Finishing touches

Start 2-3 months before estimated  airworthiness inspection; the FAA registration division gets 25 working days (5 weeks) to process an application for registration, and the Washington FSDO requires that you have the hard-copy registration for your airplane in hand at the airworthiness inspection.

• call Vans and request the bill of sale (AC Form 8050-2) from Cynthia.  You know that they process parts orders at a glacial pace, so...
• go to the FSDO and get a few sets of AC Form 8050-1.  Fill this form out; note that you must write your name in capital letters under your signature at the bottom of the form.  This is not an online form and you must obtain it from the FAA.
• on the internet, fill out and print the Affidavit of Ownership (AC Form 8050-88).  Make sure that the second line of the form has your name (last name, first name, middle initial (or "NMN" if you don't have one)) and NOT "Vans".  The serial number can be any number you select, or your Vans builder number.  Sign the form in the presence of a notary.
• when you receive the bill of sale from Van's, cross out the word "AIRCRAFT" at the top of the form and replace it with "KIT".
• write a cover letter requesting your desired tail number.  If you reserved one, make sure you state in the letter that you are requesting the FAA assign your reserved N-number.  Attach a copy of the FAA's "Confirmation of Reservation of United States Registration Number".  You can request that your application for registration be "processed on an authority basis" if you think you have a pressing need for expedited processing.  You can also request a temporary certificate be faxed to you; make sure you give a fax number.  If you have further questions, call 866-7629434.
• make copies of everything, of course.  Send the packet by express mail.

Conversation with the inspector, Ramon Smeltz, (703)661-8160 x245.

• get hardcopy registration first
• for the inspection: get transponder test by avionics shop, ELT needs remote switch -- unless the maker says it's not required, whiskey compass is required, cowling off, wing inspection panels off, covers off to see spar attach point/control linkages, tail panels off, be ready to install the cowling so the inspector can check it clears the prop spinner, make sure everything that can be labeled or placarded is, make sure data plate matches registration information (name order, i.e.), secure prop with .041 wire -- nothing less.  In cover letter, state whether the airplane should be registered to aerobatics or not.
• send packet to 2-3 weeks before (when sure of time remaining): Washington FSDO, Attn: R. Smeltz, 44965 Aviation Drive, Suite 112, Dulles, VA 20116.

Conversation with Jim Nelson, the insurance man at Falcon (EAA), (866)647-4322.

• the current company insuring RVs offers extended sales liability coverage for one year after the sale.  This logically ensures that the buyer will have to have the plane inspected by a licensed A&P with inspection authority, and HIS ass will be on the line if something goes wrong.
• need about 25 hours total tailwheel time, which includes 3 to 5 hours of RV transition training.  No endorsement/statement; just be able to show that got 3-5hrs in an RV
• first year coverage, in light of my 800 hours/CFI/no-time tailwheel pilot status, will be around $3,400~3,600.
• 4/18/07: Harvest Jones took my info and said to call back tomorrow.  Ask to speak to Dara Harrison.

Transition training

• Joe Norris or Jennifer (877) 359-1232 has a list of RV trainers who you won't find on Vans' website. Ron Archer, Davidson, NC, (704) 947-2638, RV6; Armand Turillo, New Jersey, (908) 722-2778, RV6.
• Alan Ham, Goldsboro, NC, (919) 689-2737: built his RV7, has given transition instruction to about 10 people, has done test flight for about 7 builders -- to include the whole 25 hours for one RV8 builder, charges $100/hr, plans on about 10hrs of transition training, points out that there is no official endorsement for transition training -- so what's the standard?  3/25: Citabria warm-up not necessary; first or last weekend in April available.

Painting

• Wing walk on before painting ok?
• Bring ASpruce vinyl numbers?
• What level of finishing needed on cowling and other fiberglass surfaces?  Various tips filling?

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