Ollie's "Tidbits"

If you are new to my blog, you will see as you keep reading it that I have a section called Ollie's "Tidbits". I have compiled my experiences with the details and mechanics of the wonderful airplane called the Searey.
This is my Tidbit # 16.... scroll down for Tidbit's 1 thru 15.

Now, I know the subject that I'm about to address in this Tidbit is something that most pilots would rather not worry about but it is a necessary evil to make your airplane totally legal.
I'm referring to all the paperwork required by the F.A.A. that  has to be carried in the aircraft . These documents are part of the aircraft records.

Before an experimental aircraft can be approved for it's first test flight it must be inspected by the F.A.A. or a D.A.R. You must already have you Registration number, weight and balance complete and a certificate of registration. It gets inspected and if everything goes right, then the DAR or FAA representative will issue you your operating limitations and special airworthiness certificate
 The operating limitations will give you instructions on the requirements for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of operation. Phase 1 is considered the test flight period. Its usually a period of 40 hours of solo flight within a 25 nautical mile radius of the airport designated by the inspector. Once the test flight is completed,then a log book entry must be made by the test pilot in the maintenance log. The operating limitations will tell you word for word the verbiage that has to be put in the log books. 
Once Phase 1 and the log book entry is completed then you automatically enter into Phase 2.

At this point, you are no longer limited to the 25 mile radius and you are allowed to carry passengers. THIS IS WHEN THE FUN FLYING BEGINS!

Once you enter into Phase 2, you are required to have the special air worthiness certificate, certificate of registration, weight & balance and operating limitations in the aircraft AT ALL TIMES.
You are also required to inform the passengers that they are in an experimental aircraft. When you fly into controlled airspace, you must identify your aircraft to ATC as an experimental aircraft. The only other requirement, is that you must have a condition inspection performed once every 12 calendar months by a licensed A&P mechanic, or if approved by the FAA, the builder of the aircraft may inspect his own aircraft as long as he/she owns it.