Welding on an LAA aircraft

[G-SQUO]

Obviously, a high standard of welding is required on all aircraft but if an aircraft welder has let his coding(s) lapse, although he has almost definitely not lost his skills, would it be wrong to get him to carry out a repair to an LAA aircraft?
Thanks

[Brian Hope]

Hi Paul, certainly in the past it was possible to get LAA approval of a non CAA welder to carry out work on an aircraft if he held some kind of appropriate certification or provided adequate samples of his work. My brother got an approval that way although it was for a one off project rather than being able to carry out work for all and sundry.
Also, if the welding is not to a structural component then there is some leeway in who can carry it out the repair/fabrication. It is certainly worth having a word with your inspector and/or Engineering.

[G-SQUO]

Cheers Brian, I will make some enquiries this afternoon. The welder in question turns out some very high quality TIG work so it would be a shame if he couldnt do my repair just because his codings have lapsed.
Fingers crossed!!