Experimental signage

[Utah-Jay]

Does anyone know the FAA requirements for signifying a plane is Experimental? My panel has the safety jargon, but I believe there needs to be a placard for Experimental.

I see some planes that have it in large letters on the top area of the cargo closeout, this would be easy if that is all that is needed

[Tim213]

I believe the applicable rule is FAR 45.23b, which states the word Experimental must be displayed near the entrance to the cockpit or cabin with letters not less than 2 inches or more than 6 inches. On both my Bearhawk and my RV7 the EXPERIMENTAL wording is on the top of the baggage compartment, with both approved by different DARs. BTW a Bearhawk builder two hangars down said he stopped by to see your project and was very impressed.

[Utah-Jay]

Thanks, it is coming along

[BravoGolf]

From the EAA website Experimental Placard


On all amateur-built aircraft you’ll see a placard or lettering that says EXPERIMENTAL. The location of this word varies, but FAR 45.23(b) says it must be displayed near the entrance to the cockpit or cabin in letters that are not less than two inches or more than six inches high. This requirements also applies to aircraft with limited, restricted, and provisional airworthiness.

Where you locate EXPERIMENTAL depends on the airplane you are building and the FAA inspector’s interpretation of “near the entrance to the cockpit or cabin.” The regulation’s intent is to inform all who fly in the airplane that it was constructed by an amateur builder and is not a production airplane that complies with FAR Part 23 (Airworthiness Standards: Normal, Utility, Acrobatic, and Commuter Category Airplanes).

If you have one entrance to the cockpit (such as a canopy), only one side needs to be placarded. Many put EXPERIMENTAL inside the cockpit in a place where it’s visible upon entering. Other builders put the word on both sides of the aircraft. If you are in doubt where to place the word on your airplane, call the FAA inspector or DAR working with you for his or her advice. The word itself can be a decal, individual stick-on letters, painted on with a stencil, etc.

[Bcone1381]

Don't forget about the passenger warning placcard too Below is a link to an EAA article that might be of interest..

https://www.eaa.org/eaa/aircraft-building/builderresources/while-youre-building/building-articles/cockpit-and-cabin-interior/markings-placards-numbers

[jaredyates]

Jay, if you need any help sourcing the placards, we keep some over at bearhawkstore.com and can cut vinyl and paint masks to your specs.

[rodsmith]

Does anyone know the FAA requirements for signifying a plane is Experimental? My panel has the safety jargon, but I believe there needs to be a placard for Experimental.

I see some planes that have it in large letters on the top area of the cargo closeout, this would be easy if that is all that is needed

I placed mine above each front door (interior). On the rear cargo bulkhead might be questioned by some inspectors.

[Utah-Jay]

I placed mine above each front door (interior). On the rear cargo bulkhead might be questioned by some inspectors.

That is my worry. I am thinking on top of the bottom door former, the part where you slide over to sit down

[whee]

Mine is on the rear bulkhead but the DAR that did mine was super chill. Idk how how his replacements are.

[Paul Johnston]

The door sill should be fine-you can’t get any closer to the entrance.

[Utah-Jay]

While I wanted the rear bulkhead, I will settle for the door sill

jaredyates I sent you a text message

[AZBearhawk272]

I have mine on the trim piece on the bottom of the wing
above the door where the wing joins the fuselage.
no one misses it.

Kevin D
# 272
KCHD