Tom wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I just talked to a coupe owner in Twin Falls Idaho who is having an annual next week. He claims his IA has talked to their FSDO about the change from a C model to a D model four years ago and the FAA said it can be changed back to a C model. I will be at Oshkosh next week but will follow up on this when I get back. Maybe their is light at the end of the tunnel after all!!! <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Tom, It has always been legal to change a D model Coupe back to its original model (either C or CD). But, be aware that by the definition of Light Sport Aircraft, that reconverted C model aircraft may never be flown by a Sport Pilot acting as pilot in command. The wording in the definition of an LSA is very clear, it says: _____________________________________ Light-sport aircraft means an aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered-lift that, since its original certification, has continued to meet the following: (1) A maximum takeoff weight of not more than-- (i) 660 pounds (300 kilograms) for lighter-than-air aircraft; (ii) 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms) for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or (iii) 1,430 pounds (650 kilograms) for an aircraft intended for operation on water. ______________________________________ A plane that has been legally converted to be a D model does not meet this definition because, as a D model, it was certified for a gross weight higher than 1,320 lb. If you are a Sport Pilot or a Private Pilot operating under privileges of a Sport Pilot and own a 415-D, then you may only fly planes that qualify under the LSA definition. In this case, the light at the end of the tunnel will be a train. Sorry. Stop by the type club tent. Maybe I'll see you at Oshkosh. I'll be there Sunday afternoon until Tuesday morning and I'll spend some time of that time at the Ercoupe booth. Ed Ed Burkhead http://edburkhead.com/Ercoupe/index.htm East Peoria, Illinois ed -at- edburk???head.??com (remove the ? marks and change -at- to @)
