I went to the Oakland FSDO today to get the repairmen's certificate which allows you to do your own annuals.

The examiner had told me only to bring my build log and government ID. Being a worrier I brought what the asked - plus my passport, two huge folders stuffed with receipts, my maintenance manual, my airworthiness certificate, my registration, my electrical wiring diagram and the kitchen sink.

I had heard a few horror stories and so I was prepared for the worst.

The guy asked for my ID (driver license), my repairmen's certificate application and spent quite literally 10 seconds flipping thru my build log.

"Ok," he says, "I'll be right back with your temporary certificate."

Huh? That's it? And it was. Not a single question.

When he came back he advised me that since I had a Lycoming engine I still needed to comply with any AD's, though he commented there weren't many for the O-235. (Yes, I know there are differences of opinions on this in the home-built community, I'm just passing on what he said) 

Then he handed me my temporary certificate.

I was ALMOST disappointed he didn't quiz me on the build. I was in and out in 10 minutes. Not what I was expecting! The only painful part was the 2 hour drive each way to Oakland from Cloverdale.

Gary

 

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Thank you for writing this!

I have found that the least amount of time spent in any FAA office is probably for the better.

Must have been that "California Dreaming," laid-back life-style you have out there!

My experience was slightly different! Ha!:

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the FSDO!

John

N750A

do you have the conical mount? I like your panel any more photos of your panel and engine FWF? I will be installing an 0-235 C 1B si I am interested in throttle/carb heat cables etc. Thanks

Gil

Gil

I have tons of pics. Send me your email address (gaw.ebm at gmail dot com) and I'll forward some.

I'm really glad I put the O-235 in my plane. It was inexpensive, simple to install and has lots of power. People say it's a boat anchor due to the weight but many of the corvairs and 0-200's are heavier than my plane (814 empty).

The only problem was a complete lack of install information for the O-235. I did buy the Homebuilt Help video for the O-200 install. Not the same engine - but all of the same install issues. If you've installed aircraft engines before then you probably don't need it. However, this was a first time for me and I found a lot of the info. relevant.

The other great source of info is the Vans RV website. You can sign up without being a Vans owner. You just have to suggest you are and answer a simple Vans question. I got a huge amount of info from the site and asking builders on there Lycoming install questions. Lycomings are pretty much all that are going in the RV's (4 and 6 cylinder) and even the 6 cylinders are very similar to the O-235 in many respects related to the install.

It's also the best website around fro Lycoming maintenance questions.

I'm happy to help with any questions you may have.

Gary 

I will check out Vans. I have built and installed a VW on a Double Eagle, but there wasn't any off set to the engine. I got a great deal on my 0-235 only 400 hundred hours since major. It has a light weight alternator and starter or it could be certified. I just Have it sitting on a colt fuselage I converted to a tail dragger I was going to build a Wagabond. I have a corvair cowel but don't think I can make it fit, so will trade or sell and buy one from Zenith I guess

Gil,

Below is a link to a RV-9 website with installation info a Lyc O-290...pretty much the same as an O235.  Also the baffle kit that Van's sells for an O320 can be easily adapted to an O235 (I did it on a non Zenith airplane)...as Gary said above...tons of Lycoming installation info on Van's Air Force.

http://www.repucci.com/bill/engine.html

Also check out this website. This guy installed an O-235 in a 750. Since the firewall is almost identical a lot of his install solutions are relevant. He did great write ups with lots of pics as well.

I wish I had found this Web site when I was installing my engine...
http://www.homebuiltairplanes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13627

Yes I have the conical mount on my plane.

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