Chapter 2: Buying an Aircraft military surplus Aircraft  • Examine the Special Airworthiness Certificate  and its operating limitations. This certificate is  used for all aircraft that fall under experimental  status and states for what purpose it was issued.  The operating limitations specify any operating  restrictions that may apply to the aircraft. • Check the aircraft maintenance records of  the airframe, engine, propeller, and accessories.  Under 14 CFR part 91, sections 91.305 and  91.319(b), all initial flight operations of experi- mental aircraft may be limited to an assigned  flight test area. This is called Phase I. The  aircraft is flown in this designated area until it  is shown to be controllable throughout its normal  range of speeds and all maneuvers to be executed,  and that it has not displayed any hazardous  operating characteristics or design features.  The required flight time may vary for each  type of aircraft and is covered in the operating  limitations. • After the flight time requirements are met, the  owner/operator endorses the aircraft logbook  with a statement certifying that the prescribed  flight hours are completed and the aircraft  complies with 14 CFR part 91, section 91.319(b).  Phase I records are retained for the life of the  aircraft. • In Phase II, the FAA may prescribe Operating  Limitations for an unlimited duration, as appropriate. • Before taking delivery of the aircraft, make  a final pre-purchase inspection. Ensure that  the Special Airworthiness Certificate, Operating  Limitations, Aircraft Data Plate, Weight and  Balance data, Aircraft Maintenance Records,  and any other required documents are with the  aircraft. If the Special Airworthiness Certificate,  Operating Limitations, and Aircraft Data Plate are surrendered to the FAA by the original  builder, you may not be able to recertificate the  aircraft because you are not the builder. • Amateur-built aircraft require a condition in- spection within the previous 12 calendar months.  This inspection requirement and those who are  eligible to work on the aircraft are addressed  in the Operating Limitations of that particular  aircraft. Since no civil aircraft may be flown unless certifica- ted, you should discuss this with an ASI at your local  FSDO, who can advise you of eligible aircraft and  certification procedures. An additional source for  advice on amateur-built and surplus military aircraft  is the EAA.  When an aircraft has been modified by the military, you  must either return the aircraft to the originally approved  civil configuration, or obtain FAA design approval for  the military modification. This is accomplished through  the STC process. The STC process is also necessary  for modifications to the aircraft for a special purpose  operation (e.g., crop dusting). Once the FAA determines  that the military surplus aircraft conforms to the FAA- approved type design, as noted in FAA Order 8130.2  (as revised), Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft and  Related Products, and military records, you may apply  for an airworthiness certificate. For example, certain military surplus aircraft may be eligible for certification in the RESTRICTED  category and modified for special purpose operations.  Military-derived RESTRICTED category aircraft may  be manufactured in the United States or in a foreign  country, but military surplus aircraft must be surplus of the U.S. Armed Forces. The FAA bases its certi- fication on the operation and maintenance of the air- craft including review of the service life of the aircraft  and any modifications.  Certain surplus military aircraft are not eligible for  FAA certification in the STANDARD, RESTRICTED,  or LIMITED classifications. The FAA, in cooperation  with the Department of Defense (DOD), normally  performs preliminary “screening” inspections on  surplus military aircraft to determine the civil certi- fication potential of the aircraft. For aircraft eligible  for potential certification, you must “show” the FAA  that your aircraft conforms to the FAA-approved type design (type certificate), and that the aircraft is  in a condition for safe operation (airworthy). This  means you are required to provide the technical data necessary to support this showing. Things to consider when buying an amateur-built  aircraft: 2 2-5