It's all so nebulous. There's one section on transponders and
altitude reporting equipment requirements that says it applies to
"airplanes and helicopters." An "experimental" is neither, it's an
"experimental" aircraft period. A gyroplane is not an airplane or a
helicopter. The FARS are such a general can of worms, if you ask 5
FAA employees for an interpretation, you'll usually get at least 3
differing answers. I'se keeps me mouf' shut, don't axe questions an'
goes about me bidniss.

KJSDCAUSA



"Gerry Caron" wrote in message . com...
"Russell Duffy" wrote in message
news
Greetings,

I'm expecting to make the first flight of an RV-3 later this month, and am
trying to figure out exactly what needs to be done about the transponder.
Does anyone know for sure? Since the plane is day VFR only, I'm pretty
sure
I don't need to have the pitot static system tested.

Lots of people don't have any sort of certification done on experimentals,
but I think something is probably required. It seems like I've seen a
statement that says the manufacturer of the aircraft (that's me) is
responsible for verifying the operation of the transponder. If I call up
ATC from outside their airspace, and ask for a readout, isn't that
verifying
the operation.

The following are from Part 91 which covers all operations not under Parts
121 or 135. It doesn't matter whether you are flying an experimental, a
C172, or a Citation.

Part 91.413 for transponder checks applies regardless.

You're correct in that 91.411 for altimeter systems (incl: static system)
only applies if you want to fly IFR. But even VFR you may want ATC services
and if your altitude reporting is off, you may get a request to stop
altitude squawk.

Don't know what the reaction might be if you're in a Mode C required area
with a continually bad Mode C. But from a practical point of view; if
you've got Mode C, make sure it's working right. If it isn't working, it
certainly doesn't contribute much to safety and at worse could be a hazard
(If somebody else thinks you're at a given altitude when you're really at a
different altitude--think TCAS.)

The rules spell out the verification and who may do them. The tests are in
Appendix E and F of Part 43.