Microlighters

Background info :

December 2006 : After months of searching, I finally found a secondhand trike suited to my needs and budget, to buy. Still busy with my training and new to the whole microlighting thing, I relied on the previous owners word, and that of an AP officer I asked to have a look at it. It was a 1990 model, but according to the logbook, and a few other pieces of paper, it didn’t have a part on it older than a couple of years or more than 250 hrs, wing even less. I bought it, and my instructor at the time helped with the registration and new ATF at CAA.

December 2007 : Went to the CAA myself to have the ATF renewed, and as you know, I paid the fee, and a CAA representative got the file on my trike, and we ended up in his office to review the whole case. I immediately noticed that the file, with my reg number written all over it, was as thick as 5 logbooks stacked on top of each other. During our little talk, he searched for some information in the file, and although I tried to also have a look at that stack of papers from across the table, I got the impression that the info contained in that file, was not for my eyes.

The Question : Am I as registered owner, allowed to have a look at my aircraft’s file ?
I mean, I bought it, doesn’t all the documentation related to that aircraft, belong to me now ? Even the ones held by the CAA ?

Now : I am once again in the market for a second hand trike or 3 axes, and I was also wondering if CAA will have me look at an aircraft’s file that I am considering buying ?

Will they allow, or should the allow me to have a look at the history, or any other related info regarding a aircraft that I am about to put my life, my loved ones life and even that of strangers in it ?

What do you all think ?

I haven’t taken the issue up with the CAA yet, but I am going to next week, since there is a 3 axis I’m interested in.

This is IMHO what you should have

You should have copies of every application form every filled in for your aircraft including noise ceertificates and weight and balance
Originals of every Registration and ATF that was issued for your aircraft
All the original Log books.
The build manual if home built
the Owners Handbook

CAA should have
Original application forms
Original Noise certificates, W&B etc etc
copies I suppose of all issued registrations and documents
certified copies of the logbooks
Internal communications and complaints etc lodged against that registration.

I think any potential buyer should have the right to see such documents....

I know of a few chaps that have bought aircraft and later found out that the aerie was in a prang or incident of some sorts not disclosed at purchase.

In the spirit of transparency and safety, I think it should be the norm.... however, I don't think CAA will disclose all relevant info without the owner's consent or presence. Maybe some present owners might get surprises of their own when their aircrafts file is opened in front of them....

As jy lieg moet jy dink.....

A couple of years ago I had both my trike and Avid inspected and the AP took the log books and all documents with as he was going to the CAA and would return with the Ato Fly, however, he was hijacked and all was gone.

I went to Andre at the CAA and he had my files pulled and had copies made of the log book pages, no fuss and very helpfull.

They are the CAA and not the CIA, I do not see any reason why they should have any sercrecy over the contents in a file of a 18 year old NTCA type aircraft.

I agree that you do as you intend, go and ask!. Tell them you have seen more documents in their file than you have in yours and could you go through the file to see whats what, in the interest of safety.
Be interesting to see if they refuse and on what grounds, and do you have a right to appeal through Misasa &/or the Aero Club.

Keep this forum posted on the outcome as this may be a regular occurance.

I know, shortly I need to go back and get the balance of what they have to bring my documents up to date in order to obtain an Ato F for the above aircraft.

That is a very sensible approach Dusty E.....

TRANSPARENCY !

I think that when buying a aerie we should be allowed to see some of the doc's in case it had been broken or such!
I very strongly feel that you must buy an aerie that some one you trust (who knows aeries) has given his okay on. Then you know that it prob is in good cond.
Good luck with the 3 axis!
And don't forget to the CAA if they don't listen!

Regards