Ultralight training, two
place ultralight training exemption,
E-LSA two seat training
exemption, Light Sport Aircraft Pilot News
newsmagazine.
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Light Sport Aircraft Pilot is a directory of aircraft that generally fit
into what are described as ultralight aircraft, advanced ultralight
aircraft,
light sport aircraft, experimental light sport aircraft, experimental
aircraft, amateur built aircraft, ELSA or homebuilt
aircraft in the United States and Canada. These include
weight shift aircraft, more commonly known as trikes,
powered parachutes, and powered para-gliders.
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Ultralight and two seat E-LSA training
exemption.
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Ultralight Training
Concerns Being Addressed
August 19, 2009
? When the sport pilot/light sport aircraft (SP/LSA)
regulations were developed, it was envisioned that flight
training for people who wanted to fly ultralight or
ultralight-like aircraft would be conducted in aircraft
certificated in the special light-sport (S-LSA) category.
As a bridge until sufficient S-LSA
aircraft could be produced, the FAA allowed the use of
transitioned two-place ultralight trainers certificated as
experimental light-sport aircraft (E-LSA) to be used for
compensated flight training until January 31, 2010 [per FAR
91.319(e)].
The FAA envisioned this timeframe would allow time for
aircraft manufacturers to produce ultralight-like S-LSA in
sufficient quantity to satisfy the need for ultralight
training aircraft. |
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Unfortunately, such aircraft are not readily
available in the marketplace. Presently only three
manufacturers have produced an ultralight-like S-LSA - CGS
Aviation Hawk, Higher Class Aviation, and M-Squared. In
addition, the economy and lack of available financing have
reduced the market for such planes. Currently 70
ultralight-like airplanes are listed on the EAA sport pilot
flight instructor listing. Most, if not all, of these
aircraft are E-LSA and may not to be used for compensated
flight training after January 31, 2010.
Consequently, after that date there will
not be an adequate number of ultralight-like aircraft
available for compensated flight training. This will create
a safety issue because people wanting to fly ultralights or
ultralight-like aircraft will not be able to take flight
training in ultralight-like aircraft.
To solve this problem, the FAA and EAA
have discussed the issuance of a letter of deviation
authorization (LODA) under 91.319(h). This action would
allow the permanent use of E-LSA for training purposes with
no timeline. It would improve safety due to increased
available training vehicles and clear up confusion within
the piloting community.
In addition, AeroSports Connection (ASC)
has filed an exemption (FAA-2009-0344) requesting an
extension of the current E-LSA trainer deadline until
January 31, 2012.
The FAA has not identified a timeline for
a final decision but is evaluating which method (an
exemption versus the LODA process) would best address the
need to offer continued ultralight training. In either case,
it appears that E-LSA trainers will be allowed to be used
for ultralight training following the upcoming January 31,
2010 deadline. No matter which remedy FAA chooses, owners
will have to obtain a new airworthiness certificate and
operating limitations.
Visit
www.EAA.org for continuing updates on this story.
The above courtesy of
http://eaa.org/news/2009/2009-08-19_ul.asp |
Tandem Airbike - two seat
ultralight trainer, E -LSA aircraft |
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