p.mulwitz(at)worldnet.att
Guest
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 Posted: Fri May 05, 2006 8:14 pm Post subject: E-LSA Airworthiness Certificate in the USA. |
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I had a nice chat with the local FAA inspector who issues
airworthiness certificates yesterday. One of the things I discussed
with him was the choice of E-LSA or E-AB airworthiness certificate
for my CH601XL. This came up for several reasons, but the main one
was the fact that one of my local EAA club members just got an E-LSA
certificate for his new Kit-Fox.
The only down side to the E-LSA choice seems to be the need for a 16
hour class to get the repairman's certificate needed to sign off on
annual inspections. I don't mind this very much since I think the
training would probably be valuable anyway.
One down side cited by the EAA when I asked them about this was the
notion that you can't fly a plane with E-LSA certificate at night or
under IFR. It turns out this is just plain wrong. E-LSA planes can
be flown under the same conditions (except over densely populated
areas until the rule is changed) as E-AB or part 23 certified
planes. Of course the special equipment requirements apply for
flight under these conditions like nav/strobe lights and instrument checks.
The bright side of the E-LSA choice is a shorter phase I flight test
period. The guy with the Kit-Fox got only 5 hours. The inspector
told me my choice of Jabiru with the new Sensenich prop would
probably get me 10 or 15 hours of phase I requirement. Just about
any engine/prop we put in a Zodiac would get a 40 hour requirement if
certified as E-AB.
I completely misunderstood the regs about E-LSA. I thought only a
kit from an S-LSA manufacturer that was built to exactly match the
S-LSA could get this certificate. It turns out the reg written for
the "Ultralight Trainers" is worded so that anything that doesn't
meet part 103 can get this certificate and be used for flight
training for hire for several years. (Of course, there is no
guarantee you can get insurance for that training on a home-built airplane.)
Anyone facing the same choice (which should be nearly everyone
building a 601 or 701) should talk to their inspector or DAR to get
the latest information before finalizing the paper work.
Paul
XL wings
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