I have spent some time with several people researching information on the FAA form 337 so everyone can have a better understanding of its various functions. The following information is compiled by haveing discussions with UNIVAIR, Harland Durham, AP/IA and Thomas Lehaman, FAA (ret).
The FAA form 337 covers several areas of what the FAA feels appropiate in tracking what, when and how repairs and/or alterations are done to ALL airplanes. [1]If (I repeat IF) you are making a change in the the airplane that was NOT a factory-built and installed item OR covered my an existing STC, you MUST have an FAA FIELD APPROVAL filled out on a form 337 and signed by the AP/IA and the FAA inspector. If you want to install "Gull-wing" doors on your coupe, you will have to get your AP/IA and FAA approval for the installation. If you want to remove the generator and install an alternator, you MUST buy the STC from the owner, then have your AP install it and your IA can sign it off. If you damaged your aileron, gas tank, engine mount, whatever, and found a replacement in a boneyard you MUST enter the TIME IN SERVICE of the used part from the former airplane logs. For instance; Left aileron removed from N3838H with logs showing 3,231 hours in service and installed on N3961H with logs showning 2,928 hours in service. This can be signed off on a 337 by your AP AND IA and your airplane returned to service. NOTE: This applies to ALL used parts purchased from other aircraft and installed on a similar aircraft. Now suppose you purchased a NEW aileron. You are still required to file a 337 which will state; NEW left aileron supplied by UNIVAIR installed on N3961H as of this date. Present airframe logs indicate aircraft has been in service for 2,928 hours. This can be installed then signed off by your IA. [2] An FAA Field Inspector does NOT have to sign off on any update made to your airplane that is FACTORY APPROVED or COVERED BY AN EXISTING STC. However, a form 337 is required and a signature of the IA is required. [3] You CAN NOT circumnavigate these rule by simply stating that, "I will just take my airplane out of "Normal Catagory" and put it in "Experimental", then I can do what I feel like." The FAA will NOT buy that. It has been tried and the airplane cannot be licensed! If you should have any further questions relating to the FAA FORM 337, I will be most happy to do further research and give you an answer. George Frebert ________________________________________________________________ Get FREE voicemail, fax and email at http://voicemail.excite.com Talk online at http://voicechat.excite.com
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