FAQ
Question
· Can I build an aircraft of my own design
· Do I need to belong to SAANZ to build my own aircraft?
· Does my aircraft have to meet the 51% rule?
· What sort of license is required to fly an experimental category aircraft in NZ?
· Can I carry passengers in an experimental category aircraft?
· May I charge passengers for a ride?
· May I count my flight time in experimental category aircraft for other licenses?
· May I learn to fly in an experimental category aircraft?
· May I design and build my own amateur built aircraft?
· May I build a kitset aircraft under experimental category requirements?
· May I get another person to build amateur built aircraft for me?
· May I maintain and repair an amateur built aircraft?
· Do I have to be rated on the aircraft?
· What about single seaters - do I have to be rated on these?
· Who is responsible for the workmanship and ultimate safety of the aircraft during building, modification and operation?
· Does CAA inspect the aircraft at any stages before the initial flight?
· May I test fly my own aircraft?
· How long does an amateur built aircraft have to be tested before it can carry passengers?
· Are there any restrictions on where an amateur built aircraft may be flown?
· How long does an airworthiness certificate last?
· May I modify an amateur built aircraft?
· Can I reserve unallocated registration letters for the aircraft I am building?
Answer
· Can I build an aircraft of my own design
Yes, but you must show that it meets certain design standards.
· Do I need to belong to SAANZ to build my own aircraft?
No, there is no requirement to join SAA or any other organisation (unless your aircraft is a glider or microlight)
· Does my aircraft have to meet the 51% rule?
Yes if it is to be registered as an experimental category aircraft.Not if it is registered as a microlight.
· What sort of license is required to fly an experimental category aircraft in NZ?
A CAA Private Pilot License or higher. See Rule Part 61 for details.
· Can I carry passengers in an experimental category aircraft?
Yes, if the aircraft has the seating and has successfully completed the experimental flight testing phase.
· May I charge passengers for a ride?
No. Experimental category aircraft may only be used for private Sport and Recreational purposes and not for hire or reward.
· May I count my flight time in experimental category aircraft for other licenses?
Yes, Civil Aviation Rules Part 61 gives full details of what flight time can be counted.
· May I learn to fly in an experimental category aircraft?
Yes, if your instructor agrees and if certain aircraft requirements are met. See Rule part 61 for details.
· May I design and build my own amateur built aircraft?
Yes. You would be expected to follow current aeronautical practice and use current design standards as the basis for your design. You will also be required to supply proof of testing structures to substantiate your design for critical primary structures. This can be done by static load testing before final inspection. Association with an aeronautical engineer on these points is strongly recommended.
· May I build a kitset aircraft under experimental category requirements?
Yes, providing that you can prove to the CAA that you will be constructing a minimum of 51% of the aircraft. The kitset manufacturer should be able to give you written assurance that their kit is a 51% kit. You should seek that assurance prior to commitment to purchase.
· May I get another person to build amateur built aircraft for me?
No. You may get assistance from other persons but you must prove to the CAA, at time of final inspection, that you have completed a minimum of 51% of the construction. The main purpose of of the ‘amateur built’ is for the education and recreation of the builder.
· May I maintain and repair an amateur built aircraft?
Yes, only if you are the builder and have sat and passed the exams for a CAA Maintenance Approval. If you are not the original builder you must obtain the services of an Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer who is rated on your aircraft and engine types.
· Do I have to be rated on the aircraft?
Yes, you do have to be rated on the type of aircraft that you wish to fly.
· What about single seaters - do I have to be rated on these?
Yes.
· Who is responsible for the workmanship and ultimate safety of the aircraft during building, modification and operation?
The builder/owner is responsible for the workmanship, ultimate soundness, safety and serviceability of the aircraft.
· Does CAA inspect the aircraft at any stages before the initial flight?
Yes. Final inspection is carried out by the CAA. The depth of inspection depends on the quality of construction and details of records and photographs.
· May I test fly my own aircraft?
Yes, providing you meet the basic licensing and experience criteria laid down in FAA AC90-89 Amateur built Flight Testing Handbook.
· How long does an amateur built aircraft have to be tested before it can carry passengers?
For aircraft with certified engines and propellers, 25 hours minimum and, for aircraft with uncertified engines and/or propellers, 40 hours minimum.
· Are there any restrictions on where an amateur built aircraft may be flown?
During the experimental flying phase under an Airworthiness Certificate (issued for showing compliance with the Rules), it must remain in the designated flight test area. Once cleared for an Airworthiness Certificate (for operating an Amateur Built Aircraft) it may be flown for aerobatics, dual instruction, night or instrument flying providing the aircraft has been cleared by the CAA in the final Operating Limitations. Aircraft used for instrument flying must be correctly equipped and maintained to the current IFR standards. Amateur built aircraft shall not be operated over congested areas except with the written permission of the Director of Civil Aviation.
· How long does an airworthiness certificate last?
Airworthiness certificates for amateur-built aircraft are non-terminating.
· May I modify an amateur built aircraft?
Yes. However modifications which alter the primary structure, components or the aerodynamics must be notified to the CAA. The CAA will decide if flight testing is required to prove the safety of the modifications.
· Can I reserve unallocated registration letters for the aircraft I am building?
Yes, you may reserve a particular group of registration letters for your aircraft upon payment of the $40.00 registration application fee. This registration reservation will be held for a period of two years at which point it is renewable upon payment of another registration application fee. You should not however make your application for the aircraft to enter the New Zealand register until 3-4 weeks prior to the CAA pre-flight inspection.