Netters: I applied for my Light Sport Inspection Rating today at the
Springfield, IL, FSDO. They amended my original Experimental Operating
Limitations in a few different areas. This one particular change may be of
interest to you guys. Of course the required test hours are different for
Experimental Amateur Built (such as KRs) than for Experimental Light Sport, but
the other requirements are similar.
"Flight testing required for phase 1 operations or as a result of the
incorporation of a major change will be conducted in the assigned test area.
Flight test operations will be conducted under VFR day conditions, with the
pilot as the sole occupant of the aircraft. The aircraft must be operated for
at least 5 hours in the assigned geographical area. Following the satisfactory
completion of the required number of flight hours in the flight test area, the
pilot must certify in the aircraft records that the aircraft has been shown to
comply with Part 91.319(b) with a statement that includes the following
information:
I certify that the prescribed flight test hours have been completed
and the aircraft is controllable throughout its normal range of speeds and
throughout all maneuvers to be executed, has no hazardous operating
characteristics or design features, and is safe for operation. The flight
test was completed under the following conditions: maximum operating
weight, style/set of wing or sail, maximum demonstrated airspeed,
and minimum demonstrated stall speed.
All major changes or modifications will be listed in the aircraft records and
the compliance statement will be restated with the changes listed. The
aircraft may not be operated in excess of the weights and speeds demonstrated."
What is different about this is that the current operating limitations now
being issued no longer require us to contact FSDO if we make a major change in
our aircraft such as changing the engine to a different horsepower, using a
different engine/prop combination, enlarging the vertical stabilizer, or any
other modification that would result in a significant change in the flight
characteristics of our plane. We just need to properly list the changes in the
aircraft records. That being said, it's important that we review and comply
with our own particular Operating Limitations, which may state something quite
different than mine. But, it appears from my experience, that you could
request an appointment with your FSDO to discuss and possibly request a
change(s) to some parts of your operating limitations other than for obvious
reasons like having to do with a move (change in geographical location). If
you haven't looked at your operating limitations for a while, drag them out of
the pouch (you DO keep them in your airplane, right?) and do a quick review.
Finally, since the operating limitations and airworthiness certificate are
integral, I was also issued a brand new airworthiness certificate to reflect
the amendment to my operating limitations.
Ed Janssen
