance Documentation provided by aircraft manufacturer,
maintenance and modification records1
1-6Plane SensePlane Sense
Figure 1-2. FAA Change of Address Notification (Aircraft Owner). You can obtain instructions for completing
an FAA Change of Address Notification on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO.
199AZ
Cessna
OK 73125Joe Pilot
123 Beechcraft Way
Oklahoma CityJoe Pilot
SAMPLECHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTIFICA TION
(AIRCRAF T OWNER)
PRINT OR TYPE
Name of Registered Owner Aircraft Registration Number
N
Manufacturer
Mode l
Serial Number
Mailing Address (if PO Box, include physical address)
City State Z ip Code
SIGNA TURE (DO NO T Print or Type) T itle
SIGNA TURE REQUIREMENTS:
(Show appropriate title for signer)
• Individual: Owner must sign.
• Partnership: A general partner must sign.
• Corporation: A corporate officer or managing official must sign.
• Co-owner: Each Co-owner must sign.
• Government: Any authorized person may sign AFS-750-ADCHG-1 (07/04 )
(first fold)1
Plane Sense
1-7Plane Sense
Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities
Figure 1-3. NTSB Regional Offices. The updated list of NTSB Regional Offices, including office hours, is
available on the NTSB website at www.ntsb.gov.ntsB regional o ffices
eastern r egion
Ashburn r egional o ffice
45065 Riverside Parkway
Ashburn, Virginia 20147
Phone: (571) 223-3930
Fax: (571) 223-3926
Parsippany r egional o ffice
2001 Route 46
Suite 310
Parsippany, New Jersey 07054
Phone: (973) 334-6420
Fax: (973) 334-6759Atlanta r egional o ffice
Atlanta Federal Center
60 Forsyth Street, SW
Suite 3M25
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Phone: (404) 562-1666
Fax: (404) 562-1674
miami r egional o ffice
8405 N.W. 53rd Street
Suite B-103
Miami, Florida 33166
Phone: (305) 597-4610
Fax: (305) 597-4614
Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina,
Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virgin
Islands, Virginia, West Virginia
Central region
Chicago r egional o ffice
31 West 775 North Avenue
West Chicago, Illinois 60185
Phone: (630) 377-8177
Fax: (630) 377-8172
denver r egional o ffice
4760 Oakland Street
Suite 500
Denver, Colorado 80239
Phone: (303) 373-3500
Fax: (303) 373-3507Arlington r egional o ffice
624 Six Flags Drive
Suite 150
Arlington, Texas 76011
Phone: (817) 652-7800
Fax: (817) 652-7803
Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin1
1-8Plane SensePlane Sense
Figure 1-3. NTSB Regional Offices (continued).Alaska region
Anchorage r egional o ffice
222 West 7th Avenue
Room 216, Box 11
Anchorage, Alaska 99513
Phone: (907) 271-5001
Fax: (907) 271-3007
AlaskantsB regional o ffices
Western r egion
seattle r egional o ffice
19518 Pacific Highway South
Suite 201
Seattle, Washington 98188Phone: (206) 870-2200
Fax: (206) 870-2219Gardena r egional o ffice
1515 W. 190th Street Suite 555 Gardena, California 90248Phone: (310) 380-5660 Fax: (310) 380-5666
Hawaii r egional o ffice
Telework Location
American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon,
Utah, Washington, Wyoming1
Plane Sense
1-9Plane Sense
Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities
Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report. You can obtain instructions
for completing NTSB Form 6120.1 on the NTSB website at www.ntsb.gov or from your local FSDO.
SAMPLE1
1-10Plane SensePlane Sense
Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 2 of 9).
SAMPLE1
Plane Sense
1-11Plane Sense
Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities
Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 3 of 9).
SAMPLE1
1-12Plane SensePlane Sense
Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 4 of 9).
SAMPLE1
Plane Sense
1-13Plane Sense
Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities
Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 5 of 9).
SAMPLE1
1-14Plane SensePlane Sense
Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 6 of 9).
SAMPLE1
Plane Sense
1-15Plane Sense
Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities
Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 7 of 9).
SAMPLE1
1-16Plane SensePlane Sense
Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 8 of 9).
SAMPLE1
Plane Sense
1-17Plane Sense
Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities
Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 9 of 9).
SAMPLE1
1-18Plane SensePlane Sense
Figure 1-5. ASRS Incident Report. You can obtain an ASRS Incident Report and/or file the form online at the
NASA website at http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/ .
SAMPLE
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Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities
Figure 1-5. ASRS Incident Report (page 2 of 2).
SAMPLE
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Plane Sense
Buying an Aircraft
T he purchase of an aircraft represents a major commitment that should be approached
carefully and cautiously, especially when buying a used aircraft. For many aircraft owners,
it represents the largest single lifetime investment next to buying a home. Quite often, the
purchase price of an aircraft approximates or exceeds the price of a new home.
Particularly when buying a used aircraft, it is wise to have the selected aircraft inspected by
a qualified person or facility before you complete the transaction. The condition of the air-
craft and the state of its maintenance records can be determined by persons familiar with the
particular make and model. Pre-purchase inspections should be performed by a Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) certificated airframe and powperplant mechanic (A&P) or
an approved repair station. The Buying an Aircraft Checklist ( Figure 2-1 at the end of this
chapter) is a suggested list of items to consider when purchasing an aircraft.
selecting the Aircraft
One of the most common mistakes in purchasing an aircraft is to make a decision too quickly. Take the time to analyze your requirements carefully and be realistic. Consider the typical
flight loading, trip distance, and conditions of flight, then compare aircraft. If possible, rent
the type of aircraft that interests you to determine how well it meets your requirements. Keep
in mind that the biggest expense of owning an aircraft is not always the initial purchase price.
Where to Look
Once you have chosen the type of aircraft that will fit your needs, shop around and do some pricing. For retail and wholesale price information, check with an aviation trade association, bank, other financial institution, or Fixed Base Operator (FBO) for the latest aircraft bluebook values. There are several good publications available that advertise aircraft for sale. Your
local FBO can be very helpful as you look for the right aircraft.
m CAUTION: Try to keep your search for an aircraft close to home. If a problem pops up
after the sale, you may not find the long-distance seller as willing to help you as someone
closer to home.
2-2Plane Sense
Factors Affecting Resale Value
Know the major factors that affect resale value.
Generally speaking they are:
• Engine hours—perhaps the most common in-
fluence on resale value. The closer an engine is to
its recommended time between overhaul (TBO),
the lower the value. There are many factors that
affect engine health, and a high-time engine is
not necessarily bad. Regular use helps keep seals and other engine components lubricated and in good shape.
• Installed equipment—such as avionics, air condi-
tioning, deicing gear and interior equipment.
The most valuable equipment is usually avionics,
which can easily double the value of some older aircraft. The newer the technology, the higher
the value of the aircraft.
• Airworthiness directives (ADs)—issued by the FAA for safety reasons. Once issued, owners are required to comply with the AD within the time period allotted. It is important to look at the AD
history of an aircraft and ensure the logbooks show compliance with all applicable ADs. ADs
are discussed in greater detail in chapter 9.
• Damage history—it may be difficult to locate
a complete damage history for an aircraft. Any aircraft with a dam age history should be closely
scrutinized to ensure it has been properly
repaired in accordance with the applicable Title
14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts and recommended practices.
• Paint/Interior—as is the case with homes, paint
can be used to give “tired” aircraft a quick face-
lift. Check new paint jobs carefully for evidence
of corrosion under the surface. Interior items should be checked for proper fit and condition.
Overhauls
Be careful of the terminology used to describe
engine condition. Do not confuse a top overhaul with
a major overhaul, or a major overhaul with a factory
remanufactured “zero-time” engine. A top overhaul
involves the repair of engine components outside of
the crankcase. A major overhaul involves the com-plete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of an engine to specified limits. If an engine has had a top or major overhaul, the logbooks must still show the total time on the engine, if known, and its prior maintenance history. A “zero-time” engine is one
that has been overhauled to factory new limits by the
original manufacturer and is issued a new logbook
without previous operating history. Aircraft r ecords
Aircraft records maintained by the FAA are on file
at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copies of aircraft records
are available for review in CD format or paper. For
information on ordering and costs, contact the FAA
Civil Aviation Registry Aircraft Registration Branch
(AFS-750). Copies of aircraft records may also be
requested online. Visit www.faa.gov and select the
“Aircraft Registration” link. There may be other records on file at federal, state, or local agencies that
are not recorded with the FAA. AFS-750 contact information is in the FAA Contact Information
appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.
Make sure the following documents are available
and in proper order for the aircraft:
• Airworthiness Certificate
• Engine and airframe logbooks• Aircraft equipment list
• Weight and balance data, placards
• FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
and/or Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)
m CAUTION: Missing documents, pages, or
entries from aircraft logbooks may cause significant
problems for the purchaser and reduce the value
of the aircraft.
Aircraft t itle
The Federal Aviation Act requires the FAA to main-
tain a recording system for aircraft bills of sale,
security agreements, mortgages, and other liens.
This is done at AFS-750, which also processes applications for, and issues, aircraft registration
certificates. The two systems are linked together because you must prove ownership in order to
be entitled to register an aircraft.
“Clear title” is a term commonly used by aircraft
title search companies to indicate there are no liens
(e.g., chattel mortgage, security agreement, tax
lien, artisan lien) in the FAA aircraft records. Title
searches for the aviation public are not performed by AFS-750; however, the aircraft records contain
all of the ownership and security documents that have been filed with the FAA.
AFS-750 records acceptable security instruments.
In addition, some states authorize artisan liens
(mechanic liens). These also need to be recorded. Be
sure to check your state’s statutes regarding liens. 2
Chapter 2: Buying an Aircraftm CAUTION: Federal liens against an owner
(drug, repossession, etc.) may not show up on your
title search.
State law determines lien and security interests.
Although there is no federal requirement to file lien
or security instruments with the FAA, the parties
to these transactions can file their qualifying
documents with AFS-750.
You may search the aircraft records, or have this
done by an attorney or aircraft title search company.
m CAUTION: FAA registration cannot be used in
any civil proceeding to establish proof of ownership.
There is no substitute for examining the aircraft’s
records to secure an ownership history and to
determine if there are any outstanding liens or
mortgages. This procedure should help avoid a
delay in registering an aircraft.
Filing Ownership and Lien Documents
Filing ownership and lien documents constitutes
formal notice to the world of the ownership and
security interests recorded. A person who engages
in a financial transaction involving a U.S. registered
aircraft who does not have a title search performed
is taking a risk. Under the law, that person will be
charged with knowing what is on file with the FAA,
even if he or she does not actually know. A simple
title search will show the federally recorded owner-
ship and lien status of any aircraft registered in
the United States.
When a Lien Is Recorded
When a security agreement or lien document is
recorded, the FAA sends an Aeronautical Center (AC)
Form 8050-41, Conveyance Recordation Notice, to the secured party. This notice describes the affected
aircraft (and other eligible collateral such as engines,
propellers and air carrier spare parts locations). It
also identifies the recorded document by its date,
the parties, the FAA recording number, and date
of recordation. This recordation notice is sent as a
confirmation that the lien has been recorded and
added to the aircraft record.
Releasing a Recorded Lien
The FAA Form 8050-41 may be used as a release
if the secured party signs below the release statement and returns the form to the AFS-750. The FAA may
also accept as a release a document that describes
the affected collateral, specifically identifies the lien, and contains a statement releasing all lienholder rights and interest in the described collateral from the terms of the identified lien. The release document
must be signed in ink by the secured party and show
the signer’s title, as appropriate.
A new AC Form 8050-41 may be requested by con-
tacting AFS-750. You will need to describe the aircraft
and the lien document sufficiently to identify the specific document needing release. AFS-750 contact information is in the FAA Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.
Aircraft d ocuments
There are numerous documents that should be
reviewed and transferred when you purchase an aircraft.
Bill of Sale or Conditional Sales ContractThe bill of sale or conditional sales contract is your proof of purchase of the aircraft and will be recorded with the FAA to protect your ownership interest.
Airworthiness Certificate
The aircraft should have either FAA Form 8100-2, Standard Airworthiness Certificate, or FAA Form 8130-7, Special Airworthiness Certificate.
Maintenance Records
The previous owner of the aircraft should provide
the aircraft’s maintenance records containing the following information:
• The total time in service of the airframe, each
engine, and each propeller;
• The current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance;
• The time since last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft that are required to be overhauled on a specified time basis;
• The identification of the current inspection status of the aircraft, including the time since the last inspection required by the inspection program under which the aircraft and its appliances are maintained;
• The current status of applicable ADs, including
for each the method of compliance, the AD number, revision date, and if the AD involves
recurring action, the time and date when the next
action is required; and
• A copy of current major alterations to each airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance. 2
2-4Plane Sense
manuals
Manufacturers produce owner’s manuals, main-
tenance manuals, service letters and bulletins, and
other technical data pertaining to their aircraft. These may be available from the previous owner, but are not required to be transferred to a purchaser.
If the service manuals are not available from the pre-vious owner, you can usually obtain them from
the aircraft manufacturer.
Airworthiness
Two conditions must be met for a standard category aircraft to be considered airworthy:
• The aircraft conforms to its type design (type
certificate). Conformity to type design is attained when the required and proper components are installed that are consistent with the drawings, specifications, and other data that are part of the
type certificate. Conformity includes applicable Supplemental Type Certificate(s) (STC) and
field-approval alterations.
• The aircraft is in condition for safe operation, referring to the condition of the aircraft with relation to wear and deterioration.
maintenance
14 CFR part 91, section 91.403, places primary
responsibility upon the owner for maintaining the aircraft in an airworthy condition. This includes
compliance with applicable ADs. The owner is responsible for ensuring that maintenance personnel make appropriate entries in the aircraft main-
tenance records, indicating that the aircraft has been approved for return to service. In addition, the owner is responsible for having maintenance performed that may be required between scheduled inspections. Inoperative instruments or equipment that can be deferred under 14 CFR part 91, section 91.213(d)(2), will be placarded and maintenance recorded in accordance with 14 CFR part 43, section 43.9. Pre-Purchase i nspection
Before buying an aircraft, you should have a mechanic
you trust give the aircraft a thorough inspection
and provide you with a written report of its condition.While a pre-purchase inspection need not be an annual inspection, it should include at least a dif-
ferential compression check on each cylinder of the
engine and any other inspections necessary to determine the condition of the aircraft. In addition
to a mechanical inspection, the aircraft logbooks
and other records should be carefully reviewed for
such things as FAA Form 337, Report of Major Repair or Alteration, AD compliance, the status of service bulletins and letters, and aircraft/component serial numbers.
light-sport Aircraft
Light-sport aircraft is a growing sector of the general aviation community, specific to the United States. Several resources are available if you have questions
about acquiring a light-sport aircraft. You can contact
the FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch (AFS-610), your local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) for assistance. Chapter 6 discusses light-sport aircraft in greater detail. AFS-610 contact informa-tion is in the FAA Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.
Amateur-Built Aircraft
There are several unique considerations when purchasing an amateur-built aircraft. The pros-
pective buyer is advised to have someone familiar
with the type of aircraft check the aircraft of interest for workmanship, general construction integrity,
and compliance with the applicable 14 CFR parts. You can contact your local FAA Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO) or FSDO to speak with an FAA aviation safety inspector (ASI) who can explain the requirements for experimental certification.2
Chapter 2: Buying an AircraftThings to consider when buying an amateur-built
aircraft:
• Examine the Special Airworthiness Certificate
and its operating limitations. This certificate is
used for all aircraft that fall under experimental status and states for what purpose it was issued. The operating limitations specify any operating restrictions that may apply to the aircraft.
• Check the aircraft maintenance records of
the airframe, engine, propeller, and accessories. Under 14 CFR part 91, sections 91.305 and 91.319(b), all initial flight operations of experi-mental aircraft may be limited to an assigned flight test area. This is called Phase I. The
aircraft is flown in this designated area until it
is shown to be controllable throughout its normal range of speeds and all maneuvers to be executed, and that it has not displayed any hazardous operating characteristics or design features. The required flight time may vary for each type of aircraft and is covered in the operating limitations.
• After the flight time requirements are met, the
owner/operator endorses the aircraft logbook with a statement certifying that the prescribed flight hours are completed and the aircraft
complies with 14 CFR part 91, section 91.319(b). Phase I records are retained for the life of the
aircraft.
• In Phase II, the FAA may prescribe Operating Limitations for an unlimited duration,
as appropriate.
• Before taking delivery of the aircraft, make
a final pre-purchase inspection. Ensure that
the Special Airworthiness Certificate, Operating
Limitations, Aircraft Data Plate, Weight and Balance data, Aircraft Maintenance Records, and any other required documents are with the aircraft. If the Special Airworthiness Certificate, Operating Limitations, and Aircraft Data Plate
are surrendered to the FAA by the original builder, you may not be able to recertificate the aircraft because you are not the builder.
• Amateur-built aircraft require a condition in-
spection within the previous 12 calendar months. This inspection requirement and those who are eligible to work on the aircraft are addressed in the Operating Limitations of that particular aircraft.military s urplus Aircraft
Certain surplus military aircraft are not eligible for
FAA certification in the STANDARD, RESTRICTED,
or LIMITED classifications. The FAA, in cooperation
with the Department of Defense (DOD), normally performs preliminary “screening” inspections on surplus military aircraft to determine the civil certi-fication potential of the aircraft. For aircraft eligible for potential certification, you must “show” the FAA that your aircraft conforms to the FAA-approved
type design (type certificate), and that the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation (airworthy). This means you are required to provide the technical
data necessary to support this showing.
For example, certain military surplus aircraft may
be eligible for certification in the RESTRICTED
category and modified for special purpose operations. Military-derived RESTRICTED category aircraft may be manufactured in the United States or in a foreign country, but military surplus aircraft must be surplus
of the U.S. Armed Forces. The FAA bases its certi-fication on the operation and maintenance of the air-craft including review of the service life of the aircraft and any modifications.
When an aircraft has been modified by the military, you
must either return the aircraft to the originally approved civil configuration, or obtain FAA design approval for the military modification. This is accomplished through the STC process. The STC process is also necessary for modifications to the aircraft for a special purpose operation (e.g., crop dusting). Once the FAA determines that the military surplus aircraft conforms to the FAA-approved type design, as noted in FAA Order 8130.2 (as revised), Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft and Related Products, and military records, you may apply for an airworthiness certificate.
Since no civil aircraft may be flown unless certifica-
ted, you should discuss this with an ASI at your local
FSDO, who can advise you of eligible aircraft and certification procedures. An additional source for advice on amateur-built and surplus military aircraft is the EAA. 2
2-6Plane Sense
Figure 2-1. Buying an Aircraft Checklist. This checklist is intended to provide a suggested list of items to
consider when purchasing an aircraft. It is not an all-inclusive list, and if you have any questions, you should
consult with an experienced aviation professional prior to purchasing an aircraft. Buying an Aircraft Checklist
stAtUs item desCriPtion
Selecting the Aircraft Consider the location of the seller.
Consider factors affecting resale value:
• Engine hours
• Installed equipment• ADs• Damage history• Paint/Interior
Consider the condition of the engine
(e.g., overhauls).
Aircraft Title Ensure the aircraft has “clear title.”
Aircraft Documents Ensure the appropriate documentation is reviewed
and transferred with the aircraft:
• Proof of purchase (bill of sale or conditional
sales contract)
• Airworthiness certificate
• Maintenance records
Manuals Ensure all aircraft manufacturer and other manuals
are transferred with the aircraft.
Maintenance Review the maintenance records to ensure they are complete and all inspections are current.2
33-1A n airworthiness certificate is issued by a representative of the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) after the aircraft has been inspected, is found to meet the require-
ments of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) and is in condition for safe
operation. The certificate must be displayed in the aircraft so that it is legible to passengers
or crew whenever the aircraft is operated. The airworthiness certificate is transferred with
the aircraft, except when it is sold to a foreign purchaser.
An airworthiness certificate is an FAA document that grants authorization to operate an aircraft
in flight. The FAA provides information regarding the definition of the term “airworthy” in
FAA Order 8130.2 (as revised), Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft and Related Products,
chapter 1.
Classifications of Airworthiness Certificates
The FAA initially determines that your aircraft is in condition for safe operation and conforms
to type design or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International standards, then issues an airworthiness certificate. There are two different classifications of airworthiness certificates: Standard Airworthiness and Special Airworthiness.
Standard Airworthiness Certificate
FAA Form 8100-2, Standard Airworthiness Certificate is the FAA’s official authorization
allowing for the operation of type certificated aircraft in the following categories:
• Normal
• Utility
• Acrobatic
• Commuter • Transport • Manned free balloons • Special classes
A standard airworthiness certificate remains valid as long as the aircraft meets its approved
type design, is in a condition for safe operation and maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations are performed in accordance with 14 CFR parts 21, 43, and 91.
Airworthiness Certificate
3-2Plane Sense
Special Airworthiness Certificate
FAA Form 8130-7, Special Airworthiness Certificate, is an FAA authorization to operate an aircraft in
U.S. airspace in one or more of categories in Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1. Special Airworthiness Certificate Categories. Category Purpose(s) 14 CF r
Primary Aircraft flown for pleasure and personal use Part 21, section 21.24
Part 21, section 21.184
Restricted Aircraft with a “restricted” category type certificate, including:
• Agricultural
• Forest and wildlife conservation • Aerial surveying • Patrolling (pipelines, power lines) • Weather control • Aerial advertising • Other operations specified by the AdministratorPart 21, section 21.25
Part 21, section 21.185
Multiple Multiple airworthiness certificates Part 21, section 21.187
Limited Aircraft with a “limited” category type certificate Part 21, section 21.189
Light-Sport Operate a light-sport aircraft, other than a gyroplane, kit-built,
or transitioning ultralight-like vehiclePart 21, section 21.190
Experimental • Research and development
• Showing compliance with regulations • Crew training • Exhibition • Air racing • Market surveys • Operating amateur-built aircraft • Operating kit-built aircraft • Operating light-sport aircraft • Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Part 21, section 21.191
Part 21, section 21.193
Part 21, section 21.195
Special Flight
PermitSpecial-purpose flight of an aircraft that is capable of safe flight Part 21, section 21.197
Provisional Aircraft with a “provisional” category type certificate for special
operations and operating limitationsPart 21, subpart C
Part 21, subpart I
Part 91, section 91.3173
Chapter 3: Airworthiness Certificateissuance of an Airworthiness Certificate
Only an FAA aviation safety inspector (ASI)
or authorized representative of the Administrator
(i.e., Designees), as defined in 14 CFR Part 183,
Representatives of the Administrator, is authorized to issue an airworthiness certificate.
Your local
FAA Flight Standards District Office
(FSDO) processes requests for replacement
airworthiness certificates. You should contact your
local FSDO immediately upon discovering that
you need a replacement airworthiness certificate
for your aircraft.
Applying for an Airworthiness Certificate
A registered owner may apply for an airworthiness
certificate by submitting FAA Form 8130-6, Applica-
tion for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate, to your local FAA Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO). You can find your local MIDO contact information on the FAA website at www.faa.gov.
Figure 3-2 at the end of this chapter is a sample FAA Form 8130-6. You can find instructions for completing FAA Form 8130-6 on the FAA website
at www.faa.gov or in FAA Order 8130.2 (as revised)
The FAA will issue the applicable certificate if the aircraft is eligible and in a condition for safe operation. FAA Form 8100-2, Standard Airworthiness CertificateFAA Form 8100-2, Standard Airworthiness Certificate, is issued for aircraft type certificated in the normal, utility, acrobatic, commuter, and
transport categories, or for manned free balloons. The airworthiness certificate remains in effect as
long as the aircraft receives the required main-
tenance and is properly registered in the United States. Flight safety relies, in part, on the condition
of the aircraft, which may be determined on inspection by mechanics, approved repair stations,
or manufacturers that meet specific requirements
of 14 CFR part 43. Figure 3-3 at the end of this chapter is a sample FAA Form 8100-2.
FAA Form 8130-7,
Special Airworthiness CertificateFAA Form 8130-7, Special Airworthiness Certificate, is issued for all aircraft certificated in other than the Standard classifications, such as Experimental, Restricted, Limited, Provisional, and Light-Sport.
If you are interested in purchasing an aircraft classed as other than Standard, you should contact the local MIDO or FSDO for an explanation of airworthiness requirements and the limitations of such a certificate. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is an
additional source of information on special airworthi- ness certificates. Figure 3-4 at the end of this chapter
is a sample FAA Form 8130-7.
m CAUTION: The FAA can revoke an existing air-
worthiness certificate in any category (14 CFR part 21, section 21.181), if the aircraft no longer meets its approved design and/or is not in an airworthy condition.
regulations and Policies
There are a number of regulations and policy docu-ments that provide additional guidance on the subject of airworthiness.
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations
• 14 CFR Part 21, Certification Procedures for
Products and Parts
• 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H, Airworthiness Certificates
• 14 CFR Part 45, Identification and Registration
Marking
• 14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.313, Restricted
category civil aircraft: Operating limitations
• 14 CFR Part 91, Subpart D, Special Flight Operations
• 14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.715, Special flight authorizations for foreign civil aircraft
• 14 CFR Part 375, Navigation of Foreign Civil Aircraft Within the United States
FAA Orders (as revised)
• FAA Order 8130.2, Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft and Related Products
• FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS)
FAA Advisory Circulars (ACs) (as revised)
• AC 20-27, Certification and Operation of Amateur-Built Aircraft
• AC 20-139, Commercial Assistance During Construction of Amateur-Built Aircraft
• AC 21-4, Special Flight Permits for Operation of Overweight Aircraft
• AC 21-12, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate, FAA Form 8130-6
• AC 45-2, Identification and Registration Marking
• AC 90-89, Amateur-Built Aircraft and Ultra-light
Flight Testing Handbook
3-4Plane Sense
Figure 3-2. FAA Form 8130-6, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate. You can obtain instructions for
completing FAA Form 8130-6 on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO.
SAMPLE
Chapter 3: Airworthiness Certificate
Figure 3-2. FAA Form 8130-6 (page 2 of 2) .
SAMPLE3
3-6Plane Sense
Figure 3-3. FAA Form 8100-2, Standard Airworthiness Certificate. The FAA issues FAA Form 8100-2,
Standard Airworthiness Certificate, for aircraft type certificated in the normal, utility, acrobatic, commuter,
and transport categories, or for manned free balloons.
SAMPLEN2631A PIPER PA-22-135 22-903 NORMAL
NONE
08-10-95 MARION W. WILLIAMS SW-FSDO-OKCMarion W. W illiams3
Chapter 3: Airworthiness CertificateFigure 3-4. Form 8130-7, Special Airworthiness Certificate. The FAA issues FAA Form 8130-7,
Special Airworthiness Certificate, for all aircraft certificated in other than the Standard classifications,
such as Experimental, Restricted, Limited, Provisional, and Light-Sport.
SAMPLE
EXPERIMENTAL
OPERATING AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT
N/A
N/A
N/AN/A
48SB
STUART R. SKYE
PITTS SIS
UNLIMITED
OKC-MIDO-41Darrel A. Freeman
SAMPLE3
3-8Plane Sense
Aircraft r egistration
4-1If you purchase an aircraft and intend to operate in the National Air Space, you must register
the aircraft with the Aircraft Registration Branch (AFS-750). Aircraft may be registered
under a Certificate of Aircraft Registration or Dealer’s Aircraft Registration Certificate issued by AFS-750.
m CAUTION: The application must be submitted in the name of the owner(s), not in the name
of the bank or other mortgage holder.
Aircraft r egistration Branch
You may confirm any required fees with AFS-750 prior to submitting any aircraft documents for processing. AFS-750 contact information is in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook. Visit the “Aircraft Registration” link on the FAA website at www.faa.gov for information regarding aircraft
registration, recording liens, fees, importing and exporting aircraft, requesting special N-numbers, obtaining copies of aircraft records, downloading forms, an interactive aircraft registration database, etc. You may also order aircraft records by mail, fax, or telephone.
In compliance with statutory requirements, documents are processed in date-received order.
You may check to see if your documents have been received by using the FAA website “Aircraft Registration” link, and selecting the “Download the Aircraft Registration Database” link to search the document index.
The FAA updates the “Aircraft Registration Inquiry” site at midnight on each federal workday.
You can find new information immediately following this update. Please allow up to 20 days for processing N-number reservations and renewals and up to 30 days for all other non-priority actions.
m CAUTION: The act of registration is not evidence of ownership of an aircraft in any
proceeding in which ownership by a particular person is in issue. The FAA does not issue any certificate of ownership or endorse any information with respect to ownership on a Certificate of Aircraft Registration. The FAA issues a Certificate of Aircraft Registration to the person who appears to be the owner on the basis of the evidence of ownership submitted with the Aircraft Registration Application, or recorded at the FAA Aircraft Registry. Failure to properly register your aircraft may invalidate insurance, as well as have other serious consequences. You may need to follow up with AFS-750 to ensure that your aircraft registration was accomplished successfully.
4-2Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
4Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
m CAUTION: An aircraft may not be registered in
a foreign country during the period it is registered in
the United States.
eligible r egistrants
An aircraft is eligible for registration in the United States if it is owned by:
• A U.S. citizen (as defined in Title 14 of the Code
of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), part 47, section
47.2, a U.S. citizen can be an individual, or part-nership where each individual is a U.S. citizen, or
a corporation organized under the laws of the United States of which the president and at least two-thirds of the board of directors are U.S. citizens and 75 percent of the voting interest is owned or controlled by U.S. citizens)
• A resident alien
• A corporation other than one classified as a U.S.
citizen, lawfully organized under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof, if the aircraft is based and used primarily in the United States
• A government entity (federal, state or local)
registering Your Aircraft
To register an aircraft, you must send the following
documentation and fee to AFS-750:
• Aeronautical Center (AC) Form 8050-1, Aircraft
Registration Application,
• Evidence of ownership (such as a bill of sale), and
• The registration fee made payable to the FAA.
You must use an original AC Form 8050-1 when
applying for a Certificate of Aircraft Registration.
AC 8050-1 may be obtained from AFS-750 or your
local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). If you use a P.O. Box as a mailing address, you must also provide your street or physical location on the application.
m CAUTION: The FAA does not accept photocopies
or alternate formats of AC 8050-1.
Your application for aircraft registration must
include the typed or printed name of each applicant with his or her signature in the signature block.
m CAUTION: An aircraft may be registered only by
and in the legal name of its owner.
m CAUTION: The FAA will return any applications
that do not include the printed or typed name of the signer. Figure 4-1 at the end of this chapter is an aircraft
registration checklist you can use to assist you in the
registration process.
registration n umber
The United States received the “N” as its nationality designator under the International Air Navigation Convention, held in 1919.
How To Form an N-Number
N-numbers consist of a series of alphanumeric
characters. U.S. registration numbers may not ex-ceed five characters in addition to the standard
U.S. registration prefix letter “N.” These characters may be:
• One to five numbers (N12345),
• One to four numbers followed by one letter
(N1234Z), or
• One to three numbers followed by two letters (N123AZ).
To avoid confusion with the numbers one and zero,
the letters I and O are not used. Also, please note that
a hyphen (-) is no longer used in U.S. registration numbers.
Other Requirements
An N-number may not begin with zero. You must precede the first zero in an N-number with any number 1 through 9. For example, N01Z is not valid.
Registration numbers N1 through N99 are strictly
reserved for FAA internal use.
special r egistration n umber
A special registration number is an N-number of your choice which may be reserved, if available.
Special registration numbers may be:
• Used to change the N-number currently on
your aircraft.
• Assigned to a new home-built, import, or
newly manufactured aircraft in preparation
for registering that aircraft.
• Reserved for 1 year. Upon reservation, the
FAA will mail a confirmation notice to the
requester. A renewal notice will also be
sent prior to the expiration date. An online reservation request program is available
on the FAA website at www.faa.gov.
• Renewed annually. The renewal fee is $10 each year. An online renewal program is available on the FAA website at www.faa.gov.
Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
4-3Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
4Requesting a Special Registration Number
You may reserve a special N-number from the List of Available N-numbers for immediate use on a specific aircraft or for future use. This number may not exceed five characters in addition to the prefix letter “N.” All five characters may be numbers (N11111) or four numbers and one suffix letter (N1000A), or one to three numbers an d/or two suffix letters may be
used (N100AA).
In your written request, list up to five numbers in
order of preference in the event your first choice is not available, and include the fee. The fee for a Special Registration Number is $10.00. Forward your request to AFS-750.
If your request is approved, you will be notified that
the number has been reserved for 1 year, and that
the reservation may be extended on an annual basis for a $10 renewal fee.
Placing the Special Registration
Number on Your AircraftWhen you are ready to place the number on your
aircraft, you should request permission by forward-ing a complete description of the aircraft to AFS-750. Permission to place the special number on your aircraft is given on AC Form 8050-64, Assignment of
Special Registration Numbers. When the number
is placed on your aircraft, sign and return the original
AC Form 8050-64 to AFS-750 within 5 days.
Figure 4-2 at the end of this chapter is a sample
AC Form 8050-64.
A duplicate AC Form 8050-64, together with your
airworthiness certificate, should be presented to an aviation safety inspector (ASI) from your local FSDO within 10 days from placing the new registration number on your aircraft. The ASI will issue a revised airworthiness certificate showing the new registration number. The old registration certificate and the duplicate AC Form 8050-64 should be carried in the aircraft until the new Certificate of Registration is received, in accordance with 14 CFR part 91, section 91.203(a)(1).
Aircraft Previously r egistered
in the United s tates
If the aircraft you are purchasing was previously registered in the United States, you should immedi-
ately submit evidence of ownership, an AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration Application, and the registration fee to AFS-750 upon closing. Fees required for aircraft registration may be paid by check or money order made payable to the Treasury of the United States. AFS-750 contact information is in the FAA Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.
AC Form 8050-2, Aircraft Bill of Sale, meets the
FAA’s requirements for evidence of ownership. An
AC Form 8050-2 does not need to be notarized.
AC Forms 8050-1 and 8050-2 can be obtained from
the nearest FSDO, and include information and
instruction sheets. Figure 4-3 at the end of this
chapter is a sample AC Form 8050-2.
m CAUTION: If a conditional sales contract is the
evidence of ownership, an additional fee is required for recording.
Chain of Ownership
If there is a break in the chain of ownership of the aircraft (i.e., if it is not being purchased from the last registered owner), you are required to submit conveyances to complete the chain of ownership through all intervening owners, including yourself,
to AFS-750.
Replacement Certificate
of Aircraft Registration AC Form 8050-1 may also be used to report a change of address by the aircraft owner. The FAA issues
a revised certificate at no charge. If the certificate is
lost, destroyed, or mutilated, a replacement certificate may be obtained at the written request of the certi-
ficate holder. Send the request and fee to AFS-750.
The request should describe the aircraft by make,
model, serial number, and registration number. If operation of the aircraft is necessary before receipt
of the duplicate certificate, AFS-750 may, if requested, send temporary authority by fax. You should include your full address, fax number, and
contact telephone number in your request AFS-750 contact information is in the FAA Contact Informa-tion appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.
Aircraft Previously r egistered
in a Foreign Country
If you are considering the purchase of an aircraft that is currently registered in a foreign country, you should be aware that multiple issues are involved with the registration process. You should contact AFS-750 for registration assistance.
4-4Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
4Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
AC Form 8050-1,
Aircraft r egistration Application
AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration Application,
includes an information and instruction sheet. Submit the white and green copies to AFS-750 and keep the pink copy in the aircraft as temporary authority to operate the aircraft without registration. This temporary authority is valid until the date the applicant receives the AC Form 8050-3, Certificate of Aircraft Registration, or until the date the FAA denies the application, but in no case for more than 90 days after the date of the application. Pink copy operation is valid only inside the United States. Figure 4-4 at
the end of this chapter is a sample AC Form 8050-1.
If by 90 days the FAA has neither issued the
Certificate of Aircraft Registration nor denied the application, the FAA Aircraft Registry may issue a letter of extension that serves as authority to continue to operate the aircraft without registration.
m CAUTION: If you plan to operate the aircraft
outside the United States within 90 days of submitting your registration documents, you should contact AFS-750 to request a temporary certificate by fax, also known as a “fly wire”.
AC Form 8050-3,
Certificate of Aircraft r egistration
AC Form 8050-3 is issued to the person whose name
is on the application. The pink copy is valid for 90 days and is legal only in the United States.
An AC Form 8050-3 should be in the aircraft before
an Airworthiness Certificate can be issued. Some of the conditions under which AC Form 8050-3 becomes invalid, as described in 14 CFR part 47, section 47.41 include:
• The aircraft becomes registered under the laws of
a foreign country.
• The registration of the aircraft is cancelled at the written request of the holder of the certificate.
• The aircraft is totally destroyed or scrapped.
• The holder of the certificate loses his or her U.S.
citizenship or status as a resident alien without becoming a U.S. citizen.
• The ownership of the aircraft is transferred.
• Thirty days have elapsed since the death of the
holder of the certificate.
When an aircraft is sold, destroyed, or scrapped, the
owner must notify the FAA by filling in the back
of AC Form 8050-3 and mailing it to AFS-750. The U.S. registration and nationality marking should
be removed from an aircraft before it is delivered
to a purchaser who is not eligible to register it in the United States. The endorsed AC Form 8050-3 should be forwarded to AFS-750. AFS-750 contact information is in the FAA Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.
An AC Form 8050-6, Dealer’s Aircraft Registration
Certificate, is an alternative form of registration. It is valid only for flights within the United States by the manufacturer or dealer for flight testing or demonstration for sale. It should be removed by the dealer when the aircraft is sold.
To apply for a Dealer’s Aircraft Registration
Certificate, the applicant must complete AC Form 8050-5, Dealer’s Aircraft Registration Certificate Application.
m CAUTION: AC Form 8050-3 serves as conclusive
evidence of nationality but it is not a title and is not evidence of ownership in any proceeding in which ownership is at issue.
Amateur-Built Aircraft
registration and i nspection
The FAA recommends that you apply for registration
of your amateur-built aircraft 60–120 days before
you finish building your aircraft, and before you sub-mit FAA Form 8130-6 to the FAA. The FAA will not inspect your amateur-built aircraft before it has been registered or during construction of the aircraft.
The
FAA or a Designated Airworthiness Representative
(DAR) in your geographical area inspects your
amateur-built aircraft for general airworthiness
only after you have made an application for an airworthiness certificate.
The FAA does not charge a fee to the public for
inspecting amateur-built aircraft. However, FAA workload may delay inspection of your aircraft.
For this reason, the FAA staff is augmented by the use of DARs who may charge a fee for their services (14 CFR Part 183, Section 183.33(b), Designated Airworthiness Representative).
You may locate a DAR in your geographical area by
reviewing the online DAR Directory. Manufacturing DARs are listed by state in the first half of the directory, and Maintenance DARs are listed by state
in the second half. A DAR who has authority to inspect and certify amateur-built aircraft has the
Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
4-5Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
4DAR Function Code “46” under his or her name.
(Also see FAA Order 8100.8 (as revised), Designee Management Handbook, for designee program details.)
light-sport Aircraft r egistration
If you purchased a newly manufactured light-sport aircraft that is to be certificated as:
• An experimental light-sport aircraft under 14
CFR, part 21, section 21.191(i)(2); or
• A special light-sport aircraft under 14 CFR part
21, section 21.190;
Then you must provide the following documentation
to AFS-750:
• AC Form 8050-88 (as revised), Light-Sport Aircraft Manufacturer’s Affidavit, completed
by the light-sport aircraft manufacturer, unless previously submitted to AFS-750 by the manufacturer;
• Evidence of ownership from the manufacturer for the aircraft;
• AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration Application; and
• Registration fee. The FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch (AFS-610)
or your local FSDO can assist you with questions about the registration of light-sport aircraft. AFS-610 contact information is in the FAA Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.
state r egistration r equirements
Aircraft owners should remember that state registra-tion of aircraft is required in many states. You should check with your state government to ensure that you have met any applicable state registration requirements for your aircraft.
Additional i nformation
14 CFR part 47 specifies the requirements for registering an aircraft. For information concerning 14 CFR part 47 or any topics not discussed in this chapter, please contact AFS-750. AFS-750 contact information is in the FAA Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.
4-6Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
4Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
Figure 4-1. Aircraft Registration Checklist. You can use this checklist to assist you with the aircraft
registration process. Aircraft registration Checklist
stAtUsitem desCriPtion
Certificate of airworthiness
Confirm the aircraft has a valid certificate of airworthi-
ness or special certificate of airworthiness, if applicable.
Eligible registrant
In accordance with 14 CFR part 47: U.S. citizen,
resident alien, corporation or government entity
Aircraft Registration Application
Original AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration
Application
Evidence of ownership
AC Form 8050-2, Bill of Sale or conditional
sales contract
Fee
Check with AFS-750 to determine applicable fee (i.e.,
conditional sales contract as evidence of ownership
triggers additional fee).
Registration number
Confirm registration number on aircraft.
Special registration number
(if applicable)
Complete FAA Form 8050-64, Assignment of Special
Registration Number, when you are ready to use the
new registration number.
Chain of ownership
Ensure that chain of ownership is uninterrupted. If
chain of ownership is interrupted, you must submit
conveyances completing the chain of ownership to
AFS-750.
State registration requirements
Check with your state aviation authority to confirm any
state requirements.
Light-sport aircraft
(if applicable)You must send the following documents to AFS-750:
AC Form 8050-88A, Light-Sport Aircraft Manu-
facturer’s Affidavit; evidence of ownership from the
manufacturer for the aircraft; AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft
Registration Application; and the registration fee.
Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
4-7Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
Figure 4-2. AC Form 8050-64, Assignment of Special Registration Numbers. The FAA issues AC Form
8050-64 to give you permission to place your reserved special registration number on your aircraft.
You should place the special registration number on your aircraft, and then notify the FAA in accordance
with the instructions provided.
N401RZ
N402TS CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22
RANDALL Z. BLACKHAWK
150 CESSNA ROAD
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73125JUN 13, 2008
JUN 13, 2009JAN 30, 2008
STANDARDICAO AIRCRAFT ADDRESS CODE FOR N401RZ - 50999999
4-8Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
4Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
Figure 4-3. AC Form 8050-2, Aircraft Bill of Sale. You can download the form and obtain instructions for
completing FAA Form 8050-2 on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO.
5TH
JANE FLYER OWNER103AZ
CESSNA 172
JUNE 2006
SAMPLE
Jane FlyerFRED WINGTIP
44 ECLIPSE STREET
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73125
Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
4-9Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
Figure 4-4. AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration Application. You must use an original AC Form 8050-1
which can be obtained from AFS-750 or your local FSDO. You can obtain instructions for completing AC Form
8050-1 on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO. (Be sure to print your name below your
signature or your application will be rejected.)
142AZ
Beechcraft A200
BO-12
Glenn Navigator
GLENN NAVIGATOR04-28-06X
GLENN NAVIGATOR
405 555-8118
14 SKYCATCHER BLVD.
SAMPLE
73125 OK OKLAHOMA CITY
OWNER
4-10Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
Figure 4-5. AC Form 8050-3, Certificate of Aircraft Registration. The FAA issues AC Form 8050-3 to evidence
registration of your aircraft.
N505DH 8806
PITTS SIS
LINBERGH, DANIEL E.800 GATEWAY ROADOKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73125
JUNE 3,19955199999
David Hinson
SAMPLE
Plane Sense
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
special Flight Permits
A special flight permit can be issued to any U.S. registered aircraft that may not currently
meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is capable of safe flight. Before the permit
is issued, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector (ASI) may inspect
the aircraft or require it to be inspected by an FAA-certificated airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic or repair station to determine its safety for the intended flight. The inspection is then recorded in the aircraft records. This type of special flight permit is often referred to as a “ferry permit” because it allows the aircraft to be ferried to a location for maintenance.
In the case of general aviation flights (e.g., flights conducted by operators other than Title 14
of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121 or part 135 certificate holders), special
flight permits are issued by the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)/International Field Office (IFO) having jurisdiction over the geographical area in which the flight is to originate.
Circumstances Warranting a s pecial Flight Permit
A special flight permit is issued to allow the aircraft to be flown to a base where repairs, alterations, or maintenance can be performed; for delivering or exporting the aircraft; or for evacuating an aircraft from an area of impending danger. It may also be issued to allow the operation of an overweight aircraft for flight beyond its normal range over water or land areas where adequate landing facilities are not available.
The following list, which is not all-inclusive, sets forth the most common requests for special
flight permits:
• Flying the aircraft to a base where repairs, alterations, or maintenance are to be performed,
or to a point of salvage
• Flying an aircraft whose annual inspection has expired to a base where an annual inspection
can be accomplished
• Flying an amateur-built aircraft whose condition inspection has expired to a base where the
condition inspection can be accomplished
• Delivering or exporting the aircraft
• Production flight testing of new production aircraft
• Evacuating aircraft from areas of impending danger
• Conducting customer demonstration flights in new production aircraft that have
satisfactorily completed production flight tests
• Operating an aircraft at a weight in excess of its maximum certificated takeoff weight
5-25m CAUTION: If an Airworthiness Directive (AD)
requires compliance before further flight and does
not have a provision for issuance of a special flight
permit, the operation of the aircraft to which it applies would not be appropriate, and a special flight permit will not be issued.
Foreign- registered Civil Aircraft
A special flight authorization allows a foreign-
registered civil aircraft that does not have the equiva-lent of a U.S. standard airworthiness certificate to be
operated within the United States.
A civil aircraft registered in a country that is a mem-
ber of the International Civil Aviation Organzation (ICAO) only needs a special flight authorization issu-ed by the FAA. A civil aircraft registered in a country that is not a member of ICAO must have both an authorization from the United States Department of
Transportation (DOT) and a special flight authorization issued by the FAA.
obtaining a s pecial Flight Authorization
To obtain a special flight authorization, you must
apply by letter or facsimile. The application and
issuance procedures are provided in FAA Order 8130.2 (as revised), Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft and Related Products, Chapter 7, Special Flight Authorizations for Non-U.S.-Registered Civil Aircraft. You can obtain assistance and the necessary forms for issuance of a special flight authorization from the local FSDO or IFO.
Application for Airworthiness Certificate
A special flight permit is an FAA Form 8130-7, Special Airworthiness Certificate, issued pursuant
to 14 CFR part 21, section 21.197, for an aircraft
that may not currently meet applicable airworthi-ness requirements but is safe for a specific flight.
m CAUTION: A special flight permit is not an
authorization to deviate from the requirements of 14 CFR part 91.
An applicant for a special flight permit must submit
FAA Form 8130-6, Application for U.S. Airworthiness
Certificate, including a statement indicating:
• Purpose of the flight;
• Proposed itinerary;
• Essential crew required to operate the aircraft;
• The ways, if any, in which the aircraft does not
comply with the applicable airworthiness
requirements; and
• Any other information requested by the Administrator, considered necessary for the purpose of prescribing operating limitations.
You should fax the completed form to the FSDO
closest to the location where the flight will originate.
You can locate contact information for the FSDO on the FAA website at www.faa.gov. Figure 5-1 at the
end of this chapter is a sample FAA Form 8130-6.Some FSDOs may ask you to include additional information necessary for the purpose of prescribing operating limitations when you submit FAA Form 8130-6. Examples of additional information might include:
• A current copy of the Airworthiness Certificate.
• A current copy of the Certificate of Aircraft
Registration.
• A current copy of the front page of the aircraft
and engine(s) logbooks, with all entries com-pleted, (i.e., aircraft, engine(s), propeller(s), manufacturer, model, serial number).
• A current copy of the Aircraft/Engine/Propeller/Appliance AD compliance status.
• A copy of the last Aircraft Log Book entry, stating that the aircraft has been inspected and is in a safe condition to fly/ferry, that the aircraft
is in compliance with all applicable ADs, and/or a listing of the ADs with which the aircraft is not in compliance. The entry must be signed by an A&P mechanic or 14 CFR part 145 repair station.
The Administrator may also want to inspect the
aircraft in question before approving or issuing
a ferry flight permit.
You may be required to make appropriate inspections
or tests necessary for safety. (This means an A&P
mechanic or 14 CFR part 145 repair station will need to inspect the aircraft prior to flight.)
You may request that the local FSDO transmit the
ferry permit via facsimile if the request is time-sensitive. Figure 5-2 at the end of this chapter is
a sample FAA Form 8130-7.
The aircraft operator must display, in the aircraft, the
current airworthiness certificate and the special flight
(ferry) permit along with its operating limitations.
For additional information, please refer to 14 CFR
part 21, section 21.197, or your local FSDO. Plane SensePlane Sense
Chapter 5: Special Flight Permits5
Figure 5-1. FAA Form 8130-6, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate. You can obtain instructions for
completing FAA Form 8130-6 on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO.
2-26-2003 SW 15
SAMPLE
XX
XX
Joe PilotXPlane SensePlane Sense
Figure 5-1. Form 8130-6 (page 2 of 2) .
Jane A. AviatorJANE A. AVIATOR 1012 CIRRUS AVE., SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA 74852
CESSNA C-182L
182-500000 N122A
2-26-2008 10 DAYSSHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA
DIRECTDOWNTOWN AIRPARK, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA
2-26-2008 JANE A. AVIATORANNUAL INSPECTION
AIRCRAFT INSPECTION AND LOGBOOK ENTRY
SAMPLEPlane SensePlane Sense
Chapter 5: Special Flight Permits5
SAMPLE
SAMPLE
Figure 5-2. FAA Form 8130-7, Special Airworthiness Certificate. The FAA issues FAA Form 8130-7,
Special Airworthiness Certificate, as a special flight permit.
SPECIAL FLIGHT PERMIT
MAINTENANCE
N/A
N/A
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA
DOWNTOWN AIRPARK, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
CESSNA
03-01-96182-582672
C-182L
OKC-MIDO-41 Darrel A. FreemanN-Plane SensePlane Sense
5-65Plane Sense
L ight-sport aircraft (LSA) is a growing sector of the general aviation community, specific
to the United States. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) promulgated sport pilot
(SP)/LSA regulations in 2004. This significant change in Title 14 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) allowed easier and lower-cost access to general aviation.
definition
LSA as defined in 14 CFR part 1, section 1.1, “means an aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered-lift that, since its original certification, has continued to meet the following:
(1) A maximum takeoff weight of not more than— (i) 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms) for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or
(ii) 1,430 pounds (650 kilograms) for an aircraft intended for operation on water.
(2) A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power (V
H) of not more
than 120 knots CAS under standard atmospheric conditions at sea level.
(3) A maximum never-exceed speed (VNE) of not more than 120 knots CAS for a glider.
(4) A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (V
S1) of not more than 45 knots CAS at the aircraft’ s maximum certificated
takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity.(5) A maximum seating capacity of no more than two persons, including the pilot.(6) A single, reciprocating engine, if powered.(7) A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller if a powered aircraft other than a powered glider.(8) A fixed or autofeathering propeller system if a powered glider.(9) A fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system, if a gyroplane.(10) A nonpressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.(11) Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider.(12) Fixed or retractable landing gear, or a hull, for an aircraft intended for operation on water. (13) Fixed or retractable landing gear for a glider. ”
lsA Certification
Several different kinds of aircraft may be certificated as LSA. Airplanes (both powered and
gliders), rotorcraft (gyroplanes only, not true for helicopters), powered parachutes, weight-shift control aircraft, and lighter-than-air craft (free balloons and airships) may all be certificated
as LSA if they fall within weight and other guidelines established by the FAA.
light-sport Aircraft
6-1Plane Sense
6-2Plane Sense
6lsA registration
If you purchased a newly manufactured LSA that is
to be certificated as an experimental LSA under 14 CFR part 21, section 21.191(i)(2), or a special LSA under 14 CFR part 21, section 21.190, then you must provide the following documentation to the FAA Civil Aviation Registry Aircraft Registration Branch (AFS-750):
• Aeronautical Center (AC) Form 8050-88 (as revised), Light-Sport Aircraft Manufacturer’s
Affidavit, or its equivalent, completed by the LSA manufacturer, unless previously submitted to AFS-750 by the manufacturer,
• Evidence of ownership from the aircraft
manufacturer, • AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration Application, and• Registration fee.
The FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch (AFS-610) or
your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) can assist you with questions about LSA registration.
Available r esources
There are a number of resources available to assist LSA owners and operators.
Light Sport Aviation Branch, AFS-610
AFS-610 manages and provides oversight of the SP
examiner and the LSA repairman-training programs,
and also provides subject matter experts for FAA
and the aviation industry concerning the SP/LSA
aircraft safety initiatives. AFS-610 performs the following functions:
• Acceptance of LSA Repairman courses
• Light Sport Standardization Board • Oversight of designated SP Examiners • SP Examiner Initial Training Seminar • SP Examiner Recurrent Training ProgramAFS-610 contact information is available in the FAA
Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.
Experimental Aircraft Association
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) was founded in 1953 by a group of individuals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who were interested in building their own airplanes. Through the decades, the organization expanded its mission to include antiques, classics, warbirds, aerobatic aircraft, ultralights, helicopters, light sport, and contemporary manufactured aircraft.
EAA is an excellent resource for light sport aircraft
owners and operators. You can contact the EAA at:
EAA Aviation Center
3000 Poberezny Rd
Oshkosh, WI 54902(800) JOIN-EAA phone
www.eaa.org
regulatory Guidance
Regulatory guidance for LSA owners and operators
includes:
• FAA Order 8130.2 (as revised), Airworthiness
Certification of Aircraft and Related Products
• FAA Order 8130.33 (as revised), Designated Airworthiness Representatives: Amateur-Built and Light-Sport Aircraft Certification Functions
Plane Sense
Maintenance means the preservation, inspection, overhaul, and repair of aircraft,
including the replacement of parts. The purpose of maintenance is to ensure that the
aircraft remains airworthy throughout its operational life. A properly maintained aircraft
is a safe aircraft.
Although maintenance requirements vary for different types of aircraft, experience shows
that most aircraft need some type of preventive maintenance every 25 hours or less of
flying time, and minor maintenance at least every 100 hours. This is influenced by the kind of operation, climactic conditions, storage facilities, age, and construction of the aircraft. Maintenance manuals are available from aircraft manufacturers or commercial vendors with revisions for maintaining your aircraft.
While the requirements for maintaining your aircraft are contained in Title 14 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (14 CFR), it is essential for every aircraft owner to remember that specific maintenance requirements are available from the aircraft manufacturer.
maintenance r esponsibilities
14 CFR part 91, section 91.403, places primary responsibility on the owner or operator for maintaining an aircraft in an airworthy condition. Certain inspections must be performed on your aircraft, and you must maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft between the required inspections by having any defects corrected. 14 CFR part 91, section 91.327 pertains to light-sport aircraft. Light-sport aircraft certificated in the light sport category under 14 CFR part 21, section 21.190 must be maintained by an FAA-certificated airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic or a light-sport repairman with a maintenance rating.
14 CF r Part 91, s ubpart e
14 CFR part 91, subpart E, requires the inspection of all civil aircraft at specific intervals
to determine the overall condition. The interval generally depends on the type of operations
in which the aircraft is engaged. Some aircraft need to be inspected at least once every
12 calendar months, while inspection is required for others after each 100 hours of operation.
In other instances, an aircraft may be inspected in accordance with an inspection system set up to provide for total inspection of the aircraft on the basis of calendar time, time in service, number of system operations, or any combination of these factors.
Aircraft m aintenance
Plane Sense
7-2To determine the specific inspection requirements
and rules for the performance of inspections, you should refer to 14 CFR part 91, subpart E, which prescribes the requirements for various types of operations.
manufacturer m aintenance m anuals
All inspections must follow the manufacturer main-
tenance manual, including the instructions for continued airworthiness concerning inspection intervals, parts replacement, and life-limited items
as applicable to your aircraft. The maintenance manuals provided by the manufacturer of your air-craft are your best available resource on issues of aircraft maintenance.
Preventive m aintenance
14 CFR lists 32 relatively uncomplicated repairs and
procedures defined as preventive maintenance. Certificated pilots, excluding student and recreational pilots, may perform preventive maintenance on any
aircraft owned or operated by them that are not used
in air carrier service. These preventive maintenance operations are listed in 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A,
Preventive Maintenance. 14 CFR part 43 also con-tains other rules to be followed in the maintenance
of aircraft.
inspections
In order to provide a reasonable assurance that aircraft are functioning properly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a series of aircraft inspections somewhat similar to the many currency requirements for airmen. This section outlines the basic inspection requirements for aircraft.
Annual Inspection
Most general aviation aircraft require an annual in-spection pursuant to 14 CFR part 91, section 91.409.
Excluded aircraft:
• Use an approved progressive inspection plan;
• Carry a special flight permit; or• Carry a provisional airworthiness certificate.
The annual inspection must be completed and
approved by a mechanic with an inspection authorization (IA) once every 12 calendar months. For example, if the aircraft’s annual is endorsed on June 16, 2008, the next annual inspection is due
before July 1, 2009; otherwise the aircraft may not
be flown without authorization (e.g., a special
flight or “ferry” permit).A ferry permit is required to fly an aircraft that is
out of annual, such as in the case of flying to another
airport for the inspection. Chapter 5 discusses the issuance of special flight permits. You can contact your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)
for instructions on applying for a special flight or
ferry permit.
100-Hour Inspection
The 100-hour (14 CFR part 91, section 91.409) inspection is required for aircraft that either:
• Carry any person (other than a crewmember) for
hire, or
• Are provided by any person giving flight instruction.
The 100-hour limit may be exceeded by 10 hours
for the purposes of flying to a place where the
inspection can be completed. The excess time must be included in computing the next 100 hours of
time in service.
Some examples of “for hire” operations under 14 CFR
part 91 that subject the aircraft to the 100-hour
inspection requirement include:
• An aerial photography flight, or
• A flight instructor providing an aircraft, or
any operation that supplies both flight instruction and an aircraft. (An aircraft provided by the (student) pilot receiving instruction is not subject to the 100-hour inspection.)
Condition Inspection
A condition inspection is required once every 12 calendar months for light-sport aircraft certificated in the light-sport category. In accordance with 14 CFR part 91, section 91.327, the condition inspection must be performed by “a certificated repairman (light-sport aircraft) with a maintenance rating, an appropriately rated mechanic, or an appropriately rated repair station in accordance with inspection procedures developed by the aircraft manufacturer or a person acceptable to the FAA.”
other i nspection Programs
The annual and 100-hour inspection requirements
do not apply to large (over 12,500 pounds)
airplanes, turbojets, or turbopropeller-powered multiengine airplanes, or to airplanes for which the owner or operator complies with the progressive inspection requirements. Details of these require-ments may be determined by reference to 14 CFR part 43, section 43.11; 14 CFR part 91, subpart E;
and by inquiry at the local FSDO.
Chapter 7: Aircraft Maintenance7
7-3Progressive Inspection
To minimize maintenance downtime, the owner may opt for a progressive inspection plan. Progressive inspections benefit owners whose aircraft experience high usage such as fixed base operators (FBOs), flight schools, and corporate flight departments. Unlike
an annual inspection, a progressive inspection allows for more frequent but shorter inspection phases,
only if all items required for the annual and 100-hour inspections are inspected within the required time. The authority to use a progressive inspection plan
is non-transferable. Once the aircraft is sold, an
annual becomes due within 12 calendar months of the last complete cycle. The 100-hour inspection is due at the completion of the next 100 hours of operation. Most airframe manufacturers provide
a boilerplate progressive maintenance plan.
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix D, Scope and Detail of
Items (as Applicable to the Particular Aircraft) To Be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections, contains a list of general items to be checked during inspections.
Altimeter System Inspection
The aircraft’s static system, altimeter, and automatic
altitude-reporting (Mode C) system must have been
inspected and tested in the preceding 24 calendar
months before flying instrument flight rules (IFR) in
controlled airspace. 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix E,
Altimeter System Test and Inspection, lists the items
that must be checked.
Transponder Inspection
The transponder must be inspected every 24 calen-dar months. 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix F, ATC Transponder Tests and Inspections, lists the items that must be checked. Additionally, the installation of or modification to a transponder must be inspected for data errors as well.
Preflight Inspection
A pilot is required to conduct a thorough preflight inspection before every flight to ensure that the aircraft is safe for flight. Pilots should review the maintenance status of the aircraft as a part of the preflight inspection.repairs and Alterations
All repairs and alterations of standard airworthiness
certificated aircraft are classified as either major
or minor. 14 CFR part 43, appendix A, describes the
alterations and repairs considered major. Major repairs or alterations are approved for return to
service on FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Altera-tion, by an appropriately rated certificated repair station, an FAA-certificated A&P mechanic holding an IA, or a representative of the Administrator. Minor repairs and minor alterations may be approved for return to service with a proper entry in the maintenance records by a certificated A&P mechanic or an appropriately certificated repair station.
Alterations to light-sport aircraft certificated in
the light-sport aircraft category under 14 CFR part 21, section 21.190, must be authorized by the manufacturer or a person acceptable to the FAA in accordance with 14 CFR part 91, section 91.327.
minimum e quipment l ist/Configuration
deviation l ist
If your aircraft has an approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL), the MEL should be used to determine
if a flight may be initiated with inoperative aircraft equipment without the issuance of a special flight
permit. Your Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) may also
include a Configuration Deviation List (CDL) pre-pared by the manufacturer.
If your aircraft does not have an approved MEL, and
you have inoperative equipment or instruments,
then you must refer to 14 CFR part 91, section 91.213, to determine if a special flight permit is needed to operate the aircraft.
FAA r esources
You can find all of the maintenance requirements applicable to your aircraft in 14 CFR by accessing
the relevant regulations on the FAA website at
www.faa.gov. The best resource for answering questions about the maintenance necessary on
your aircraft is your local FSDO.
experimental Aircraft
If you make any major alterations to your experimental aircraft, you must notify your local FSDO of those alterations.
Plane Sense
An aircraft owner is required to keep aircraft maintenance records for the airframe, engine,
propeller, and appliances. These records must contain a description of the work performed
on the aircraft, the date the work was completed, the certificated mechanic’s signature, the type
of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificate, and the certificate number and signature of the person approving the aircraft for return to service.
responsibilities of the Aircraft o wner
All recordkeeping is primarily the responsibility of the aircraft owner. The airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic is responsible for the work he or she performs. The owner of an aircraft must also ensure that maintenance personnel make appropriate entries in the aircraft maintenance records indicating the aircraft has been approved for return to service. The owner’s aircraft records shall also contain the inspections required pursuant to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, section 91.409.
Proper management of aircraft operations begins with a good system of maintenance records.
A properly completed maintenance record provides the information needed by the owner and maintenance personnel to determine when scheduled inspections and maintenance are to be performed.
Aircraft maintenance records must include:
• The total time in service of the airframe, each engine, and each propeller;
• The current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, and
appliance;
• The time since the last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft, which are required to
be overhauled on a specified time basis;
• The identification of the current inspection status of the aircraft, including the time since
the last inspection required by the inspection program under which the aircraft and its
appliances are maintained;
• The current status of applicable Airworthiness Directives (ADs) including, for each, the
method of compliance, the AD number, and the revision date. If the AD involves recurring action, the time and date the next action is required; and
• A copy of the major alterations to each airframe, engine, propeller, and appliance.
These records are retained by the owner and are transferred with the aircraft when it is sold.
Figure 8-1 at the end of this chapter is a maintenance records checklist you can use to document compliance with the applicable maintenance requirements.
maintenance r ecords
Plane Sense
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records
8-2Plane Sense
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records
These records may be discarded when the work is
repeated or superseded by other work, or 1 year after the work is performed.
m CAUTION: Keep in mind that as a result of
repairs or alterations, such as replacing radios and installing speed kits, it may be necessary to amend the weight and balance report, equipment list,
flight manual, etc.
logbooks
Most maintenance performed on an aircraft is recor-ded in the aircraft logbooks. As an aircraft owner, it is important to ensure that your aircraft’s logbooks are complete and up to date at all times. The aircraft logbooks outline the maintenance history of your air- craft, and any prospective buyer will want to review the aircraft and all maintenance performed. In addi-
tion, any A&P or certificated repair station performing
maintenance on your aircraft will want to review the
prior maintenance performed on the aircraft.
Airworthiness d irectives
An aircraft owner is required to comply with all applicable ADs issued by the FAA for his or her aircraft. The FAA issues ADs to notify aircraft owners and other interested persons of unsafe conditions and to specify the corrective action required, including conditions under which the aircraft may continue to be operated.
The aircraft’s maintenance records should indicate the current status of all applicable ADs, including for each:
• AD number,
• Method of compliance,• Revision date, and• Recurring action (if applicable) including the time
and date of the next action required.
safety d irectives
The owner or operator of an aircraft having a
special airworthiness certificate must comply with each safety directive applicable to the aircraft that corrects an existing unsafe condition or corrects the condition in a manner different from safety directive specifications if the person issuing the directive agrees with the action. Otherwise, the owner or operator may, in accordance with 14 CFR part 91, section 91.327, “obtain an FAA waiver from the provisions of the safety directive based on a conclusion that the safety directive was issued without adhering to the applicable consensus standard.”
Light-sport category aircraft certificated pursuant
to 14 CFR part 21, section 21.190 have mandatory compliance with all manufacturer safety directives.
service Bulletins
A service bulletin contains a recommendation from the manufacturer, with which that manufacturer believes the aircraft owner should comply, that often reflects a safety-of-flight issue that the manufacturer believes should be addressed within a certain time-frame. It may result from an improvement developed by the manufacturer, or it may address a defect in
a product or published documentation.
The manufacturer responds to one of these situa-
tions by issuing a service bulletin that recommends a certain type of inspection, replacing certain components, performing maintenance in a specific manner, or limiting operations under specified conditions. Sometimes, compliance with a service bulletin may be triggered by the occurrence of
a particular event (e.g., the lapse of time or operation under certain types of conditions).
FAA Form 337,
major r epair and Alteration
A mechanic who performs a major repair or major
alteration shall record the work on FAA Form 337 and have the work inspected and approved by a
mechanic who holds an inspection authorization (IA). (Light-sport aircraft do not require Form 337 when altering a non-approved product.) A signed copy shall be given to the owner and another copy sent to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch (AFS-750) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma within 48 hours of aircraft approval for return to service. However, when a major repair is done by a certificated repair station, the customer’s work order may be used and a release given as outlined in 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B, Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations. You can obtain additional information and instructions for completing FAA Form 337 in Advisory Circular (AC) 43-9 (as revised), Aircraft Maintenance Records. Figure 8-2 at the end of this
chapter is a sample FAA Form 337.
entries into Aircraft m aintenance r ecords
Each time maintenance, including preventive main-
tenance, is performed on your aircraft, an appropriate entry must be added to the maintenance records.
Plane Sense
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance RecordsPlane Sense
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records
8-314 CFR Part 43, Section 43.9,
Content, form, and disposition of maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration records (except inspections performed in accordance
with part 91, part 125, §135.411(a)(1), and §135.419 of this chapterAny person who maintains, rebuilds or alters an aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance shall make an entry containing:
• A description of the work or some reference
to data acceptable to the FAA,
• The date the work was completed,
• The name of the person who performed the
work, and
• If the work was approved for return to service,
the signature, certificate number, and kind of certificate held by the person approving the aircraft for return to service.
14 CFR Part 43, Section 43.11,
Content, form, and disposition of records for
inspections conducted under parts 91 and 125 and §§135.411(a)(1) and 135.419 of this chapterWhen a mechanic approves or disapproves an air-craft for return to service after an annual, 100-hour, or progressive inspection, an entry shall be made including:
• Aircraft time in service,
• The type of inspection,• The date of inspection,• The signature, certificate number, and ki nd of
certificate held by the person approving or
disapproving the aircraft for return to service, and
• A signed and dated listing of discrepancies and unairworthy items.
14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.409,
InspectionsInspection entries for 14 CFR part 91, section 91.409(e) airplanes over 12,500 pounds, turbo jet, or turbopropeller-powered multiengine airplanes
are made according to 14 CFR part 43, section 43.9, and shall include:
• The kind of inspection performed,
• A statement by the mechanic that the inspection
was performed in accordance with the instruc-
tions and procedures for the kind of inspection program selected by the owner, and• A statement that a signed and dated list of any defects found during the inspection was given to
the owner, if the aircraft is not approved for return to service.
14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.411,
Altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment tests and inspections14 CFR part 91, section 91.411, requires that every airplane or helicopter operated in controlled airspace under instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions have each static pressure system, each altimeter, and each automatic pressure altitude reporting system tested and inspected every 24 calendar months. The aircraft maintenance records must include:
• A description of the work,
• The maximum altitude to which the altimeter
was tested, and
• The date and signature of the person approving
the aircraft for return to service.
14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.413,ATC transponder tests and inspections14 CFR part 91, section 91.413, requires that anyone operating an Air Traffic Control (ATC) transponder specified in 14 CFR part 91, section 91.215(a), have it tested and inspected every 24 calendar months. The aircraft maintenance records must include:
• A description of the work, and
• The date and signature of the person approving
the airplane for return to service.
14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.207,
Emergency locator transmitters14 CFR part 91, section 91.207, requires that no person may operate a U.S. registered civil airplane unless there is attached to the airplane a personal type or an automatic type emergency locator transmitter (ELT) that is in operable condition
and meets applicable requirements of Technical
Standard Order (TSO)-C91.
m CAUTION: New ELT installations after June
21, 1995, must meet TSO-C91A (the first revised, or amended, version).
Batteries used in ELT shall be replaced when:
• The transmitter has been in use for more than
1 cumulative hour, or
• 50 percent of the ELT’s useful life has expired.
Plane Sense
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records
8-4Plane Sense
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records
The expiration date for replacing the battery shall be
legibly marked on the outside of the transmitter and entered in the aircraft maintenance records.
Amateur-Built Aircraft
The condition inspection for amateur-built aircraft replaces the annual inspection.
Available r esources
Your local FSDO can help you establish your aircraft maintenance program and the necessary maintenance records. Additional information relating to aircraft maintenance records can be obtained from:
• 14 CFR Part 39, Airworthiness Directives
• 14 CFR Part 43, Maintenance, Preventive
Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration
• 14 CFR Part 91, General Operating and
Flight Rules
• AC 43-9 (as revised), Maintenance RecordsThese publications are available on the FAA website
at www.faa.gov and from U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) bookstores located throughout the United States. For more information about obtaining these publications, refer to the information contained in chapter 11.
Plane Sense
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance RecordsPlane Sense
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records
8-5 maintenance records Checklist
stAtUs item notes
100-Hour inspection Keep records until the work is repeated or
superseded by other work, or 1 year after the work is performed.
Annual inspection Keep records until the work is repeated or
superseded by other work, or 1 year after the work is
performed.
Progressive inspections Keep records until the work is repeated or superseded by other work, or 1 year after the work is
performed .
Other required or approved inspections
(e.g., condition inspections/mandatory tracking of safety directives for light-sport aircraft) Keep records until the work is repeated or superseded by other work, or 1 year after the work is performed.
Total Time in Service (airframe, engine(s), propeller(s))Records are retained by the owner and transferred with the aircraft when it is sold.
Current status of life-limited parts (airframe, engine(s), propeller(s), rotor, and appliances)Records are retained by the owner and transferred with the aircraft when it is sold.
Time since last overhaul of all items
installed on the aircraft (required to be
overhauled on a specified time basis)Records are retained by the owner and transferred with the aircraft when it is sold.
Identification of current inspection status of the aircraft (including time since last inspection required by the inspection program under which aircraft and appliances are maintained)Records are retained by the owner and transferred with the aircraft when it is sold.
Current status of applicable ADs (including method of compliance, the AD number, and the revision date)Records are retained by the owner and transferred with the aircraft when it is sold.
Copy of current major alterations (airframe, engine, propeller, and appli -
ances)Records are retained by the owner and transferred with the aircraft when it is sold.
Figure 8-1. Maintenance Records Checklist. This checklist includes the types of information that should
be kept with your aircraft’s maintenance records.
Plane Sense
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records
8-6Plane Sense
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records
Figure 8-2. FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration. You can obtain instructions for completing FAA
Form 337 on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO.
Form Approved Electronic Tracking Number
OMB No. 2120-0020
11/30/2007MAJOR REPA IR AND ALTERA TION For FA A Use Only US Department
of Transportation (Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller , or Appliance)
Federal Aviation
Administration
INSTRUCTIONS: Print or type all entries. See Title 14 CFR §43.9, Part 43 Appendix B, and AC 43.9-1 (or subsequent revision thereof) for
instructions and disposition of this form. This report is required by law (49 U.S.C. §44701). Failure to report can result in a civil penalty for each
such violation. (49 U.S.C. §46301(a))
Nationality and Registration Mark Serial No.
1. Aircraft Make Model Series
Name (As shown on registration certificate) Address (As shown on registration certificate)
Address
2. Owner City State
Zip Country
3. For FAA Use Only
4. Ty pe
Repair Alteration Unit
AIRFRAME 5. Unit Identification
Make Model
(As described in Item 1 above) Serial No.
POWERPLANT
PROPELLER
Type
APPLIANCE Manufacturer
6. Conformity Statement
A. Agency's Name and Address B. Kind of Agency
U. S. Certificated Mechanic Name Manufacturer
Address Foreign Certificated Mechanic C. Certificate No.
City State Certificated Repair Station
Zip Country Certificated Maintenance Organization
D. I certify that the repair and/or alteration made to the unit(s) identified in item 5 above and described on the reverse or attachments hereto
have been made in accordance with the requirements of Part 43 of the U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations and that the information
furnished herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Signature/Date of Authorized Individual Extended range fuel
per 14 CFR Part 43
App. B
7. Approval for Return to Service
Pursuant to the authority given persons specified below , the unit identified in item 5 was inspected in the manner prescribed by the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and is Rejected
Persons Approved by Canadian FAA Flt. Standards Maintenance Organization Manufacturer Department of Transport
BY Inspector
Other (Specify)
FAA Designee
Signature/Date of Authorized Individual
Designation No. Approved
Inspection Authorizatio n Repair Station
Certificate or
FAA Form 337 (10-06) Ed MechanicN114AZ
CESSNA
O & W INC.18259223
182L
X1888 CIRRUS AVENUE
OKLAHOMA CITY OK
73405 U.S.
KATHY P. AILERON
411 GULFSTREAM DRIVE
OKLAHOMA CITY OK
73125 U.S.A&P 122234566
233346566 MARCH 26, 2002X
XX
SAMPLE
Kathy P. Aileron MARCH 23,2002
Plane Sense
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance RecordsPlane Sense
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records
8-7Figure 8-2. FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration (Page 2 of 2).NOTICE
Weight and balance or operating limitation changes shall be entered in the appropriate aircraft record. An alteration must be
compatible with all previous alterations to assure continued conformity with the applicable airworthiness requirements.
8. Description of Work Accomplished
(If more space is required, attach additional sheets. Identify with aircraft nationality and registration mark and date work completed.)
Nationality and Registration Mark Date
Additional Sheets Are Attached
FAA Form 337 (10-06) N114AZ MARCH 26, 2002
1. Removed right wing from aircraft and removed skin from
outer 6 feet. Repaired buckled spar 49 inches from tip
in accordance with attached photographs and figure 1 of
drawing dated March 23, 2002.
Date: March 26, 2002, inspected splice in Item 1 and
found it to be in accordance with data indicated. Splice
is okay to cover. Inspected internal wing assembly for
hidden damage and condition.
Ed Mechanic, A&P 233346566 IA
2. Primed interior wing structure and replaced skin P/N’s
63-0085, 63-0086, and 63-00878 with same skin 2024-T3,
.025 inches thick. Rivet size and spacing all the same as
original and using procedures in Chapter 2, Section 3,
of AC 43.13-1B CHG 1, dated 2001.
3. Replaced stringers as required and installed 6 splices
as per attached drawing and photographs.
4. Installed wing, rigged aileron, and operationally
checked in accordance with manufacturer’s maintenance
manual.
5. No change in weight or balance.
ENDEd Mechanic
SAMPLE
Plane Sense
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records
Plane Sense
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records
A n Airworthiness Directive (AD) is an important tool used by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) to communicate unsafe operating conditions relating to aircraft
and aircraft equipment to aircraft owners. A primary safety function of the FAA is to require
the correction of unsafe conditions found in an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, rotor, or appliance when such conditions exist or are likely to exist or develop in other products of the same design. These unsafe conditions can exist because of a design defect, maintenance, or other causes.
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 39, Airworthiness Directives, defines
the authority and responsibility of the Administrator in requiring the necessary corrective action to address unsafe conditions. ADs are used to notify aircraft owners and other interested persons of unsafe conditions and to specify the conditions under which the product may continue to be operated.
types of A ds issued
The FAA issues two categories of ADs:
• Normal Issue
• Emergency Issue
standard A d Process
The standard AD process is to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), followed by
a Final Rule. After an unsafe condition is discovered, a proposed solution is published in the Federal Register as an NPRM, which solicits public comment on the proposed action. After the comment period closes, the final rule is prepared, taking into account all substantive comments received, with the rule perhaps being changed as warranted by the comments. The preamble to the Final Rule AD provides response to the substantive comments or states there were no comments received.
emergency A d
In certain cases, the critical nature of an unsafe condition may warrant the immediate adoption of a rule without prior notice and solicitation of comments. The intent of an Emergency AD is to rapidly correct an urgent safety of flight situation. This is an exception to the standard process. If time by which the terminating action must be accomplished is too short to allow for public comment (that is, less than 60 days), then a finding of impracticability is justified for the terminating action, and it can be issued as an immediately adopted rule. The immediately adopted rule will be published in the Federal Register with a request for comments. The Final Rule AD may be changed later if substantive comments are received.
Airworthiness d irectives
1EMERGENCY AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
Aircraft Certification Service
Washington, DCU.S. Department
of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Administration
We post Emergency ADs on the internet at www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts.
DATE: March 12, 2008
AD #: 2008-06-51
This emergency airworthiness directive (AD) 2008-06-51 is sent to all owners and operators
of Lycoming Engines IO, (L)IO, TIO, (L)TIO, AEIO, AIO, IGO, IVO, and HIO series reciprocating
engines, Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) TSIO-360-RB reciprocating engines, and Superior Air
Parts, Inc. IO-360 series reciprocating engines with certain Precision Airmotive LLC RSA-5 and
RSA-10 series fuel injection servos.
Background
This emergency AD results from eighteen reports of fuel injection servo plugs, part number
(P/N) 383493, that had loosened or completely backed out of the threaded plug hole on the regulator
cover of the fuel injection servo. These servo plugs were installed with servo plug gasket, P/N
365533, under the plug hex-head. Precision Airmotive LLC investigated and determined that servo
plug gasket, P/N 365533, can shrink from engine heat, causing the plug to lose torque against the
servo regulator cover, allowing the plug to vibrate out. The threads on the plugs were also found
damaged. Servo plug gaskets, P/N 365533, installed on RSA-5 and RSA-10 series fuel injection
servos since August 22, 2006, are made of a different material than the previous gasket part number
used. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a substantial loss of engine power and
subsequent loss of control of the airplane.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Precision Airmotive LLC Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. PRS-
107, Revision 1, dated March 6, 2008. The MSB describes procedures for inspecting servo plugs for
looseness and damage, inspecting the servo regulator cover threads for damage, on fuel injection
servos that have a servo plug gasket, P/N 365533, installed, inspecting the gasket for damage, reinstalling acceptable parts, and torquing the servo plug to a new, higher torque to help maintain the
proper clamp-up force against the plug and cover.
Interim Action
These actions are interim actions and we might take additional rulemaking actions in the
future.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Rule
We have identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other RSA-5 and
RSA-10 series fuel injection servos of this same type design. This AD requires inspecting servo plugs
for looseness and damage on fuel injection servos that have a servo plug gasket, P/N 365533,
Plane Sense
9-29Plane Sense
superseded A d
An AD is no longer in effect when it is superseded
by a new AD. The superseding AD identifies the AD
that is no longer in effect. There are no compliance requirements for a superseded AD.
Compliance with A ds
For purposes of compliance, ADs may be divided
into two categories:
• Those of an emergency nature requiring immediate compliance before further flight, or
• Those of a less urgent nature requiring
compliance within a relatively longer period of time.
ADs are the “final rule” and compliance is required
unless specific exemption is granted. Aircraft owners are responsible for ensuring compliance with all pertinent ADs. This includes those ADs that require recurrent or continuing action. For example, an AD may require a repetitive inspection each 50 hours
of operation, meaning the particular inspection must
be accomplished and recorded every 50 hours of
time in service.
m CAUTION: Aircraft owners are reminded
that there is no provision to overfly the maximum hour requirement of an AD unless it is specifically
written into the AD.
Amateur-Built Aircraft
For help in determining if an AD applies to your amateur-built aircraft, contact your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).summary of A ds
14 CFR part 91, section 91.417, requires a record
to be maintained that shows the current status of applicable ADs, including:
• Method of compliance;
• AD number and revision date;• Date and time when due again, if recurring;• Certified mechanic’s signature;• Type of certificate; and• Certificate number of the repair station or
mechanical performing the work.
For ready reference, many aircraft owners keep a
chronological listing of the pertinent ADs in the back of their aircraft and engine records. Generally, a summary of ADs contains all the valid ADs previously published. Figure 9-1 is a sample form of summary
of ADs.
obtaining A ds
Both AD categories (small and large aircraft) are published in biweekly supplements. All ADs are
available on the FAA website at www.faa.gov.
Advisory Circular (AC) 39-7 (as revised), Airworthi-ness Directives, provides additional guidance and information for aircraft owners and operators about
their responsibilities for complying and recording ADs. For more information, contact the FAA Regulatory Support Division, Delegation and Airworthiness Programs Branch (AIR-140). AIR-140 contact information is available in the FAA Contact
Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this
handbook.
Plane SensePlane Sense
Chapter 9: Airworthiness Directives
9-39 AirWortHiness dire Ctive C omPliAnCe reCord
Aircraft: PA-22-135 N2631A S/N 22-903
Engine: Lycoming 0-290-D2 S/N 4563-21
Propeller: Sensenich M 76AM2 S/N 6662
Ad &
Amend
nUm.rev.
nUm. &
dAtesUBjeCt dAte/
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At ComP .metHod
oF ComP .one
timereCUr-rinGComP . dUe
dAte/HrsAUtHorized
siGnA tUre &
nUmBer
39-3024R-1
8-30-77Bendix
ignition
switch11-11-94
1850TTOperational
check and
inspection X Phil Lomax
A&P
39-8688Original
10-29-93One-
piece
venturi3-17-95
1850OTTInstalled
one-piece
venturi
Carb S/N
BR-549X 1900TT Phil Lomax
A&P
Figure 9-1. Sample Airworthiness Directives Compliance Record. This sample AD Compliance Record is
intended to show you an acceptable format for recording the required information to evidence your aircraft’s
compliance with applicable ADs. The FAA does not prescribe a specific format; however, the information discussed in this chapter must be maintained with the aircraft’s maintenance records.
Plane Sense
Plane Sense
service d ifficulty Program
10-1T he Service Difficulty Program is an information system designed to provide assistance
to aircraft owners, operators, maintenance organizations, manufacturers, and the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) in identifying aircraft problems encountered during service.
Background
The Service Difficulty Program provides for the collection, organization, analysis, and
dissemination of aircraft service information to improve service reliability of aeronautical products. The primary sources of this information are aircraft maintenance facilities, owners, and operators. The incentive for early detection is to expedite corrective actions and ultimate solutions, thereby minimizing the effect of equipment failure on safety.
Each problem reported contributes to the improvement of aviation safety through the
identification of a potential problem area and the alerting of other persons to it. This focusing of attention on a problem has led to improvements in the design and maintainability of aircraft and aircraft products.
Advisory Circular (AC) 20-109 (as revised), Service Difficulty Program (General Aviation),
describes the Service Difficulty Program as it applies to general aviation. It also includes instructions for completing FAA Form 8010-4, Malfunction or Defect Report. The information from these reports is compiled and published as Maintenance Alerts.
By pooling everyone’s knowledge about a situation, the FAA can detect mechanical problems
early enough to correct them before they might possibly result in accidents/incidents which should make flying safer, more enjoyable, and certainly less expensive.
FAA Form 8010-4, m alfunction or d efect r eport
General aviation aircraft service difficulty information is normally submitted to the FAA by use of FAA Form 8010-4. However, information will be accepted in any form or format when FAA Form 8010-4 is not readily available for use.
The information contained in the FAA Form 8010-4 is stored in a computerized data bank
for retrieval and analysis. Items potentially hazardous to flight are telephoned directly to the Regulatory Support Division, Aviation Data Systems Branch (AFS-620) personnel by FAA aviation safety inspectors (ASIs) in local Flight Standards District Offices (FSDOs). These items are immediately referred to, and promptly handled by, the appropriate FAA offices.
ADVISORY CIRCULAR
43-16A
AVIATION MAINTENANCE ALERTS
ADVISO RY CIRCULAR
43-16A
AVIATION MAINTENANCE ALERTS
ALER T
JANUAR YADVISOR
Y CIRCULAR
43-16A AVIATION MAINTENANCE
ALE
ALERT
NUMBER
Chapter 10: Service Difficulty ProgramPlane Sense
Chapter 10: Service Difficulty ProgramPlane Sense
Aircraft owners, pilots, and mechanics are urged to
report all service problems promptly, using FAA
Form 8010-4 or any other form or format. You may obtain a copy of the form from any FSDO. No postage is required.
FAA Form 8010-4 is also available in a fillable
PDF format on the FAA website at
http://forms.faa.gov/forms/faa8010-4.pdf
for mailing, or it can be submitted electronically
on the FAA website at www.faa.gov. Figure 10-1
at the end of this chapter is a sample FAA
Form 8010-4.
maintenance Alerts
The FAA publishes AC 43-16 (as revised), Aviation Maintenance Alerts, monthly on its website to provide the aviation community with a means for interchanging service difficulty information and sharing information on aviation service experiences.
Background
The Maintenance Alert program leads to improved aeronautical product durability, reliability, and safety. The articles contained in the Maintenance Alerts are
derived from the Malfunction or Defect Reports sub-mitted by aircraft owners, pilots, mechanics, repair stations, and air taxi operators. Maintenance specialists review the reports and select
pertinent items for publication in the Maintenance Alerts. The information is brief and advisory and
compliance is not mandatory. However, the informa-tion is intended to alert you to service experience, and, when applicable, direct your attention to the manufacturer’s recommended corrective action.
Accessing Maintenance Alerts
You can access current and back issues of this publication on the FAA website at http://www.faa.
gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/aviation_maintenance/ ,
which allows free access to each month’s Main-
tenance Alerts.
Contact Information
You can contact the FAA Aviation Systems Data Branch (AFS-620) regarding the Maintenance Alert Program. AFS-620 contact information is available in the FAA Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.
Chapter 10: Service Difficulty ProgramPlane Sense
Chapter 10: Service Difficulty ProgramPlane Sense
Figure 10-1. FAA Form 8010-4, Malfunction or Defect Report. You can obtain instructions for completing
FAA Form 8010-4 on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO.During a local flight, a fuel odor was
apparent. Flight was terminated at the
local airport with a normal landing.
After engine shutdown and exiting the
aircraft the pilot observed fuel leaking
from the lower engine cowl. Investiga-
tion revealed an aluminum fuel pressure
gauge line cracked at the B nut where
it attached to a carburetor fitting (see
attached drawing). Line appears to be
original (40+ yrs.). A combination of age
and vibration may have caused the crack.
Recommend checking line every 100 hrs.
and replacing as necessar y.N404DH
D-3311 Beechcraft C-35
Continental E-225 30904
Hartzell HCA2U20 AK-710
4A1
Tube-fuel 35-924126 N/A B-nut pressure Carb end
N/A
David Waterski
405 555 4316 N/A N/A N/A
N/A 4100 4-28-05 Cracked
SAMPLE
Chapter 10: Service Difficulty ProgramPlane Sense
Chapter 10: Service Difficulty ProgramPlane Sense
T here are several ways to obtain various Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
publications. The easiest way to locate a particular FAA document and/or
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part is on the FAA website at
www.faa.gov. In addition, you can order some FAA publications directly from the FAA or from the Government Printing Office (GPO). The FAA Records Checklist in Figure 11-1 at the end of this chapter is a list of addresses to assist you in obtaining the publications and records discussed in this chapter.
FAA publications and supporting regulatory guidance material fall into several
specific categories, which are explained in this chapter. If you cannot find the
information you are seeking, refer to the FAA website, which contains a great deal
of useful information for aircraft owners and operators.
Advisory Circulars
The FAA issues an Advisory Circular (AC) to inform the aviation public, in a systematic way, of nonregulatory material of interest. The content of an AC is not binding on the public unless it is incorporated into a regulation by reference.
AC 00-2 (as revised) , Advisory Circular Checklist, contains a list of current FAA ACs
and provides detailed instructions on obtaining copies. It also contains a list of
U.S. GPO bookstores throughout the United States that stock many Government
publications. This AC may be accessed on the FAA website at www.faa.gov by
selecting “Regulations & Policies” from the main menu bar.
Airworthiness d irectives
The FAA uses an Airworthiness Directive (AD) to notify aircraft owners and other interested persons of unsafe conditions and to specify the conditions under which the product may continue to be operated. You can access ADs on the FAA website at
www.faa.gov by selecting “Regulations & Policies” from the main menu bar.
You can subscribe to ADs at the FAA Regulatory & Guidance Library (RGL) website,
http://rgl.faa.gov . Current and historical ADs are also available on the RGL website.
obtaining FAA Publications and r ecords
11-2Plane Sense
11Plane Sense
temporary Flight r estrictions
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is a geographi-
cally limited, short term, airspace restriction, typically in the United States. TFRs often encompass major sporting events, natural disaster areas, air shows, space launches, and Presidential movements. You can access current TFRs on the FAA website at
www.faa.gov by selecting “Regulations & Policies” from the main menu bar.
m CAUTION: You should check the current TFRs
every time you fly.
notice to Airmen
You can obtain the most recent Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) from the FAA website at www.faa.gov
by selecting “Regulations & Policies” from the main menu bar. Current NOTAMs are also available from Flight Service Stations at 1-800-WX-BRIEF (1-800-992-7433).
14 CF r
While aircraft owners and operators are responsible for compliance with all applicable 14 CFR parts, you may find the following parts most relevant to your aircraft operations:
• 14 CFR Part 1, Definitions and Abbreviations
• 14 CFR Part 21, Certification Procedures for
Products and Parts
• 14 CFR Part 23, Airworthiness Standards: Normal, Utility, Acrobatic, and Commuter Category Airplanes
• 14 CFR Part 33, Airworthiness Standards: Aircraft Engines
• 14 CFR Part 35, Airworthiness Standards: Propellers
• 14 CFR Part 39, Airworthiness Directives
• 14 CFR Part 43, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration
• 14 CFR Part 45, Identification and Registration Marking
• 14 CFR Part 47, Aircraft Registration
• 14 CFR Part 49, Recording of Aircraft Titles and Security Documents
• 14 CFR Part 61, Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors
• 14 CFR Part 65, Certification: Airmen Other than Flight Crewmembers
• 14 CFR Part 91, General Operating and Flight RulesAC 00-44 (as revised), Status of Federal Aviation
Regulations, contains the current status of the
14 CFR parts, including changes issued, price
list, and ordering instructions. This AC may be obtained on the FAA website at www.faa.gov.
Handbooks and m anuals
The FAA publishes a series of handbooks and manuals designed for aircraft, general aviation en-thusiasts, examiners, and inspectors. You can find most of these handbooks and manuals, including Plane Sense , on the FAA website at www.faa.gov
by selecting “Regulations & Policies” from the main menu bar.
Aircraft r ecords
The FAA Civil Aviation Registry Aircraft Registration Branch (AFS-750) maintains registration records on individual aircraft and serves as a warehouse for airworthiness documents received from FAA field offices. You can access information on requesting aircraft records, as well as current fee information, on the FAA website at www.faa.gov by selecting
“Licenses & Certificates” from the main menu bar.
Request Aircraft Records
You can mail or fax your request for aircraft records
to AFS-750, or submit your request online.
Written requests from outside the United States
must include a check or money order (in U.S. funds)
payable to the FAA to cover the projected fee. You can obtain the correct fee by contacting AFS-750. AFS-750 contact information is available at the end of this chapter in Figure 11-1, FAA Records Checklist,
and in the FAA Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.
Format
You can order paper copies or electronic copies (on
CD-ROM) of aircraft records. Each CD-ROM con-tains one aircraft record. You can view the CD-ROM files using Adobe Acrobat Reader. The FAA includes a copy of the latest reader on the CD-ROM.
Most records for aircraft removed from the U.S. Civil Aircraft Register before 1984 are in storage and available only in paper format. You can ask the FAA to retrieve these records.
Plane Sense
Chapter 11: Obtaining FAA Publications and Records Plane Sense
11Airman r ecords
The FAA Civil Aviation Registry Airmen Certification
Branch (AFS-760) maintains airman records. You
can access information on requesting airman records, as well as current fee information, on the FAA website
at www.faa.gov by selecting “Licenses & Certificates” from the main menu bar.
There are two ways to obtain copies of your airman
records. You can mail the FAA Aeronautical Center (AC) Form 8060-68, Request for Copies of My Complete Airman File; or a signed, written request stating your name, date of birth, and social security number or certificate number. Figure 11-2 at the end of this chapter is a sample FAA Form 8060-68.
You can also have copies of your airman records
released to a third party. Requests for airman records
can be mailed to AFS-760. AFS-760 contact infor-mation is available at the end of this chapter in Figure 11-1, FAA Records Checklist, and in the FAA Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.When the FAA receives your request, they will notify you of the total charges due and payment options.
For an airman or third party to obtain copies of
medical records or a duplicate medical certificate, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request should be mailed to the FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Certification Division, Medical Certification Branch (AAM-331). AAM-331 contact information is available at the end of this chapter in Figure 11-1,
FAA Records Checklist, and in the FAA Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.
11-4Plane Sense
11Plane Sense
FAA reCords CHeCKlist
stAtUsreCords ContACt inFormAtion
Aircraft Documents Federal Aviation Administration
Aircraft Registration Branch, AFS-750P.O. Box 25504Oklahoma City, OK 73125(405) 954-3116
Airman Records (Replacement Certificate)Federal Aviation AdministrationAirmen Certification Branch, AFS-760P.O. Box 25082Oklahoma City, OK 73125(405) 954-3261
Airman Medical Records Federal Aviation AdministrationAeromedical Certification Branch, AAM-331P.O. Box 26080Oklahoma City, OK 73126-5063(405) 954-4821
FOIA Desk (Third Party Request, Duplicate Medical Certificate)Federal Aviation AdministrationAeromedical Certification Branch, AAM-331Attention: FOIA DeskP.O. Box 26200Oklahoma City, OK 73125-9914
Figure 11-1. FAA Records Checklist. The easiest way to locate information on obtaining records from the FAA
is on the FAA website at www.faa.gov. You can also use this checklist to determine which FAA branch to contact
regarding the records requested.
Plane Sense
Chapter 11: Obtaining FAA Publications and Records Plane Sense
Figure 11-2. FAA Form 8060-68, Request for Copies of My Complete Airman File. You can obtain instructions
for completing FAA Form 8060-68 on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO.WILLIAM THOMAS WRIGHT
9-12-53 WICHITA, KANSAS
341 PIPER ROAD
OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73125
4-28-08 William Thomas Wright
SAMPLE
11-6Plane Sense
Plane Sense
A-1AAppendix A: FAA Contact information
The information contained in this appendix will help you contact the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) office.
FAA o ffice Page(s)
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20591-0004
(866) TELL-FAA
(866-835-5322) toll-free
www.faa.gov
vii
Federal Aviation Administration
Airman Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082
(405) 954-4151 phone
afs630comments@faa.gov
iii
Federal Aviation Administration
Aircraft Registration Branch, AFS-750
P.O. Box 25504
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0504
(866) 762-9434 toll-free
(405) 954-3116 phone(405) 954-3548 or (405) 954-8068 fax
2-2, 2-3, 4-1, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5,
11-2, 11-4
Federal Aviation Administration
Light Sport Aviation Branch, AFS-610
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082
(405) 954-6400
phone
(405) 954-4104 fax
2-4, 4-5, 6-2
Federal Aviation Administration
Delegation & Airworthiness Programs Branch, AIR-140
P.O. Box 26460
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-4902
(405) 954-4103 phone
A-2Plane Sense
AFAA o ffice Page(s)
Federal Aviation Administration
Aviation Systems Data Branch, AFS-620
ATTN: AFS-620 ALERTS
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082
(405) 954-4391 phone
Federal Aviation Administration
Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082
(405) 954-3261 phone
11-3, 11-4
Federal Aviation Administration
Aeromedical Certification Branch, AAM-331
P.O. Box 26080
Oklahoma City, OK 73126-5063
(405) 954-4821 phone
11-3, 11-4
Federal Aviation Administration
Aeromedical Certification Branch, AAM-331
ATTN: FOIA Desk
P.O. Box 26200
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-9914
(405) 954-4821 phone
B-1BCode of Federal regulations (CF r) Page(s)
14 CFR ..iii, 1-4, 2-2, 3-1, 6-1, 7-1,7-2, 7-3, 11-1
14 CFR part 1 ......................................................... 11-2
14 CFR part 1, section 1.1 ........................................ 6-1
14 CFR part 21 ..................................... 3-1, 3-3, 11-2
14 CFR part 21, subpart C ....................................... 3-2
14 CFR part 21, subpart H ...................................... 3-3
14 CFR part 21, subpart I ........................................ 3-2
14 CFR part 21, section 21.24 ................................. 3-2
14 CFR part 21, section 21.25 ................................. 3-2
14 CFR part 21, section 21.181 ................................ 3-3
14 CFR part 21, section 21.184 ............................... 3-2
14 CFR part 21, section 21.185 ................................ 3-2
14 CFR part 21, section 21.187 ................................ 3-2
14 CFR part 21, section 21.189 ............................... 3-2
14 CFR part 21, section 21.190 ....3-2, 4-5, 6-2, 7-1,
7-3, 8-2
14 CFR part 21, section 21.191 ....................... 3-2, 6-2
14 CFR part 21, section 21.193 ................................ 3-2
14 CFR part 21, section 21.195 ................................ 3-2
14 CFR part 21, section 21.197 ........................ 3-2, 5-2
14 CFR part 23 ...................................................... 11-2
14 CFR part 33 ...................................................... 11-2
14 CFR part 35 ...................................................... 11-2
14 CFR part 39 ..................................... 8-4, 9-1, 11-2
14 CFR part 43 ...1-2, 3-1, 3-3, 7-2, 7-3, 8-2, 11-2
14 CFR part 43, section 43.9 ................. 2-4, 8-3, 8-4
14 CFR part 43, section 43.11 ......................... 7-2, 8-3
14 CFR part 43, appendix A ........................... 7-2, 7-3
14 CFR part 43, appendix B .................................... 8-2
14 CFR part 43, appendix D ................................... 7-3
14 CFR part 43, appendix E .................................... 7-3
14 CFR part 43, appendix F .................................... 7-3
14 CFR part 45 .............................................. 3-3, 11-2Code of Federal regulations (CF r) Page(s)
14 CFR part 47 ..................................... 4-5, 4-6, 11-2
14 CFR part 47, section 47.2 ................................... 4-2
14 CFR part 47, section 47.41 ........................ 1-1, 4-4
14 CFR part 49 ...................................................... 11-2
14 CFR part 61 .............................................. 1-2, 11-2
14 CFR part 65 ...................................................... 11-2
14 CFR part 67 ........................................................ 1-2
14 CFR part 91 ...1-2, 3-1, 5-2, 7-2, 8-3, 8-4,11-2
14 CFR part 91, subpart D ...................................... 3-3
14 CFR part 91, subpart E .............................. 7-1, 7-2
14 CFR part 91, section 91.203 ............................... 4-3
14 CFR part 91, section 91.207 ............................... 8-3
14 CFR part 91, section 91.213 ....................... 2-4, 7-3
14 CFR part 91, section 91.215 ................................ 8-3
14 CFR part 91, section 91.305 ............................... 2-5
14 CFR part 91, section 91.313 ................................ 3-3
14 CFR part 91, section 91.317 ................................ 3-2
14 CFR part 91, section 91.319 ................................ 2-5
14 CFR part 91, section 91.327 .....7-1, 7-2, 7-3, 8-2
14 CFR part 91, section 91.403 ...................... 2-4, 7-1
14 CFR part 91, section 91.409 .............. 7-2, 8-1, 8-3
14 CFR part 91, section 91.411 ................................ 8-3
14 CFR part 91, section 91.413 ................................ 8-3
14 CFR part 91, section 91.417 ................................ 9-2
14 CFR part 91, section 91.715 ................................ 3-3
14 CFR part 121 ....................................................... 5-1
14 CFR part 125....................................................... 8-3
14 CFR part 135 ....................................................... 5-1
14 CFR part 145 ....................................................... 5-2
14 CFR part 183 ...................................................... 3-3
14 CFR part 183, section 183.33 ............................. 4-4
14 CFR part 375 ...................................................... 3-3
49 CFR part 830 ..................................................... 1-2
49 CFR part 830, section 830.5 ............................. 1-3 Appendix B: regulatory Guidance index
The information contained in this appendix will help you locate regulatory guidance information including
pertinent Code of Federal Regulations parts, FAA Orders, and Advisory Circulars.
B-2Plane Sense
B
FAA o rders (as revised) Page(s)
Order 8100.8 .......................................................... 4-5
Order 8130.2 ........................ 2-5, 3-1, 3-3, 5-2, 6-2
Order 8130.33 ......................................................... 6-2
Order 8900.1 .......................................................... 3-3
Advisory Circulars (ACs) (as revised) Page(s)
AC 00-2 ................................................................ 11-1
AC 00-44 .............................................................. 11-2
AC 20-27 ................................................................. 3-3
AC 20-109 ............................................................ 10-1
AC 20-139 ............................................................... 3-3
AC 21-4 .................................................................... 3-3
AC 21-12 .................................................................. 3-3
AC 39-7 ................................................................... 9-2
AC 43-9 .......................................................... 8-2, 8-4
AC 43-16 ............................................................... 10-2
AC 45-2 ................................................................... 3-3
AC 90-89 ................................................................. 3-3
Fly GACA is an independent educational platform. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) or the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The official and authoritative source for all civil aviation regulations, publications, and aeronautical information is always GACA. Always verify against the latest official GACA publication at gaca.gov.sa.