On Mon, 9 Oct 2006 10:32:31 -0400, "Peter Dohm" wrote:

Actually, IIRC, an owner can /maintain/ a certified aircraft as well. There
is a pubished list of approved owner performed maintenance steps--provided
that the appropriate parts, tools, manuals, and procedures are used.
However, in the case of type cerficicated aircraft, a mechanic with IA must
inspect and sign-off repairs and periodic condition inspections--and a
professional mechanic or apprentice /usually/ performs the work as well.

The owner of a certified aircraft can perform *certain* tasks with no
supervision or other signoff...the list of preventative maintenance tasks
spelled out in Appendix A of 14CFR Part 43. As you say, the owner can perform
any other maintenance task as well, but the aircraft cannot be flown until a
certified individual takes responsibility for the work.

In contrast, no such signoff is needed for a homebuilt. Anyone can perform major
alterations and repairs and return the aircraft to service. I can (and have...)
do work like removing an engine cylinder or replace major airframe components on
a homebuilt and signed off the work myself. The only thing I have to be
concerned about is whether the A&P performing the annual condition inspection
(up to a year later) will consider the airplane still airworthy.

The amount of difference this makes depends on one's individual circumstances.
Some owners have good friends who are A&Ps. To them, there's little difference
between Experimental and Certified, other than the need to use approved parts.

Ron Wanttaja