I've been reading up on the maintenance regs for experimental aircraft especially on ones that are purchased as completed airplanes.

So... after uncrossing my eyes, I think I understand it (sort of). You can still do "normal" maintenance on the airplane but you can't do the annual but an A&P or the original builder of the airplane can.

My ultimate question (as mentioned on the subject line) say you purchase a completed (i.e. flying) experimental airplane... would an A&P be required to modify the airplane down the road? or an A/I to modify the panel?

Thanks!

EAA has a webinar that talks about modifying EAB aircraft. I think it is this one:http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=697227289001

Basically, yes you can modify a EAB but depending on the modification it may have to go back into phase one flight testing. Only thing you need a mechanic for is the condition inspection and all you need is an A&P for that.

I think Whee has it right, you need to put it back into phase one, and flight test the changes before going back into phase two?

Should be an easy question for a DAR, I wonder if the phase one can change location?

Thanks for the info guys!

I'll let the low time pilot/ nieve comments fly now...

It's a hell of a thing to take a look at some great deals on certified airplanes out there but then adding up the cost to put beefier gear and tires, maybe a longer prop, panel upgrades or instrument removal for simplification, finding STCs for more backcountry capability and then their costs... the list goes on... and hell building an experimental from scratch or from plans also very overwhelming.

Its interesting to step back and look at all the different ways of purchasing an airplane. Now buying a already built experimental may take a hell of a lot more moxee than say buying a brand new C182 but the flexibility of being able to basically redesign and build a new panel and do the work yourself, or putting a whirlwind climb prop on your airplane at a fraction of the cost.

Yep, you're right. Our local DAR says that any of the things that would be considered "major modifications" on a certified plane would probably mean that you to have to go back into Phase 1 test flight status. But you should talk to your DAR or FSDO to be sure. As I understand it, minor mods don't require re-entering Phase 1, nor an A&P signoff. But it's probably a good idea to keep the person in the loop on those changes. After all, they are the one signing off the annual condition inspection for you, and if they don't like what you did or how you did it, you may not get it signed off. Better to know while you're planning than after the money and labor are expended...

After doing a major rebuild of my current Kitfox, including the addition of a Zipper engine modification, the total redesign of the tail surfaces (fully disclosed to the FISDO with drawings and photos), the FAA only cared that I put a different prop (Prince P-Tip) on the airplane and required 5 hours of Phase 1.