Rick and netters
I am not trying to say anyone is wrong, I have just been around the FAA for a
long time, and I really don't care what one presenter is saying at a local
meeting, until I see it in print in the regs, and so far it is NOT published
concerning ELSA just LSA in Part21, I would not count on being able to certify
my plane under that designation. No where in the rules does it say that you may
simply apply for a Special Airworthiness Amateur Built and then after testing
state that it complies with ELSA so it will be operated in that category and
requires that licensure from the pilot. It clearly states in Part 21 that to
qualify for LSA the information and testing data that supports that must be
submitted at the time of the application. I find it very difficult to believe
that IN PRACTICE the FAA will conduct Amateur Built in reverse, especally since
this new category lowers the pilot requirements to be able to fly. You and I
have both seen Zodiac 601 & 701s reported to be able to qualify for the LSA &
ELSA rules, along with the Pioneer 200 from Alpi, and offering from Wicks, and
many others. Yet so far the partial list only includes the J3 cub types, of
course ultralights, yet some are still not included on their list. I have
included a brief description from the rule of the aircraft.
Light Sport Aircraft:
a.. Light sport aircraft are defined as simple, low-performance, low-energy
aircraft that are limited to -
a.. 1,320 pounds maximum certificated gross weight (1,430 lb for
seaplane/float equipped)
b.. Maximum of two-occupant seating
c.. A single engine (non-turbine)
d.. Maximum airspeed of 120 knots
e.. Fixed landing gear
f.. Maximum stall speed (without lift enhancing devices) of 45 knots
b.. Aircraft meeting the above specifications, such as a Piper J-2 or J-3,
Aeronca Champ, or early model Taylorcraft, may be flown by sport pilots.
It is also interesting to note that the FAA make it quite clear in the rule
that they will use their judgement in determining whether an aircraft meets the
ELSA criteria or not. They also specifically prohibit the mdoification of
existing aircraft that perform outside the parameters of the ELSA from being
modified to qualify, stating that this is not the purpose of the rule. They
clearly state that the purpose of the new rule is to bring under regulation
aircraft who were previously being operated undet Part 103 without
certification. Be careful. If you think you can just claim your version of the
KR complies with Sport Pilot, and so it is one, think again. According to
comments and explainations in the new rule, available online from EAA and AOPA,
the aircraft must meet the same consensus standard and requirements as the LSA
manufacturers. As I said before, the FAA makes it clear that this rule is not
for allowing existing designs or aircraft to be built or re-built as LSA or
ELSA, but rather to certify aircraft previously operating under Part 103. With
so many flying examples of the KR already exceeding the parameters, you will
have to significantly change this design in order to convince the FAA that it
is LSA or ELSA.
Colin & Bev Rainey
KR2(td) N96TA
Sanford, FL
[email protected]
http://kr-builder.org/Colin/index.html
