I'm not sure paranoid has anything to do with it. The question was if
there was any reasonable to do with with FAA blessing. Wanting FAA
blessing, if possible, is not paranoid in my book. If anything, its
helped me gain a better understanding of regulations with regard to
non-TSO'd parts.


This news group has value to some of us as a forum to share experiences
relating to the rather inexact science of airplane ownership. Given an
airplane's unique ability to delight, thrill, bankrupt and/or seriously
kill you, the discussions are at times rather unique.

In terms of a cosmetic parts swap like interior plastic, there is plenty
of "gray" area in the rules to spawn a diverse response to many
questions. Unlike questions about strictly procedural tasks, like "how
do you change wheel bearings in a Bugsmasher 2000", this plastics
discussion is less about safety and more about FAA legalities.

For those who give advice like "just do it", remember, the jury is
forever "out" whenever you yourself do such a thing. At any time, some
A&P or FAA inspector on the ramp may tap YOU on the shoulder and say "I
don't think so" to the very operation you are recommending to others.
Yes, the likelihood of someone KNOWING about some of this stuff may be
quite slim. But, we have all read the horror stories of what happens
when someone is forced to get a "new" mechanic ("hey, nice interior
plastic, where's the paperwork?????"). Remember Jay's wing tip strobe
"adventure".

To those considering taking the advice they receive here, remember that
it is always YOUR safety and YOUR responsibility if something goes
wrong. Many who post here do so with a certain zeal that might give the
newbie the impression of authority or experience. That may be absolutely
true or false. An A&P mechanic may say something that is completely
untrue, and the non-credentialed airplane owner may say something that
is spot on. Truth is in the eye of the beholder and can be quite
fleeting. Again, it is up to the reader to decide. Look for patterns of
rational responses. Consider throwing out the top and bottom 10% of
responses ("screw the Feds, just do it" and "YOU ARE GONNA DIE
MAN!!!!!!!").

Like the weather reports, you may run into serious trouble either
completely believing someone, or completely disbelieving them. In the
airplane world, if it sounds simple, cheap, or quick, it is likely to
prove to be an unwise path.

Good Luck,
Mike