Legal Instrument Panel

[VaporGlobalAviation]

In the middle of a pre-buy and there is no documentation for this panel… is it legal? Is there an STC? Switches moved from left wing root to front panel plus Garmin upgrades?

Is it legal under LSA? But not Normal or AerobaticView attachment 5544?

 

[Bartman]

It kind of looks like someone took a newer style factory instrument panel and made the holes in different places for the switches and CB's. I'm not an expert but my guess would be that it has the potential to be legal but there should be, at the very least, a logbook endorsement that shows someone has vouched for the work with their IA signature and number. Some here will say it doesn't need a 337 form because moving elements of an electrical system in a plane that already had an electrical system isn't a major alteration, some will say file the 337 anyway to cover your ass.

It would be possible to have someone inspect everything as it is now and to enter it into the logs and file the form if they feel it's necessary.

We'll see what other answers are posted.

 

[Bob Turner]

I think Bart is correct. No 337 is required for a minor alteration, and you can look up the definition (or we can post it for you).
Any maintenance or alteration must be in the logbook, but a minor alteration can be signed by an A&P. All an IA does is inspect (annuals and major alterations).
Looks nicely done.

 

[Big Ed]

Old TC specification was left wing root. New TC specification is front panel. So IMO either can be legal if properly documented.

Obviously it is legal if it came from the factory that way. So start by finding out what year the specification changed. I think this was fairly recently, within last 10 years or so, when they went to glass panels. Maybe someone on here knows the answer. If not, a call to Dale or Chad at ACA will answer that.

If your aircraft is older, then it was updated from the old to the new specification. If so, there should be appropriate documentation in the logs. Updating from old to new specs could be minor or major, depending on the work performed, as determined by the person who did the work.

Plenty of people have done this conversion, so it should not be too controversial. Mostly a paperwork drill. If lacking paperwork, it is not a deal breaker, just a negotiating point. Your IA might be able to do a condition inspection and make the appropriate entries. Worst case, remove and reinstall. For either option, first step would be calling ACA and obtaining the new drawing.

 

[Bob Turner]

Doing something that is on the type cert is by definition not a major alteration.

14 CFR Part 1.1

Major alteration means an alteration not listed in the aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller specifications -

(1) That might appreciably affect weight, balance, structural strength, performance, powerplant operation, flight characteristics, or other qualities affecting airworthiness; or

(2) That is not done according to accepted practices or cannot be done by elementary operations.

Minor alteration means an alteration other than a major alteration.

 

[Big Ed]

Doing something that is on the type cert is by definition not a major alteration.

That makes sense. I asked the factory about updating the frame to new specs and they said a 337 was required. I assumed it was because of the welding or something.

 

[Bob Turner]

Major repair. That, too, requires a 337.