SonexBuilders.net

Hi all,
I am thinking about changing my engine from a VW to the Corvair and I know I have to go back into Phase 1 testing but do I have to have another Inspection from the DAR? Thanks Densil

Excellent!!! As far as your question, I think you inform the FSDO that you are going back into phase one, suggest the same (or different) test area, and that’s it. Interested to hear what the experts say.

Gordon

Check with Mike January of the Florida Sonex Association. He pulled that very scenario off about a year ago.

When I pulled my Jabiru 3300 out and switched to my Camit 3300, I called the local FSDO and had a conversation about the switch.
The gentleman as me to send him a letter stating my intentions plus any changes to the weight and balance(noted in the letter) and a copy of my operating limitations as issued originally.
I got an email back in two days re-enforcing the 75 mile radius of the test area from my home base. My fly off time was only 5 hrs because the engine was considered a "like for like". Also the prop engine match was the same.
I ended up flying about 8 hrs before I ventured out and it was quite simple in retrospect. Going to the Corvair probably puts you back to a 40hr phase 1 do to different engine and propeller combo.

Larry
Waiex121YX

I am putting in a Jabiru 3300 after removing my AeroVee. I expect a ten hour or less phase one but will report the results.

I removed a areovee and installed a jabiru 3300 on my Sonex s/n 1009. MSP FSDO wanted a new weight and balance, a 5 hour phase one fly off in my original area. No big deal.

Hello Densil,

If your airplane already has an airworthiness certificate, you should not need a new inspection by the FSDO. An engine swap would be considered a "major alteration" and if you look at the operating limitations, it will explain the steps needed to accomplish. By the wording of the operating limitations, the only involvement the FSDO requires is they need to approve of your temporary testing area for the Phase 1 testing you'll need to do. Most local FSDO's will probably need you to update some paperwork (such as weight and balance as Keith mentioned) but your Phase 1 should only be a 5 hour requirement.
Grab your operating limitations, read them over, and they'll guide you on what you need to do. Best of luck if you go for the swap!

I just did this this spring. I changed from an AeroVee Turbo to a Jabiru 3300. The change of engine and the new prop were considered a major change and required testing in phase 1 for five hours. I did a new weight and balance and updated the hand book. They wouldn't allow me to change my original phase 1 test area without a lengthy review, so I used the original test area. I was not required to be reinspected but did have to log the new best rate of climb, best angle of climb, Stall clean and stall in landing configuration. I logged the changes and updated the pilot handbook. My FSDO required I send them my proposal as a written request and they sent me a written letter accepting my proposal. They also emailed approval so I could get started right away. That was nice as I got 2 hours done before the hard copy arrived. To be honest 5 hours is very short so don't expect to take any passengers after only 5 hours. Getting to know the new properties of the plane will take some getting used to before you start trying to nail down the numbers. I did the stalls in hour three and the time to climb in hours 5 and 6.

What is the current status of Jabiru in th US? I have been thinking of making the change but don’t know what the availability of parts and support is now. I might be looking for a used engine and am looking for advice on the best serial number of manufacturing year range to buy.

Arion Aircraft is now the US distributor for Jabiru engines and support - http://www.flylightning.net/jabiru-.html .