Original Posted By: "Christian Bobka"
I am almost ready to call for my inspection, but I have a questionconcerning the experimental sticker. The advisory seems to read that theyhave to be on the outside of the plane very near the door, while looking atsome of the pictures of other completed and flying homebuilts, I've noticedsome of the planes do not have them, I do have the homebuilt warning plaqueson the inside, so my question is do I or don't I have to put theseexperimental labels on the outside?Answer: The requirement for the "experimental" placard near the entrance ofthe aircraft is called out in 14 CFR 45.23(b), which states:"(b) When marks that include only the Roman capital letter "N" and theregistration number are displayed on limited or restricted category aircraftor experimental or provisionally certificated aircraft, the operator shallalso display on that aircraft near each entrance to the cabin or cockpit, inletters not less than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches in height, the words"limited," "restricted," "experimental," or "provisional airworthiness," asthe case may be."Notice two things about this regulation:First, it says "on the aircraft". It does not say on the OUTSIDE of theaircraft. (More on this later.)Second, it mentions that this placard is needed "(w)hen marks that includeonly the Roman capital letter "N" and the registration number aredisplayed..." This somewhat cryptic sentence refers to the option providedin 14 CFR 45.22(b)(1)(ii), which states in part:"(1) It displays in accordance with 45.21(c) marks at least 2 inches highon each side of the fuselage or vertical tail surface consisting of theRoman capital letter "N" followed by:(i) The U.S. registration number of the aircraft; or(ii) The symbol appropriate to the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft("C", standard; "R", restricted; "L", limited; or "X", experimental)followed by the U.S. registration number of the aircraft..."45.22(b)(1)(ii) allows an aircraft which holds an experimental airworthinesscertificate to display the registration number as "NX12345" if desired. Whenthe "NX" designation is displayed, the "experimental" placard near theentrance is not required. Here's the guidance provided in FAA Order 8130.2D,paragraph 17 (on page 8):"d. In addition, 45.23(b) provides that when the appropriate symbol isused with the nationality and registration marks in accordance with 45.22(b)(1)(ii), the words "limited," "restricted," or "experimental" arenot required to be displayed on the aircraft."Now, back to the placement of the "experimental" placard. As mentioned, theregulation does not specifically state that the placard must be on theoutside of the aircraft. The real issue is to place the placard (ifrequired) in a location that can be viewed by passengers as they board theaircraft. Many times, the configuration of the door or canopy lends itselfto placing this placard on an interior surface that is readily viewable fromoutside the aircraft when the door or canopy is open for boarding. Mostinspectors will accept this type of placement, but if you're planning onusing the placard (rather than using "NX" in the registration number) Iwould suggest discussing the placard location with the inspector who will beconducting the final inspection on your aircraft. This way, you won't get anunpleasant surprise during the inspection.________________________________________________________________________________