Rules for interior modifications of Certified Aircraft (question).

[EridanMan]

Hey Guys,

I've been bitten bad by the aviators bug... (gotten 10 hours of flying
time in 3 weeks... having an unbelievable time).

I've been trying to figure out a long term plan to help offset some of
the costs of flying (some, not all)... One Idea I've been considering
is combine flying with my old favorite hobby of photography- buy a
Certified High-wing aircraft, and modify the rear cabin of the plane
with a single swiviling seat, and build a stabalized/damped camera
mount onto the side of the aircraft, and sell air-tours to
photographers looking for the ultimate aerial photography platform.

Obviously this would require a Commercial cert (already planning on
it)- but my question is - what are my limits in terms of modifying the
interior of a certified aircraft and not bumping the plane into the
experimental catagory? The modifications I'm thinking about would
require the removal and replacement of the rear seat, and a
modification of the rear window of the aircraft (to allow it to open
and not obstruct a camera lens), and the fabrication and custruction of
the mount, which would be bolted to the inside of the rear cabin
fuselage...

Just a brainstorm, I was just curious if it was feasible.

-ESC

[Orval Fairbairn]

In article . com>,
"EridanMan" > wrote:

> Hey Guys,
>
> I've been bitten bad by the aviators bug... (gotten 10 hours of flying
> time in 3 weeks... having an unbelievable time).
>
> I've been trying to figure out a long term plan to help offset some of
> the costs of flying (some, not all)... One Idea I've been considering
> is combine flying with my old favorite hobby of photography- buy a
> Certified High-wing aircraft, and modify the rear cabin of the plane
> with a single swiviling seat, and build a stabalized/damped camera
> mount onto the side of the aircraft, and sell air-tours to
> photographers looking for the ultimate aerial photography platform.
>
> Obviously this would require a Commercial cert (already planning on
> it)- but my question is - what are my limits in terms of modifying the
> interior of a certified aircraft and not bumping the plane into the
> experimental catagory? The modifications I'm thinking about would
> require the removal and replacement of the rear seat, and a
> modification of the rear window of the aircraft (to allow it to open
> and not obstruct a camera lens), and the fabrication and custruction of
> the mount, which would be bolted to the inside of the rear cabin
> fuselage...
>
> Just a brainstorm, I was just curious if it was feasible.
>
> -ESC

Buy a T-34 or a T-6 -- they already have rear seats with openable
canopies. Perhaps a Varga will fit the bill, too.