Restoring a WW2 L4 (military Piper Cub)

[el caballero rojo]

Good evening,

I have been searching the Internet for a while now. I looked at the UK CAA, EASA, JAR, local caa´s,... it didn´t make me much wiser.

I am about to start a restoration of a WW2 L4. The aircraft is in a raw state. A lot of work but I have a lot of components to my disposal.

The technical part how to start, I more or less sorted it out. What about the legal part to get the aircraft approved to fly again. It is presently not airworthy but registered in the UK. The restoration will take place in Germany by myself. I am a former military aircraft mechanic. I understand that a lot of work needs to inspected by official people.

My question,... who and how often? The FAA makes it clear that the work has to be supervised by an A&P and checked by AI.
How does it go in Europe. Can I use a local JAR approved mechanic and/or inspector? What paperwork do I need to present.
Do I need to change to another CAA?

Many questions. I would be delighted if somebody could shed some light.

Internet links, books, comments,.... are all very welcome.

Many thanks:)

[Fantome]

...with your search for help with your L4 sir . . . one of the best informed, experienced and helpful is this bloke in the USA

good luck

Fantome (one time owner of two J3s)


RE: [piper-cub-builders]

"Chip Kell" <[email protected]>


[email protected]

[el caballero rojo]

Thanks Fantome,

I am aware of different J3 Cub sites and some names tend to come back every time. I will need to contact him for sure in the future.

Is there anybody who could give me a hint how to proceed with the CAA in Europe as I am still considering the European way instead of the FAA due to the coming EASA rules.

[LowNSlow]

If you can keep the Cub on the British register then you will be far better off rebuilding it under the UK Light Aircraft Association (LAA) rules. This regime allows for owner work to be signed off by an LAA inspector.

Go to the LAA website Welcome to the Light Aircraft Association (http://www.lightaircraftassociation.co.uk/) and make contact with them. I know of one chap who has managed, after jumping through the appropriate hoops, to get his LAA Permit renewed in Australia.

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

What lowNslow said. I used to fly an L4 in UK on PFA permit - lovely little aeroplane. Lots of fun, as long as you weren't in a hurry!

[el caballero rojo]

Thanks LowNSlow ( I like your nickname) and Sheep driver.

A good tip the LAA, I heared about it but did not consider it. An LAA inspector will most probly not be available in Germany where I am rebuilding the Piper Cub.... but I will inform myself.

Maybe it is the way to proceed,

thanks