E designation

[skippydiesel]

So I could phone RAA on this but think it might be a good topic of conversation.

 

When a factory built/registered (24) aircraft is no longer supported by the factory (gone out of business) and as a consequence is given the E designation what exactly does this mean for the owner;

 

• I know it cant be used for training, so presumably not for hire (?)
•  
• Is it effect a kit/home built?
•  
• Can it be maintained by an L1?
•  
• What modifications (eg fitting a different prop) are allowable ? 
•  
• Who, if anyone, needs to sign of on maintenance/modifications?

 

 

[440032]

E-LSA is either a modified factory built - modified without factory approval, (eg prop change perhaps) or could also be an aircraft that is no longer supported by the factory eg factory gone bust, (or moved to Victoria - same thing...).

Your example is not and never would be/could be a home built.

Last 3 Q's - someone in RAAus can take on.

[kasper]

You open a can of questions with answers that are nearly all maybe.

 

Basic rule - if it came out of a factory it must remain unmodified from that accepted configuration state and you have to maintain it to the manuals for that factory and/or/maybe RAAus Tech manual

This odd and/or/may on the tech manual is because a factory document can override the tech manual and the tech manual can supplement factory docs ... eg if the tech manual says one thing but the factory doc on the same item says do another you HAVE to follow the factory OR get MARAP from RAAus to make Tech manual rule over factory.

 

Basic rule - Depending on what originating approval/acceptance path the factory build fits within CAO 95.55 you will have a special certificate of airworthiness, or experimental certificate, for the aeroplane and that certificate sets out limits of use.

 

So factory built that no longer fits factory spec (or modified factory spec er MARAP or CAR35 changes) will get an experimental certificate that many of your questions fall under the individual experimental certificate:

1. can it be used for hire?  maybe - depends on the wording in the certificate 

2. is it in effect a kit - NO - its still factory and you have to remain within the limits of the experimental certificate - you want to make more changes beyond what the certificate was issued for you need to hand in the certificate and get a new one.  Kit/home builts in 95.55 can make as much change as you like and its within Tech Manual for how/what needs to be done in terms of flight tests and inspections

3. can it be L1 maintained - probably - it can unless the experimental certificate says it can't

4. What mods are possible - whatever is agreed for that experimental certificate - they apply to a single airframe with listed non-factory conformity - make more changes need must a new experimental certificate

5. who signs off mods - depends on the experimental certificate and what it says - but that is only for the initial mods that made it experimental - any more after the issue of the experimental certificate and its start again.

Edited October 27, 2021 by kasper

[skippydiesel]

As far as I can make out, the aircraft in question, started life as a 24 registration, later changed to nave an E 24 registration, in recognition of having varied from factory delivery, by being fitted with a different propeller. There may also be some avionics changes. Whatever changes have been made, without factory support, as factory no longer in business. The current owner has already volunteered that the aircraft can no longer be used for flight training.

 

Just speculating: Aircraft appears to be in very good condition so will likely continue in an airworthy state, subject to good maintenance/ no accidents, for many years to come. I would anticipate that many wear items will have to be replaced to maintain the aircraft in this state - all without factory approval/support.