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Permalink Reply by Carl Orton on October 21, 2018 at 10:29am

His best bet is to contact his local FSDO. My ignorant opinion is that it will be difficult to obtain. The purpose of E/AB is to allow individuals the opportunity to construct and fly their own creation. Without logs, how does this person demonstrate to the FAA/DAR that it was amateur built, and not built by a pro builder? (Note: upcoming MOSAIC changes may allow a greater level of builder assistance...) Logs don't have to be fancy; they can be ANYTHING, even a stack of post-its. Time isn't even needed to be recorded. Just a date and what was done. Details not even required. "10/21: deburred left wing parts."

You mention its never been flown; was it inspected? Was AW ever issued, but is now just missing? Has it been registered with an N-number?

Didn't this topic recently appear on the EAA forums? If not this specific project, check out

http://eaaforums.org/showthread.php?8634-When-does-an-experimental-...

or

http://eaaforums.org/showthread.php?8632-want-to-buy-a-homebuilt-wi...

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Permalink Reply by R Michael Moore on October 21, 2018 at 2:34pm

David..

I would definitely NOT contact the FSDO as a first step.   Unlikely to get anything except a regulatory based response.   Once done, very hard to get back to square one and fair, uncluttered territory on this matter.

First - Reconstruct as much history of the build as possible.   Zenith sold the kit.  When?  To Whom?   Talk to the seller and go backwards in time to the original builder.  Contact and inquire of everyone on the trail, including any local EAA chapter or other parties along the way.   For example, where the aircraft was built may provide people and photos who know the fact. 

Treat the history like a detective novel and piece the story together.  Collect names, dates, and even "witness" statements.  All details matter.

Second - Seek out, with all that research in hand, a known and supportive DAR who will fairly consider all the facts.   A DAR who is understanding and supportive can make all the difference here.

RMM

From the second link:     Forget about the FSDO and the MIDO, find a DAR who will cooperate with a rebuild and recertification.    ---  Your friend's situation is loads better than this case as it is a fresh, no previous Airworthiness Certificate aircraft.

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