A&P for kit planes?

[rookiepilot_20]

I was wondering if you have to have an A&P certification if you want to build your own kit plane. I have read about all these people ordering kits and doing all the wiring and mechanical things but it doesnt say if they have their A&P. I ask because i think it would be nice in the future to build one of these planes. My dad is a auto mechanic so he would know how to wire and set up most everything. I just know maintenance was/is very limited (not much more than replenishing fluids) when studying for my PPL. Just curious, thanks.

 

[stuckingfk]

I was wondering if you have to have an A&P certification if you want to build your own kit plane. I have read about all these people ordering kits and doing all the wiring and mechanical things but it doesnt say if they have their A&P. I ask because i think it would be nice in the future to build one of these planes. My dad is a auto mechanic so he would know how to wire and set up most everything. I just know maintenance was/is very limited (not much more than replenishing fluids) when studying for my PPL. Just curious, thanks.

The primary builder on a kit plane or homebuilt becomes the A&P after it is finished. And no, you don't need your A&P to build your own plane.

 

[farmerbrown]

I believe you have to apply for a repairman's certificate in order to do things like the annual inspection on the plane. It only goes to the primary builder of the specific plane. I don't know how automatic it is for the FAA to issue the repairman's certificate, but I imagine if you built it yourself it wouldn't be an issue.

 

[USMCmech]

No you do not need an A&P to build a kit, or even a plans buit plane from scratch, or for that matter to desigen one yourself.

Different kits vary considerable in complexity and mechanical aptitude required. For example the Vans RV series is widely considered one of the best, and can be built by any inteligent individual. All mechanical knowledge can be learned while doing the work. Others like the ones built from plans require much more mechanical know how (welding, metal forming, ect).

After the plane is complete the owner can apply for a repairman certificate for that specific airplane. This allows him to sign off on work done and the annual "condition inspection" on that airplane and no other. You have to apply for this seperately after the airplane is completed, it is not automatic.
This is also not trasferable to anyone who buys the airplane from the origonal builder.

The annual "condition inspection" (not an "annual" they are different things) is the only schedualed maintence required by the FAA. Other than that it is up to the owner's judgement.