LSA Rule Change Info - By Dan Johnson (chronological order)

[Dowdy]

I wanted to post updates on the (proposed) Light-Sport Aircraft regulation changes.

Latest Update on FAA’s Plan to Change Light-Sport Aircraft Regulations - July 2019

Start the Countdown: Four Years Will Bring Huge Changes to Light-Sport Aircraft - January 2020

FAA’s Proposed Regulation (MOSAIC) — LAMA’s Spring 2020 Update Report - April 2020


Let's hear your input! Do you like the changes?

I really like the idea of having an in-flight adjustable prop. Also, I think it would be great to see some 4 seat LSAs on the market.


FAA Proposals Under Consideration

What LAMA Originally Requested:

• SLSA (fully built, not kit) Gyroplanes
• Aerial Work / Commercial Use
• Electric Propulsion
• Single Lever Control (in-flight adjustable prop)

More Changes Under Consideration (to present-day LSA):

• Increased weight (see below)
• Four seats
• Retractable gear
• Maximum stall speed
• Capped horsepower
• Increased airspeed
• Hybrid propulsion

[Dowdy]

I tried to look into 4 seat planes with a Rotax (because I have a growing family and I love Rotax engines) but the only thing I could find was a Sling 4 kit. Which I have zero interest in building a plane. And I've always been a fan of high wing planes.

[redpro]

I’d like to see the Aerotrek (and LSAs in general) be certified for night VFR flight. That was the only drawback for me selecting a LSA. But, the pros outweighed this single con for me 20:1!

[andy]

I don't think it would be too much work to bring the Aerotrek up to specs for night flight, need a lighting system for the panel and compass appears to already have wiring for light. Not sure what else is required for night certification. I think the requirements for the light on the panel require a separate source or circuit from radios and engine components. No sure but this would make the aerotrek a even better if you could take it up at night.

[redpro]

Andy, you’re right about not much being left to do to bring the Aerotrek up to spec for night cert.

I had a long discussion with Rob Rollison about why the Aerotrek wasn’t night certified. It boiled down to liability risk vs reward. Rob is a great source of info and perspective about why things are the way they are with the Aerotrek. But I was bummed to learn the plane wasn’t night certified.

In my circumstance, I’m going to teach each of my boys to fly and have them each get their PPL. The only part of training I can’t do in my plane is the night portion, so I’ll have to rent something to do their night requirements.

[Dowdy]

Apr 11, 2020 20:52:08 GMT redpro said:

Andy, you’re right about not much being left to do to bring the Aerotrek up to spec for night cert.

I had a long discussion with Rob Rollison about why the Aerotrek wasn’t night certified. It boiled down to liability risk vs reward. Rob is a great source of info and perspective about why things are the way they are with the Aerotrek. But I was bummed to learn the plane wasn’t night certified.

In my circumstance, I’m going to teach each of my boys to fly and have them each get their PPL. The only part of training I can’t do in my plane is the night portion, so I’ll have to rent something to do their night requirements.

I think I had a similar conversation with Rob. Just about Autopilot. It came down to a liability issue. I completely agree that Rob is an incredible source of information and perspective. But, those changes would attract more buyers. And of course, make our planes more capable.

You also bring up another good point. Most flight schools will likely not purchase an Aerotrek because they can't get their night requirements completed in it. I know the 162 Skycather stays in the air at my local flight school with sport pilots and private pilots because it is cheaper to train in.

I know I would have to convert from S-LSA to E-LSA if I did want to add an auto pilot (which I don't feel comfortable doing..yet). Would you have to do the same thing for it to be 'night certified'?

[redpro]

Dowdy- yes, Rob explained to me that I could drop it down to an E-LSA and be good to go for night flying. But, like you, I’m not confident yet or comfortable with that idea because the devil is in the details and I’m not educated enough yet on those ramifications.

Also, I’m not sure that my boys could take a private pilot check ride in an E-LSA....

Does anyone know about PPL training and check rides in an E-LSA?

Maybe time for me to contact EAA...

But for now I’m staying S-LSA.