Mel Asberry
Mel Asberry is an experienced Designated Airworthiness Representative specializing in Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft. He and his wife, Ann, have built seven amateur-built airplanes including two ultralight types, a Moni Motorglider, a Dragonfly Mk2, two RV-6s and a Zenair CH 601HDS. They are currently building a scratch-built biplane.
Ask the DAR
Readers want to know when you can use your homebuilt for paid instruction and how to convert a certified aircraft into an Experimental.
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DAR Mel Asberry clears up airspace restrictions for homebuilts during flight testing and discusses how the original builder of a homebuilt design remains the builder unless the airworthiness certificate is surrendered, which has implications for reselling an aircraft.
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When do service bulletins have the force of law with regard to Experimental/Amateur-Builts?
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This month DAR Mel Asberry tackles questions about modifying an aircraft and the flight testing required, what should be on a dataplate, and what you need to know about getting an airworthiness certificate after completing a partially built aircraft.
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DAR Mel Asberry discusses the process for registering and certifying an ELSA, including how to find an inspector and the paperwork you'll need to provide.
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DAR Mel Asberry answers questions about when you need A&P signoff, re-certifying an airplane to make it an LSA (hint: cant be done) and pre-registration of an Experimental.
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Are computer software programs sufficient documentation of a build, and what do you do when a DARs request seems unreasonable?
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What are the lighting requirements for homebuilt aircraft that will fly at night, and do you need a wet compass if you have an EFIS in your panel?
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Whats changed with the advent of the revised 51% rule? Fortunately, not as much as you might think.
Ask the DAR
What do you need to do when you buy an Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft? What should a builder/owner do when they're ramp checked?
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What’s New
Dual Electronics debuts ADS-B unit, Garmin introduces GDL 39, Approach Fast Stack’s Pro-X hub and Dynon premiers D1 Pocket Panel.
Build It Better: Show Me the Data!
Don’t believe everything you hear when making an important building or maintenance decision—do your homework.
