BUILDERS RECORD

I've started to make my builders log book, using a 4" wide 3-ring binder that has a number of numbered page dividers and a index list on the cover page. This blog does a fine job of organizing one's build. But as a DAR I always like to see a builder's log in print because so many of the projects that I went to do a certificate action on were in remote Alaska bush areas and no internet available or very expensive to launch.

As I would look through the log pages I'd use what I was seeing to ask the builder of record questions pertinent to their build process. A DAR has to make certain that the builder(s) show that they knew the build process as pertaining to any potential questions about the aircraft being inspected. Remember there are only two things that happen at the inspection: the builder must show, and the FAA (the DAR) must find: that the aircraft is in a condition safe for flight. So, if the DAR is told that the builder welded the frame or some item on the aircraft, asking questions as to how they welded it and the process used could quell any potential questions of airworthiness and safety of the process.

As I progress in my build I'll log in paper and photos all the aspects of the build including any costs and times to include research time looking for parts or data on the build itself. That data will be taken from this log process .... since it is so easy to use and keep me organized.