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Periodic Inspection Entrys in Log
Hi, all! I recently purchased a partially-completed CH750. I have a good friend who happens to be an A&P IA who has offered to do periodic "pre-cover" inspections. I know to document this in the builder's log - here's what Ron Alexander says in one of his articles:
A very important part of the log is the documentation of inspections. At the completion of each major phase of construction have a Technical Counselor or someone else that we previously discussed inspect your (work). Document the date of inspection, who inspected, what was inspected and the results. I recommend doing this regularly.
Questions:
1) Alexander seems to imply that the builder document the inspection. Sooo, does the builder make the log entry OR should the inspector make the entry?
2) It's pretty obvious to document what was inspected and if any problems or corrections were made, but just how detailed should the "results" of a problem-free inspection be? Is it enough to say it is "OK" or "good workmanship" or "consistent with plans", etc.? Alternatively, can someone give me the style/wording of an entry for an inspection that found no problems?
Regards,
John
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by David Gallagher on
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John,
The builders log is there primarily to serve as your record of the build. In determining that your were the primary builder of the aircraft, the FAA inspector or DAR may take a quick glance at it during your airworthiness inspection, or they may not. It is primarily for your own reference so document the inspections as much or as little as you choose. It minimum, you should document when they took place and if any major changes in the aircraft resulted. Your insurance company may, or may not, give you any monetary credit for progressive inspections. Mine did not care that I had three EAA Tech Counselor visits documented. The policy premium price was the same either way.
The key is that you have someone who is experienced looking over your shoulder.
p.s. since your project is partially completed, hopefully you secured the previous builders activity log.
Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by John Austin on
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I obtained the previous log, photos, and kit invoices with my purchase. I called the local FSDO and was advised to attach all that to MY log and then start a continuing log from there.
Sounds like your experience echos that of others ... FAA inspectors and DAR's vary quite a bit in what's important from THEIR viewpoint. I built a Moni (Monnet) glider years ago - the FAA inspector barely glanced at the log - he certainly did not read any entries!
I primarily wanted to know WHO makes the log entry on inspections - sounds like it either probably doesn't matter or should default to the builder since it is the "builder's log".
Regards,
John
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Permalink Reply by Geoff Klestadt on
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By coincidence, I spent the weekend at a course on Aviation maintenance law and paperwork (my brain hurts!).
I suggest words to the effect that:
"Workmanship is consistent with Zenith construction standards and FAA AC43.13 - 1B." - or any other standards manual you are working to (eg. Lycoming, welding standards, wiring rules, etc.)
I would also write up any deviation you choose to make from the published Zenith plans.
This is not "Law" because your aircraft is just a construction project until it has its C of A.
It was also suggested that when you start your aircraft logbook, you include a statement specifying where the aircraft diverges from Zenith plans, since I guess everyone will be a little different.
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Permalink Reply by Jerry Latimer on
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John,
I made the log entries for the inspections. My FSDO and DAR were okay with that. They actually made some statements that that was the norm and not unusual.
Jerry
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Permalink Reply by Alan Uhr on
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I made all of the log entries. My EAA Technical Counselor inspected my work 3 times during the build. He filled out a form in 3 part and gave 1 part to me. I included it in my builders log. He kept 1 part for himself and the 3rd part went to the EAA to show that he made the inspections. It is 1 thing the FAA inspector asked me about and I was able to show him the Tech Counslers sheets. That made my inspedtion go fairley quickley. Alan
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