Pipistrel Kit Aircraft now FAA 51% Accepted

They could still get a Experimental-Exhibition tho right? Not quite the
freedom a Amateur built COFA gives, but can still fly it.

The 2 sailplane kits I built and had inspected went thru the inspection
without any hassles. I was quite worried about the first kit; as it was
the first I ever built, and seemed to me to be quite complete when it
came out of the box. But, as you know, that manufacturer-builder check
list can be quite a handy tool!

I also want to give KUDO's to the Seattle MIDO, the two gentlemen I
worked with were quite professional, and very helpful.........hopefully
the next aircraft I build will be inspected by one of these fellows.

Cheers,
Brad


Ron Wanttaja wrote:
On 24 Nov 2006 19:33:22 -0800, "Brad" wrote:

BTW.......when did you last hear of a kit that wasn't accepted as
amateur built by the FAA?

Christen Eagle is the only one I know about, but that was way back in the dawn
o' time. Otherwise, companies are not likely to advertise that they flunked. I
suspect the FAA is usually specific enough where the company knows what they
have to do for their plane to pass. Many companies undoubtedly work with the
FAA as they develop the kit...for instance, I'm sure Van's worked it all out
with the Feds before they started having the contractor partially complete kits
for delivery as quick-build kits.

The big thing, of course, is that the type's inclusion on the approved 51% list
is *not* a pre-requisite to a homebuilt getting certified. The only thing it
does is offer some protection against capricious FSDO decisions.

Ron Wanttaja