Mel Asberry
Mel Asberry is an experienced Designated Airworthiness Representative specializing in Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft. He and his wife, Ann, have built seven amateur-built airplanes including two ultralight types, a Moni Motorglider, a Dragonfly Mk2, two RV-6s and a Zenair CH 601HDS. They are currently building a scratch-built biplane.
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Periodic inspections are a necessary part of homebuilt aircraft ownership. Mel Asberry explains which ones are needed and how they differ from the certificated aircraft variety.
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Major changes to your homebuilt aircraft require sign off by the FAA. Mel Asberry explains how to keep it legal.
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Ready to perform aerobatics with your new homebuilt? Not so fast! The operating limitations dictate what's required first.
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DAR Mel Asberry continues his discussion of aircraft operating limitations by explaining what those Phase II flight test rules mean.
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DAR Mel Asberry continues his discussion of aircraft operating limitations by looking at why we do what we do during those important Phase I tests.
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DAR Mel Asberry continues his discussion of operating limitations and Phase I flight-test requirements.
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We begin a short series that looks at the particulars of a homebuilt aircrafts operating limitations. Have you read yours?
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Can a homebuilt whose core is a certified airplane fuselage ever be seen as an Experimental?
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This month DAR Mel Asberry addresses what it takes to build to LSA requirements, why importing an ultralight from Canada can be problematic, and when ELTs are required.
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Can you use Function Code 33 to amend Experimental aircraft limitations and flight-test locations?
In Case You Missed it
Rendesvouz with Destiny
Dick Starks and The Dawn Patrol attend the biennial Rendezvous on hallowed ground: the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Gear of the Year 2007
There's always something new to be had in the field of aviation-related equipment, and this year we stay on the beaten trail and wander off of it a bit with a new EFD/MFD, a build-it-yourself headset, a readily stowable inflatable tent, a headset boom light, a digital attitude indicator, an electronic flight bag and spiffy, low-draw LED landing lights; a Staff Report.