Why are some RV12's EAB and some ELSA?

[Mel]

Originally Posted by MMiller

I personally don’t care if you build E-AB or E-LSA. My point is that you will get the exact same operating limits for IFR/IMC operation either way it’s licensed.
Look a FAR 21.191. There are nine sub groups for “Experimental” certification, including both E-AB and E-LSA. LSA is one path into certification. Both E-AB and E-LSA get specific benefits/penalties for being “experimental” But for IFR operation they are treated equally.

True statement!

[bkc3921]

I tried to re-read this thread to make sure I had all the rules down pat......but then decided to do something less confusing.... like drinking a fifth of Jack Daniels and unscrambling a Rubik's Cube while strapped to an inversion table.....

This is most certainly the quintessence of FAA rulemaking .....

[rcsilvmac]

Originally Posted by bkc3921

I tried to re-read this thread to make sure I had all the rules down pat......but then decided to do something less confusing.... like drinking a fifth of Jack Daniels and unscrambling a Rubik's Cube while strapped to an inversion table.....

This is most certainly the quintessence of FAA rulemaking .....

LOL!!! We need a "like" button on this forum.

[Mich48041]

There seems to be some confusion with the terms LSA and E-LSA.
LSA describes the characteristics of an aircraft as defined by our government. LSA has nothing to do with aircraft registration.
There is no aircraft registration category called LSA, just as there are no aircraft registration categories called high-wing or tail-dragger.
Many type certificated aircraft are LSA.
Homebuilt aircraft can be registered as E-AB or E-LSA and other ways.
Both E-AB and E-LSA are Experimental. If someone says that they are going to register their aircraft as experimental,
they need to be more specific. Do they mean E-AB or E-LSA or E-Exhibition or what?

[SARLDO]

Originally Posted by bkc3921

I tried to re-read this thread to make sure I had all the rules down pat......but then decided to do something less confusing.... like drinking a fifth of Jack Daniels and unscrambling a Rubik's Cube while strapped to an inversion table.....

This is most certainly the quintessence of FAA rulemaking .....

Sorry to say that I work for a not to be named agency of a not to be named government and it’s what we do. And we’re really good at it.

Pass the bottle…. I’m farther than 50 feet from an aircraft.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by Mich48041

There seems to be some confusion with the terms LSA and E-LSA.
LSA describes the characteristics of an aircraft as defined by our government. LSA has nothing to do with aircraft registration.
There is no aircraft registration category called LSA, just as there are no aircraft registration categories called high-wing or tail-dragger.
Many type certificated aircraft are LSA.
Homebuilt aircraft can be registered as E-AB or E-LSA and other ways.
Both E-AB and E-LSA are Experimental. If someone says that they are going to register their aircraft as experimental,
they need to be more specific. Do they mean E-AB or E-LSA or E-Exhibition or what?

There IS a category called Light-Sport. It is for S-LSA, certificated under §21.190

[rcarsey]

Here are the actual conditions on my E-LSA AW certificate. This is the same language as used for E-AB and S-LSA.

21. Kinds of operations authorized:

Day VFR flight operations are authorized. (47)

22. Night flight operations are authorized if the instruments specified in § 91.205(c) are installed, operational, and maintained per the applicable
requirements of part 91. (48)

23. Instrument flight operations are authorized if the instruments specified in § 91.205(d) are installed, operational, compliant with the performance
requirements of, and maintained per the applicable regulations. All maintenance or inspection of this equipment must be recorded in the aircraft
maintenance records and include the following items: date, work performed, and name and certificate number of person returning aircraft to service.

However, S-LSA also get:

This aircraft may only be operated per the manufacturer’s aircraft
operating instructions (AOI), including any requirement for necessary
operating equipment specified in the aircraft’s equipment list. Night flight
and instrument flight rules (IFR) operations are authorized if allowed by
the AOI and if the instruments specified in § 91.205 are installed,
operational, and maintained per the applicable requirements of part 91.
(6)

[Mel]

Originally Posted by rcarsey

Here are the actual conditions on my E-LSA AW certificate. This is the same language as used for E-AB and S-LSA.[indent]
However, S-LSA also get:

Paragraphs 22 & 23 that you quote are used in Op Lims for E-AB and E-LSA.

If these 2 paragraphs are found in Op Lims for S-LSA, they were issued in error.

Go to FAA Order 8130.2J Appendix D and you will find that these 2 paragraphs are issued to aircraft certificated under 21.191 and 21.191(b), (f), (g). (h), & (i) respectively.

S-LSA are certificated under 21.190.

[SARLDO]

Originally Posted by Mel

Paragraphs 22 & 23 that you quote are used in Op Lims for E-AB and E-LSA.

If these 2 paragraphs are found in Op Lims for S-LSA, they were issued in error.

Go to FAA Order 8130.2J Appendix D and you will find that these 2 paragraphs are issued to aircraft certificated under 21.191 and 21.191(b), (f), (g). (h), & (i) respectively.

I’ll admit it, I was wrong (that’s twice now). 8130.2J Appendix D is pretty clear.

[DaleB]

Originally Posted by bshawco

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm under the impression that a pilot with a Light Sport license and a "Driver's License medical" is legal to fly an E-LSA certificated airplane but not an E-AB, since an E-AB requires at least a Private Pilot license and 3rd Class Medical.

I'd think that this could be a reason to choose E-LSA over EAB registration.

Nope. As has been more or less mentioned, the airplane just has to fall within the limits of the “light sport” definition. The airplane can be S-LSA, E-LSA, E-AB, or type certificated like an Ercoupe, Cub, Champ, etc. it’s not what’s on the airworthiness certificate, it’s whether or not the plane meets the criteria for max gross weight, speed, stall speed, gear, prop, and so on.