Experimental aircraft and logging hours
 

Hi all,



I’m a CASA-authorised flight instructor and I’m considering providing dual instruction to my son as he works toward his PPL (and eventually CPL) in a VH-registered experimental / amateur-built aircraft that we own and built



I’m looking for feedback or experiences from anyone who has:

• Trained students in experimental/amateur-built aircraft in Australia for PPL or CPL hours
• Logged hours in such aircraft for CASA Part 61 compliance
• Encountered any issues with CASA regarding Phase 1 restrictions, operating limitations, or logbook acceptance

Any practical advice or lessons learned on making sure the hours are accepted toward PPL/CPL aeronautical experience would be greatly appreciated!

My understanding is an experimental can be used by the owner for dual instruction, Part 91.880 refers.

VH is VH

Agreed. I do my AFR's in the RV when I can. At some point, I'll probably do my CPL flight test in it as well.

I'm pretty sure even RAAus 3-axis counts towards the issue of a CPL these days.

Unless it's recently changed only the owner or part-owner can do ab initio training in a homebuilt experimental aircraft.

CASR1998
91.880 Experimental aircraft—kinds of operations permitted

For the purposes of subparagraph 91.875(2)(d)(ii), the kinds of operation are as follows:
...
(d) flying training (other than for the issue of a pilot licence);

That was also my understanding, type-endorsements, AFR/IR renewals etc and feature endorsements would be ok. I assume that would extend to Instrument Rating training.

Some schools will refuse to instruct due to insurance concerns, not to mention that the aircraft is experimental.

I think this requirement is waived for owner builders but not for owners who have purchased an already built expiremental.

Tis too late in the evening for rule delving but over the decades I have done a lot of training in homebuilts including for the issue of a PPL. Its always been to the builders who need specific training in their own aircraft. To the best of my knowledge design feature endorsements can be done in a purchased expermental for the new owner/owners. I have done a fair few of these as well. How else can the owner of an existing say RV get a tailwheel endorsement or a CSU for that matter? I know some that will argue this but a tailwheel endo in particular is becoming impossible to get in some parts of the country.

To the very best of my knowledge, hour building towards a non intergrated CPL (200 hour) can also be done in an expirmemental.

This is not me :-)

I cant remember the exact figure, but I did about 100 hours towards CPL. Then have gained another 1000+ hours Raas since achieving CPL and had no issues getting regional airline jobs (ATPL)