Going from certified to experimental

[frfly172]

looking for info on the benefits of going experimental with a certified aircraft. And problems encountered when doing so.

 

[Greg Bockelman]

I don't think that can be done on a permanent basis. That only happens on a temporary basis for R&D purposes, IIRC.

 

[Norman]

Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork. I'm not sure how long the Navion my boss stuffed a TSIO520 into was in experimental, suffice to say it was many years. It was eventually returned to normal category with the 520 still installed. Paperwork....................................

 

[tsts4]

There are 8 special airworthiness certificates under the Experimental category. 2 don't apply at all: experimental-amateur built/LSA and UAS's. The remaining 6 are highly restrictive in their oplims and would severely restrict normal flying assuming you could get it placed into one of those to begin with. Contact your local FSDO for the details.

 

[Stewartb]

1-time STC?

The common E-AB category... experimental-amateur built, isn't an option for a certificated airplane. The other experimental categories are too restrictive to be practical.

 

[FORANE]

This thread talks about it:
http://www.homebuiltairplanes.com/f...tter-pilots/6335-experimental-exhibition.html

It is experimental exhibition, not experimental amateur built. E-ab does not require notifying the FAA prior to flights while the other type does.

 

[frfly172]

So first,thanks for the info ,probably better to look for an stc to solve my problem.

 

[luvflyin]

So first,thanks for the info ,probably better to look for an stc to solve my problem.

What's the problem?

 

[frfly172]

Have a composite prop ,that falls apart ,whenever I fly in the rain

 

[FORANE]

Composite props will do that. You can try to protect it with propguard tape bu it only lasts about 1 flight in rain before it degrades to the point of needing to be replaced. It also doesn't shape well on rounded prop tips.

What plane? What other props are options for a certified plane? Do they have to be matched for the plane or can they be matched to the motor?

 

[frfly172]

No other choice on the prop. A liberty xl2.

 

[Dav8or]

So first,thanks for the info ,probably better to look for an stc to solve my problem.

Sadly, unless someone has already obtained an STC, it's cheaper to just keep buying composite props.

 

[yakdriver]

Is the Liberty a SLSA?

 

[red4golf]

So, not a good plane to own if you live in Western Washington, good to know.

 

[Stewartb]

No other choice on the prop. A liberty xl2.

Look at props that are certified with your engine on other airframes and ask FSDO about a field approval based on your failures.

 

[steingar]

If you really want to go experimental, sell the Liberty and buy an RV. My guess is you'll be glad you did. Still two seater, but does a whole lot more.