If I'm not an A&P can I install an STC such as the Sportsman's Stol or the Wing X extensions? Of course I'd need a A&P to sign it off as good, but can I "legally" install them myself? Thanks for your help.

"Legally" it will be your A&P who signs it off as "his" work. If you do the actual work and he is willing to take responsibility for it...... The risk is his, and his license.

Gump

What Gump said but additionally you will need an IA to sign-off the 337….

The selected "A&P" may allow an "Owner assisted" install of the STC. The terms should be fully worked out before anybody starts work with said "A&P". I would advise against you installing and then finding a sign off.

I'm not an IA or A&P, and I didn't stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night, so I wouldn't begin to try to do such a modification without a whole lot of training. Rubbing shoulders with various mechanics over the years tells me that it takes some heavy duty training and experience before one is competent to do such things.

Cary

A&P must sign off on install -I.A. will inspect and return to service on any Certified Aircraft. Unless your brother in law is either or both I would NOT touch it. I realize you;d like to save money but A&P /I.A.s have licensees to protect .

A&P must sign off on install -I.A. will inspect and return to service on any Certified Aircraft. Unless your brother in law is either or both I would NOT touch it. I realize you;d like to save money but A&P /I.A.s have licensees to protect .

Find an IA that will work with you, start with small projects that he will oversee and sign off.
Owner assisted annuals is a good place to start. If all goes well you will be taking on bigger projects.
Within a few years you will know your plane inside and out. And that can pay off big time when you are in BFE and have a problem.

Terry wrote:Find an IA that will work with you, start with small projects that he will oversee and sign off.
Owner assisted annuals is a good place to start. If all goes well you will be taking on bigger projects.
Within a few years you will know your plane inside and out. And that can pay off big time when you are in BFE and have a problem.

terry is correct. Alot will depend on the type of person you are and what you skill set is. I have been working with and A&P/IA for many years, fisrt was just holding the parts and watching, then small things with him, now we work together all the time. Gives me piece of mind that I know my plane inside and out. Find the right person and it can be very rewarding and enjoyable.

Bighorn wrote:

Terry wrote:Find an IA that will work with you, start with small projects that he will oversee and sign off.
Owner assisted annuals is a good place to start. If all goes well you will be taking on bigger projects.
Within a few years you will know your plane inside and out. And that can pay off big time when you are in BFE and have a problem.

terry is correct. Alot will depend on the type of person you are and what you skill set is. I have been working with and A&P/IA for many years, fisrt was just holding the parts and watching, then small things with him, now we work together all the time. Gives me piece of mind that I know my plane inside and out. Find the right person and it can be very rewarding and enjoyable.

When I do prebuy or sell aircraft I give new owner option of working with me on Annual to learn his airplane. Most of us are pretty good at figuring out things mechanical . First thing is getting and using proper (good quality) tools for the job at hand . The simple things like doing brakes/tires or changing your own oil are covered by FAR 43 appendix D - you can actually do a lot as the owner /pilot.In the past I've many folks the opportunity to become A&P's .It takes 30 months of "on the job " training or school (about 2 years) to get the experience to qualify for the test. Most guys with mechanical aptitude or job should have no trouble . I did my A&P in early 1960's while working at Blue Mt. Aviation and crop dusting in Walla Walla ,Washington. Where during fall/winter and early spring we tore down all the broke down engines/ air frames that we used for next spraying season. Learning about your aircraft is a great way to get started -almost all of the EAA experimental builders are "repairman " for there own project. When it comes to "putting your mark on the bark" sign off log books you had better KNOW everything that was done,tools used and WHO did what .I won't sign off anything I have not personally witnessed or done -that's just the way it is. I've seen it all and most is scary to say the least. I've had guys call me and say "could I meet you at the McDonald's to sign off my annual" or some other bit maintenance -I wont go .

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I'm pretty handy with a wrench, but I wouldn't tackle installing a sportsman's stol , now vg's on the other hand . I just wanted some clarification on the legalities of it and I'm glad you all chimed in. It seems like alot of the stc's require very precise measurements, cuts, and riveting that I could do, but it would take me quite a while. I'm more of a big picture kind of guy so I need someone (like my wife) to point out details to me in projects , we make a pretty good team

TxKiger wrote:Thanks for all the advice everyone. I'm pretty handy with a wrench, but I wouldn't tackle installing a sportsman's stol , now vg's on the other hand . I just wanted some clarification on the legalities of it and I'm glad you all chimed in. It seems like alot of the stc's require very precise measurements, cuts, and riveting that I could do, but it would take me quite a while. I'm more of a big picture kind of guy so I need someone (like my wife) to point out details to me in projects , we make a pretty good team

And yes, I did overuse the smilies in my post