What are all the experimental aircraft paperwork forms required?  When do I fill them in and submit them?  What are all the required markings on the airplane? Let’s take a look at these and other questions regarding the paperwork process.

As we all know, building the plane is only half the battle.  Getting the paperwork straight and being ready for the inspection is the other half.  There are so many regulations and cross references in them, that they make figuring out the paperwork almost as hard as filing your taxes.

There are four basic steps:

Reserving a Custom N-number

You don’t really have to do this, you can just accept any number the FAA assigns.  But since it is your personal airplane, having a personalized N-number is pretty cool!  It’s almost the same as a personalized lisence plate for your car.  Read how to get a custom aircraft tail number.

Initial Registration

This is all the paperwork that needs to be completed BEFORE the examiner comes out to see your project.  If you don’t have it complete, he can’t do the inspection.  Here's what you need to do to take care of this initial kit plane registration.

Weight and Balance

Tools, tips, procedure, and paperwork.  This too needs to be complete before the inspection.  Here's my 2¢ worth on weight and balance.

Final Certification and Inspection

The last bit of paperwork, preparing the airplane, and some other things to think about to ensure a successful inspection.  Here's how to prepare for the final kit plane certification.