Major airframe modification

[lpaaruule]

Anybody have experience with modification of an existing airframe from a regulatory standpoint?

For example, I know that there has been extended wingtip modifications. That seems like a major modification because it could result in much more main spar stress.

With that in mind, and the fact that having a sport plane doesn't mean as much as it did before basic med, if each wing was shortened 14", what would be involved to stay legal?

I like the idea of the Sonex high wing, and Xenos detachable wingtips. I know that Glasair III has something similar.

[GraemeSmith]

It's an EXPERIMENTAL. Knock yourself out. You do the math. You figure if it is safe. You put it back in Phase 1. You test it. It's legal if you survive!

[lpaaruule]

I suppose the hard part would be insuring it. Also if ever decide to sell, it would might complicate things.

It’s probably not worth the hassle.

[Skippydiesel]

Cant speak for Uncle Sam (& friends) but here in Australia, Graeme's advice is good.

Insurance - no problem. Your premium may initially be higher but then I pay additional cause its a tail wheel.

Selling - As long as you declare all structural and other potential safety issues (in writing dated & signed by both you & purchaser) its "Caveat Emptor"

[lpaaruule]

Thanks for the input.

I suppose hiring an aircraft structural engineer isn’t out of the question either.

[Skippydiesel]

Thanks for the input.

I suppose hiring an aircraft structural engineer isn’t out of the question either.

Always a good strategy to run modifications past a number of experienced builders - humans don't have origional thought/concepts, we build on the experience of others. In doing so we minimise the risks of failure/error and the time taken to "jump" to a hopefully workable solution.