Question:
I know that Lancairs have been flying IFR for years, but they have
certified engines, props and instruments.

According to FAA rules, can rotary engined experimental with IFR
instruments and IFR certified CS prop be registered as IFR-certified, or
"IFR approved" ?

Or should the engine be also IFR certified to start with, like eg.
IO-360? This has some connections to PSRU project...

Please comment. Did I forgot something?

Cheers,
Petri

Question, what is an "IFR certified" powerplant or prop?

C. Smith



 There is no IFR certification by the FAA of experimental aircraft. The
 standard operating limitations issued by the FAA for Experimental
 (Amateur Built) specify Day VFR operation "unless equipped for night VFR
 and/or IFR in accordance with FAR section 91.205.  The representative of
 the Administrator issuing the Airworthiness Certificate and accompanying
 Operating Limitations may add any other limitations they feel necessary
 for safety, so it would be prudent to discuss this issue with the
 persons you consider to employ for certification of your airplane.
 Choose a DAR who is not antagonistic towards rotary power. Both my
 IO-470 powered RV-8 and my Subaru-powered (all-electric, fuel injected)
 RV-6 have the preceding language permitting IFR if equipped per Part 91.

 Victor Roberts


 I'm fully aware of all of this Victor, which is why I asked the question,
 what is an IFR certified engine or prop.
 A "aircraft" is certified for operation as IFR, an experimental gets an
 airworthiness certificate with operating limitations.
 Powerplants and props get certification for use on certificated aircraft,
 but I'm not familiar with the "IFR" bit as it pertains
 an engine or propeller, and would like to know more about this.
 Thanks.
 C. Smith

Hi,

My question could be set confusingly, I am not familiar with the
procedure how FAA gives permits for IFR flying for experimental
aircraft. I just know that it could and has been done.

That talk about IFR certifed prop and engine has it's origin on some
shady bits of information like "you cannot get IFR with xxx prop" and
"you need redundant systems to get a single IFR certified".

What's interesting is how auto engine conversion like rotary engine mix
with this - does 13B count as "sufficiently verified" design or should
one expect difficulties when trying to get that IFR certification.

Victor's reply implies that the result depends on the DAR's attitude.
(Designated Airworthiness Representative?)
Has anybody tried this yet?

Cheers,
Petri



There isn't any IFR certification for experimental aircraft..  If the
manufacturer (you) equips the airplane to meet FAR 91.205, and the
pilot is properly rated, IFR flight is legal.

Another point is that it's possible to have a glider meet IFR
requirements - and be flown in clouds..  They don't have engines or
props.

An experimental will cause no problems for IFR flight from a
regulatory standpoint.


Matt-