SonexBuilders.net

I have my first condition inspection coming up in a few months and need to get my Repairman Certificate.

Any tips for handling the process with the FAA? Do you just call the nearest FSDO and schedule an apointment then appear in person? What sort of evidence should you bring with you besides your builder log and pictures of you building the plane? Do you need to bring the Airworthiness Certificate, W/B or any other documentation with you? I don't want to drive 2 hours to the nearest FSDO and realize I've forgotten something.

Thanks.

Rynoth wrote:I have my first condition inspection coming up in a few months and need to get my Repairman Certificate.

Any tips for handling the process with the FAA? Do you just call the nearest FSDO and schedule an apointment then appear in person? What sort of evidence should you bring with you besides your builder log and pictures of you building the plane? Do you need to bring the Airworthiness Certificate, W/B or any other documentation with you? I don't want to drive 2 hours to the nearest FSDO and realize I've forgotten something.

Thanks.

The inspector from the FSDO came to me. He wanted to actually see the plane and check the data plate. I called on a Monday morning and said I wanted go apply for my repairman certificate. He described what he needed, and asked if I was available the next morning. I was and he was in and out in 30 minutes. (Our local FSDO provides great service obvivously!)

It's not common for the inspector to come look at the airplane and is not required by FAA guidance. Usually you call the cognizant FSDO and talk to an airworthiness inspector. They will either make an appointment for you to appear at the FSDO, or may agree to meet you at a more convenient spot if they happen to be heading your way.

In either case you should have a completed FAA Form 8610-2, your airworthiness certificate and operating limitations, and some way to look at your build records (aka "builder's log"). Be prepared to answer questions about the aircraft, its construction and systems, and maybe some general questions about aircraft inspection.

Go to the FAA website and download Advisory Circular AC-65-23A. This is the guidance for amateur-built repairman certificates. The AC includes a sample 8610-2 so you can see how it needs to be filled out. You can also find guidance in AC 20-27G, as well as the EAA's amateur-built certification kit.

Thanks guys. The nearest FBO my plane is a good 2.5 hour drive away, however I often fly for work to airports that have FSDO's closer by. Does it matter which FSDO I go to, i.e. only the one who's region my plane is hangared in?

Rynoth wrote:Thanks guys. The nearest FBO my plane is a good 2.5 hour drive away, however I often fly for work to airports that have FSDO's closer by. Does it matter which FSDO I go to, i.e. only the one who's region my plane is hangared in?

Normally it doesn't matter what FSDO you go to. However different FSDOs have different opinions, so call first and get their take.
When I issue Airworthiness Certificates, I also issue a "Letter of Recommendation" stating that the builder has shown proof of Repairman Certificate qualification. The FSDOs seem to like this.

Well, after having dragged my feet on getting the repairman certificate (don't be me), I'm now in my final month of airworthiness without the certificate in hand, and the FAA is closed to the public.

However, the good news is that I've arranged with an inspector to do the interview/application remotely! I'll be emailing him all the relevant documentation, and we will follow that with a Zoom meeting to conduct the interview.

So, if you need to apply for your Repairman Certificate in this era of social distancing, don't hesitate to contact your FSDO, chances are they can still make it work.

I completed my Repairman Certificate application remotely today and now hold the temporary certificate (which will allow me to sign off my Condition Inspection.) The FAA inspector was fantastic.

I just emailed the Chicago FSDO looking for a contact. I've filled out my 8610-2 form. If anybody here has a good contact please pass it on!

I wrote an article about how to apply for the Repairman's certificate, but the magazines I sent it to put it on "hold." If anyone would like a copy you can PM me and I'd be happy to send it to your email.

I guess I must have just been lucky. The day after I received my airworthiness certificate I called the local FSDO around 9am. I told them that I’d like to apply for my repairman’s certificate. They said they would be at the airport at noon and asked if that was convenient. It was and it was handled then and there. (Obviously they were already scheduled to be at the airport for another meeting.)