From the Left Seat

During the last Gathering, I was lamenting the loss of the doctor at Jamestown Clinic who did BasicMed examinations. With the help of the membership, I found Dr. Jess Panza on 8th St in Port Angeles. She does a variety of physicals from sports to commercial drivers and was very receptive to BasicMed. You can find her information on the EAA430 website. Now I’m good until 2030!

For me, one of the most important things to come out of the recent MOSAIC changes was the ability for an owner of an E/AB that he/she didn’t build to learn how to be a Light Sport Repairman Inspector- Airplane (LSRI-A). Once certified by the FAA, that individual can inspect and certify the safe operation of (only) their own aircraft. Ken Brown and I recently attended the training for LSRI-A, and I gained a greater appreciation for all the regulations, best practices, and serious business every A&P mechanic must deal with (not to mention the paperwork).

Generally speaking, the class was well-organized, on-point, and accomplished the end result of everyone passing the final exam with very high marks (94% here!) I muffed 3 of the 50 questions 😗). The course covered a bit of aerodynamics, with a big focus on balanced flying surfaces, weight and balance, flight control systems, corrosion, engines and props - as well as all the regulations associated with possessing the LSRI certification. The only hands-on exercises were a demonstration on compression testing and safety wiring multiple bolts. The 16-hour two-day class was held in Buckley, WA at a Rainbow Aviation instructor’s personal hangar. It was a long two days, and even the return trip was not without adventure with car issues.

The next steps involve presenting my certificate of completion in person to the SEA FSDO to request my airman LSRI-A license. Then I must request a change to the Operating Limitations of my aircraft to allow a LSRI-A (me) to certify the annual condition inspection from the FSDO. I’ll let you know how long that takes.

I have no delusions that I suddenly became an expert mechanic, and I have no intentions of not hiring an A&P to inspect my airplane every year. But now I can assume the liability for certifying the inspection. That should make it easier to find people to help.

We have some exciting presentations coming up in the next couple of months. Harry Cook will give a talk about his Alaska Frontier Flying, and George Steed from EAA 406 will give us the history and status of their new electric Sonex trainer. March 28 will be our last Gathering at KCLM for the winter, and we return to Bud’s hangar in April.

I hope the Spring wind doesn’t blow us away!