Legal maintenance on an ELSA

[Tarheel Pilot]

If I buy a ready to fly ELSA (there are companies who do this), then maintenance wise, what can and can't I do legally? I do plan on getting the Repairman Certificate so that I can do the annual. However, outside of the annual, what can I do?

 

[tonycondon]

it has an experimental airworthiness certificate? If yes, Part 43 does not apply, you can do whatever maintenance you desire as long as your mechanic (or eventually you) are satisfied come condition inspection time.

 

[zaitcev]

Try to ask at SportPilotTalk.com. This question floats there pretty often.

 

[jnmeade]

It's an experimental so you as owner (or your local garbage man, for that matter) can do anything you want. You intend to get the 2 day Repairman Course so you can sign off on anything. You will take the course completion certificate to the FSDO which will issue a Repairman's Certificate with your airplane's N number on it. If you sell it, your certificate sits idle. If you buy another, take another trip to the FSDO.
Here's a good resource for info on the courses and the privileges they obtain.
http://www.rainbowaviation.com/16_hr__course.htm