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.
Ask the DAR
Readers want to know when you can use your homebuilt for paid instruction and how to convert a certified aircraft into an Experimental.
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DAR Mel Asberry clears up airspace restrictions for homebuilts during flight testing and discusses how the original builder of a homebuilt design remains the builder unless the airworthiness certificate is surrendered, which has implications for reselling an aircraft.
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When do service bulletins have the force of law with regard to Experimental/Amateur-Builts?
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This month DAR Mel Asberry tackles questions about modifying an aircraft and the flight testing required, what should be on a dataplate, and what you need to know about getting an airworthiness certificate after completing a partially built aircraft.
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DAR Mel Asberry discusses the process for registering and certifying an ELSA, including how to find an inspector and the paperwork you'll need to provide.
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DAR Mel Asberry answers questions about when you need A&P signoff, re-certifying an airplane to make it an LSA (hint: cant be done) and pre-registration of an Experimental.
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Are computer software programs sufficient documentation of a build, and what do you do when a DARs request seems unreasonable?
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What are the lighting requirements for homebuilt aircraft that will fly at night, and do you need a wet compass if you have an EFIS in your panel?
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Whats changed with the advent of the revised 51% rule? Fortunately, not as much as you might think.
Ask the DAR
What do you need to do when you buy an Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft? What should a builder/owner do when they're ramp checked?
In Case You Missed It
Around the Patch
Editor in Chief Marc Cook finds himself in the unique position of being able to compare performance of his GlaStar Sportsman with two different Hartzell props.
Build Your Own Hangar Doors
Not finding any commercial doors to his like or budget, the author built his own. By Nolan Bradbury.
Engine Beat
What are your options to get the annual condition inspection done when you're not the original builder of the aircraft? By Steve Ells.
Dawn Patrol
When a casually tossed length of two-by-four and a pristine fabric-covered airplane meet, the result isn't pretty. Author Dick Starks describes his wifes initiation to the art of fabric repair.