Hangar Debrief
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12 articles tagged Experimental amateur-built
Tips & Tools
AC 43.13-1B, paragraphs 7-122 to 7-126: safety wire, and the rules common to every installation
The FAA's AC 43.13-1B gives the rules for safety wire: 0.032-inch minimum for the double-twist method on most parts, wire installed so it pulls in the tightening direction, taut but never overstressed, four to six turns left at the end, and ends bent under. A nut is never loosened or overtorqued to line up a hole.
11 Oct 2026
Upgrade & Maintain
14 CFR part 91: the inspections and checks that come due by the calendar
Part 91 sets five recurring items by the calendar: the annual inspection (12 calendar months), the ELT inspection (12), the transponder test (24), the altimeter and static system test for IFR (24), and the VOR check for IFR (30 days). An experimental aircraft's inspection is set by its operating limitations, not by section 91.409.
11 Oct 2026
Avionics & Electrical
Dynon previews IFR GPS navigation for SkyView HDX; not yet certified
On July 7, 2026, Dynon said it is developing IFR GPS navigation for SkyView HDX, including coupled LPV approaches, from a module mounted behind the panel. It is planned for both the Dynon Certified and experimental lines. It is not yet certified, and Dynon has given no price or date.
11 Oct 2026
Avionics & Electrical
Garmin AXIS: flight displays with the IFR GPS, radios and audio panel built in
Garmin announced AXIS on July 8, 2026: a family of flight displays whose 11.6-inch models can include an IFR GPS, a NAV/COMM radio and an audio panel in the display itself. Garmin says AXIS uses the same panel cutouts and mounting points as its G3X Touch displays. The 8-inch models are expected in early 2027.
11 Oct 2026
Directives & Bulletins
Van's SB-00128, Revision 1: longer canopy latch pins for the RV-14 and RV-14A
Van's Aircraft Service Bulletin SB-00128 covers RV-14 and RV-14A aircraft whose finish kits shipped before March 20, 2026. Side canopy pins had been seen to lift partly out of their sockets in aggressive aerobatics and overspeed; the bulletin lengthens the side and rear pins. Revision 1 is dated September 2, 2026.
11 Oct 2026
Directives & Bulletins
Van's SB-00079: an emergency egress hammer recommended for all RV aircraft
Van's Aircraft Service Bulletin SB-00079, issued March 20, 2026, applies to all RV aircraft and recommends carrying an emergency egress hammer made for aircraft. Van's notes that automotive hammers with a spring-loaded plunger are not effective on the plexiglass of aircraft windows and canopies.
11 Oct 2026
Avionics & Electrical
AC 43.13-1B, paragraphs 11-174 to 11-179: crimped terminals, studs and the crimp tool
The FAA's AC 43.13-1B prefers pre-insulated, crimp-type ring terminals, installed with a ratchet-type crimp tool whose crimp depth suits the wire size. No more than four terminals, or three and a bus bar, go on one stud, with the largest hole at the bottom and nothing between the tongues.
11 Oct 2026
Avionics & Electrical
AC 43.13-1B, chapter 11: the four requirements for sizing an electrical wire
The FAA's AC 43.13-1B sets four tests for a wire: mechanical strength, voltage drop, protection by a circuit breaker or fuse, and current. On a 14-volt system the allowable drop from bus to equipment is 0.5 volt in continuous operation. Hangar Flying's wire size calculator works the sum for one circuit.
11 Oct 2026
Directives & Bulletins
AD 2026-16-11: propeller gearbox inspection on Rotax 912 and 914 engines
AD 2026-16-11 orders a propeller gearbox inspection on certified Rotax 912 and 914 engines after one left the factory missing an oil spray nozzle and bearing screws. The 912 iS Sport in the RV-12iS isn't named in the FAA's directive, but Rotax's own alert bulletin covers it, and Van's has posted it.
11 Oct 2026
Directives & Bulletins
AD 2026-04-11: Lycoming connecting-rod bushing inspection, and whether it applies to amateur-built aircraft
AD 2026-04-11 expands the Lycoming connecting-rod bushing directive to engines assembled through September 2021. Its wording reaches only engines in type-certificated aircraft, so it doesn't legally bind an amateur-built. The FAA cites connecting-rod failures that led to uncontained engine failures and in-flight shutdowns; the first required step is an oil-filter inspection at each oil change.
11 Oct 2026
Upgrade & Maintain
Light-sport repairmen may now do condition inspections on amateur-built aircraft
A light-sport repairman can now do the condition inspection on an amateur-built airplane, and an owner can earn that rating in a 16-hour course. But most airplanes' operating limitations don't allow it yet, and the owner has to ask the FAA to amend them.
11 Oct 2026
Design & Build
14 CFR part 22: light-sport category certification rules in effect since July 24, 2026
New light-sport category aircraft are now certificated under 14 CFR part 22, which sets no weight limit and allows airplanes with up to four seats and a stalling speed of up to 61 knots CAS. Aircraft certificated before July 24, 2026 keep their original limits, and a kit follows the standards in place when its statement of compliance was signed.
11 Oct 2026