Scott wrote:
Hmmm...I wasn't aware of THAT! You say in the "old days"...has that
been reversed? On my promo tape from Van's they mention a guy (John
Harmon, I believe) has built 3 RV-3s and an RV-4. I would have to
assume all were registered in experimental amateur built category??? How
does (or did) the FAA regulate how many planes a guy built of the "same"
model? For example, what if I register my 2nd RV-4 as a Fliegenmeister
4-VR? Interesting topic!

Scott


I wouldn't say they have officially reversed anything.

FAA has just gotten out of the business of amateur built airplanes.
They don't inspect them anymore, but USED to very agressively.
"Before closing" inspections and sign-offs were required before any
structure (spars, wings, taile, etc) could be "closed out".

Things have relaxed quite a bit.

Richard


cavelamb himself wrote:

Scott wrote:

All amateur builders are considered "manufacturers" in the eyes of
the FAA. That's why there's never been an AD on a Van's RV-4 built
by someone other than Van...they are registered as Nelson RV-4, Smith
RV-4, etc. (glad I don't have a common name like Nelson or Smith!!)

Scott


Of course, but they used to make a very sharp distinction here.

You would not have been allowed to register the second copy as
experimental - amateur built.

Richard




cavelamb himself wrote:

Scott wrote:

The word "professionally" can be pretty vague. When I build my
second RV-4, I will sell it in Trade A Plane as "Professionally
Built" since I will be a "pro" at it having built one previously.

Scott
http://corbenflyer.tripod.com/
Gotta Fly or Gonna Die
Building RV-4 (Super Slow Build Version)


Actualy, (in the olde days) that would diswualify you from being able
to license or sell the second one.

It makes you a "manufacturer".