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John, I can NOT imagine the FAA changing the Sport Pilot rules to somehow invalidate the Coupes C and CD from being used as Sport. They meet the regs and that's that. Whether you manage to find a formula which allows the increased weight or not, I can't imagine the FAA acting vindictively. Mike Berry made and interesting point that the FAA has specified that no control system changes may be allowed in the field. If that's so, your only option would be to get permission for a plane to be converted to be a "D-minus," limited to 1320 lb. gross weight for Sport eligibility. Then there would be no changes that are not already allowed by the type certificate. At the same time, there would be the upgraded limiting weight to 1320. Good luck. Probably talking with Marty Weaver, manager of the Sport Pilot division would be a good starting point. Tell him about how the models are eligible as C/CD or as D and ask if there's any way a plane could be converted to D with a 1320 gross weight restriction. Good luck. Ed -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2005 3:05 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [COUPERS-TECH] 415-C as a Sprt Pilot Plane Ed and Thomas, Thank you for responding to my question. Many of the responses have had a negative connotation. Such as, "If you mess with it, the FAA will take the 415-C out of the Sport Pilot classification." Or, "We worked a long time to get the 415-C into the Sport Pilot catagory and we don't want to do anything that would make the FAA change its mind." I've been flying for almost 27 years now, almost 1500 hours as a single engine owner with an instrument rating. I've never had a problem with the FAA (except with the Medical Department) and I'm using their rules to continue my flying as a Sport Pilot. Is there any reason to believe that the FAA would vindictively change the Sport Pilot Rule because someone wanted to use their process for improving aircraft? I have no knowledge or experience with Field Approvals and STCs but I know that they have been used for years to improve aircraft, make them safer and more useful. Today many manufacturers are looking at the Sport Pilot Rule to determine what they would have to change to make their aircraft fit within the rule. Should owners of vintage and experimental aircraft do less? As I find out more about how the FAA process works and what their requirements would be, I'll be in a better position to determine the feasibility of attempting to certify a higher gross weight for my coupe. It may prove to be an unworkable process or one that is too expensive to pursue. But for now, I think that it is worth investigating -- unless I find that it would create problems for other owners. Please send any additional thoughts you may have. I appreciate your taking the time to write. John Roach ========================================================================== ==== To leave this forum go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm Search the archives on http://escribe.com/aviation/coupers-tech/
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