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Restoring homebuilt, what are the legal hurdles

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dwalker

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2021
Messages
1,746
Location
Tennessee
I picked up a plans built aircraft that was registered in 1978, and was had an N-number registered to it until 2013. It currently has no panel, no powerplant, and it looks as if the data tag has been removed. I originally thought the airplane in terrible condition and was going to scrap it for parts for another project, however when I picked it up and looked it over I am leaning towards restoring it to flying condition.
What legal hurdles do I face, and what do I need to do to satisfy the FAA? My (admittedly near childlike) understanding is that I can restore the aircraft myself, apply for an N-number at some point, when its done have an A&P do an annual, then fly it.
My concern is that since there is no data plate or other documentation, a reasonable argument (yes, I understand we are dealing with a .gov agency and the word reasonable should not often be used) can be made to once the aircraft is all back together, at that time it would need to have a DAR do an airworthiness inspection, sign off on a 40 hour test, then get a new airworthiness certificate.

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