Use of Second Hand Tail Feathers From Unknown Builder

Here's a poser:  I have access to a complete set of 701 tail feathers, that look to be in great shape, but are from an unknown builder.  Anyone have personal experience or expertise in using salvaged parts, such as an elevator or rudder, in scratch- building a new aircraft?  How would I convince the DAR they are amateur-built parts, but of unknown origin? 

The problem, as I see it, isn't the 51% rule; it's proving that these 701 tail-feathers, that magically appeared on my doorstep, are "Amateur Built"?

Do I just make a note in my build logs that:  "I obtained the salvaged assembly third- hand; I have inspected the assembly and find it conforms to the Zenith plans; and to the best of my knowledge this assembly was amateur built for educational/recreational purposes."?

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Permalink Reply by John Austin 22 hours ago

First thing that immediately pops into my mind is, "Since there never was a certified 701, aren't all 701 assembled components "amateur built"???

Secondly, in my experience, FSDO's and DAR's vary wildly on their interpretation of the rules. Obviously, if you had documentation the parts were amateur built, then the parts clearly would be considered within the 51% rule same as if you built them.  If you don't have documentation, then seems to me that "if" the inspector or DAR wouldn't consider them amateur built, then it would depend on whether the inspector or DAR would consider the remainder of the fabrication and assembly to be sufficient to meet the 51%.  You mention your intent to scratch-build ... I can't imagine a reasonable inspector or DAR wouldn't credit you with way more than enough fabrication and assembly to meet the rule:

AC 20-27G, item 7b:

“A determination of major portion will be made by evaluating the amount of work accomplished by the amateur builder(s) against the total amount of work necessary to complete the aircraft, excluding standard procured items.

I frankly believe this is not going to be an issue, but the safest route would be to consult either your FSDO or the DAR you intend to use before incorporating those parts into the build.  Hopefully, someone with personal experience can chime in, but again, opinions can vary from different FSDO's and DAR's!

John

N750A

Permalink Reply by Shay King 1 hour ago

Don’t forget Charles that ZAC have a bulletin out about the horizontal stabiliser front attach brackets. They’re now made from thicker aluminium.

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