>Larry Flesner, Is there anything we should know or do, with the DAR, prior to calling for an inspection to get them out promptly? I presume your DAR has not been there yet. Why is he delaying? >Mark Jones (N886MJ) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mark and Netters, Builders that are ready for final inspection may (will) experiance vastly different levels of service depending on the area that they live in and the FSDO's controlling that area. My controlling FSDO (Springfield, Illinois) says they don't have the staffing to do homebuilt inspections and recommend hiring an independant DAR with "function 49" authorization. That means they can inspect and sign off experimental aircraft. The going rate in my area seems to be $500. A fellow builder and I are holding out for an inspector from another area (Memphis, Tennessee) to do the inspection for $100. It is currently scheduled for December 9. This must be cleared through his FSDO as well as getting authorization from my FSDO. My FSDO says they will not object to an out of territory inspector doing the inspection so hopefully it will happen on the 9th. As for what you need to do before inspection I can only advise that the aircraft be ready to fly (totally) when the inspector shows up. The biggest deal will probably be the paper work. All paper work from the FAA needs to be in order, W&B needs to be completed and documented, the aircraft log needs to be prepared with a statement that YOU have inspecteded the aircraft and consider it ready for flight. The proper wordage can be found in several sources. Make sure you have all required placards and that ALL switches,controls, instruments, fuel system,etc., are marked/labeled for proper operation. Talk to your inspector in plenty of time to get a list of what he/she wants and leave yourself enough time to complete items that are not ready. As to the various levels of service to expect. Your FSDO MAY come right out and do the inspection for no cost. I've know one builder that trailered his airplane (two of them) the 125 miles to our FSDO parking lot and said "here it is, inspect it". The third option you may have to deal with is inspectors charging from $500 to $1500 for the inspection. The last option which may be available in the near future to some is the EAA / FAA voluteer program. My best flying buddy is already licensed as a voluteer inspector but can't perform inspections until he has attended a class scheduled for January or the second class next June. I can't wait! I suspect the inspection process will be as varied as the individual inspectors doing the inspection. Get with your inspector and find out what he/she will be looking for. The EAA and/or your FSDO should have packets available that will tell you all you need to know and give you all the proper forms, etc. Hope this helps. Larry Flesner
