Warren: I have no idea where you get the idea that any “pay-off agreement” exists but I assure you that is not the case. Hi Greg: Keep clicking or tapping back here. I presume you have not already been denied a medical. Just keep clicking back. But if you look, you may find more important things to focus on as winter drags on. If I was to advise, and assuming you want to buy an aircraft before 2-3 years from now, I would look into all manner of LSA; a growing number of used and well-priced examples are available and can be found in a number of sources such as Barnstormer. My sugar is under control. At night. LSA may be used at night by a Private or better but someone with a Sport Pilot certificate or operating as one (no medical) cannot fly at night. While the Sport category is still somewhat new and is already getting major changes to increase weight and add other goodies when it actually wasn’t as necessary as increasing the weight that struggling ultralight pilots need just to be able to fly safely. 5.) Only — and I do mean only — use oils that meet the Mil/SAE specs recommended. Is there a reason they are not doing this? FAA’s economists must assure the regulation does not put undue economic burden on the public and taxpayers. The tailBeaconX, which replaces a rear navigation light in general aviation aircraft, includes a transponder, ADS-B OUT, SBAS GPS, and rear LED position light. I’m a student pilot who has put training, and an RV-10 build, on hold because I learned I would have to pay thousands of dollars to attempt a special issuance medical (SSRI) only to win the possibility of being told I can never fly again. John Bendig submitted this photo and note: "My 1974 Maule M5-220C based at Erie International Airport (KERI) in Pennsylvania. Dan, Would you expect that a Bearhawk would fall under the new LSA rules (engine dependent)? I may generally agree with the thrust of your comments but believe we have to pursue goals when the setting is right. 6.) Thank you Dan for the update! How long can aviation oil sit on the shelf? In the rest of the world, this plane is approved at a much higher weight. He said that legacy owners would be given the choice of keeping their certified status or change to a new status that would enable the owner to use experimental equipment, etc. The Light Sport world is still alive, but it’s a niche industry with few breakout winners. Hi Michael: As to #1 — Yes, changes are coming to increase professional builder centers. I would have no problem going to my doctor for a physical, however with the medicine I am on can not pass a Medical. LAMA does not create any rules nor need anyone lobby LAMA to work toward this and other expansions of privilege for LSA. Patrick: To even begin to answer your comment, I would need to know which aircraft has been orphaned. Hi RJ: It’s like I heard you with today’s post. Do you know if Light Sport Pilots will be able to fly say a Cessna 177 under the new rules? How about a return to allowing IFR certification? © 2021 General Aviation News. Hi David: We are presently working on a new progress report. the 150 is not and that is all about the added complication i.e. FAA executive management has considerable say in how and where this goes, so executives overseeing this work have begun attending a series of weekly meetings. It is a well-thought-out system designed to govern the certification and regulation of non-Part 103 compliant ultralight aircraft and pilots. The fact remains that nothing in regulation prohibits a LSA from being used to fly IFR, even IMC. Dan, if the FAA was so concerned about the safety of pilots and planes, you would think they would give an exception to us orphaned SLSA aircraft to equip with ADS-B out. Most pilots of LSA have higher certificates and merely exercise the privileges of Sport Pilot (primarily meaning no aviation medical is needed). See this article for more detail on IFR in LSA. I so often think in terms of the aircraft that I confused myself. However, try to take along a friend, luggage, if you had the space, and enough fuel to fly any distance with a comfortable reserve, well, just forget that idea. Thanks to EAA and the FAA for leaving us out again. FAA refers to a “Power Index.” I know the regulation is not finalized, but are there any real world examples of how the calculation would/might work, I am just trying to wrap my head around the concept? I own and fly a 150 and am hoping I will be able to fly under the rules of Light Sport as I have had a problem keeping my 3rd Class Medical. If the student switches out to Private pilot training before getting his certificate, none of the CFI-S hours count. I have the same interest. Some can also travel quite a long distance without stopping. Couldn’t he fly a properly equipped LSA at night? Think there's no way you could own an airplane? The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing. The Background. Training and experience in different conditions makes a better pilot. As to joysticks, well you have some choices now, for example, the TL Aircraft Sirius or the handsome new Colt from Texas Aircraft, who must have been listening to you. I know that was in reference to the LSA category, but is it possible (from the conversations you’ve had) to imply that the FAA also feels that way about the Sport Pilot certificate? I will discuss this with my advocacy partners. Before we get to details, let’s review the situation. Follow up questions… While I cannot argue against pilots waiting out this regulation, it will not be coming soon (my best, earliest guess is 2021). Gone are those days! I’m in your airspace and want to be safe and install ADS-B in my airplane but the FAA won’t let me. To be effective April 2, 2010 to the Federal Register . Hi Dan, More broadly, LAMA and USUA absolutely support smaller, slower, less costly, more highly specialized aircraft that add so much appeal to this segment of recreational aviation. Hi Jay: Yes, in fact, you hit a specific point. Is anybody mentioning the inconsistencies in pilot/plane privileges between LSA Aircraft and “Gliders” (LSA or not)? And, would the revised rules apply to the existing Fleet or would the new planes emerge with the revised weight? DAN’S RESPONSE: I think FAA gets this but I have heard nothing about dropping Recreational Pilot (certificate) or Primary Category (aircraft) even though these are the least-used aspects of FAA regulation in my lifetime. Wise advice later suggested trimming the wish list to something the FAA could handle. The Lightning from Arion Aircraft is available as either a Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA or ELSA) or as an Experimental Amateur Built version. I also switched it back to Part 23 Standard Category after the parachute gained approval. FAA has rarely allowed an aircraft registered one way to be moved to another category so you have some risk of being stuck in that category. (I realize the Stemme S12 at $500K is beyond many pilots reach, but $150K for a SAMBA XXL o r even less for Sundancer motorglider seems pretty reasonable for a NEW well loaded aircraft (Register-able as a S-LSA or S-LSA Glider.)”. I am in the process of running a nonprofit program to help veterans who can not pass a current third class due to issues that they received while serving the greatest country in the world. Of course depending on how the regulation all plays out. That defined, yes, it could be decided that those using a Sport Pilot certificate (needing no medical) may have some restrictions that a pilot with a higher certificate may be permitted to do (night flight, for example). Hi Dan, just curious about one thing. I'm wondering if the changes in the Light Sport category to include such planes as the Cessna 150 that I am hearing are being considered by the FAA. Even FAA has no firm answers yet as the rule is still in development. Good luck❗️. And would a Sport Pilot be able to fly it? Now that’s something to get excited about, Of Wings & Things by Frederick A. Johnsen, A-20 Havoc spanned the war with grace and speed, Bomber escort failed, but chin turret scored, One Pilot’s View: The perfect combination. The J3 IS a LEGAL certified LSA aircraft !! Seems reasonable enough if it allows for things like a single lever constant speed prop; something I am unclear about at this time. Hi James: I am not correcting your numbers as I cannot speak to what is allowed by European national CAAs or EASA but motorgliders operating as Light-Sport Aircraft under U.S. regulations cannot weigh more than 1,320 pounds. As to #2 — I am less informed on this question, but would again direct you to EAA. Sport Pilot? The current rules create some serious confusion around this particular point…, Hi Jay: I won’t try to explain FAA’s thinking on this as medical-problem-related accidents are statistically insignificant. That’s a whole separate issue I think is ridiculous. I will wait this out with fingers crossed. I wish you all the best and I share your hope that FAA’s new plans may aid your goals. While easier than a standard airmen’s medical, it still has some obstacles to clear (ask EAA or AOPA for details; it’s a program they requested). LSAs have a mission, sport flying, and that’s what a lot of us primarily do. Despite the uncertainty at this stage, you are right to be excited about the new opportunities we are facing. Sport aviation is growing rapidly. Once an NPRM is published, a comment period follows to hear from the public after which FAA needs time to address the concerns raised during that comment period. Neither will FAA be prescriptive about (that is, tightly defining) powerplants. I just learned about these possible rule changes and I’m very excited! i was under the impression, there would be changes to the rules to open up more airplanes to us Sport Pilots, to fly. The Preamble is what is used to justify the rule and is written first. Following a lengthy teleconference at the end of June 2019, LAMA, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, provided another update. © 2021 ByDanJohnson.com || Dan Johnson Media Corp. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! “Peanut gallery” comments are always welcome. The concern about it becoming “more restrictive” is weak and getting old. The Limited Edition includes just eight aircraft, according to company officials. If I tell you that Part 103 ultralights are selling exceptionally well during COVID-19, would you believe it? I understand from various articles that the FAA is considering expanding aspects of the LSA and Sport Pilot License, but such is still several years out (2023 or so). We have Light-Sport Aircraft and the Sport Pilot certificate. Six years on, FAA officials said they have included for consideration every LAMA request, putting these suggestions in the draft regulation that FAA personnel will now begin to closely review. The aircraft looked very much like a scaled down commercial jetliner, with four individually podded engines suspended from pylons in a fashion reminiscent of the Boeing 707. However, I am struggling with the weight restrictions and have avioded making the purchase as I debate the pros and cons of this particular plane. That’s because the FAA has a deadline mandated by Congress of the end of 2023 to complete the revisions. Regardless, the number of Sport Pilot certificates remains rather modest. You can take ill shortly after you successfully pass your medical. A significant change is expected in what defines the FAA’s light sport aircraft category—a change that could add tens of thousands of aircraft to the ranks. Any mention of dumping the Recreation Pilot License or removing the required Medical within 5 years? “2.) See FAR 61.109 (l). class medical lapse. That’s right, if anything, a positive change on part 103 is what would keep the public safer, not the other way around! It is too early to know this. In addition, others inside the FAA will have their say. FAA simply does not have all the answers yet and then, it goes out for public comment, after which it will surely be somewhat revised. The plane is hooked up to a heater in the engine cowling and battery minder. It doesn't take much to get a bunch of pilots, let alone instructors, engaged in a good healthy round of hangar talk. I am very interested in Sport Pilot planes being more useful. When will you guys work to make a medical easier to get? U.S. or foreign manufacture of light sport aircraft is authorized. Beyond all logic and reason there remains a group of nitwits who disparage female pilots because…now, brace yourself for this logic…they’re women. They do not make rules, either. It was reportedly FAA’s legal department that held up SP/LSA for almost three years and the reason was said to be their concern over no medical. New Sport Pilot rules update published February 1, 2010 Title 14 CFR Part 43, 61, 91, and 141. Any consideration of what will happen to Light Sport Student Pilots who have completed written exam during this window but may or may collect their license? A large number of modern certified European aircraft qualify as Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA). Dan, concerning sport flight training hours 61.109 says for a sport pilot certificate holder the hours apply toward a PPL. Just wanted to add my kudos. The rule covers both aircraft and pilots and from my perspective is good (least from a While 2020's sales marked the lowest amount of sales in the Avionics Market Report's nine-year history, officials with the Aircraft Electronics Association note that the industry experienced "healthy sales growth" during the last six months of the year as pandemic restrictions loosened. Flying Is the perfect combination of everything I love: Freedom, this great state and nation, technology, beauty, photography, practical and speedy travel, and socializing. “All this is seen [within the agency] as relieving on industry; enabling, not tightening the screws,” said FAA. I’ll offer my suggestion for two relevant considerations right here: The AOPA Flight Training Scholarships and the live webcast of this year’s R.A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy presentation. However, if you lack a medical, then you may not fly an LSA at night, although the aircraft may be capable and properly equipped. I do understand that PPL requires more training however it comes out to maybe 5-10 hours of dual instruction compared to what the average sport pilot requires… *END RANT*. Required fields are marked *. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s inability to see the landing gear position light because his iPad was blocking his view of it and his feeling of being rushed during the approach and landing. One of the most-asked questions is when will this rule be announced, meaning when will an NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) be published for public comment. Additionally, any such change is still 2-3 years away from being implemented …with whatever changes happen from FAA’s own internal deliberations and then what may be thousands of comments to the NPRM. (i) Operating light-sport aircraft. Most LSAs really turn out to be a one-person aircraft and most of the time the solitude is bliss but it would be nice to share our passion with a friend once in a while. The new ruleset has been discussed since 2017 and started to take shape in early 2019. In recent months many light aviation enthusiasts have been asking about progress on FAA’s proposed rewrite of the Light-Sport Aircraft regulations. LAMA and USUA recently had conversations with two essential FAA departments: Aircraft Certification and Flight Standards. Flight Standards addresses the operation side. I do not believe Power Index will involve useful load, safety gear, or other considerations. We’ll report any changes on we we are briefed by FAA. We also traveled multiple times to visit FAA officials in person. I’m not a fan at all and don’t see any advantage using a stick for control… they are way too light in my opinion. Hi Jay: First, it is difficult to know what the final words will be in this complex rule. Thanks for the kind words. Would you prefer a seat at the table or just wait to see what happens? I cannot answer with certainty but think that you should be able to get most of what you want, although all that gear will certainly increase the price. Any consideration of what will happen to Light Sport Student Pilots who have completed written exam during this window but may or may collect their license? Dan, thanks very much for the info. LAMA and USUA have worked to persuade the FAA to open up opportunities, not just for pilots, but for the builders of LSAs and the companies that service the LSA community. FAA is also reviewing what type of mechanics (LSR-M or A&P) can do what kind of work on specific systems of aircraft (examples: in-flight adjustable prop or electric propulsion systems). Best is if the “affordable” side of aviation can thrive, even as the organizations hope for changes to allow activities, such as commercial use. However, this remains speculation at this point. (Kit aircraft need not make such proofs, but a Sport Pilot can only fly the aircraft if it meets LSA parameters.) It seems we're still no closer to an answer today than we were then. When all else fails, a Part 103 is a good opportunity but you cannot carry passengers or fly faster than 55 knots (63 miles an hour) among other restrictions such as a maximum five gallons of gasoline.