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AFM Supplement for IFR

The Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) for our SuperD, N26BY, restricts it to VFR-only flight. We would like to add a GPS 175, GNC 215 nav/com, GMU11 magnetometer, a G5 ADI, a G5 HSI, an Aero Instruments AN5812-12 12V Heated Pitot Tube, and a PS PMA4000 audio panel to the Appaero Stratus ESG transponder, SL40 comm transceiver, digital clock, and other panel instruments. The intent of adding these components is to obtain a Supplemental AFM that approves flight in less-than-VFR conditions (we're frequently delayed or prevented to flying to aerobatic events or stranded at the event site for days awaiting favorable weather) .

TCDS A21CE_Rev_16-2 does not limit 8KCABs to VFR-only flight. This is an AFM restriction, as mentioned above.

The ACA website advertises an IFR panel SuperD. from which I infer that there's an AFM for the IFR equipped 8KCAB that authorizes flight in less-than-VFR conditions. Does ACA pursue approval for a Supplemental AFM for each IFR 8KCAB that it builds?

Does ACA have a Data Package (as defined by AC 43-210) that we could use as a template to submit a draft Data Package to our FSDO or to the West Certification Branch branch office, citing the example of the IFR 8KCAB but using the equipment additions listed above?

Any help would be very much appreciated.

6 answers0 replies

6 Comments

Dave Palmer

Mar 19

I’ll get back with that info.

Dave Palmer

Mar 19

I’ve installed a Garmin 750, two G5s and a heated pitot tube for the purpose of n cessation IFR flights. When I need them they are there.

mamontb

Mar 19

Replying to

Thanks, Dave.

May I ask which heated pitot tube you installed and from whom you purchased it?

American Champion

Mar 18

The 8KCAB Super Decathlon is certified for VFR-only flight per its Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), regardless of installed equipment. While ACA offers an IFR-equipped panel, this does not grant IFR certification.

To pursue IFR approval, you must work with your local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) and submit a Data Package for evaluation.

mamontb

Mar 19

Replying to

I understand the VFR-onlyl limitation in the AFM, which is the reason I want to pursue a Supplement that permits flight under less-than-VFR conditions.

Is ACA aware of any owners who have purchased a SuperD with the IFR panel option who subsequently pursued approval of a Supplemental AFM?

I'm aware that an STC was approved for an IFR 8KCAB, but it was for a single airplane. My interpretation of the AC is that an STC shouldn't be required.

mamontb

Mar 19

Replying to

I understand that a Supplementary AFM is considered a Major Alteration that must be approved by an FSDO and possibly by the regional [West] Certification Branch office. I'm happy to initiate the effort. I've been advised that I should expect one of the first questions that the FSDO ASI will ask is "what does the factory think?". Given that the Scout and Denali are IFR airplanes, I'd like to believe that ACA would have no objections or concerns that might dissuade the FAA cognizant offices from working with me to obtain a Supplemental AFM that would supersede the 8KCAB "VFR-only" restriction.