FAA Form 1320–15 (4–82) Supersedes WA Form 1320–2

Subject: CERTIFICATION AND Date: 9/26/2003 AC No.: 20-27F 

OPERATION OF 

AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT 

Initiated by: AIR-200 

 

1. PURPOSE OF THIS ADVISORY CIRCULAR (AC). 

a. This AC gives you information and guidance on how to— 

(1) Fabricate and assemble an amateur-built aircraft, 

(2) Register your aircraft, 

(3) Identify and mark your aircraft, 

(4) Get your aircraft inspected and certificated, 

(5) Flight test your aircraft, 

(6) Operate your aircraft, 

(7) Receive certification of an amateur-built aircraft purchased outside the United States, and 

(8) Become a repairman for your amateur-built aircraft. 

b. This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. This AC describes an acceptable 

means, but not the only means, to comply with the certification requirements for amateur-built aircraft 

listed in Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 21, Certification Procedures for 

Products and Parts. However, if you use the means described in the AC, you should follow it in all 

important aspects. 

c. Section 21.191(g) defines an amateur-built aircraft as an aircraft in which the major portion of the 

aircraft has been fabricated and assembled by persons who undertook the construction project solely for 

their own education or recreation. 

d. Definitions of terms and sample forms and letters referenced in this AC are located in the 

appendixes. Lists of 14 CFR parts and publications related to this AC also are in the appendixes. 
AC 20-27F 9/26/2003 

2 

2. WHO THIS AC AFFECTS. This AC applies to anyone who seeks an airworthiness certificate for 

an amateur-built aircraft. 

3. PRINCIPAL CHANGES FROM THE PREVIOUS VERSION OF THIS AC. This AC has been 

rewritten in plain language, including the use of more precise wording, descriptive headings, tables, 

figures, and active voice. This AC also follows the new format described in Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA) Order 1320.46, Advisory Circular System; therefore, the overall organization of 

the AC has been changed. 

4. DOCUMENT THIS AC CANCELS. This AC cancels AC 20-27E, dated September 26, 2001. 

5. CERTIFYING AND OPERATING AN AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT. You should follow 

the steps in figure 1, in general order, when trying to get your airworthiness certificate. A detailed 

explanation of each step follows this flowchart (see paragraphs 6 through 14). 

Figure 1 — Certifying and Operating an Amateur-Built Aircraft 

Applicant 

Contact the nearest FAA office (see appendix 1) for the guidance and 

information necessary to ensure you understand FAA regulations for 

your project (recommended). See paragraph 6. 

È

Applicant 

Design and construct the aircraft. See paragraph 7. 

È

Applicant 

Register the aircraft using Aeronautical Center Form (AC Form) 

8050-1, Aircraft Registration Application (see appendix 5) 

(recommended 60 to 120 days before you finish construction). 

See paragraph 8. 

È

Applicant 

Identify and mark the aircraft. See paragraph 9. 

È

Applicant 

Submit a formal application using FAA Form 8130-6, Application for 

Airworthiness Certificate (Amateur-Built) (see appendix 6), to the 

nearest FAA office. See paragraph 10. 

È

FAA 

Inspect the aircraft and determine aircraft eligibility. See paragraph 11. 

È

FAA 

Issue a special airworthiness certificate with 

appropriate operating limitations. See paragraph 12. 

È

Applicant 

Flight test the aircraft. See paragraph 13. 

È

Applicant 

Maintain the aircraft. See paragraph 14.
9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

3 

6. WHAT TO DO AND KNOW BEFORE BUILDING AN AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT. 

a. We recommend that before you build your aircraft, you contact the nearest FAA office. Discuss 

the type of aircraft, its complexity, and its materials. Provide a three-view sketch, drawing, or 

photograph of the proposed aircraft project and the date you think you will finish. We should give you 

any guidance and information necessary to ensure you thoroughly understand the FAA regulations that 

apply to your project. 

b. If you request them, we will give you all the forms you need to get your aircraft registered and 

certified. Refer to appendix 4 for a list of forms. 

7. DESIGNING AND CONSTRUCTING AN AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT. 

a. Asking Others for Help. 

(1) Contacting the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). You can get help from the 

EAA (see appendix 7 for contact information). The EAA promotes aviation safety and construction of 

amateur-built aircraft, and provides technical advice and help to its members. EAA’s Technical 

Counselors Program helps to ensure amateur-built aircraft are safe and dependable. EAA Technical 

Counselors may be available to visit an amateur-built aircraft project and offer to its members advice 

regarding workmanship. However, the EAA has advised the FAA that it does not provide technical help 

on designing an aircraft. 

(2) Asking Other Persons With Expertise. During construction, you may ask persons with 

aviation design or engineering experience; other builders; mechanics with aircraft, airframe, and 

powerplant experience; and other persons with relevant expertise to inspect your aircraft. These persons 

can inspect the construction of particular components (for example, wing assemblies and fuselages) to 

verify an acceptable level of safety has been met. 

(3) Contracting for Commercial Help. You may contract commercially for several tasks, such 

as installation of avionics, upholstery, and painting. See AC 20-139, Commercial Assistance During 

Construction of Amateur-Built Aircraft, for detailed information about the types of commercial help you 

can use. 

b. Purchasing Prefabricated or Assembled Components and Materials. 

(1) We do not expect you to personally fabricate every part of the aircraft. You may use 

commercially produced components and materials when constructing your amateur-built aircraft. 

However, we will not give credit for fabrication of these components. Use the guidelines in the table on 

the following page, especially for parts constituting the primary structure, such as wing spars, critical 

attachment fittings, and fuselage structural members. 
AC 20-27F 9/26/2003 

4 

Type of Component/Material Guidelines for Use 

Any choice of engines, propellers, 

wheels, or other components 

We recommend you use FAA-approved components (for example, 

components produced under a production certificate, a technical 

standard order (TSO), or a parts manufacturer approval). 

Any choice of materials We recommend you use material of established quality (for example, 

materials produced under a military specification, SAE, or AN). 

Major components (for example, wings, 

fuselage, and empennage) from 

type-certificated or experimental aircraft 

You should know whether the components are in a condition for safe 

operation. This description refers to the condition of that component 

relative to structural strength, wear, or deterioration. 

(2) You should not use materials whose identity or quality you do not know. 

(3) You may use FAA Form 8000-38, Fabrication/Assembly Operation Checklist 

(see appendix 8), as an aid to determine if using certain components would affect the requirement to 

fabricate and assemble the major portion of your aircraft. 

c. Meeting General Design and Construction Requirements. 

(1) Amateur builders are free to develop their own designs or build from existing designs. We 

do not approve those designs, and it would be impractical to develop design standards for the wide 

variety of design configurations created by designers, kit manufacturers, and amateur builders. 

(2) We recommend that you use FAA-approved components, especially when you are building 

parts constituting the primary structure. You should be able to prove the identity and quality of any 

materials you use. 

d. Designing the Cockpit/Cabin. When you design the cockpit or cabin, you should do the 

following: 

(1) Avoid sharp corners or edges, protrusions, knobs, and similar objects that may cause injury 

to the pilot or passengers during an accident. If you cannot avoid having them, you should pad them. 

(2) Install FAA TSO-approved seatbelts and shoulder harnesses. 

(3) Mark and place cockpit instruments and placards so they are easy to see. 

(4) Include a fuel selector so the pilot can control the flow of all tanks. Make sure it’s labeled 

clearly and appropriately. 

(5) Clearly mark system controls, such as the fuel selectors and electrical switches or breakers. 

Make sure these controls are easy to reach and operate. 

(6) Use the sample checklist in appendix 1 to AC 90-89, Amateur-Built Aircraft and Ultralight 

Flight Testing Handbook, to inspect cockpit instrumentation and systems controls. 

(7) Place a firewall between the engine compartment and the cockpit or cabin if the design 

allows. 
9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

5 

e. Designing the Fuel System. When you design the fuel system, you should do the following: 

(1) Ensure your fuel tank can supply adequate fuel to the engine in all anticipated 

flight attitudes. 

(2) Ensure the fuel system controls are easy to reach and operate. 

(3) Provide a carburetor heat system to minimize the possibility of carburetor icing. 

f. Building an Aircraft Using a Plan. 

(1) Modifying a Design Plan. If you are working from a design plan and you want to make 

modifications, you should discuss the changes with the designer, kit manufacturer, or equally 

knowledgeable person. You should record in your builder’s log any modifications you make. 

(2) Buying a Partially Built Aircraft Built From a Plan. If you buy a partially built aircraft 

built from a plan, you should get all fabrication and assembly records, such as receipts for materials, the 

builder’s log, and aircraft, engine, and propeller logbooks, from the previous owner. You should add the 

construction efforts of the previous amateur builders to your builder’s log to show the construction 

history of the aircraft. This information may help us to determine that your aircraft is eligible for 

amateur-built certification. 

g. Building an Aircraft Using a Kit. 

(1) Kits Eligible for Certification. You should always verify the aircraft will be eligible for 

certification as an amateur-built aircraft. Advertisements may be somewhat vague and in some cases 

misleading about whether a kit will produce an aircraft eligible for amateur-built certification. Use the 

information in the table below as guidance. 

Scenario Eligible Not 

Eligible 

You are able to show you built the major portion of the aircraft. X 

The kit you are using or intend to use is one we evaluated and placed on our listing of 

eligible amateur-built aircraft kits. 

(Note: We do not certify nor approve kits, kit manufacturers, or kit distributors. However, we do 

evaluate kits at the request of the kit manufacturer or distributor, primarily to determine if an 

aircraft built from a particular kit would meet the major portion requirement. You can contact your 

local FAA office for the current Web site address of the listing of eligible kits. Kits other than 

those on the list may produce an aircraft we would certify as amateur-built.)

X 

You used a construction kit containing raw materials and some prefabricated components. 

(Note: The raw materials may include lengths of wood, tubing, extrusions, or similar items that 

may have been cut to an approximate length. We will also accept some prefabricated parts such as 

heat-treated ribs, bulkheads, or complex parts made from sheet metal, fiberglass, or polystyrene, 

and precut/predrilled material, provided you fabricate and assemble the major portion of the 

aircraft as required by § 21.191(g), Experimental certificates: Operating amateur-built aircraft.)

X 

You assembled your aircraft from a kit composed of completely finished, prefabricated 

components, parts, or precut or predrilled materials, and using these materials means you 

did not fabricate and assemble the major portion of the aircraft. 

X 

You hired someone to build the aircraft for you, and hiring this person means you did not 

fabricate and assemble the major portion of the aircraft. X 
AC 20-27F 9/26/2003 

6 

(2) Modifying a Kit. If you are working from a construction kit and you want to make 

modifications, you should discuss the changes with the kit manufacturer or equally knowledgeable 

person. You should record in your builder’s log any modifications you make. 

(3) Buying an Aircraft Built From a Partially Completed Kit. If you buy an aircraft built 

from a partially completed kit, you should get all fabrication and assembly records, such as receipts for 

materials, the builder’s log, and aircraft, engine, and propeller logbooks, from the previous owner. You 

should add the construction efforts of the previous amateur builders to your builder’s log to show the 

construction history of the kit. This information may help us to determine that your aircraft is eligible 

for amateur-built certification. 

8. REGISTERING YOUR AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT. Section 21.173, Airworthiness 

certificates: Eligibility, requires that all U.S. civil aircraft be registered before we issue an airworthiness 

certificate. Part 47 of 14 CFR, Aircraft Registration, prescribes the regulatory requirements for 

registering civil aircraft. The procedures for registering an amateur-built aircraft are as follows. 

a. When To Register. We recommend you apply for registration 60 to 120 days before you finish 

constructing your aircraft and before you submit FAA Form 8130-6 to us. This should allow you to get 

your registration information in time for your FAA inspection. 

b. How To Submit Your Application. Submit an application under § 47.33, Aircraft not 

previously registered anywhere, to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch AFS-750 (see appendix 7 for 

the address). Include the following in the package: 

(1) Documentation that you own the aircraft. You may use AC Form 8050-88, Affidavit of 

Ownership for Amateur-Built Aircraft (see appendix 9), or its equivalent. The affidavit must state that 

you built the aircraft from parts or a kit and that the person signing the affidavit is the owner. 

(2) A signed bill of sale from the manufacturer of the kit, if the aircraft was built from a kit. 

You may use AC Form 8050-2, Aircraft Bill of Sale, but strike out the word “aircraft” and insert the 

word “kit” (see appendix 10). If you cannot provide a bill of sale for the kit, explain why. If you are not 

the original purchaser of an uncompleted kit, you must provide to AFS-750 traceability from the kit 

manufacturer through the previous builder or builders to yourself. 

(3) A completed AC Form 8050-1 (see appendix 5). Keep the pink copy for your records until 

you get your Certificate of Aircraft Registration (AC Form 8050-3). Neither this pink copy nor 

FAA Form 8130-6 give you temporary authority to operate your aircraft, because your amateur-built 

aircraft has never been registered or received airworthiness certification. We may consider certifying 

your aircraft as airworthy once we have verified your aircraft is registered. 

(4) A check or money order payable to the FAA for the registration fee. The registration fee 

is $5. If you are requesting a special registration number, it is an extra $10. Therefore, if you 

submit your registration and request for a special registration number at the same time, the total fee 

is $15. 

(5) A special request letter as described in paragraph 8c, if you want a specific 

registration number. 
9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

7 

c. How to Request a Specific Registration Number. 

(1) If you want us to assign a specific registration number, list up to five possible numbers, in 

order of your preference (see appendix 11). Your suggested numbers may be up to five characters long, 

and the last two characters can be letters. There is an additional fee for this service. If you want to see 

whether your preferred numbers are available, you can contact AFS-750 (see appendix 7 for 

the address). 

(2) You can reserve a registration number for 1 year; this service costs $10. If the number is not 

assigned to an aircraft during this period, you must renew this reservation every year by paying an 

additional $10 fee before the end of each 1-year period. 

9. IDENTIFYING AND MARKING YOUR AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT. 

a. When To Mark. Mark your aircraft before you apply for an airworthiness certificate. 

b. Required Marks. When you apply for an airworthiness certificate for an amateur-built aircraft, 

you must show compliance with the identification requirements of § 21.182, Aircraft identification, and 

the nationality and registration marking requirements of 14 CFR part 45, Identification and Registration 

Marking. Part 45, subpart C, Nationality and Registration Marks, provides specific marking 

requirements for all aircraft. AC 45-2, Identification and Registration Marking, provides additional 

guidance. You should direct any questions to your local FAA office. The office will handle questions 

individually. 

(1) Identification Information. If you built the aircraft from your design, and the model 

designation and serial number are not used for any other aircraft, you may use whatever number you 

want. If you built the aircraft from a plan or a kit, use the identification information provided by the 

plan designer or kit manufacturer. Make sure the information is the same as you have shown on 

AC Form 8050-88. Place this information on the identification plate as described in the following table. 

Elements of the Plate Details of Those Elements 

Type of plate Fireproof 

Information to put on the 

plate 

• Name of the builder (not the designer, plans producer, or kit manufacturer) 

• Model designation 

• Serial number of the aircraft 

How to put the information 

on the plate 

Etch, stamp, engrave, or mark by some other approved fireproof marking 

method 

How to attach the plate • So that it cannot be defaced or removed during normal service, or lost or 

destroyed during an accident 

• So that it is legible to a person standing on the ground 

Where to attach plate On the exterior of the aircraft in accordance with § 45.11, Identification of 

Aircraft and Related Products: General, as follows: 

• Adjacent to the aft of the rear-most entrance door, or 

• On the fuselage near the tail surfaces. 
AC 20-27F 9/26/2003 

8 

(2) Nationality Designation and Registration Marks. You must paint, or affix by a way that 

is just as permanent, the N-number on the body of the aircraft. For example, only use paints that need 

thinners or strippers to remove it, or decals. Do not use tape that can be easily peeled off or 

water-soluble paint. For the appropriate location of the marks, refer to §§ 45.22 and 45.25 for 

fixed-wing aircraft and § 45.27 for non-fixed-wing aircraft. For size, follow the guidelines in the 

table below. 

Height of Marks Type of Aircraft Other 

At least 2 inches Aircraft with the same external 

configuration (that is, a replica) of a 

small aircraft built at least 30 years ago 

















3 inches Most amateur-built aircraft 











12 inches Aircraft with a maximum cruising speed 

that exceeds 180 knots calibrated air 

speed (207 miles per hour) 

You must also use 12-inch high marks if you 

will be operating your aircraft outside the 

United States or Canada, or in an Air Defense 

Identification Zone. 

(3) “Experimental” Aircraft Designation. Follow the guidelines in the table below to 

determine whether you need an “experimental” aircraft designation. 

If you have a— Then you— 

nonreplica aircraft must display the word “experimental” on your aircraft in accordance with § 45.23(b). You 

must place the 2- to 6-inch high letters near each entrance to the cabin or the cockpit. 

replica aircraft do not have to label your aircraft “experimental” if it is a replica of an aircraft built at least 

30 years ago. However, in such a case, you must include an “X” between the nationality 

designation and the registration number. For example, the marking on an amateur-built 

replica of an antique aircraft would be “NX1234.” You should use the letter symbol 

appropriate to the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft being certificated, not the aircraft 

being replicated. 

c. Passenger Warning. You must display the following placard in a readily visible location in the 

cabin or cockpit, unless your aircraft has only one seat: 

“Passenger Warning: This aircraft is amateur-built and does not comply with 

Federal safety regulations for standard aircraft.” 

10. APPLYING FOR CERTIFICATION OF AN AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT. Submit the 

following documents and information to your local FAA office. You can get all the forms you need 

from your local FAA office: 

a. FAA Form 8130-6 (see appendix 3). 

b. AC Form 8050-3 (AFS-750 will return this form to you, which you in turn will show to the 

FAA inspector at the time the aircraft is inspected). 

c. Sufficient information to identify the aircraft, such as photographs or three-view drawings. 
9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

9 

d. A notarized FAA Form 8130-12, Eligibility Statement, Amateur-Built Aircraft, certifying that 

the major portion of the aircraft was fabricated and assembled for your own education or recreation, and 

that you have evidence, such as a builder’s log or its equivalent, to support this statement (see 

appendix 12). 

e. A program letter in accordance with § 21.193, Experimental certificates: General (see 

appendix 13). With the information in this letter, we can prescribe the limitations and conditions 

necessary to ensure safety. The program letter should— 

(1) Identify the aircraft (using photographs, for example), 

(2) Identify the purpose of the certificate (that is, operating an amateur-built aircraft), and 

(3) Describe a flight test program that addresses the requirements, goals, and objectives during 

flight testing, including the area over which you intend to do your flight tests (see paragraph 13). 

11. FAA INSPECTION OF AN AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT. 

a. General Information About What We Do and Do Not Do For Inspections. 

(1) We inspect your aircraft for general airworthiness when you submit it for airworthiness 

certification. We will not inspect it before you register it or during construction. However, we must 

inspect it before we issue your airworthiness certificate. Standard FAA policy is to issue one 

airworthiness certificate for the aircraft. In some cases, we may issue a limited duration airworthiness 

certificate, which would be valid only for flight testing (Phase I) the aircraft. When we inspect it, it 

should be ready to fly, except for having the cowlings, fairings, and panels open for inspection. 

(2) The FAA inspector cannot be involved in the building process and will not perform any 

progressive or in-process inspections during the building process. You should ask a knowledgeable 

person (for example, an EAA Technical Counselor) to conduct in-process inspections. You should 

record any such inspections in the aircraft logbook. 

(3) We consider FAA designated airworthiness representatives (DARs) the primary resource 

for the certification of amateur-built aircraft. You may contact your local FAA office to locate an 

authorized DAR. DARs are authorized to charge a fee for their services, which they set. We do not 

govern this fee. 

b. Visual Inspection. The FAA inspector will conduct an onsite, visual, general airworthiness 

certification inspection of the aircraft, including reviewing the information discussed in 

paragraphs 11c(1) and (2), before issuing a special airworthiness certificate with the appropriate 

operating limitations. With your special airworthiness certificate and operating limitations, you will be 

able to show compliance with 14 CFR part 91, General Operating and Flight Rules, § 91.319(b). The 

FAA will perform the visual inspection as shown in figure 2, FAA Visual Inspection of an 

Amateur-Built Aircraft. 
AC 20-27F 9/26/2003 

10 

Figure 2 — FAA Visual Inspection of an Amateur-Built Aircraft 

Verify the aircraft registration. 

È

Verify your aircraft includes all required markings 

and placards discussed in paragraph 9, including the 

passenger warning. 

È

Verify to the extent feasible your workmanship methods, 

techniques, and practices. 

È

Verify your aircraft is in a condition for safe operation. 

È

Ask you to disassemble components if we have a question of 

safety that would endanger the pilot or the general public. We 

usually will not require you to remove equipment or 

components, or to disassemble any part of the aircraft. 

È

Determine whether you built your aircraft from a kit. 

È Yes È No

Determine whether you fabricated the 

aircraft from the identified kit 

configuration, which meets the major 

portion criterion. 

Complete the 

inspection. 

È Yes È No

Verify the aircraft 

description and 

configuration agree 

with the information 

given in the FAA 

listing of eligible 

amateur-built aircraft. 

 Make an independent 

determination about 

whether you fabricated 

and assembled the major 

portion of the aircraft. 

(This may prolong the 

certification process.) 

c. Paperwork Review. We will review the following information as part of our inspection. 

(1) Evidence of inspections, such as construction log entries signed by the amateur builder or 

other knowledgeable persons (for example, certified mechanics or other builders) or EAA Technical 

Counselors visit report cards describing any inspections conducted during the construction. Those 

entries should indicate what was inspected and by whom, and the date of the inspection. Include 

photographs documenting construction details, if available. 

(2) Logbooks covering the aircraft, engine, and propeller or rotor blade(s) so that the 

FAA inspector can review the service records, record the inspection, and issue the certification. We will 

use the builder’s log entries to substantiate that your construction workmanship methods, techniques, 

and practices are acceptable, and to support your inspection and airworthiness statement on 

FAA Form 8130-6. 
9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

11 

12. ISSUING AN AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE FOR AN AMATEUR-BUILT 

AIRCRAFT. 

a. Issuance of a Special Airworthiness Certificate and Operating Limitations. 

(1) In addition to 14 CFR requirements, the guidelines you use to operate and maintain your 

aircraft are included in your operating limitations, which become part of the special airworthiness 

certificate. We may impose additional limitations to those listed in FAA Order 8130.2, Airworthiness 

Certification of Aircraft and Related Products, if necessary for safety. References in this AC to 

“Phase I” refer to those operating limitations that apply to the aircraft while it’s undergoing initial 

flight tests. “Phase II” refers to those operating limitations that apply after you complete the initial 

flight tests. Phase I and Phase II operating limitations are provided in Order 8130.2. The FAA inspector 

will issue the special airworthiness certificate, but its validity will be subject to compliance with its 

operating limitations. Those limitations will provide for operation in an assigned flight test area for a 

certain number of hours (Phase I) before the second part (Phase II) of the limitations becomes effective, 

which releases the aircraft from the flight test area. 

(2) After we inspect your aircraft and determine it is in a condition for safe operation, we will 

issue FAA Form 8130-7, Special Airworthiness Certificate, with the appropriate operating limitations in 

accordance with Order 8130.2. Typically, we issue one airworthiness certificate per aircraft. 

(3) In accordance with § 91.203(b), you must display the airworthiness certificate and attached 

operating limitations at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew while the 

aircraft is being operated. The pilot must conduct all flights under the operating limitations and part 91. 

Details concerning flight test areas are discussed in paragraph 13. 
AC 20-27F 9/26/2003 

12 

Figure 3 — Getting Your Operating Limitations 

FAA 

Inspect the aircraft, if we choose to issue amateur-built 

Phase I operating limitations on a one-time basis for 

determining compliance with § 91.319(b) 

and continued operation under § 21.191(g). 

È

FAA 

Prescribe Phase I and Phase II operating limitations in 

accordance with Order 8130.2. Prescribe Phase I operating 

limitations appropriate for the applicant to show the aircraft is 

controllable throughout its normal range of speeds and 

maneuvers and that the aircraft has no hazardous operating 

characteristics or design features. 

È

Applicant 

Fly the aircraft over water or sparsely populated areas with 

light air traffic in accordance with § 91.305, Flight test areas. 

È

Applicant 

Complete the flight test period. 

È

Applicant 

Endorse the aircraft logbook with a statement that you have 

complied with the requirements of § 91.319(b). 

È

Applicant 

Operate your aircraft in accordance with 

Phase II operating limitations. 

b. Issuance of a Limited Duration Airworthiness Certificate and Operating Limitations. Due 

to unique or special situations, an FAA inspector may issue a limited duration airworthiness certificate, 

which is valid only for flight testing (Phase I). When you satisfactorily complete all flight test 

maneuvers and required flight test hours, you may apply to the local FAA office for amending the 

airworthiness certificate and operating limitations. 

(1) How to Apply. Submit another FAA Form 8130-6 and a letter requesting amendment of 

the airworthiness certificate and operating limitations. 

(2) Issuing the Amended Airworthiness Certificate and Operating Limitations. After you 

complete the Phase I flight test period and before we issue the amended airworthiness certificate and 

Phase II operating limitations, we will review the flight log to determine whether you have taken 

corrective action on any problems found during the flight testing and whether the aircraft’s condition for 

safe operation has been established under § 91.319. We also may reinspect the aircraft. 
9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

13 

c. Refusal to Issue an Airworthiness Certificate. We do not certify amateur-built aircraft 

designs or require that you modify the design before airworthiness certification. However, we may deny 

airworthiness certification if when we inspect your aircraft, we find it does not meet the requirements for 

the certification you request or is not in a condition for safe operation. If we deny your certification 

request, we will send you a letter stating why we denied it. We will put a copy of the letter in your 

aircraft record in the FAA Aircraft Registry office. Reference § 21.193(c) and Order 8130.2 for more 

information. 

13. PHASE I FLIGHT TESTING. 

a. Flight Tests. Section 91.319(b) requires you to show your aircraft is controllable at all its 

normal speeds during all the maneuvers you might expect to execute. You must also show it has no 

hazardous operating characteristics or design features. 

b. Number of Flight Test Hours. The number of hours depends on your aircraft’s characteristics. 

See the following table for specific requirements. The FAA inspector may decide you need additional 

hours of flight testing beyond those shown in the table to comply with § 91.319(b). 

Aircraft Characteristics Required Flight Testing 

Type-certificated engine/propeller combination 25 hours 

Non-type-certificated engine/propeller combination 40 hours 

Gliders, balloons, dirigibles, and ultralight vehicles eligible for 

FAA certification 

10 hours, including five 

takeoffs and landings 

c. Location. You may suggest the location of a flight test area to the FAA inspector. If the 

inspector approves your suggestion, they will specify it in your operating limitations. Usually, the 

flight test area should be within a 25-statute-mile radius from your aircraft’s base of operation. Under 

§ 91.305, the flight test must be over open water or sparsely populated areas with light air traffic so it 

does not pose a hazard to persons or property on the ground. You can ask us to help you pick a suitable 

area to ensure adequate airspace for flight testing. 

d. Procedures. See AC 90-89 for recommended flight testing procedures. We strongly

recommend builders get a copy of this AC and follow its guidance. Also, the EAA will help its 

members in developing flight testing programs. 

e. Restrictions. 

(1) Carrying Passengers. You may not carry passengers while you are restricted to the 

flight test area or during any portion of your Phase I flight test program. We suggest you use a tape or 

video recorder for recording readings and other similar tasks. If you need an additional crewmember for 

a particular flight test, specify that in your application program letter for the airworthiness certificate. 

We will list this need in your operating limitations. 

(2) Flight Instruction. You may not receive flight instruction during your flight test. 
AC 20-27F 9/26/2003 

14 

(3) Operating Limitations. When we issue an unlimited duration special airworthiness 

certificate, the operating limitations may be prescribed under the guidelines in Order 8130.2. The 

purpose of the operating limitations is for you to show and maintain compliance with § 91.319. The 

operating limitations include a requirement for you to endorse the aircraft maintenance record (logbook) 

with a statement certifying the aircraft has been shown to comply with that section. The limitations may 

vary for some aircraft, and we may issue additional limitations in unusual conditions in the interest of 

safety. We will review the limitations with you to make sure you thoroughly understand each one. 

14. CONTINUING TO OPERATE YOUR AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT. 

a. After you complete all required flight tests, hours, and maneuvers, the aircraft is considered safe 

for continued flight. To continue operating your aircraft, you must follow the operating limitations 

issued with the aircraft airworthiness certificate. 

b. You may not operate your aircraft without the airworthiness certificate and operating limitations 

aboard. If you lose the operating limitations or they are mutilated or no longer legible, contact your 

local FAA office for guidance or contact AFS-750 (see appendix 7 for the address) to obtain a copy of 

the operating limitations. If you cannot get a copy, ask your local FAA office to issue a replacement 

FAA Form 8130-7 and operating limitations. If you can document that the aircraft has completed the 

flight test requirements (through logbook entries), we may issue new operating limitations without initial 

flight test operating limitations. 

c. You should be aware of the responsibilities for maintenance and recordkeeping. 

15. BUILDING AND CERTIFYING AN AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT BUILT OUTSIDE 

THE UNITED STATES AND PURCHASED BY A U.S. CITIZEN. 

a. U.S. Requirements for Getting an Airworthiness Certificate for an Amateur-Built Aircraft 

Built Outside the United States and Purchased by a U.S. Citizen. Contact your local FAA office to 

find out the exact steps to take to meet U.S. certification requirements. You will need to send the 

following: 

(1) FAA Form 8130-6.

(2) A record of a condition inspection performed on the aircraft by the previous owner within a 

reasonable period of time (about 30 days) before you apply for certification. (Use 14 CFR part 43, 

Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration, appendix D, Scope and Detail of 

Items (as Applicable to the Particular Aircraft) To Be Included in Annual and 100 Hour Inspections, as a 

guide for the inspection.) Record the inspection in the aircraft records. 

(3) Documentation obtained by the previous owner from the civil aviation authority of the 

country or jurisdiction of origin verifying the aircraft was originally certificated as an amateur-built 

experimental aircraft and that it meets the requirements of § 21.191(g). 

(4) Proper documentation of registration under part 47. 

(5) A letter of request for certification (see appendix 13). 
9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

15 

b. FAA Inspection of an Amateur-Built Aircraft Built Outside the United States and 

Purchased by a U.S. Citizen. During our inspection of the aircraft, we will be following the 

procedures in figure 4, Procedures the FAA Uses to Complete the Inspection. 

Figure 4 — Procedures the FAA Uses to Complete the Inspection 

Review your documentation. 

È

Determine whether the aircraft is eligible for amateur-built status. 

È

Advise you that the condition inspection on your aircraft can be 

performed only by the original builder who holds the repairman’s 

certificate for that aircraft or an FAA-certificated mechanic as authorized 

by § 43.3, Persons authorized to perform maintenance, preventive 

maintenance, rebuilding, and alterations, per the operating limitations. 

È

Inspect the aircraft the same as any other amateur-built aircraft. 

È

Determine whether the aircraft is eligible and the 

inspection is satisfactory. 

È Yes È No

Issue you FAA Form 8130-7 

with appropriate operating 

limitations. 

Possibly require flight testing. 

c. Foreign Requirements and Procedures for an Amateur-Built Aircraft Built Outside the 

United States and Purchased by a U.S. Citizen. Many other civil aviation authorities recognize 

FAA regulatory requirements and certification procedures and in some cases have incorporated them 

into their certification process. However, some countries’ or jurisdictions’ requirements for certification 

may not meet FAA requirements. If you get an aircraft from one of those countries or jurisdictions, you 

may not be allowed to operate it in the United States under § 21.191(g). 

d. Requirements and Procedures for a U.S. Citizen Building an Amateur-Built Aircraft 

Outside the United States. You should comply with the civil aviation authority rules in the country or 

jurisdiction where you wish to operate the aircraft. If you want to bring your aircraft into the 

United States, you will have to apply for a U.S. airworthiness certificate as described previously in 

paragraph 15. 

16. BECOMING A REPAIRMAN OF YOUR AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT. You can get a 

repairman certificate under certain circumstances. However, the only privilege this certificate gives you 

under § 65.104 is to do the annual condition inspection. The certificate will be valid only for a specific 

person and a specific aircraft. The privileges and limitations in 14 CFR part 65, Certification: Airmen 

Other Than Flight Crewmembers, § 65.103, Repairman certificate: Privileges and limitations, do not 

apply to becoming this type of repairman (experimental aircraft builder). To get a certificate, apply to 

your local FAA office. See appendix 14 and AC 65-23, Certification of Repairmen (Experimental 

Aircraft Builders), for application information. You can get a certificate if you are— 

a. The primary builder of your aircraft and can satisfactorily prove to us that you can determine 

whether the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation. 
AC 20-27F 9/26/2003 

16 

b. One of the builders of an amateur-built aircraft registered in a corporation’s name. The 

applicant should prove through use of the builder’s log that they can determine whether the aircraft is in 

a condition for safe operation. 

17. SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS. 

a. Pilot Responsibilities. As a pilot, you should— 

(1) Be thoroughly familiar with the aircraft, its engine and propeller operation, and ground 

handling characteristics, including operation of the brakes. You should test these operations by 

conducting taxi tests before attempting flight operations. You may not take off during taxi tests 

without an airworthiness certificate. 

(2) Take precautions to ensure emergency equipment and personnel are readily available in the 

event of an accident, before the first flight of an amateur-built aircraft. 

(3) Refrain from aerobatic maneuvers until you have enough flight experience to establish that 

the aircraft is satisfactorily controllable throughout its normal range of speeds and maneuvers. You 

should document in the aircraft logbook, flight test program log, or equivalent all satisfactorily 

conducted maneuvers. 

b. Operating Limitations. 

(1) The operating limitations require that you operate the aircraft under the applicable air traffic 

control and general operating rules of part 91. If you plan to operate under instrument flight rules (IFR), 

pay particular attention to the applicable requirements in part 91. 

(2) The operating limitations will authorize all operations to be conducted (visual flight rules, 

day/night, and IFR). These operating limitations may state that the instruments and equipment 

mandated by § 91.205(b), (c), and/or (d), Powered civil aircraft with standard category 

U.S. airworthiness certificates: Instrument and equipment requirements, must be installed and operable. 

In addition, these operating limitations may state flight test areas as defined in § 91.305. 

c. Equipment. 

(1) Unless you received deviation authority from air traffic control, if your aircraft has a 

Mode C transponder, the aircraft also must have a calibrated airspeed/static pressure system to prevent 

an error in altitude reporting. You should have the transponder tested and inspected under § 91.413, 

ATC transponder tests and inspections. 

(2) Once your aircraft has been released from the flight test area, you must have an emergency 

locator transmitter aboard in accordance with § 91.207, Emergency locator transmitters. An aircraft 

with only one seat is exempt from this requirement according to § 91.207(f)(9). 
9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

17 (and 18) 

d. Rotorcraft. 

(1) If you intend to fly an aircraft with a fully articulated rotor system, be particularly cautious 

of ground resonance. If you maintain or allow this condition of rotor imbalance to progress, it can be 

extremely dangerous and may result in structural failure. 

(2) As a rotorcraft pilot, you should complete tests showing that stability, vibration, and 

balance are satisfactory with the rotorcraft tied down before beginning hover, horizontal, or vertical 

flight operations. 

18. GETTING THE PUBLICATIONS REFERRED TO IN THIS AC. 

a. The CFR and those ACs for which a fee is charged may be obtained from the Superintendent of 

Documents at the following address. A listing of the CFR and current prices is located in AC 00-44, 

Status of Federal Aviation Regulations, and a listing of all ACs is located in AC 00-2, Advisory Circular 

Checklist. 

Superintendent of Documents 

P.O. Box 371954 

Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 

b. To be placed on our mailing list for free ACs, contact— 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Subsequent Distribution Office 

SVC-121.23 

Ardmore East Business Center 

3341Q 75th Avenue 

Landover, MD 20785 

c. Our Web site is located at www.faa.gov. 

19. SUBMITTING COMMENTS ABOUT THIS AC. Submit direct comments regarding 

this AC to the Production and Airworthiness Division, AIR-200, 800 Independence Avenue SW., 

Washington, DC 20591. 

/s/ 

Frank P. Paskiewicz 

Manager, Production and 

Airworthiness Division, AIR-200 

9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

1 

APPENDIX 1. DEFINITIONS RELEVANT TO THIS AC 

Amateur-Built Aircraft. Section 21.191(g) defines an amateur-built aircraft as an aircraft in which the 

major portion has been fabricated and assembled by a person(s) who undertook the construction process 

solely for his or her own education or recreation. 

Commercial Help. Help with fabricating or assembling amateur-built aircraft for compensation. This 

does not include one person helping another without compensation. 

Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR). Within the context of this AC, a private person 

designated by the FAA to act on its behalf to inspect amateur-built aircraft and issue airworthiness 

certificates. 

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Technical Counselor. As defined by the EAA, 

EAA Technical Counselors provide overall mechanical help and pre-cover guidance to owners 

and builders. 

FAA Inspector. Within the context of this AC, an aviation safety inspector or an authorized DAR. 

FAA Office. Within the context of this AC, an FAA office with airworthiness certification authority. 

These offices include flight standards district offices, manufacturing inspection district offices, 

certificate management offices, certificate management units, and manufacturing inspection satellite 

offices that may delegate the airworthiness inspection and certification of an amateur-built aircraft to 

a DAR. 

Fabricate. To construct a structure or component from raw stock or materials. 

Fireproof. Section 1.1 defines fireproof as the capacity of a material or part to withstand the heat 

associated with fire at least as well as steel in dimensions appropriate for the purpose for which it 

is used. 

Kit-Built Aircraft. An aircraft constructed from a manufactured kit that may include some major 

subassemblies and/or preassembled components. This description does not include primary category 

aircraft as defined in § 21.184. 

Major Portion. When the aircraft is completed, the majority of the fabrication and assembly tasks have 

been performed by the amateur builder. When you purchase a partially completed kit or aircraft, the 

major portion includes the construction efforts of the previous amateur builders. 

Person. Section 1.1 defines person as an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, 

association, joint-stock association, or governmental entity, including a trustee, receiver, assignee, 

or similar representative of any of them. 

9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

1 

APPENDIX 2. 14 CFR PARTS RELATED TO THIS AC 

14 CFR Part 1, Definitions and Abbreviations. Part 1 defines the words and terms used in 

subchapters A through K of chapter 1 of 14 CFR. 

14 CFR Part 21, Certification Procedures for Products and Parts. Part 21 sets forth rules for the 

issuance of and change to type certificates, and issuance of production certificates, airworthiness 

certificates, and export airworthiness approvals. It also sets forth the rules governing the holders of 

these certificates and the approval of certain materials, parts, processes, and appliances. 

14 CFR Part 43, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration. Part 43 sets 

forth rules governing the maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration of aircraft 

having a U.S. airworthiness certificate, certain foreign-registered aircraft, and airframes, aircraft 

engines, propellers, appliances, and component parts of these aircraft. 

14 CFR Part 45, Identification and Registration Marking. Part 45 sets forth rules for display of 

nationality and registration marks; display of special airworthiness classification marks; identification 

plates for aircraft, aircraft engines, and propellers; and identification of certain replacement and critical 

aircraft parts and components. 

14 CFR Part 47, Aircraft Registration. Part 47 sets forth rules for registering aircraft. 

14 CFR Part 65, Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers. Part 65 sets forth rules 

for the issuance of certain certificates and associated ratings for airmen other than flight crewmembers 

and the general operating rules for the holders of those certificates. 

14 CFR Part 91, General Operating and Flight Rules. Part 91 sets forth rules governing the 

operation of most aircraft within the United States. 

14 CFR Part 103, Ultralight Vehicles. Part 103 sets forth rules governing the operation of ultralight 

vehicles within the United States.

9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

1 

APPENDIX 3. PUBLICATIONS RELATED TO THIS AC 

AC 20-139, Commercial Assistance During Construction of Amateur-Built Aircraft. AC 20-139 

explains the regulations and FAA policy for fabricating and assembling amateur-built aircraft. 

AC 21-12, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate, FAA Form 8130-6. AC 21-12 provides 

instructions for preparing and submitting FAA Form 8130-6. 

AC 43.13-1, Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices — Aircraft Inspection and Repair. 

AC 43.13-1 describes the methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator for the 

inspection and repair of nonpressurized areas of civil aircraft when there are no manufacturer repair or 

maintenance instructions. 

AC 43.13-2, Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices — Aircraft Alterations. AC 43.13-2 

describes the methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator for altering civil 

aircraft. 

AC 45-2, Identification and Registration Marking. AC 45-2 describes one way, but not the only way, 

to comply with part 45. 

AC 65-23, Certification of Repairmen (Experimental Aircraft Builders). AC 65-23 provides 

guidance to builders of experimental aircraft concerning certification as a repairman. 

AC 90-89, Amateur-Built Aircraft and Ultralight Flight Testing Handbook. AC 90-89 sets forth 

suggestions and safety-related recommendations to help amateur and ultralight builders in developing 

individualized aircraft flight test plans. 

FAA Order 8130.2, Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft and Related Products. Order 8130.2 

establishes procedures for accomplishing original and recurrent airworthiness certification of aircraft 

and related products. 

FAA Order 8130.30, Amateur-Built Designated Airworthiness Representatives. Order 8130.30 

provides policy and guidance concerning new DAR qualification criteria for appointments limited to 

amateur-built airworthiness certification activities.

9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

1 

APPENDIX 4. LIST OF SAMPLE FORMS AND LETTERS IN THIS AC 

Sample AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration Application (see appendix 5). 

Sample FAA Form 8130-6, Application for Airworthiness Certification (Amateur-Built) 

(see appendix 6). 

Sample FAA Form 8000-38, Fabrication/Assembly Operation Checklist (see appendix 8).

Sample AC Form 8050-88, Affidavit of Ownership for Amateur-Built Aircraft (see appendix 9). 

Sample AC Form 8050-2, Aircraft Bill of Sale (see appendix 10). 

Sample letter for requesting an aircraft registration number under 14 CFR § 47.15 (see appendix 11). 

Sample FAA Form 8130-12, Eligibility Statement, Amateur-Built Aircraft (see appendix 12). 

Sample program letter to accompany application for airworthiness certificate (see appendix 13). 

Sample FAA Form 8610-2, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application (see appendix 14). 

9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

1 

APPENDIX 5. SAMPLE AERONAUTICAL CENTER FORM 8050-1, 

AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION APPLICATION 

9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

1 

APPENDIX 6. SAMPLE FAA FORM 8130-6, APPLICATION FOR AIRWORTHINESS 

CERTIFICATE (AMATEUR-BUILT) (FACE SIDE) 





U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Aviation 

Administration 

APPLICATION FOR 

AIRWORTHINESS 

CERTIFICATE 

INSTRUCTIONS - Print or type. Do not write in shaded areas; these are for 

FAA use only. Submit original only to an authorized FAA Representative. If 

additional space is required, use attachment. For special flight permits 

complete Sections II, VI, and VII as applicable. 

1. REGISTRATION MARK 

N130EA 

2. AIRCRAFT BUILDER’S NAME (Make)

Builder 

3. AIRCRAFT MODEL DESIGNATION 

VAN’S RV-6 

4. YR. MFR. 

2001 

FAA CODING 

5. AIRCRAFT SERIAL NO. 

1001 

6. ENGINE BUILDER’S NAME (Make)

LY-CON 

7. ENGINE MODEL DESIGNATION 

0-360 EXP 

I. AIRCRAFT 

11. AIRCRAFT IS (Check if applicable)

DESCRIPTION 

8. NUMBER OF ENGINES 

ONE 

9. PROPELLER BUILDER’S NAME (Make)

SENSENICH 

10. PROPELLER MODEL DESIGNATION 

C2YK-1BF/F7661B4 IMPORT 

APPLICATION IS HEREBY MADE FOR: (Check applicable items)

A 1 STANDARD AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE (Indicate category) NORMAL UTILITY ACROBATIC TRANSPORT COMMUTER BALLOON OTHER 

B X SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE (Check appropriate items)

7 PRIMARY 

2 LIMITED 

1 CLASS I 5 PROVISIONAL (Indicate class) 2 CLASS II 

1 AGRICULTURE AND PEST CONTROL 2 AERIAL SURVEY 3 AERIAL ADVERTISING 

3 4 FOREST (Wildlife conservation) 5 PATROLLING 6 WEATHER CONTROL RESTRICTED (Indicate operation(s) 

to be conducted)

0 OTHER (Specify)

1 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 2 X AMATEUR BUILT 3 EXHIBITION 

4 AIR RACING 5 CREW TRAINING 6 MARKET SURVEY 4 X EXPERIMENTAL (Indicate operation(s) 

to be conducted)

0 TO SHOW COMPLIANCE WITH THE CFR 7 OPERATING (Primary Category) KIT BUILT 

AIRCRAFT 

1 FERRY FLIGHT FOR REPAIRS, ALTERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, OR STORAGE 

2 EVACUATE FROM AREA OF IMPENDING DANGER 

3 OPERATION IN EXCESS OF MAXIMUM CERTIFICATED TAKE-OFF WEIGHT 

4 DELIVERING OR EXPORTING 5 PRODUCTION FLIGHT TESTING 

8 

SPECIAL FLIGHT PERMIT (Indicate 

operation to be conducted, then 

complete Section VI or VII as 

applicable on reverse side)

6 CUSTOMER DEMONSTRATION FLIGHTS 

II. CERTIFICATION REQUESTED 

C 6 MULTIPLE AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE (Check ABOVE “Restricted Operation” and “Standard” or “Limited” as applicable.)

A. REGISTERED OWNER (As shown on certificate of aircraft registration) IF DEALER, CHECK HERE 

NAME 

Early A. Builder 

ADDRESS 

1240 Bois d’Arc Road, Savoy, TX 75479 

B. AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION BASIS (Check applicable blocks and complete items as indicated)

AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATION OR TYPE CERTIFICATE DATA SHEET (Give No. and 

Revision No.) 

N/A 

X 

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES (Check if all applicable AD’s are complied with and give the 

number of the last AD SUPPLEMENT available in the biweekly series as of the date of application) 

2001-13 

AIRCRAFT LISTING (Give page number(s))

N/A 

SUPPLEMENTAL TYPE CERTIFICATE (List number of each STC incorporated)

N/A 

C. AIRCRAFT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE RECORDS 

X 

CHECK IF RECORDS IN 

COMPLIANCE WITH 

14 CFR section 91.417 

TOTAL AIRFRAME HOURS 

0.0 3 

EXPERIMENTAL ONLY (Enter hours flown since last certificate 

issued or renewed)

0.0 

D. CERTIFICATION - I hereby certify that I am the registered owner (or his agent) of the aircraft described above, that the aircraft is registered with the Federal Aviation Administration 

in accordance with Title 49 of the United States Code 44101 et seq. and applicable Federal Aviation Regulations, and that the aircraft has been inspected and is airworthy and eligible 

for the airworthiness certificate requested. 

III. OWNER’S CERTIFICATION 

DATE OF APPLICATION 

01/30/2002 

NAME AND TITLE (Print or type)

Early A. Builder, Owner 

SIGNATURE 

Early A. Builder A. THE AIRCRAFT DESCRIBED ABOVE HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND FOUND AIRWORTHY BY: (Complete the section only if 14 CFR part 21.183(d) applies).

2 14 CFR part 121 CERTIFICATE HOLDER (Give 

Certificate No.) 3 CERTIFICATED MECHANIC (Give Certificate No.) 6 CERTIFICATED REPAIR STATION (Give Certificate No.) 

5 AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURER (Give name or firm) 

IV. INSPECTION 

AGENCY 

VERIFICATION 

DATE TITLE SIGNATURE 

(Check ALL applicable block items A and B) THE CERTIFICATE REQUESTED 

A. I find that the aircraft described in Section I or VII meets requirements for 4 AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION OF CURRENT AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE 

B. Inspection for a special flight permit under Section VII FAA INSPECTOR FAA DESIGNEE 

was conducted by: CERTIFICATE HOLDER UNDER 14 CFR part 65 14 CFR part 121 OR 135 14 CFR part 145 

V. FAA 

REPRESENTATIV

E CERTIFICATION 

DATE DISTRICT OFFICE 

4 

DESIGNEE’S SIGNATURE AND NO. 

1 

FAA INSPECTOR’S SIGNATURE 
AC 20-27F 9/26/2003 

2 

APPENDIX 6. SAMPLE FAA FORM 8130-6, APPLICATION FOR AIRWORTHINESS 

CERTIFICATE (AMATEUR-BUILT) (REVERSE SIDE) 

A. MANUFACTURER 

NAME ADDRESS 

B. PRODUCTION BASIS (Check applicable item)

PRODUCTION CERTIFICATE (Give production certificate number)

TYPE CERTIFICATE ONLY 

APPROVED PRODUCTION INSPECTION SYSTEM 

C. GIVE QUANTITY OF CERTIFICATES REQUIRED FOR OPERATING NEEDS 

VI. PRODUCTION FLIGHT TESTING 

DATE OF APPLICATION NAME AND TITLE (Print or type) SIGNATURE 

A. DESCRIPTION OF AIRCRAFT 

REGISTERED OWNER ADDRESS 

BUILDER (Make) MODEL 

SERIAL NUMBER REGISTRATION MARK 

B. DESCRIPTION OF FLIGHT CUSTOMER DEMONSTRATION FLIGHTS  (Check if applicable)

FROM TO 

VIA DEPARTURE DATE DURATION 

C. CREW REQUIRED TO OPERATE THE AIRCRAFT AND ITS EQUIPMENT 

 PILOT CO-PILOT FLIGHT ENGINEER OTHER (Specify)

D. THE AIRCRAFT DOES NOT MEET THE APPLICABLE AIRWORTHINESS REQUIREMENTS AS FOLLOWS: 

E. THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS ARE CONSIDERED NECESSARY FOR SAFE OPERATION: (Use attachment if necessary) 

F. CERTIFICATION - I hereby certify that I am the registered owner (or his agent) of the aircraft described above; that the aircraft is registered with the Federal Aviation 

Administration in accordance with Title 49 of the United States Code 44101 et seq. and applicable Federal Aviation Regulations; and that the aircraft has been inspected and is 

airworthy for the flight described. 

SIGNATURE 

VII. SPECIAL FLIGHT PERMIT PURPOSES OTHER THAN PRODUCTION FLIGHT TEST 

DATE NAME AND TITLE (Print or type) 

A. Operating Limitations and Markings in Compliance with 14 CFR section 91.9, G. Statement of Conformity, FAA Form 8130-9 (Attach when required)

as Applicable 

 B. Current Operating Limitations Attached 

H. Foreign Airworthiness Certification for Import Aircraft 

(Attach when required)

C. Data, Drawings, Photographs, etc. (Attach when required)

 D. Current Weight and Balance Information Available in Aircraft 

L. Previous Airworthiness Certificate Issued in Accordance with 

14 CFR Section ____________ CAR ________________(Original Attached)

E. Major Repair and Alteration, FAA Form 337 (Attach when required)

VIII. AIRWORTHINESS 

DOCUMENTATION 

(FAA/DESIGNEE use only) 

 F. This inspection Recorded in Aircraft Records 

J. Current Airworthiness Certificate Issued in Accordance with 

14 CFR Section (Copy attached)
9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

1 

APPENDIX 7. USEFUL ADDRESSES 

Federal Aviation Administration 

Aircraft Registration Branch, AFS-750 

Mailing Address 

P.O. Box 25504 

Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0504 

Physical Address 

6425 South Denning 

Oklahoma City, OK 73169 

Telephone: (405) 954-3116 

Fax: (405) 954-3548 

Experimental Aircraft Association, Inc. 

Mailing Address 

P.O. Box 3086 

Oshkosh, WI 54903-3086 

Physical Address 

3000 Poberezny Road 

Oshkosh, WI 54902 

Telephone: (920) 426-4821 

Fax: (920) 426-6560 

EAA aviation information services: (920) 426-4800 

E-mail: infoserv@eaa.org 

Public Web site: www.eaa.org 

Members Only Web site: http://members.eaa.org/homebuilders/index.html 

9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

1 

APPENDIX 8. SAMPLE FAA FORM 8000-38, 

FABRICATION/ASSEMBLY OPERATION CHECKLIST 

FABRICATION/ASSEMBLY OPERATION CHECKLIST 

Company Name . 

Address . 

 . 

Aircraft Model Document Name and Date . 

Type of Aircraft . 

Accomplished By 

Kit Manufacturer Amateur 

FUSELAGE 

 1. Fabricate Special Tools or Fixtures 

 2. Fabricate Longitudinal Members, Cores or Shells 

 3. Fabricate Bulkheads or Cross Members 

 4. Assemble Fuselage Basic Structure 

 5. Fabricate Brackets and Fittings 

 6. Install Brackets and Fittings 

 7. Fabricate Cables, Wire, and Lines 

 8. Install Cables, Wires, and Lines 

 9. Fabricate Fuselage Covering or Skin 

10. Install Fuselage Covering or Skin 

11. Fabricate Windshield/Windows/Canopy 

12. Install Windshield/Windows/Canopy 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WINGS 

 1. Fabricate Special Tools or Fixtures 

 2. Fabricate Wing Spars 

 3. Fabricate Wing Ribs or Cores 

 4. Fabricate Wing Leading and Trailing Edge 

 5. Fabricate Drag/Anti-Drag Truss Members 

 6. Fabricate Wing Brackets and Fittings 

 7. Fabricate Wing Tips 

 8. Assemble Basic Wing Structures 

 9. Install Wing Leading/Trailing Edge and Tips 

10. Install Drag/Anti-Drag Truss 

11. Fabricate Cables, Wires and Lines 

12. Install Cables, Wires, and Lines 

13. Fabricate Wing Covering or Skin 

14. Install Wing Covering or Skin 

15. Fabricate Wing Struts/Wires 

16. Install and Rig Wings and Struts 

 

 

 

 

 

FAA Form 8000-38 (12-91)
AC 20-27F 9/26/2003 

2 

APPENDIX 8. SAMPLE FAA FORM 8000-38, 

FABRICATION/ASSEMBLY OPERATION CHECKLIST (CONTINUED) 

FABRICATION/ASSEMBLY OPERATION CHECKLIST (Continued)

 Accomplished By 

 Kit Manufacturer Amateur 

FLIGHT CONTROLS 

 1. Fabricate Special Tools or Fixtures 

 2. Fabricate Aileron Spars 

 3. Fabricate Aileron Ribs or Cores 

 4. Assemble Aileron Structure 

 5. Fabricate Aileron Leading and Trailing Edge 

 6. Assemble Aileron Leading and Trailing Edge 

 7. Fabricate Aileron Brackets and Fittings 

 8. Install Aileron Brackets and Fittings 

 9. Fabricate Aileron Covering or Skin 

10. Install Aileron Covering or Skin 

11. Fabricate Aileron Trim Tab 

12. Install Aileron Trim Tab 

13. Install and Rig Aileron 

14. Fabricate Flap Spars 

15. Fabricate Flap Ribs or Cores 

16. Assemble Flap Structure 

17. Fabricate Flap Leading and Trailing Edge 

18. Assemble Flap Leading and Trailing Edge 

19. Fabricate Flap Brackets and Fittings 

20. Install Flap Brackets and Fittings 

21. Fabricate Flap Covering or Skin 

22. Install Flap Covering or Skin 

23. Install and Rig Flap 

24. Fabricate Elevator Spars 

25. Fabricate Elevator Ribs or Cores 

26. Assemble Elevator Structure 

27. Fabricate Elevator Leading and Trailing Edge 

28. Assemble Elevator Leading and Trailing Edge 

29. Fabricate Elevator Brackets and Fittings 

30. Install Elevator Brackets and Fittings 

31. Fabricate Elevator Covering or Skin 

32. Install Elevator Covering or Skin 

33. Fabricate Elevator Trim Tab 

34. Install Elevator Trim Tab 

35. Install and Rig Elevator 

36. Fabricate Rudder Spar 

37. Fabricate Rudder Ribs or Cores 

38. Assemble Rudder Structure 

39. Fabricate Rudder Leading and Trailing Edge 

40. Assemble Rudder Leading and Trailing Edge 

41. Fabricate Rudder Brackets and Fittings 

42. Install Rudder Brackets and Fittings 

43. Fabricate Rudder Covering or Skin 

44. Install Rudder Covering or Skin 

45. Fabricate Rudder Trim Tab 

46. Install Rudder Trim Tab 

47. Install and Rig Rudder 

 

FAA Form 8000-38 (12-91) 
9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

3 

APPENDIX 8. SAMPLE FAA FORM 8000-38, 

FABRICATION/ASSEMBLY OPERATION CHECKLIST (CONTINUED) 

FABRICATION/ASSEMBLY OPERATION CHECKLIST (Continued)

Accomplished By 

Kit Manufacturer Amateur 

EMPENNAGE 

 1. Fabricate Special Tools of Fixtures 

 2. Fabricate Spars 

 3. Fabricate Ribs or Cores 

 4. Fabricate Leading and Trailing Edges 

 5. Fabricate Tips 

 6. Fabricate Brackets and Fittings 

 7. Assemble Empennage Structures 

 8. Install Leading/Trailing Edges and Tips 

 9. Install Fittings 

10. Fabricate Cables, Wires, and Lines 

11. Install Cables, Wires and Lines 

12. Fabricate Empennage Covering or Skin 

13. Install Empennage Covering or Skin 

 

 

CANARD 

 1. Fabricate Canard 

 2. Assemble Canard Structure 

 3. Install and Rig Canard 

 

LANDING GEAR 

 1. Fabricate Special Tools or Fixtures 

 2. Fabricate Struts 

 3. Fabricate Brakes System 

 4. Fabricate Retraction System 

 5. Fabricate Cables, Wires and Lines 

 6. Assemble Wheels, Brakes, Tires, Landing Gear 

 7. Install Landing Gear System Components 

 

 

PROPULSION 

 1. Fabricate Special Tools of Fixtures 

 2. Fabricate Engine Mount 

 3. Fabricate Engine Cooling System/Baffles 

 4. Fabricate Induction System 

 5. Fabricate Exhaust System 

 6. Fabricate Engine Controls 

 7. Fabricate Brackets and Fittings 

 8. Fabricate Cables, Wires and Lines 

 9. Assemble Engine 

10. Install Engine and Items Listed Above 

11. Fabricate Engine Cowling 

12. Install Engine Cowling 

13. Fabricate Propeller 

14. Install Propeller 

15. Fabricate Fuel Tank 

 

FAA Form 8000-38 (12-91) 
AC 20-27F 9/26/2003 

4 

APPENDIX 8. SAMPLE FAA FORM 8000-38, 

FABRICATION/ASSEMBLY OPERATION CHECKLIST (CONTINUED) 

FABRICATION/ASSEMBLY OPERATION CHECKLIST (Continued)

Accomplished By

Kit Manufacturer Amateur 

PROPULSION (Continued) 

16. Install Fuel Tank 

17. Fabricate Fuel System Components 

18. Install Fuel System Components 

 

 

 

MAIN ROTOR DRIVE SYSTEMS AND CONTROL MECHANISM(S) 

 1. Fabricate Special Static and Dynamic Main Rotor Rigging Tools 

 2. Fabricate/Assemble Main Rotor Drive Train 

 3. Install Main Rotor Drive Train Assembly 

 4. Fabricate/Assemble Main Rotor Shaft and Hub Assembly 

 5. Install Main Rotor Shaft and Hub Assembly 

 6. Align Main Rotor Shaft-Drive Train, Shaft and Hub Assembly 

 7. Fabricate Main Rotor Rotating Controls 

 8. Install Main Rotor Rotating Controls 

 9. Fabricate Main Rotor Non-Rotating Controls 

10. Rig Main Rotor Rotating and Non-Rotating Controls 

11. Fabricate Main Rotor Blades 

12. Install Main Rotor Blades on Rotor Hub 

13. Statically Balance and Rig Main Rotor System 

14. Dynamically Track and Balance Main Rotor System 

 

 

 

 

TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SYSTEMS AND CONTROL MECHANISM(S) 

 1. Fabricate Special Static Tail Rotor Rigging Tools 

 2. Fabricate Vertical Trim Fin 

 3. Install Vertical Trim Fin 

 4. Fabricate Horizontal Stabilizer 

 5. Install Horizontal Stabilizer 

 6. Fabricate Tail Rotor Drive System 

 7. Install Tail Rotor Drive System 

 8. Fabricate Tail Cone or Frame 

 9. Install and Rig Tail Cone or Frame 

10. Rig Vertical Trim Fin 

11. Fabricate Tail Rotor Shaft and Hub Assembly 

12. Install Tail Rotor Shaft and Hub Assembly 

13. Fabricate Tail Rotor Rotating and Non-Rotating Controls 

14. Rig Tail Rotor Rotating and Non-Rotating Controls 

15. Fabricate/Assemble Tail Rotor Blades 

16. Install Tail Rotor Blades 

17. Statically Balance and Rig Tail Rotor System 

18. Dynamically Track and Balance Tail Rotor System 

 

 

 

 

FAA Form 8000-38 (12-91) 
9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

5 

APPENDIX 8. SAMPLE FAA FORM 8000-38, 

FABRICATION/ASSEMBLY OPERATION CHECKLIST (CONTINUED) 

FABRICATION/ASSEMBLY OPERATION CHECKLIST (Continued)

Accomplished By 

Kit Manufacturer Amateur 

COCKPIT/INTERIOR 

 1. Fabricate Instrument Panel 

 2. Install Instrument Panel and Instruments 

 3. Fabricate Seats 

 4. Install Seats 

 5. Fabricate Electrical Wiring, Controls/Switches 

 6. Install Electrical System Controls/Switches 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 TOTAL 

Comments 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Printed Name Signature Date 

 

FAA Form 8000-38 (12-91) 

9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

1 

APPENDIX 9. SAMPLE AERONAUTICAL CENTER FORM 8050-88, 

AFFIDAVIT OF OWNERSHIP FOR AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT 

AFFIDAVIT OF OWNERSHIP FOR AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT

U.S. Identification Number N130EA 

Builder’s Name Early A. Builder 

Model VAN’S RV-6 Serial Number 1001 

Class (airplane, rotorcraft, glider, etc.) Airplane 

Type of Engine Installed (reciprocating, turbopropeller, etc.) reciprocating 

Number of Engines Installed 1 

Manufacturer, Model and Serial Number of each Engine Installed LY-CON, O-320 EXP., 

L023–48X 

Built for Land or Water Operation Land 

Number of Seats 2 

MUST CHECK ONE

More than 50% of the above-described aircraft was built from miscellaneous parts 

and I am the owner. 

9 More than 50% of the above-described aircraft was built from a kit (prefabricated 

parts) and I am the owner. The bill of sale from the kit manufacturer is attached. 

Early A. Builder 

(Signature of Owner) 

Address 1240 Bois d’Arc Road City Savoy 

State TX Zip Code 75479 Telephone 903 555-1212 

State of 

County of 

Subscribed and sworn to before me this day of 

My commission expires 

(Signature of Notary Public) 

AC Form 8050-88 (9/98) (0052-00-559-0002) Supersedes previous edition 

9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

1 

APPENDIX 10. SAMPLE AERONAUTICAL CENTER FORM 8050-2, 

AIRCRAFT BILL OF SALE 

9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

1 

APPENDIX 11. SAMPLE LETTER FOR REQUESTING AN 

AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION NUMBER UNDER 14 CFR § 47.15 

[Insert Date] 

Federal Aviation Administration 

Aircraft Registration Branch, AFS-750 

P.O. Box 25504 

Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0504 

Sir/Madam: 

This is a request for a U.S. identification number assignment for my amateur-built aircraft. 

Aircraft Description: 

Make/Builder: Early A. Builder 

Type (airplane, rotorcraft, glider, or balloon): Airplane 

Model: VAN’S RV-6 

Serial Number: 1001 

This aircraft has not previously been registered anywhere (reference 14 CFR § 47.15(a)(1)). 

X Normal Request ($5); fee attached (check or money order) 

X Special Registration Number Request ($10); fee attached (check or money order) 

Choices 

1st 130EA 

2nd 130JR 

3rd 130FE 

4th 130JJ 

5th 130TX 

Sincerely, 

Early A. Builder 

Early A. Builder 

Owner 

9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

1 

APPENDIX 12. SAMPLE FAA FORM 8130-12, 

ELIGIBILITY STATEMENT, AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT 

Early A. Builder 

1240 Bois d’Arc Road Savoy TX 75479 

903 555-1212 214 555-1212 

VAN’S RV-6 

1001 

N130EA 

X 

LY-CON O-320 EXP 

L 023-48X 

Sensenich 

195001 

Early A. Builder 

Early A. Builder XX/XX/XX 

9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

1 

APPENDIX 13. SAMPLE PROGRAM LETTER TO ACCOMPANY 

APPLICATION FOR AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE 

[Insert local FAA office or DAR] Date: 01/30/2001 

 

TO: 

 

In accordance with 14 CFR § 21.193, I request a Special Airworthiness Certificate for my aircraft for the 

purpose of operating amateur-built aircraft. The aircraft description is as follows: 

Builder: Early A. Builder Registration No.: N130EA 

Model: VAN’S RV-6 Serial No.: 1001 

No. of Engines: 1 No. of Seats: 2 

Design Criteria: my own design built from plans built from a kit X 

The aircraft is complete and the following items have been accomplished. 

Yes No I enclose FAA Form 8130-6 with Sections I, II, and III complete. 

Yes No I enclose FAA Form 8130-12 with Sections I, II, and III complete and notarized in 

Section IV. 

Yes No I possess Aeronautical Center Form 8050-3. 

Yes No I enclose a three-view drawing or photographs of the aircraft. 

Yes No I have weighed the aircraft to determine that the most forward and aft center of 

gravity positions are within established limits. The weight and balance report is 

available at the aircraft, and a copy is submitted with this application. 

Yes No I have maintained a construction log for the project, including photographs showing 

methods of construction and workmanship during the construction. Log entries 

describe all inspections conducted during construction. 

Yes No The marking requirements of Part 45 have been complied with, including 

permanent attachment of a fireproof identification (data) plate, permanent 

application of appropriate registration marks, and the word “EXPERIMENTAL” 

displayed near each entrance t o the cabin or cockpit. 

Yes No The following placard is displayed in the cockpit in full view of all occupants (not 

required for single-place aircraft). 

“PASSENGER WARNING - THIS AIRCRAFT IS 

AMATEUR-BUILT AND DOES NOT COMPLY WITH 

FEDERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR STANDARD 

AIRCRAFT.” 
AC 20-27F 9/26/2003 

2 

APPENDIX 13. SAMPLE PROGRAM LETTER TO ACCOMPANY 

APPLICATION FOR AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE (CONTINUED) 

The aircraft will be available for inspection at this location, and directions are as follows: 

Grayson County Airport 

Hangar No. 3 

4701 Airport Drive 

Sherman, TX 75020 

I request airworthiness certification and operation limitations be issued permitting me to operate the 

aircraft within the following geographical area for flight testing. Initial flights will determine engine 

reliability and flight control characteristics. A flight test plan has been developed using the guidance in 

AC 90-89 and is available for review. After Phase I flight test completion, I plan to operate the aircraft 

under VFR conditions only. 

25-statute mile radius of Grayson County Airport 

Lat. 33-43 N; Long. 096-40W 

Dallas-Ft. Worth Sectional (L13) 

My residential telephone number is (903) 555-1212. 

My daytime business number is (214) 555-1212. 

Early A. Builder 

Owner/Builder 
9/26/2003 AC 20-27F 

1 

APPENDIX 14. SAMPLE FAA FORM 8610-2, AIRMAN CERTIFICATE 

AND/OR RATING APPLICATION