Random Griz Aviation Musings

[TacticalTater]

I looked at that - the last five (for now) close for bidding today. I’m wondering if they are “civilian” 206’s maintained to FAA standards or -57’s maintained to a military standard. Probably military since the current winning bids are really quite low.

If it's a military aircraft then just like WW2 aircraft couldn't you just register it as experimental and go that route with it?

 

[Griz882]

If it's a military aircraft then just like WW2 aircraft couldn't you just register it as experimental and go that route with it?

Yes, you’d register it in the Experimental Exhibition class (in my case) and fly it to an air show every now and then. I’m just curious. The Army birds were maintained to FAA standards.

 

[IKE]

Roughly speaking, because my knowledge is limited: many 57Cs are going to FMS, and a few may go to rando squadrons for proficiency purposes. We might snag a few Bs for their full auto capability

 

[ChuckMK23]

Both TH-57 B and C were acquired as type certificated Bell 206B IIIs. The C's even had SPIFR certification from FAA. So conceivably, you could take one of these airframes, get it registered with an N number and get a current annual and you would be off to the races to operate under FARs under 91 or even 135.

 

[wink]

Both TH-57 B and C were acquired as type certificated Bell 206B IIIs. The C's even had SPIFR certification from FAA. So conceivably, you could take one of these airframes, get it registered with an N number and get a current annual and you would be off to the races to operate under FARs under 91 or even 135.

Yep. The key is the type certificate, not the maintenance program. We at the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation have brought several mil aircraft to the Experimental/Exhibition category. It is a lot of work.

 

[ChuckMK23]

Yep. The key is the type certificate, not the maintenance program. We at the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation have brought several mil aircraft to the Experimental/Exhibition category. It is a lot of work.

Exactly. Hence the plethora of surplus UH-60A's entering the market without any civil type certificate. The only path is Restricted Category or Experimental.

 

[phrogdriver]

Roughly speaking, because my knowledge is limited: many 57Cs are going to FMS, and a few may go to rando squadrons for proficiency purposes. We might snag a few Bs for their full auto capability

Who’s “we?” NTPS?

I think you mean EDA—Excess Defense Articles. That’s usually the route for used US aircraft. You’ve really got to be needy to want a 40YO 57C!

 

[VMO4]

Exactly. Hence the plethora of surplus UH-60A's entering the market without any civil type certificate. The only path is Restricted Category or Experimental.

As Chuck said, its a lot of work, and don't confuse experimental exhibition (EE) with experimental amateur built,(EAB) your ability to use it and how you fly it can vary by the FSDO you are under, it is not like your RV-8 in which you can just grab a 100K hamburger when you want.

 

[Griz882]

As Chuck said, its a lot of work, and don't confuse experimental exhibition (EE) with experimental amateur built,(EAB) your ability to use it and how you fly it can vary by the FSDO you are under, it is not like your RV-8 in which you can just grab a 100K hamburger when you want.

This is true. Around here my FSDO simply wants an annual letter stating what “exhibitions” you plan on visiting and that you will conduct “safety, training, and maintenance” flights ($100 hamburger runs) “At least once a month but no more than X times per month.” I have heard others want a letter each time you fly!

 

[IKE]

Who’s “we?” NTPS?

I think you mean EDA—Excess Defense Articles. That’s usually the route for used US aircraft. You’ve really got to be needy to want a 40YO 57C!

Please, my friend... USNTPS. Don't want to be confused with National TPS in Mojave. But, yes.

I didn't realize there was a distinction between FMS and EDA, I just know some are going overseas.

 

[Griz882]

Please, my friend... USNTPS. Don't want to be confused with National TPS in Mojave

Sounds like a Harvard kid when someone tells them Cornell is an Ivy League school.