20 November 2014
Advice on restoring, or rebuilding, historic and ex-military aircraft has been released by the CAA’s General Aviation Unit. The guidance has been compiled from a number of existing CAA sources to create a <a href=’http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=1407&pagetype=90&pageid=16552&7′ target=’_blank’>’one-stop-shop’ webpage</a> containing everything a vintage aircraft owner needs to know when starting a restoration project.
The information, which only covers aircraft on Permits to Fly, suggests arranging an early inspection by a CAA airworthiness surveyor to establish if the aircraft is an original or a replica. The CAA pointed out that if owners do not contact the regulator until the project is well underway it could result in the aircraft having to be dismantled to allow an inspection of work already undertaken.
Advice is also given on using newly manufactured replacements parts, where original parts are unavailable, as well as how to establish an aircraft’s original identity. . The CAA said it will check that a restoration has not previously been approved for the same identity.
Guidance is also given on approving ex-military replicas and reproductions.
