Performing repairs/alterations not allowed - reprecussions

[runon]

I was wondering what happens when people make alterations to airplanes they aren't allowed to? I was thinking... "man it would be sah-weet if I could fab up my own header/muffler (aside from not knowing how to even turn on a welder) for the Taylorcraft. Or even hook up a car turbo... anyway, I'm starting on a tangent here... so anyway, I saw an article where a dude welded up his own exhaust (with AI pre and post approval) but I though.... what would happen if he were to just weld up his exhaust ... then tell the AI during the annual... "yup - did it myself"?

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Performing repairs/alterations not allowed - reprecussions

Don't do that. (Note no CAPS or exclamation points) It really isn't fair to your family or your mechanics if something happens before the next annual. The investigators are going to find it in the wreckage (even if it had NOTHING to do with your accident) and they are going to grill your IA for letting you fly with it (even though it wasn't there when he looked at it...he will still have to PROVE that, and he won't be able to). Your insurance company isn't going to want to pay off to your family. Your estate is probably going to end up in court....Yada, yada, yada....

If you want to make a modification to your plane, go to your mechanic FIRST, then make the part and get his acceptance, and any paperwork that is needed, then put it on the plane and get it signed off. It is a PAIN to do all the steps, but the pain for those who have to clean up if you screw up is much worse.

LOTS of guys do it, but you SHOULDN'T!

Hank

You didn't really think I could write a message without extra caps and exclamation points, did you?

[tim]

Re: Performing repairs/alterations not allowed - reprecussions

ah why reinvent the wheel look at 337s and stc

[fearofpavement]

Re: Performing repairs/alterations not allowed - reprecussions

Long story short, your scenario would be an illegal act. Federal law, not state. So the ramifications could vary from a slap on the hand to revocation of certificates to fines to prison time if someone was hurt or killed as a result of your actions. It can also make the aircraft difficult to sell or get an annual signed off. All in all, a bad idea. Also, as Hank mentioned, it can involve and victimize people far beyond what would be envisioned.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Performing repairs/alterations not allowed - reprecussions

This is NOT to say you can't design, build and instal an improved system on your plane! Just do it WITH your IA and get your paperwork approved with your local FAA offices BEFORE you fly the plane after you put it on. BETTER is to get approval BEFORE you build parts, just in case they say no, which they have been known to do quite often.

Hank

If it is REALLY nice, you can go through the STC process and even recover a tiny part of what it cost you to do it!

[LostnSpace]

Re: Performing repairs/alterations not allowed - reprecussions

Hank, I sent you a PM, gary

[Guest]

Re: Performing repairs/alterations not allowed - reprecussions

This is NOT to say you can't design, build and instal an improved system on your plane! Just do it WITH your IA and get your paperwork approved with your local FAA offices BEFORE you fly the plane after you put it on. BETTER is to get approval BEFORE you build parts, just in case they say no, which they have been known to do quite often.

Hank

If it is REALLY nice, you can go through the STC process and even recover a tiny part of what it cost you to do it!

Hi Hank and all,

A correction and elaboration is needed here.

If you are doing owner produced replacement parts then my comments do not apply.

If you are doing alterations that are listed in the TCDS then my comments do not apply.

I am commenting on field approval alterations these are alterations that are not either of the above and are not STC’s.

When you do field approval you must get FAA approval before starting the work. One submits a 337 that describes what work is being proposed and waits for its return with an approval stamp on it (it is approved data at that point) . When you get it back you do the work.

Don’t be mistaken, IA’s do not approve data for alterations or repairs (ie data that permits you to do some alteration or repair)

IA’s approve that the work was done in accordance with the approved data.

There are many sources for approved data but none of them are an IA.

Don’t get trapped by making an alteration prior to getting approved data.

I have been an IA’s for about 15 years and have done many field approvals.

Dave

[stearman3]

Re: Performing repairs/alterations not allowed - reprecussions

I was wondering what happens when people make alterations to airplanes they aren't allowed to? I was thinking... "man it would be sah-weet if I could fab up my own header/muffler (aside from not knowing how to even turn on a welder) for the Taylorcraft. Or even hook up a car turbo... anyway, I'm starting on a tangent here... so anyway, I saw an article where a dude welded up his own exhaust (with AI pre and post approval) but I though.... what would happen if he were to just weld up his exhaust ... then tell the AI during the annual... "yup - did it myself"?

The truth is, IAW Part 43anyone can do anything, except annuals&100 hrs, without a certificate.

However, the name of the person doing the work must be entered in the maint. record, AND an
appropriately rated mechanic can inspect/supervise the work, and approve for return to service.