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
As a builder gets ready for his airworthiness inspection, he wonders if he can hire a DAR who is familiar with his design but lives in another state. And what if your airplane doesn't pass inspection?
Ask the DAR
DAR Mel Asberry answers questions from readers about approval of new 51% kits and what happens if the rules change, plus finding an experienced flight advisor for your project.
Ask the DAR
This month we address the question of where flight-test areas may be and how they may be structured;
Ask the DAR
This month, a new column introduces Designated Airworthiness Representative Mel Asberry, who describes his background in homebuilding and details some of what hes looking for as a DAR. Questions welcome.
In Case You Missed It
Leters
Wag-A-BondRay Hill has built one beautiful airplane . However, the author, Dan Horton seems...
![[Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_2791.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "The Safety Triangle: Balancing Skill, Knowledge, and Judgment in Flying")
The Safety Triangle: Balancing Skill, Knowledge, and Judgment in Flying
In the course of giving flying safety lectures before pilot groups, one of my...
