Exhibition Pros and Cons

Exhibition Experimental My question is if they have not been registered with the FAA, is it still possible to get an N# for these aircraft?  I've heard that it is, but that it’s tricky. If this is true, I was wondering how to go about doing this? 
-Sean- Sean,It is possible.  Assuming you have given up on being a true 103 or having the manufacturer re-manufacture it as an ELSA Kit Built, then you can go another way.  It is called Exhibition Experimental.  There are pros and cons. We can help.  As a light-sport engineering company, we provide a service to prepare all your paperwork and guide you through the process. 

Pros: 

  1. FAA inspector has to inspect the aircraft, so there is not cost.
  2. You can N number it without having met the 1/31/08 N number date.
  3. You can fly it as a Sport Pilot and carry passengers.
  4. As a trike you can get an earlier inspection by offering to trailer to the FAA office.
  5. You can do all you own maintenance, repairs and mods except annuals.
  6. You can add a new event to your yearly letter simply by sending a letter to the FSDO, they do not need to approve.  

Cons: 

  1. You have to submit a yearly plan letter of where you expect to exhibit. We provide the first one and you can adapt from there.
  2. You are limited to flying from your field and the fields named in your yearly letter.
  3. An A&P must do your annuals.
  4. You have to have a sales receipt or at least a clear trail of where the aircraft came from.
  5. It is hard to get the FAA scheduled to inspect your aircraft, they are very busy.

You have to have the right attitude, this is for “exhibition” to show the fine traits of your craft. (If you say this is just to get an N number, you will not pass inspection.) We provide all the forms, custom filled out to your situation, with step by step guidance on how to proceed.  All you have to do is sign and notarize, as appropriate, and follow the steps.  You will take 3 to 6 months to get it done after you get your custom forms.   We charge $150 for the service but the FAA inspection is free. 

Jim Stephenson
Chief Engineer
SAFE LLC
269-209-1466