Jerry nailed it.
Experimental Amateur Built aircraft can change their gross weight simply by filing a change and getting approval. The FAA specifically does not want thousands of EAB aircraft suddenly becoming LSA eligible. Now, years later, the desired revitalization of U.S. aircraft manufacturing has mostly failed to happen. The FAA might, possibly, consider some changes. Don't hold your breath. I really don't expect it to happen in spite of some of the off-the-record statements by EAA people and others. Ed _____ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jerry Eichenberger Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2009 8:46 AM To: G. Davis; [email protected] Subject: RE: SPAM-LOW: [ercoupe-tech] legal LSA The rules in this area are the way they are for a fairly good reason. FAA didn't want to see a bunch of STCs emerge to lower the gross weight of several aircraft that are slightly over 1320, down to 1320 so they would qualify as LSA. Such airplanes as the Cessna 120/140, later Champs, earlier Citabrias, later Luscombes, etc. are all candidates for LSA if their gross could be lowered by just a little built via the STC route. Again, we can't lose sight of the reasons behind the LSA in the first place - LSA wasn't concocted just so pilots without medicals could continue to fly old classic airplanes. Mainly, the reasons behind the LSA movement were: 1. Give the FAA some control over what had become the "heavy ultralight" airplanes, getting their pilots licensed and the aircraft inspected and licensed; and 2. To spurn new manufacturing and sales of a new "class" of aircraft. Jerry E.
