How long does Experimental certification take?

[AirAttack]

How long is the process to receive airworthiness certification for Experimental classification?

 

[TFF]

Once you have built it, as fast as you can get a FAA or DAR to come look at it and review the paperwork.

 

[AirAttack]

Thank you, TFF. That makes sense. I'm assuming I should still budget a month or two for everything to be processed?

 

[BBerson]

You will need a registration (N number) first. Might take some time.

 

[Pops]

I was ready in March 13, 2020 and because of the virus the FAA re-started inspections in July. My inspection was on July 7 , 2020. I started the N number request on Nov. 30, 2019.

 

[Turd Ferguson]

How long is the process to receive airworthiness certification for Experimental classification?

After the DAR inspects your plane, he writes out your special airworthiness certificate, if everything is in order. You can fly the same day.

 

[TXFlyGuy]

How long is a piece of string?

Sorry for the wise remark! It all depends. Many, many variables. How long does it take to build an airplane?

My DAR spent over 6 hours with me during the inspection.

 

[Pops]

My FAA inspectors ( there was 2) spent about 3 hrs. They missed nothing on the airplane. I think they took more pictures than I have. Didn't want to see any building logs or any of the design work.

 

[AirAttack]

Awesome, thanks for those replies! I wasn't sure what to expect given the impact of COVID on timelines these days.

 

[BJC]

My TWTT Sportsman was totally open, and all the paperwork was on a table beside the airplane. Took about 2 1/2 hours. Note that the DAR had done many Sportsman airplanes before he did mine.


BJC