Why are some RV12's EAB and some ELSA?

[dabney]

I am looking to buy an RV12 and have been told I could run into ones that are registered as EAB or ELSA.

What are the differences in ownership/operation etc?

When I asked one owner of a RV12 about the Operating Limitations, he said there were none. Is that possible?

[Mich48041]

The main difference for you is that if the plane is registered as E-AB, you must hire an A&P to do the annual inspection (unless the builder does it). If it is registered as E-LSA, then you can do the annual inspection yourself after taking a 16 hour class and getting a repairman's certificate.
There must be operating limitations.
It it is wise to have a pre-buy inspection by someone like Vic Syracuse.

[Mel]

Builder's choice. To qualify as ELSA the aircraft must be built exactly per plans and all parts must be purchased from the kit manufacturer.
Some people prefer to make minor or major modifications during the build. Or in some cases they may already have an engine or avionics and prefer to install these as opposed to ordering new from Vans. The builder my opt for EAB so that he/she doesn't have to go to class to obtain the repairman certificate. EAB can be modified to take it out of the Light-Sport parameters. ELSA cannot. There can be a multitude of reasons.
EAB is not necessarily better or worse than ELSA. Just different.

[rolivi]

Hey Mel -

Is it true that the classification at first Airworthiness is the only one that can ever be? Meaning, it's either S-LSA or E-LSA forever.

There's a conversation on some other forum about this, and I thought there was only one chance to select.

Thanks.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by rolivi

Hey Mel -
Is it true that the classification at first Airworthiness is the only one that can ever be? Meaning, it's either S-LSA or E-LSA forever.
There's a conversation on some other forum about this, and I thought there was only one chance to select.
Thanks.

If it is EAB, it's forever. If it's ELSA, it's forever. If it's SLSA it may be changed to ELSA.

[Piper J3]

Originally Posted by Mel

If it is EAB, it's forever. If it's ELSA, it's forever. If it's SLSA it may be changed to ELSA.

And if SLSA is changed to ELSA it is forever - no going back...

[Sharum]

Originally Posted by Mel

Builder's choice. To qualify as ELSA the aircraft must be built exactly per plans and all parts must be purchased from the kit manufacturer.
Some people prefer to make minor or major modifications during the build. Or in some cases they may already have an engine or avionics and prefer to install these as opposed to ordering new from Vans. The builder my opt for EAB so that he/she doesn't have to go to class to obtain the repairman certificate. EAB can be modified to take it out of the Light-Sport parameters. ELSA cannot. There can be a multitude of reasons.
EAB is not necessarily better or worse than ELSA. Just different.

My question would be.... If I already have a 100hp Rotax 912-ULS (exact engine spec-d for this kit) and not buy one thru Vans... would that require me to go the E-AB route? In other words... does it have to meet spec or does it have to be purchased thru kit manufacturer?
Thanks for any information you can offer.

David

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by Sharum

In other words... does it have to meet spec or does it have to be purchased thru kit manufacturer?
Thanks for any information you can offer.

The answer is yes to both questions.
Meeting the second requirement automatically assures it meets the first one.

Van's has to supply an ELSA builder with a form (Form 8130-15) certifying that the airplane kit was delivered able to be built as an exact copy of our SLSA aircraft. The able part is because it is then the builders responsibility to build it that way, and they have to sign the same form at certification certifying that they did so.
Van's is burdened with assuring that happens, and to help assure that, the FAA requires Van's to supply all components in order to sign the form certifying it as an ELSA kit.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002

The answer is yes to both questions.
Meeting the second requirement automatically assures it meets the first one.
Van's has to supply an ELSA builder with a form (Form 8130-15) certifying that the airplane kit was delivered able to be built as an exact copy of our SLSA aircraft. The able part is because it is then the builders responsibility to build it that way, and they have to sign the same form at certification certifying that they did so.
Van's is burdened with assuring that happens, and to help assure that, the FAA requires Van's to supply all components in order to sign the form certifying it as an ELSA kit.

As Scott says, Van's furnishes all components to build as an E-LSA. You must "show" the inspector that you built the aircraft exactly per the plans with no modifications. If there are any deviations from the plans, you must submit written documentation from the kit manufacturer approving such deviations.

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by dabney

When I asked one owner of a RV12 about the Operating Limitations, he said there were none. Is that possible?

No one has answered this part of your question.

No it is not possible. Even SLAS's have operating limitations.

Perhaps he lost them.