Builder cert

[Judge_1018]

Hi all,

If I seek a shop or someone to help complete my build, will I still qualify for a builder cert? My emp, and wings are practically done. I just received my qb fuse but my progress is going to stop do to me moving. I don’t want to lose too much time building but also want to ensure I am still putting in the work. Anyone in the MD area I can speak with?

Thanks all

Kris

 

[Mel]

Starting with quick build doesn't leave a lot of room for paid assistance. You will need to take a look at FAAs checklist to determine 51%.

 

[Vern]

Hi all,

If I seek a shop or someone to help complete my build, will I still qualify for a builder cert? My emp, and wings are practically done. I just received my qb fuse but my progress is going to stop do to me moving. I don’t want to lose too much time building but also want to ensure I am still putting in the work. Anyone in the MD area I can speak with?

Thanks all

Kris

There is an FAA worksheet to determine percentages of build to get an airworthiness certificate. You could use it to see exactly how much hired help you could use without crossing the line.

On the 8130-12 you will file when done, it gives you space to list hired help . This is a legal document requiring signature under a notary with a penalty if you cheat.

 

[wirejock]

How do factory assist programs get by the 51%?
Just curious.

 

[lipper03]

Good faq from eaa below. I have the same question as Larry, not sure how assisted programs qualify.

The 51% Rule | EAA

The 51% Rule states if individuals build at least 51% of an aircraft, it can be registered in the Amateur-Built/Homebuilt Airplanes category.

www.eaa.org

 

[Judge_1018]

Starting with quick build doesn't leave a lot of room for paid assistance. You will need to take a look at FAAs checklist to determine 51%.

Hi Mel,

Thank you for the checklist. By chance do you have a filled or sample copy?

Thanks

 

[Judge_1018]

Starting with quick build doesn't leave a lot of room for paid assistance. You will need to take a look at FAAs checklist to determine 51%.

Nvmd, found the book on FAA site.

Thanks!

 

[Ironflight]

How do factory assist programs get by the 51%?
Just curious.

Very, very carefully…..

The big companies that do factory assist (Cubcrafters, Sling….) have worked with the FAA NKET team and gone through the process to prove that they meet the 51% - they get very creative doing so, but they have worked within the rules as they are written and done their homework.

The independent Builder Assist centers that I know of generally have not done so, and if they start with a QB kit that is already close to 51%, it is hard to see that they meet the letter of the law. As a DAR< I occasionally get calls from folsk that have used a builder assist. I ask a few quesitons, and it comes clear to them very quickly that they have a problem…and I never hear from them again. My guess is that they went FSDO or DAR shopping to find someone that didn’t care (or didn’t know….). Once I point folks to the Checklist, it becasome pretty clear that the factory has already optimized things.

That all said, remember that lots of things are “outside” of the checklist - panel building, engine building, painting, interior….. you can pay to have those done and it doesn’t count against you. So if you are looking to farm out some of the work, look to those things.

 

[wirejock]

Very, very carefully…..

The big companies that do factory assist (Cubcrafters, Sling….) have worked with the FAA NKET team and gone through the process to prove that they meet the 51% - they get very creative doing so, but they have worked within the rules as they are written and done their homework.

The independent Builder Assist centers that I know of generally have not done so, and if they start with a QB kit that is already close to 51%, it is hard to see that they meet the letter of the law. As a DAR< I occasionally get calls from folsk that have used a builder assist. I ask a few quesitons, and it comes clear to them very quickly that they have a problem…and I never hear from them again. My guess is that they went FSDO or DAR shopping to find someone that didn’t care (or didn’t know….). Once I point folks to the Checklist, it becasome pretty clear that the factory has already optimized things.

That all said, remember that lots of things are “outside” of the checklist - panel building, engine building, painting, interior….. you can pay to have those done and it doesn’t count against you. So if you are looking to farm out some of the work, look to those things.

Wow! That means I built almost 100%. Oh yea, I didn't mine the boxite.