June 2004 -- Headline Archive

LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT:
The proposed rule for LSA will soon be released by the government. Optimistic estimates are by Sun 'n Fun in mid April 2004.
The rule specifies five categories of aircraft that can be operated within the performance limitations of the rule: airplanes, weight-shift aircraft, powered parachutes, gliders, and lighter than air. We are encouraged that gyroplanes will also be included, which will make six categories of aircraft allowed to operate under this rule.
"Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft; Proposed Rule."
Here is the original rule as published in the February 5th 2002 issue of the
Federal Register. Scroll down to Federal Aviation Administration and click on PDF where it says the words
"...light-sport aircraft..." under "Air Carrier Certifications and Operations."
Webpage with Rule
You can open the PDF file located on that webpage directly:
PDF File

ASTM STANDARDS:
Under requirements of the proposed rule for LSA, standards for engines, airframes, quality assurance, production, and continuing airworthiness have been finished or are in the process of completion under the ASTM consensus processes.
Here is the ASTM website for F37: Light Sport Aircraft:
WebSite
The government requires us to follow certain guidelines in assuring that all in the community have an opportunity to participate in the creation and approval of these standards. ASTM has long-standing processes to assure that these standards meet government requirements.
CERTIFICATION OF LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT:
LSA will be inspected by designated persons under FAA oversight, and N-numbers will be issued by the FAA for those that aircraft that comply with ASTM LSA standards. Manufacturers will set up their QA and production according to the ASTM standards. They will certify to FAA that they are meeting all the design and performance, QA/production, and continuing airworthiness standards.
Kits produced under the LSA certification will have no limits on amount completed by the manufacturer. Ready-to-fly aircraft may also be certified under LSA, and can be used for commercial purposes such as leaseback and flight training.
CERTIFICATION OF LIGHT SPORT PILOTS:
The FAA will also issue the new sport pilot licenses through newly designated LSA/sport pilot flight instructors. Because of the simplicity and docile operating characteristics built into LSA, the requirements for the light-sport pilot license is considerably reduced compared with private pilot license requirements.
Light-sport pilots are limited to day VFR operations. Light sport pilots may carry one passenger and may use their valid state driver's license in lieu of an FAA medical certificate. Note that pilots holding FAA pilot licenses and driver's licenses will be able to fly LSA-defined aircraft within the LSA limitations without renewing their FAA medical certificates.
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULES:
Without the rule released, industry milestones and schedules are speculative now, but here is the thinking so far:

(l) Rule published in April 2004 at the earliest. (Some speculate not before June 2004.) The key is the FAA/DOT strong commitment to this new program.

(2) Following publishing, 6-9 months to implement most of the elements of the rule, with the state driver's license being activated early, possibly within 30 days of rule release.

(3) Following implementation, possibly in early 2005, "grandfathering" in existing two-place aircraft that operate within the LSA performance requirements for immediate use for training light-sport pilots.

(4) During 2005 and 2006, manufacturers will implement the updated ASTM standards for their aircraft and in their factories.

(5) During 2007--provided the exemption for operating 2004-2005 two-place LSA is rescinded--manufacturers increase production of Experimental-category kits, LSA certificated kits, and LSA certificated ready-to-fly aircraft.

(6) Please keep in mind that this schedule may accelerate considerably, depending on the public demand for new, ready-to-fly aircraft even during the training "grandfather" exemption. Two-place all-metal ready-to-fly aircraft meeting LSA requirements and certified under LSA can be produced in quantity for $25,000 to $40,000, we are told. --At these prices, the development of a large and vigorous market for LSA is thought to be likely.

(7) Given release of the rule, implementation of the rule, preparation of LSA manufacturers, and preparation of the marketplace, the demand for LSA could accelerate considerably as early as mid-late 2005.
LAMA MEMBERSHIP:
LAMA membership to date consists of 39 industry manufacturers and consultants in the kit-built and light sport aviation industry. (See our membership below) The LAMA Membership is dedicated to applying all our resources to inhance the success of light sport aviation. We have formed key alliances with EAA, AOPA, and other associations working on LSA.
ALLIANCE WITH MOTORSPORTS:
We have also formed an alliance with a major industry leader in motorsports that is investigating what must be done to assure the success of light-sport aviation. We will report on this as the work matures.
JOINING LAMA:
Please review our website documents and other information. You are welcome to join us and lend your talents and suggestions to our efforts. Don't hesitate to contact me directly or to contact LAMA through our website here.