Pre-Registration Inspection Checklist

It is the Builder, Not the FAA /DAR, who Determines that the Aircraft is Airworthy. How? By Signing Section III on the FAA Application for the Airworthiness Certificate. The Builder Determines the Aircraft is "Airworthy" because the FAA Does Not Have Any Regulatory Design Standards for Amateur-Built Aircraft. The Accepted Definition for "Airworthy" Is: the Aircraft Conforms to Its Type Certificate and is in a Condition for Safe Operation. An Amateur-Built Aircraft Does Not Have a Type Certificate, but, the Builder Can Determine that the Aircraft is in a Condition for Safe Operation.

• § 45.11, Requires the Aircraft, Engine, and Propeller to Have Identification Data Plates.
• ID Plate must be Attached to the A/C Exterior and Visible From the Ground.
• It Must be Affixed to the Fuselage, Aft of the Rear Entrance or Near the Tail Surfaces.
• Regulations: § 45.21, "N" Numbers
• Painted on or Similar Permanent Installation.
• No Ornamentation.
• Contrasting Color from the Background.
• Must be Legible.
• The Word "Experimental" Must be Displayed Near Each Entrance to the Cabin or Cockpit in 2-Inch Letters.

• The Applicant Has Notified the FAA/DAR by Letter, and a Time and Place has been Established for the Aircraft Inspection.

• Confirm Aircraft Registration.
• Review Application for A/W Certificate and All Other forms.
• Determine Far 21.191(G) Eligibility.
• Inspect the Aircraft.
• Issue form 8130-7, Special A/W Certificate and Limitations.
• The Builder Must Present Either a Temporary "Pink" Registration Certificate or a Permanent Registration (White Certificate).

• FAA form 8130-6, Application for Airworthiness Certificate
• The Owner/Agent/Builder Signs Section Iii (D), Declaring the A/C is Registered, Inspected, and Airworthy.
• FAA form 8130-12, Eligibility Statement - Amateur-Built Aircraft, (Notarized). On This form the Applicant Declares that the Major Portion of the Aircraft Has been Built by Person(s) for Education or Recreation.

• Is the Aircraft Properly Marked?
• Are there Maintenance Logs for the Airframe, (for FAA Entry, Designating the Date and Issuance of the A/W Cert.), the Engine, and the Propeller?
• The Aircraft Must be 100% Completed. Ready to Fly. (Except for Open Cowl, Inspection Plates, Etc.)
• The Engine should have been Test Run for At Least 1 Hour.
• Has Weight and Balance been Computed? (Fwd, Aft C/G, and Maximum Gross Weight)
• Check that All Paperwork is Completed and Builder’s Log is Available for Review.
• Compare the Actual Aircraft and/or Components with the Plans. Are there Any Builder Modifications?
• Examine Samples of Workmanship such as: Glue Joints, Welds, Riveting, Etc.
• Does the Builder Have Any Record of In-Process Inspections or Visits from an EAA Technical Counselor?
• If a TC'd Engine and TC’d Prop are Used, Both Components should be Compatible.

• Ensure the Engine(s) Ignition/Mag Switch(s) is off.
• Is there a Passenger Warning Placard? (2 or More Seats)

• Check Instrument Static Ports, (If Applicable) to Ensure they are Not Blocked With Tape or Paint.

• Check Horizontal and Vertical Stabilizers, Rudder, and Elevator for Security and Travel.
• Check for Control Stops.
• Check Hinges and Rod Ends for Play and Security.
• Are Trim Tabs Installed? They Normally Travel in a Direction Opposite the Control Surface.
• Is Data Plate Installed?

• Check Wing Attach Points.
• Check Fuel Tank Caps and Vents for Security/Operation.
• Check Flap and Aileron: Hinges, Control Stops, and Correct Direction of Travel.

• Was the Landing Gear Wheel Alignment Checked?
• Was a Gear Retraction Performed With the Installed Tire/Wheel Combination? Check Emergency Extension System (If Applicable).

• Has Ground Run been Performed and Recorded?
• Check Fuel /Oil Lines for Fluid Compatibility.
• Check Security of Fuel and Electrical System Components and Alignment of Drive belts.

• Are the Prop Tips Painted for Visibility?

• Check Aircraft Lights, Radios and Accessories for Operation in Accordance With Far 91.205, for Limitations Issued in Phase II.
• Check All Flight Controls for Proper Operation, (e.g., Right Aileron Should Go Up when Stick is Pushed to the Right. Elevator Should Go Up when Stick is Pulled Back.)
• Control Cable Tension Set I.A.W. Instructions.
• No Rubbing Noises, Binding, or Catching of the Control Cables.

If in the Inspector's Unbiased Opinion He Finds that the Aircraft May be Unsafe to Operate because of Design Changes, Poor Workmanship, Inferior Materials, Invalid Wt. & Balance, then He or She Might Not Issue the Airworthiness Certificate!

Certification is Finished when the Inspector or DAR Signs and Dates the A/C Log Book Stating that a Special A/W Certificate and Operating Limitations Have been Issued to the Aircraft.

" I Find that the Aircraft Meets the Requirements for the Certification Requested and Have Issued a Special Airworthiness Certificate Dated _______________". _______(Signed)_______, ASI/DAR (office/#)

Must Show to the FAA that He or She Possesses the Necessary Skill and Knowledge to Determine the Aircraft’s Condition for Safe Operation. The Experimental Aircraft Repairman Certificate is Not Valid to Sign off Any Other Type of Inspection or Maintenance. It is ONLY for the Condition Inspection of the Listed Aircraft

• Signature in Builder’s Log.
• Invoices and Registration in His or Her Name.
• Photographs of Applicant Sitting in the Partially Constructed Aircraft Making Engine Noises.